THE DANGERS OF DOOMSCROLLING
During times of uncertainty or stress, you might find yourself scrolling through your phone, unable to stop consuming negative news and social media content. Although this habit, known as doomscrolling, is common, it can be harmful to your physical and mental health.
This article explains the dangers of doomscrolling and provides tips for reducing this behavior.
RECOGNIZING GOOD AND BAD STRESS
Stress is often perceived as a negative force that impacts our overall well-being. However, not all stress is detrimental. Stress is common and healthy; it’s your body’s way of responding to threats, challenges and demands. Good stress, known as eustress, is healthy and can serve as a powerful motivator to tackle challenges. Understanding the difference between good and bad stress is crucial for maintaining a balanced and productive life.
🚨Deadline Reminder: RxDC Reports Are Due by June 1, 2025 📅
Group health plans and health insurance issuers must annually submit detailed information on prescription drug and health care spending to the federal government. This reporting is referred to as the prescription drug data collection (or RxDC report). This is an annual reporting requirement-plans and issuers must submit these reports by June 1 of each year, covering information for the prior calendar year.
DOL Issues Guidance on Independent Contractor Misclassification Enforcement (May)
On May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued Field Assistance Bulletin (FAB) 2025-1 on how to determine employee or independent contractor status when enforcing the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
2026 HSA and HDHP Limits (May)
Each year, the IRS announces inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs).
The following chart shows the HSA and HDHP limits for 2026 as compared to 2025. It also includes the catch-up contribution limit that applies to HSA-eligible individuals who are age 55 or older, which is not adjusted for inflation and stays the same from year to year.
HSA/HDHP Limits Will Increase for 2026 (May)
On May 1, 2025, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2025-19 to provide the inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs) for 2026. The IRS is required to publish these limits by June 1 of each year. These limits include the following:
• The maximum HSA contribution limit;
• The minimum deductible amount for HDHPs; and
• The maximum out-of-pocket expense limit for HDHPs.
Maintaining Your Well-Being Amid Tariffs And Economic Uncertainty – (May)
Americans have become familiar with a fluctuating economic state. In the last few years, the United States has faced a pandemic, disrupted supply chains and high inflation. Now, you may be concerned about impending tariffs, a shifting stock market and speculation over whether the country may enter a recession. This kind of economic uncertainty can take a toll on your well-being.
While you cannot control these macroeconomic factors, you can take action to maintain your overall well-being during this turbulent time.
Health Plan Deductibles and OOPMs – Key Concepts for Employers (May)
Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums (OOPMs) are important costsharing parameters for health plans. A deductible is the amount an individual must pay in covered health care expenses each year before the health plan starts paying. An OOPM is the overall limit on an individual’s annual out-ofpocket spending on covered health care expenses. Once an individual reaches their OOPM, their health plan pays 100% of covered expenses for the rest of the year. Generally, health plans with higher cost-sharing limits have lower monthly premiums than health plans with lower deductibles and OOPMs.
Wellness In the News – Spring Allergy Season Expected to Be Longer and More Severe (May)
As the weather warms up, millions of people are experiencing spring allergies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 3 adults and 1 in 4 children suffer from seasonal allergies. If the spring allergy season has felt longer and more severe, that’s because it is. Public health organizations, including the CDC and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, are citing climate change as a possible contributing factor to worsening allergy seasons.
Benefits Breakdown May
1 in 4 Workers Unaware of Mental Health Benefits. An annual survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that 1 in 4 workers are unaware whether their employers offer mental health benefits, employee assistance programs, flexible work arrangements or sick days for mental health. Only half understand how to access these benefits through their employer-sponsored health insurance. NAMI found that, similar to last year’s findings, only about a fifth of employees have received training on mental health conditions or symptoms, despite more than three-quarters expressing interest in learning about mental health benefits and receiving general education about mental health. Furthermore, this report demonstrates that stigma and judgment surrounding mental health persist in many workplaces. NAMI data shows that more than half of employees are comfortable discussing their mental health with a close friend or manager, while only 39% would feel comfortable discussing their mental health with HR.
Client and Employee Resources
The more your employees understand your benefit plans the more they become educated, empowered consumers. The programs you provide will also gain an enhanced value.
As your strategic partners in employee benefits, we can provide multiple avenues of ongoing support, including:
- Employee Meetings (English and Spanish)
- Webcasts
- Payroll Stuffers
- Poster Campaigns
- Newsletters
Carrier Directories
E-Verify is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. Click the image below to begin.
