Mental Health /EAP Programs & Resources
In today’s ever-changing times, supporting employees’ mental health is more important than ever, and an increasing number of benefit programs offer meaningful tools to help employees navigate life’s everyday challenges. One common example, reminding employees they’re not alone and that help is just a call or click away, is an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential support for stress, family & relationship issues, elder & childcare, legal & financial guidance, grief, workplace concerns, and maintaining work-life balance. Additionally, there are more robust “standalone” EAP programs available for purchase that employers can explore to provide flexible, comprehensive support beyond traditional benefit packages. Some carriers also include resources like virtual counseling, meditation apps, and digital wellness tools to make support even more accessible. Promoting these resources shows your commitment to employee well-being and encourages them to seek help early, stay engaged, and feel supported. If you’d like to explore or enhance your offerings, your Stumm Insurance Service Team is here to help.
Complimentary HR Technology/Payroll Vendor Search & Consulting Service
Are you considering a new payroll vendor/HRIS system/Benefits Technology service or looking to improve your current vendor relationship? Stumm Insurance is proud to offer our clients complimentary access to expert consulting services through our partnership with MillsonJames, an independent HR and Payroll Technology advisor. MillsonJames specializes in helping organizations search, evaluate, and implement technology solutions related to:
- Payroll
- HRIS
- Benefits Administration
- Time & Attendance
This valuable service is completely free for Stumm clients — we cover the cost, so you don’t have to. Many of our clients have already used this resource to streamline their vendor search process, saving significant time and money along the way. See the flyer below for more details. If you’re interested in learning more about how MillsonJames can support your HR or payroll technology needs, please reach out to your Stumm Insurance Service Team.
Imputed Income Reminder on Employer-Paid Life Insurance
One of the most common group benefits employers provide to their employees is “free” term life insurance (i.e. 100% employer paid). And as a friendly reminder – if your employer-paid group term life insurance exceeds $50,000 in benefit, employers must impute income on that excess value. That means the calculated value of the life insurance benefit over $50,000 is considered taxable income and must be included in the employee’s wages, subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes and reported on the employee’s W-2. Employers calculate this taxable amount using the premium table found in IRS Publication 15-B “Employer’s Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits”. Please consult with your tax advisor to understand if, when, and how you need to comply with this each year.
One Big Beautiful Bill Impact on Employer Benefit Programs
On July 4, 2025, Congress passed President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), which helped employer benefits programs in a few relatively minor areas by enhancing (or creating) three tax-favored accounts beginning in 2026.
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) had three minor enhancements:
- Telehealth benefits can continue to be provided at no (or low) cost prior to the satisfaction of the deductible,
- Direct primary care service arrangements (in which an individual hires a primary care provider for a monthly fee) are not only allowed but also HSA-eligible, up to $150 per month for individual and $300 per month per family,
- On the ACA Exchange/Marketplace, individuals enrolled in Bronze and Catastrophic plans will become eligible to open and contribute to an HSA.
- Dependent Care Flexible Savings Accounts (DCFSAs) received a big boost, as the annual DCFSA limit will increase to $7,500, the first increase since DCFSAs were passed into law in 1986.
- For children under age 18, the OBBB allowed for the establishment of “Trump Accounts”, which are similarly structured to a traditional IRA (i.e. investments growing on a tax-deferred basis) with a $5,000 non-taxable annual contribution limit, and an option for Employers to contribute up to $2,500 of the $5,000. (There will also be a pilot program under which the Treasury Department will pay a one-time credit of $1,000 to the Trump Account of U.S. citizen children born between 1/1/25 – 12/31/28.)
Please note that Stumm Insurance is “closed” on certain Holidays throughout the year. Your Stumm Insurance Service Team will not be readily available on these dates in the upcoming quarter:
- 09/01/2025 Labor Day
Should you have any questions or would like to discuss these or any other topics, please feel free to contact your Stumm Insurance Service Team.