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Employee Benefit News for School, City and County Employers

Ken Zastrow

Ken Zastrow enjoys establishing a strong rapport with his clients. He believes that education is key in helping them understand their benefit plans. Ken has a strong background in both active and post-employment benefit strategies. As an Employee Benefits Consultant, Ken is responsible for the overall assessment and management of all an employer’s benefit plans including claim reconciliation, policy changes, renewals, and medical and dental analytics. He is also well versed in compliance, benefit integration, and early retiree benefits. Ken is a licensed agent and works with public sector organizations in Wisconsin.

Recent Articles by Ken Zastrow

2025 Health Cost Drivers

3.5 minute read

Health care costs are expected to rise significantly in 2025, with projections indicating a 7%-8% increase. Large employers foresee a 7.8% rise, while others estimate an 8% median...

Gag Clause Attestation Due by End of Year

1 minute read

Starting in 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) bans health plans and insurers from using gag clauses in contracts that limit sharing information on provider prices...

Survey Reports 5.8% Health Benefits Cost Increase

1 minute read

U.S. employers predict a 5.8% rise in health benefit costs for 2025, according to Mercer’s 2024 National Survey of Employer-sponsored Health Plans. This is the third year in a row that...

Categories

How SECURE 2.0 May Impact Forms W-2

1.5 minute read

The IRS reminds businesses that changes under the SECURE 2.0 Act, starting in tax year 2023, may affect Form W-2 reporting. A fact sheet released on August 29, 2024, details the...

Some Group Health Plan Penalties Increased

2 minute read

On Aug. 8, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule increasing key penalties for group health plans. The amounts are adjusted annually for...

$1.3 Trillion Spent on Health Benefits in 2024

1 minute read

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) health care spending in the United States is projected to increase by 5.8% this year to $1.3 trillion. The spending per...

The Advantages and Disadvantages of ICHRAs

3 minute read

An individual coverage health reimbursement arrangement (ICHRA) is an employer-funded healthcare account that provides an alternative to traditional group health plans. Employers can...

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Drug Prices Increasing in January

1 minute read

Several pharmaceutical companies plan to raise prices on over 500 drugs in January, including 140 brands. Companies say that high inflation and supply chain concerns in the Middle East...

SECURE 2.0 Guidance Issued

1.5 minute read

The IRS issued Notice 2024-2 which gives guidance regarding the “SECURE 2.0” Act. SECURE 2.0 is part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 which was signed in December of...

Employee Benefit Plan Limits for 2024

1 minute read

Many employee benefits are subject to annual dollar limits which are adjusted for inflation by the IRS each year. Many limits will increase for 2024.