How Long Is the Elimination Period on Disability Insurance?
The elimination period on disability insurance is the waiting time before benefits begin. Learn how to choose 30, 60, 90, or 180 days based on your budget and savings.
Trek Insights
Stay informed with expert analysis, practical tips, and the latest trends in insurance and financial protection from the Trek Insurance Solutions team.
2026 Part B Costs: Premium, Deductible, and IRMAA Explained
Medicare Part B costs in 2026 include a $202.90 premium, $283 deductible, and potential IRMAA surcharges. Learn how each piece adds up and what you can do.
1099 Disability Insurance: Protecting Self-Employed Income
Self-employed? Learn why disability insurance is essential for 1099 contractors, how premiums may be tax-deductible, and what to look for in a policy.
Is Employer-Paid Disability Insurance Taxable?
Employer-paid disability premiums mean taxable benefits. Learn how premium funding affects your disability income tax.
2027 Dependent Care FSA: What Employers and Employees Need to Know
The permanent $7,500 dependent care FSA limit is now in its second year. Employers still have work to do — and employees may be leaving tax savings on the table.
Life Insurance as a Tax-Free Retirement Income Strategy
Learn how permanent life insurance — especially IUL — can supplement retirement income with tax-deferred growth and policy loans.
How Self-Employed Professionals Can Access Group Health Coverage Through Benefit Airship
How Self-Employed Professionals Can Access Group Health Coverage Through Benefit Airship
2026 Social Security COLA: What Retirees Actually Keep
The 2026 Social Security COLA is 2.8%, but Medicare Part B premiums eat into that raise. Here's what retirees actually take home each month.
My Medicare Advantage Plan Dropped My Doctor — What Now?
Medicare Advantage dropped your doctor? Learn your options — switch plans, return to Original Medicare, or explore a Special Enrollment Period.
Mack: #1 employee-benefits — Voluntary Benefits Without Employer Cost research pick
Learn how voluntary employee benefits give your team critical illness, accident, and disability coverage without adding to your payroll costs.
Mack: #2 life — Life Insurance Beneficiary Rules research pick
Learn how life insurance beneficiary designations work, common mistakes to avoid, and when to review your policy to protect your family's financial future.
Mack: #3 health — HSA-Eligible Health Plans research pick
HSA-eligible health plans explained: what qualifies, the triple tax advantage, how self-employed professionals benefit, and why HSAs beat FSAs for long-term savings.
Self-Employed Health Insurance: Your Guide to Finding the Right Coverage
Explore your health insurance options as a self-employed professional — from ACA Marketplace plans to private PPO coverage. Learn what fits your needs and budget.
Annuity vs. Bonds for Retirement Income: Which Strategy Protects Your Money Longer?
Compare annuities and bonds for retirement income. Learn how each handles longevity risk, cash flow, and portfolio balance to protect your savings longer.
Term Life Insurance Coverage Checklist by Life Stage
Not sure how much term life insurance you need? This life-stage checklist helps you match coverage to your real obligations — whether you're just starting out or approaching retirement.
Medicare Supplement Comparison: What Each Plan Actually Covers
Compare Medicare Supplement Plans A through N side by side. Learn what each Medigap plan covers, how premiums differ, and which options may fit your healthcare needs.
Retirement Income Gap Worksheet: Plan Before You Retire
A retirement income gap worksheet helps you compare expected income against real expenses — so you can spot shortfalls before they become problems.
Turning 65 and Still Working — Do I Need to Enroll in Medicare?
Still working at 65? Learn whether you can delay Medicare, avoid penalties, and plan your transition when employment ends.
2026 Medicare Part B Premium and IRMAA: What You Need to Know
Medicare Part B costs more in 2026 — the standard premium is $202.90 and IRMAA surcharges can push it much higher. Here's what income brackets mean for your monthly bill.
Mack: #3 Employee Benefits — 2026 Cost and Design Reset
Rising health costs aren't optional. Here's the benchmarking, plan design, and pharmacy strategy framework HR leaders need for the 2026 benefits reset.
HSA vs. FSA: Which One Fits Your 2026 Health Budget?
HSA or FSA in 2026? Compare contribution limits, rollover rules, and eligibility to decide which tax-advantaged account fits your health budget and plan.
Mack: #4 Life — Life Insurance Needs Calculator
Learn how a life insurance needs calculator determines the right coverage amount for your family — covering income replacement, debts, education costs, and final expenses.
Retirement Is a Paycheck Plan, Not a Balance Sheet
Stop staring at your 401(k) balance and start thinking about cash flow. Here is how to build a retirement income plan that actually pays the bills.
CDs vs. Annuities for Retirement: How to Choose Between Them
A clear, honest comparison of CDs and annuities for retirement savings -- what each is actually built for, and how to decide which fits your timeline and income needs.
Health — ACA Marketplace Affordability Shock
Learn how to compare ACA marketplace plans in 2026 — understand premium vs. deductible tradeoffs, metal tiers, and total annual cost to find the right health insurance fit.
Mack: #3 Medicare — 2027 Drug-Cost and Plan-Choice Changes
Five key Medicare changes for 2027 Open Enrollment — Part D cost caps rise to $2,400, higher deductibles, major MA plan exits, expanded drug-price negotiation, and prior-auth pilots. What to review before Oct 15.
Health Insurance Options: ACA, Employer, or Private Coverage
Not sure whether ACA marketplace, employer-sponsored, or private health insurance is right for you? This guide walks through a total-cost comparison checklist so you pick the plan that actually fits your budget and lifestyle.
Mack: #4 Employee Benefits — Small-business benefits starter mix
A practical three-tier guide to employee benefits for small businesses — from essential coverage to competitive packages that attract and retain talent.
Medicare Parts A-D: A 5-Minute Starting Guide
Confused by Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D? This quick guide breaks down what each part covers, who qualifies, and when to enroll — in plain English.
Mack: #2 Life — Term-to-permanent life insurance conversion options
Learn how to convert your term life insurance policy to permanent coverage without a new medical exam. Explore options, costs, and when conversion makes sense for your family.
Build an Income Map Beyond Social Security
Social Security was never meant to be your only paycheck in retirement. Here's how to build a reliable income map with multiple sources.
Zero Risk Business Plan: Health Benefits for Small Employers
Small employers can offer real health coverage with zero risk. Learn what the Zero Risk Business Plan is, how Copay vs HSA plans work, and why groups of one qualify.
Understanding Your Health Insurance Deductible: What It Actually Means for Your Wallet
A clear breakdown of how health insurance deductibles work, what they actually cost you, and how to pick a plan that matches your real healthcare spending.
Critical Illness — The Missing Middle for Self-Employed
Self-employed health insurance and disability leave a gap. Critical illness coverage fills the missing middle with immediate cash when diagnosis hits.
Disability Insurance Elimination Periods — How to Pick One
The elimination period on disability insurance ranges from 30 to 180 days. Here is how to choose the right waiting period for your budget and income gap.
Own-Occupation vs Any-Occupation Disability — Why It Matters
Own-occupation vs any-occupation disability insurance: the difference determines whether you get paid if you can't do your specific job, or only if you can't work at all.
Branded vs Compounded GLP-1: What You Actually Need to Know
Branded and compounded GLP-1 medications serve different patients at different price points. Here is what separates them and how to decide which path fits your situation.
GLP-1 Demand and Small-Group Renewals: What Employers Need to Know
GLP-1 medications are reshaping small-group health plan costs. Here is what employers need to know about the trend and how a membership model can change the math.
GLP-1 Telehealth Cost Explainer
GLP-1 Telehealth Cost Explainer
Life Insurance Beneficiary Rules You Should Know
Learn the key rules for naming life insurance beneficiaries — from primary and contingent picks to trusts and life-event updates — so your policy pays the right people.
2026 IRMAA Brackets: What Higher-Income Medicare Beneficiaries Need to Know
IRMAA adds up to $487 per month to your Medicare Part B premium in 2026. Learn how the two-year income lookback works, what the brackets are, and how to appeal with SSA-44.
Mack: #4 Employee Benefits — Small-Business Package
Small business employee benefits packages don't require enterprise budgets. Learn a practical three-tier framework to attract and retain top talent.
Guaranteed Annuity Income — How It Fits Your Retirement Plan
Guaranteed annuity income can cover essential retirement expenses, but fit matters. Learn how to evaluate fit, liquidity, and legacy before committing.
Disability Insurance for the Self-Employed and 1099 Contractors
Self-employed workers have no employer disability plan. Learn how income protection works and what to look for in a policy.
How to Leave a Tax-Efficient Legacy with Life Insurance
Learn how life insurance can help you leave a tax-efficient legacy for your family while minimizing the tax burden on your heirs.
Life — Term vs. permanent coverage
Term vs. permanent life insurance explained — compare costs, coverage duration, and cash value to find the right fit for your family's financial goals.
HMO vs. PPO: Which Health Plan Actually Fits Your Family?
HMO or PPO? Compare networks, premiums, and real out-of-pocket costs side by side. Find the health plan that fits your family.
Life Insurance for Young Adults — Is It Worth It at 25–35?
Term life insurance at 25–35 costs as little as $15/mo. Learn why young adults should lock in coverage now — and how much you actually need.
Life Insurance as Tax-Free Retirement Income
Learn how permanent life insurance policies create tax-free retirement income through policy loans and cash value growth — and whether it fits your plan.
Telehealth Coverage: What Your Health Plan Actually Covers
Telehealth coverage varies by health plan. Learn what to check — copays, networks, platform access, prescriptions, and mental health — before your visit.
How Does an Indexed Annuity Provide Retirement Income?
Learn how a fixed indexed annuity creates a guaranteed retirement paycheck with market-linked growth and principal protection.
Demystifying Health Insurance Deductibles
A plain-English guide to health insurance deductibles, copays, and coinsurance — what they mean and how self-employed shoppers should compare plans.
Turning 26 Health Insurance Options
Turning 26 means losing your parent's health plan, but it opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period. Here's how it works, plus options for the self-employed.
Medicare Enrollment Periods: Deadlines, Penalties & Steps
Confused about Medicare enrollment periods? This guide breaks down every window, deadline, and penalty so you know exactly what to do and when to do it.
How to Choose the Right Health Insurance Plan
Learn how to choose the right health insurance plan. Compare premiums, deductibles, networks, and prescription coverage to find the best fit for you.
Understanding and Maximizing Your Employee Benefits
Learn how to get the most from your employee benefits — health insurance, retirement plans, life and disability coverage, and the perks you might be missing.
Medicare Late-Enrollment Penalty: How to Avoid It
Medicare late-enrollment penalties add a permanent surcharge to your premium. Learn how Part B and Part D penalties are calculated and how to avoid them.
Turning 65, Still Working? What Medicare Requires
Turning 65 and still working? Learn when Medicare enrollment is required, how employer size affects your options, and how to avoid late penalties.
Can an IUL Help You Build Tax-Advantaged Retirement Income?
Indexed Universal Life insurance can create a tax-advantaged supplemental income stream. Learn how IUL works for retirement planning.
Can the Saving MEDICARE Act Close the Dental, Vision & Hearing Gap?
Traditional Medicare still skips routine dental, vision and hearing. The Saving MEDICARE Act may change that. Here's what beneficiaries should know.
Critical Illness Insurance: The Voluntary Benefit Gap
Critical illness costs go beyond medical bills. Learn how voluntary critical illness insurance helps employees cover costs employer plans miss.
Critical-Illness Riders for Group Plan Gaps
Voluntary critical-illness benefits help HR teams protect employees from the financial shock of a serious diagnosis without adding employer cost.
How to Set Aside Money for Taxes as a Freelancer
Freelancers: stop scrambling at tax time. Learn practical strategies for setting aside money for taxes throughout the year so you're never caught off guard.
ICHRA as fix for small-business premium shocks
Small business health premiums spiking at renewal? See how an ICHRA lets you set a fixed budget and let employees choose their own individual plans.
Term vs. Whole Life Insurance: Which Policy Is Right?
Term vs. whole life insurance explained — compare costs, coverage, and real-world scenarios to find the right policy for your family and budget.
Understanding Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Maximums
Learn how deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums work on health plans — a clear guide for self-employed pros comparing ACA marketplace options.
Retirement Income — Strategies for a Secure Future
Retirement Income — Strategies for a Secure Future
Employee Benefits — Modern Benefits for Attracting Talent
Discover how modern employee benefits—flexibility, wellness support, and voluntary options—help small businesses attract and keep top talent. Partner with Trek.
Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare: Which Is Right?
Confused about Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare? Compare costs, coverage, provider access, and extra benefits to choose the right path for you.
Medicare Advantage Network Restrictions & Prior-Auth Battles
Your Medicare Advantage plan may not cover your doctor anymore. Learn why health systems are dropping MA plans and what to do before your next appointment.
Medicare Advantage Upcoding: What It Means for You
Medicare Advantage upcoding costs taxpayers billions. Learn what it means for your coverage and how to protect yourself.
Medigap Plan G vs Plan N: Which Should You Choose?
Not sure whether to choose Medigap Plan G or Plan N? Compare coverage, costs, and who each plan is best for.
Self-Employed Disability Income Loss Safety Net
Self-employed parents have no employer disability coverage. Learn what disability income insurance covers and how to protect your family's finances.
Critical Illness Non-Medical Costs
A critical illness creates non-medical costs most families never plan for. Learn what those costs are and how voluntary benefits can protect your income.
Eldercare Benefits as a Retention Tool for Employers
Eldercare support helps employers retain experienced midlife workers facing caregiving demands — see how benefits close the sandwich generation gap.
Inflation at 3.4 to 3.5 Percent and Your Household Budget
Inflation at 3.4–3.5% is outpacing wage growth. Learn what's driving the squeeze and five steps to protect your household budget.
IUL for tax-free legacy and probate avoidance
IUL may offer tax-free death benefits and probate avoidance — learn how indexed universal life fits legacy planning for professionals.
Job Lock Trapping 23 Million Workers
Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. workers stay in unwanted jobs to keep health insurance. Here's what HR leaders can do about it.
Longevity Science & Extended Retirement Horizons
A 2026 study suggests humans could live to 156. Here's what that means for retirement income, healthcare costs, and planning for a much longer life.
Medicare Advantage Fraud and Overcharges
Medicare Advantage fraud costs taxpayers billions. Learn how overcharges happen, what regulators are doing, and how to protect your benefits.
Non-Medical Costs of Critical Illness
A critical illness creates financial ripple effects far beyond hospital bills. Learn the hidden costs and how voluntary benefits can protect your income.
Original Medicare Gaps: Dental, Vision & Hearing
Original Medicare leaves dental, vision, and hearing uncovered — learn what gaps exist and how to protect your retirement health costs.
Persistent Inflation & the End of Plausible Deniability
Inflation has been above target for five years. Central banks can no longer pretend it's transitory — here's what that means for your household budget.
Small-Group Renewal Shocks Are Pushing SMBs to ICHRA
Small-group health insurance premiums can double after one claim. ICHRA gives employers a fixed, budgetable contribution instead of absorbing renewal shocks.
Voluntary Benefits Starter Guide
A practical starter guide to voluntary benefits: what they are, typical costs, and how to build a retention-focused stack without raising payroll costs.
Voluntary Benefits for Retention Without Cost Increases
How employers can use voluntary benefits to retain top talent without raising payroll costs — practical strategies for HR leaders and working professionals.
Voluntary Benefits That Pair With ICHRA for Retention
Voluntary benefits that pair with ICHRA help employers reduce turnover and boost employee satisfaction. Learn which plans complement an HRA for retention.
ICHRA for 1099 Contractors and Variable-Hour Staff
Can an ICHRA cover 1099 contractors or variable-hour staff? Learn the IRS rules, employee classes, and what employers need to know.
Medicare Advantage vs Medigap Criticisms
Medicare Advantage plans draw sharp criticism for out-of-pocket costs and network limits. Here's how Medigap compares for near-retirees.
Original Medicare Dental Vision Hearing Gaps
Original Medicare skips dental, vision, and hearing — here's what that means for your wallet and how to fill the gaps.
Self-Employed Disability Insurance Gap
Self-employed professionals face a critical disability insurance gap — no income protection if illness or injury strikes. Learn how to close it.
Bill Maher Tax Rant Went Viral
Bill Maher's viral 60% tax rant hit a nerve. Here's what Americans actually pay in taxes — and legal ways to reduce your own burden and keep more.
How Do I Set Up ICHRA Affordability and Class Rules?
Learn how to set up ICHRA affordability thresholds and employee class rules to offer compliant, cost-effective health benefits.
Is ICHRA Reimbursement Taxable to Employees?
ICHRA reimbursements are tax-free to employees under IRS rules as long as they maintain qualifying health coverage. Here's what the IRS requires.
Do Gig Workers Need Personal Disability Income Protection
Gig workers have no employer sick pay or group disability. Learn why individual disability income insurance matters and what to look for.
ICHRA Adoption Surges as Employer Health Costs Spike 8%
Employer health costs surged 8% in 2025, the biggest jump in a decade. Learn how ICHRAs help businesses cut costs 15% while giving employees real plan choice.
ICHRA TAM Expands to 96M Lives
The ICHRA total addressable market just jumped from 21M to 96M lives. Here's why that matters for employers wrestling with 2026 health cost spikes.
ICHRA vs QSEHRA: Which Fits Your Business Size?
ICHRA and QSEHRA both reimburse employees tax-free for individual health coverage, but size limits and dollar caps differ. Here's how to pick the right one.
ICHRA vs QSEHRA: Which Fits My Business Size?
QSEHRA or ICHRA? Compare 2026 limits, employer size rules, and flexibility to find the right HRA for your business.
Is an ICHRA Right for Your Business?
Small employers are saving 15% on health benefits with ICHRAs in 2026 as group premiums surge 6.7-8%. Learn how this flexible alternative works.
Life Insurance for 2026 Estate Tax Legacy Planning
Estate tax exemptions rose to 5M per person in 2026. Learn how life insurance in trust can protect your family's legacy and preserve generational wealth.
Medicare Does Not Cover Dental Vision or Hearing
Original Medicare leaves dental, vision, and hearing costs uncovered. Learn how to fill these gaps with Medicare Advantage or supplemental coverage.
Medicare GLP-1 Bridge 50-Dollar Meds for Seniors
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge launched July 1, 2026, offering eligible seniors GLP-1 medications for 50 dollars per month.
Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: Weight-Loss Drugs for $50/Month
Medicare's new GLP-1 Bridge offers weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound for $50 a month. Learn eligibility, covered meds, and how to enroll in 2026.
Voluntary Benefits Retention Lever
Voluntary benefits cut turnover by up to 50%. Learn which offerings actually retain employees and how to design a package that sticks.
Voluntary Benefits That Actually Retain Employees
Struggling to keep talent? Voluntary benefits may be your most underused retention and recruitment lever. Learn how smart employers are using them to win.
Why 66% of Employers Are Rethinking Healthcare Budgets
Two-thirds of employers expect rising healthcare costs to squeeze budgets in 2026. Learn how voluntary benefits protect coverage without raising employer costs.
Why Your ACA Health Insurance Bill Jumped in 2026
ACA subsidy expiration sent premiums soaring in 2026. Here is what self-employed professionals are facing and how to navigate coverage options.
Why Your Group Disability Policy May Not Protect Your Income
Group disability policies cap at 60% and vanish when you leave. Here's what self-employed pros need to know about income protection gaps.
Why Your Family Health Insurance Costs $1,800+ a Month
Family health premiums passed $1,800 a month for many self-employed owners in 2026. Learn why ACA subsidy changes hit hardest and how to lower your costs.
HSA-Eligible Plans for Self-Employed
HSA-eligible plans can slash your tax bill and cut premiums. Here is how self-employed workers decide if one is worth it.
Health Insurance Options Between Retirement and Medicare
Retiring before 65 means losing employer coverage before Medicare starts. Here's how COBRA, ACA marketplace plans, and short-term insurance bridge the gap.
1 in 4 Workers Face Disability Before Retirement
Nearly 1 in 4 workers will experience a disability before retirement age. Learn how disability income insurance protects your earning power.
Benefits as Retention Leverage in 2026
Benefits are one of the most powerful — and most underused — retention levers available to employers in 2026. Here's what the data actually says.
COBRA vs ACA Marketplace After Leaving a Job
COBRA keeps your employer plan but costs full price. The ACA Marketplace could save you hundreds per month — here's how to decide.
Life Insurance as an Estate Liquidity Tool
Life insurance can supply the cash heirs need so they aren't forced to sell property or a business to cover estate taxes and debts. Here's how.
Medicare Dental Vision Hearing Gaps
Confused about Medicare dental, vision, and hearing coverage? Learn what Original Medicare excludes, how Advantage plans fill gaps, and your options.
What HR Leaders Must Know About 2026 Benefits Market Shifts
Six benefits market shifts HR leaders must address in 2026 — from rising healthcare costs to AI governance and pay transparency rules.
Your Employer Disability Coverage Probably Ends When You Do
Leaving your employer for gig work? Your group disability income coverage likely stops with your last day. Here's what to know before you go.
1035 Exchange: Life Cash Value to Income Annuity
A 1035 exchange lets you shift life insurance cash value into an income annuity tax-deferred. Learn how the move works, who it suits, and what to watch for.
2026 Health Cost Spikes Driving Small Biz ICHRA Adoption
Group health premiums are spiking in 2026. See how ICHRA gives small businesses predictable costs and lets employees choose their own coverage.
Benefits strategies that retain high performers
Discover how targeted voluntary benefits help employers retain top talent. Learn strategies from HR leaders that actually work.
Disability Insurance: An Income Shield for the Self-Employed
If you're self-employed and an injury stops you from working, how long could your savings last? Learn how disability income insurance protects your paycheck.
Do Supplemental Benefits Actually Reduce Employee Turnover?
Critical-illness, accident, and disability payouts can help employers reduce turnover costs. Here's how voluntary benefits work.
How Do I Estimate Income for ACA Subsidies When It Varies?
Your income changes, so should your ACA subsidy estimate. Here's how self-employed and variable-income earners project it accurately and avoid surprises.
Medicare Advantage Trap After Enrollment
Medicare Advantage looks affordable at first, but network limits and switching rules can lock you in when your health needs change.
1035 Exchange: Move Life Insurance to Retirement Income
A 1035 exchange moves life insurance cash value into an annuity without triggering taxes — see how it works and when it fits your retirement plan.
Bronze vs Silver vs Gold: Which ACA Tier Fits Freelancers?
Not sure which ACA metal tier fits your freelance life? We break down the costs, coverage, and trade-offs so you know when each tier saves you money.
Caregiving as Emerging Employer Benefits Priority
Nearly 1 in 4 employees now juggles caregiving with work. Learn how leading employers are responding with benefits that retain talent and cut costs.
Critical Illness and Your Employer Health Plan
When critical illness strikes, employer health plans leave gaps. Learn how employers and mid-career professionals can prepare at renewal time.
Challenges Disabled Gig Workers Face Finding Income Sources
Disabled gig workers face unique income challenges. Learn how disability, critical illness, and life insurance protect self-employed workers.
ICHRA as a Cost-Saving Alternative for Small Businesses
Small businesses can cut health insurance costs with an ICHRA. Learn how Individual Coverage HRAs work and why they're gaining traction.
In this economy relatable money struggles
Feeling squeezed by rising costs and stagnant paychecks? You're not alone — explore the money struggles people face in 2026, and what you can do.
Medicare Advantage Extra Benefits as Enrollment Driver
Medicare Advantage plans offer dental, vision, and hearing benefits beyond Original Medicare. Learn what to compare before choosing your plan.
Self-Employed and Relying on the ACA Marketplace
Self-employed? The ACA marketplace may cover more than you think. Learn how to maximize subsidies, pick the right plan, and protect your income as a freelancer.
D-SNP Integration 2027: Dual-Eligible Benefits Guide
CMS requires integrated D-SNPs to issue one ID card and one combined risk assessment by January 2027. What dual-eligible beneficiaries need to know.
Do Freelancers and Gig Workers Need Disability Insurance
Gig workers and self-employed professionals rarely carry disability insurance. Learn why income protection matters and how to fill the gap without overspending.
ICHRA as a Cost-Control Option for Small Businesses
ICHRA lets small businesses set a fixed health benefits budget while employees choose their own plan. Learn how it works and whether it's right for you.
IUL Multi-Generational Wealth Vehicle
An Indexed Universal Life policy can fund tax-free retirement income and a tax-free legacy. How multi-generational IUL works for high-net-worth families.
Max-Funded IUL for Tax-Free Retirement Income and Legacy
A max-funded IUL creates tax-free retirement income and a death benefit legacy. Learn how the strategy works and who it fits.
Medicare Advantage Dental Vision Hearing Coverage
Medicare Advantage plans often bundle dental, vision, and hearing benefits, but coverage varies widely. What's included, what's capped, and if bundled fits you.
Medicare Drug Cost Savings: IRA Impact in 2027
The Inflation Reduction Act has changed Medicare prescription drug costs. Learn about the 5 insulin cap, /usr/bin/bash vaccines, and the ,400 out-of-pocket limit in 2027.
Medicare SSBCI Cannabis Exclusions and Debit Card Compliance
Understanding what Medicare Advantage SSBCI benefits cover in 2026, including the new cannabis exclusion rules and compliant debit card usage requirements.
Medicare Open Enrollment 2026 Deadline Reminders
Medicare Open Enrollment runs Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, 2026. Learn the key deadlines, what you can change, and how to prepare before Jan. 1.
Medicare Supplement Plans Compared: Side-by-Side Guide
Compare all 10 Medicare Supplement plan letters side by side. See what each one covers, typical costs, and how to choose the right Medigap option for you.
Medigap vs Medicare Advantage: Out-of-Pocket Differences
Compare Medigap and Medicare Advantage out-of-pocket costs for 2026, including premiums, deductibles, copays, and network rules, to choose the right plan.
SHRM 2026 Benefits Survey: What SMBs Need to Know
SHRM's 2026 survey of 5,472 employers shows healthcare costs still climbing, 401(k) matches slipping, and AI tools surging. Here's what it means for your SMB.
Taxes Hitting Every Paycheck and Purchase
From payroll deductions to sales tax, here's why your take-home pay never seems to match what you actually earn — and what you can do about it.
Turn Retirement Savings Into a Monthly Paycheck
Learn how to convert retirement savings into steady monthly income using Social Security timing, annuities, and a bucket strategy.
ACA Subsidy Expiration 2026: Self-Employed Premium Shock
Enhanced ACA subsidies expired Jan 1 2026, sending premiums up 114% for many self-employed workers. Here's what changed and how to find affordable coverage.
Association Health Plans and ERISA Options for SMBs
Small business health costs keep climbing. Association health plans, ICHRAs, and level-funded options may offer more stable coverage than ACA renewals.
Critical Illness Insurance: What It Covers, Who Needs It
A critical illness diagnosis can derail your finances overnight. Learn what CI insurance covers, who benefits most, and how a lump-sum payout helps.
Employers Say Financial Wellness Tools Reduce Turnover
Financial wellness programs cut attrition and boost retention. Learn how 84 percent of employers link wellness tools to lower turnover and how to build yours.
Financial Wellbeing Programs as Employee Retention Strategy
Financial stress costs employers through turnover and lost productivity. Learn how voluntary financial wellbeing benefits help HR teams retain talent in 2026.
Healthcare Benefits as Employee Retention Strategy
Healthcare benefits are a retention lever, not just a cost. Learn how employers can use benefits strategy to keep top talent in 2026.
Maximize Your 2025 Self-Employed Health Insurance Tips
Maximize Your 2025 Self-Employed Health Insurance Tips — a guide for independent professionals
Med Supp vs Medicare Advantage Trade-Offs
Comparing Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage in 2026 — premiums, out-of-pocket costs, network restrictions, and which path fits your healthcare needs.
Medicare Advantage Extra Benefits Dental Vision Hearing
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover dental, vision, and hearing? Yes — over 90% of MA plans include these extra benefits. Learn what's covered and how to choose.
Medicare Advantage Extras vs Original Medicare Gaps
Original Medicare leaves gaps in dental, vision, hearing, and out-of-pocket costs. Compare Medicare Advantage extras and Medigap to find the right fit.
The Self-Employed Income Protection Gap: When Work Stops
Self-employed professionals face an income protection gap with no employer sick pay or group benefits. Learn how to close it with the right coverage strategy.
What Tax Code Advantages Do US Business Owners Actually Get?
Most business owners leave money on the table. Here are the key US tax advantages available to small business owners and how to use them strategically.
Why Small Businesses Are Dropping Health Coverage Over Costs
Small businesses are dropping group health coverage as premiums climb 8.5-11% in 2026. Learn how ICHRAs and individual plans can fill the coverage gap.
What Is Business Overhead Expense (BOE) Insurance?
BOE insurance covers your business rent, payroll, and fixed costs when disability stops you from working. Learn how it protects small business owners.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Disability Insurance
Short-term disability covers weeks; long-term covers years. Here is how each works and which protects your income.
How Much Disability Insurance Do I Need to Replace Income?
Learn how to calculate the right disability insurance amount for your income. Covers the 60-70% rule, key factors, and practical steps to find your number.
Disability Insurance for the Self-Employed: What to Know
Disability insurance replaces your income if you cannot work. Here's what self-employed professionals need to know before gaps become financial crises.
Health Insurance for the Self-Employed: Your Options Guide
Self-employed and shopping for health insurance? Compare ACA Marketplace plans, private PPOs, short-term coverage, and more to protect your business.
Bracket Creep and Your Tax Bill
Inflation pushes workers into higher tax brackets even without real raises. Learn how bracket creep works and what you can do about it.
Do Self-Employed Workers Pay Double Social Security Tax?
Self-employed Americans pay 12.4% into Social Security while gig employers pay nothing — here's how the math works and why it matters for retirement.
Healthcare Benefits as a Retention Strategy
Benefits are now the deciding factor in whether top talent stays or leaves. Learn why the communication gap, not the benefits package, costs employers people.
ICHRA Flexibility for Small Businesses
ICHRA lets small businesses give employees tax-free health reimbursements while keeping costs predictable. Here's how it works and why it's gaining momentum.
MA Spending Hits 53% of Medicare Outlays
Medicare Advantage spending reached 34B in 2025, crossing 50% of total Medicare outlays. What that shift means for your coverage options and costs.
ma-vs-medigap-extras-and-switching-risks
Medicare Advantage plans offer dental, vision, and hearing extras — but switching back to Medigap may trigger medical underwriting. Here's what to weigh.
What Are Living Benefits on Life Insurance?
Living benefits let you access your life insurance death benefit while alive if diagnosed with a terminal, chronic, or critical illness. Here is how they work.
ACA Subsidies Expired: 2026 Premium Spike for Self-Employed
Enhanced ACA subsidies expired Dec. 31, 2025. Self-employed professionals face 50%+ premium spikes in 2026. Learn your options before your next renewal.
Caregiving Is Reshaping Employee Benefits
Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults now provide care for a loved one. Learn how caregiving responsibilities are driving demand for voluntary employee benefits.
Financial Wellness Redefining Employee Benefits
Financial wellness programs are reshaping how employers attract and retain talent. Learn how holistic benefits help close the security gap for working adults.
Health Insurance Costs After Subsidy Cliff — Omaha Edition
Omaha self-employed workers saw ACA premiums jump after enhanced subsidies expired. Learn what changed and how to find affordable alternatives in Nebraska.
Medicare Advantage Network and Cost Changes for AEP 2026
Medicare Advantage networks, premiums, and out-of-pocket costs are shifting for 2026 AEP. Learn what changed and how to protect your coverage.
Medicare Gaps in Dental Vision and Hearing Coverage
Original Medicare leaves dental, vision, and hearing costs on the table. Learn what gaps exist and how Medicare Advantage plans may help fill them.
Original Medicare Gaps: Dental, Vision & Hearing
Original Medicare won't cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care. See what you'll pay out of pocket and the coverage options that can help fill the gaps.
Self-Employed Losing ACA Medicaid Coverage Options
Self-employed? Losing ACA or Medicaid coverage? Learn your options, timelines, and how to stay covered without employer benefits.
Turning 26? What the Qualifying Life Event Means
Aging off your parent's plan at 26 is a Qualifying Life Event, giving you a 60-day Special Enrollment Period. Here's how it works and what to do next.
Why Did My ACA Health Insurance Premium Double
Self-employed buyers are seeing ACA premiums double after subsidy cuts. Learn why rates jumped and what affordable alternatives exist before your next renewal.
Why Did My ACA Health Insurance Premium Spike in 2026?
Enhanced ACA subsidies expired in December 2025, and self-employed premiums jumped as a result. Here's why your bill spiked and what you can do to lower it.
Why Do My ACA Marketplace Costs Keep Going Up?
Self-employed in 2026? ACA marketplace premiums jumped after enhanced subsidies expired. Learn why costs spiked and what you can do to find affordable coverage.
Why Does Everything Cost More in 2026?
Groceries, rent, gas — prices keep climbing while paychecks stay flat. Here's what's actually happening and how to make your money stretch further in 2026.
Metabolic Disease: Top Employer Health Cost Driver 2026
Metabolic conditions like diabetes and obesity now rank alongside oncology as top employer health cost drivers in 2026. See what it means for your benefits.
Can a Max-Funded IUL Build Tax-Free Retirement Income?
A max-funded IUL can create tax-free retirement income through policy loans — here is how it works, who it fits, and what trade-offs to weigh.
Medicare Enrollment Windows: IEP, AEP, OEP & SEP
Miss the wrong Medicare enrollment window and you could face lifelong late penalties or coverage gaps. See when each window opens and what you can do in it.
What Does Medicare NOT Cover Dental Vision and Hearing
Medicare leaves dental, vision, and hearing services mostly uncovered. Learn what Original Medicare skips and how to fill those gaps.
Can a Small Business With Under 50 Employees Offer ICHRA?
Can a Small Business With Under 50 Employees Offer ICHRA?
How Do Employees Use an ICHRA to Buy Their Own Plan?
Employees use an ICHRA to pick their own health plan and get tax-free employer reimbursements. See how it works and your options.
Legacy Thinking for Multi-Generational Wealth
Shift from personal retirement planning to legacy thinking that builds wealth lasting beyond your lifetime, with practical steps for your family.
New Federal ICHRA Outreach Bill for Small Businesses
The Small Business Health Options Awareness Act would require the SBA to promote ICHRA options to small employers.
How Much Does ICHRA Cost an Employer?
ICHRA lets employers set a fixed monthly allowance for employee health coverage. Learn typical costs, affordability rules, and how to set your budget.
How to Protect Your Budget When Inflation Hits a 3-Year High
US inflation hit 4.2% in May 2026 - the highest since 2023. Learn practical steps to protect your budget from rising energy and food costs.
Medicare Advantage Quality vs. Cost Debate in 2026
Medicare Advantage now covers most enrollees, but MedPAC says it costs taxpayers more. See what the 2026 quality and cost debate means for your coverage choice.
Health Insurance Cost for a Self-Employed Person in 2026
Self-employed health insurance runs $400 to $800 a month in 2026, but subsidies and tax deductions can cut that significantly. Here's what to expect.
Seasonal Business ICHRA: Cut Costs with Choice-Based Plans
ICHRA lets seasonal employers set a fixed budget while employees choose their own individual health plans — scalable, predictable, and admin-light.
ACA Open Enrollment Dates for 2026 — What You Need to Know
ACA Open Enrollment Dates for 2026 — What You Need to Know
Blog: Life Insurance for New Parents
Blog: Life Insurance for New Parents
Disability Insurance for Gig Workers: Protecting Your Income When There's No Safety Net
Disability Insurance for Gig Workers: Protecting Your Income When There's No Safety Net
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids in 2026
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids in 2026
2026 Voluntary Benefits Playbook for Small Business — How Choice-Based Platforms Cut Costs
2026 Voluntary Benefits Playbook for Small Business — How Choice-Based Platforms Cut Costs
Do Self-Employed People Qualify for ACA Subsidies in 2026?
Self-employed people qualify for ACA subsidies in 2026, but the subsidy cliff is back. Learn how to estimate your income and find affordable coverage.
What Happened to the Enhanced ACA Subsidies in 2026
The ACA subsidy cliff returned in 2026, ending premium credits above 400% FPL. See who's affected and how to find affordable coverage despite the change.
Disability Insurance for Gig Workers: What Happens If You Can't Work?
Disability Insurance for Gig Workers: What Happens If You Can't Work?
Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap: Key Differences Explained
Not sure whether Medicare Advantage or a Medigap supplement plan is right for you? We break down the key differences in costs, coverage, and flexibility.
ACA Subsidy Cliff Survival Guide: 5 Ways to Cut 2027 Costs
Enhanced ACA subsidies expired and premiums are climbing. Here are five practical strategies self-employed professionals can use to lower 2027 health costs.
Living Benefits Riders on Term Life Insurance
Living benefits riders let you tap part of your term life death benefit early if you face a chronic, critical, or terminal illness. Here's how they work.
2026 Healthcare Cost Crisis: Employer Decision Funnel
2026 Healthcare Cost Crisis: Employer Decision Funnel — 5 cost-containment strategies that control costs without hurting retention.
Small Business Benefits That Compete With Big Corp
Small Business Benefits That Compete With Big Corp
Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap: Which Is Right for You?
Medicare Advantage or Medigap? Compare costs, networks, drug coverage, and travel flexibility to find the right Medicare path for your health and budget.
ICHRA Breakout Year: Large Employers Redefine Benefits
ICHRAs are transforming health benefits as large employers adopt this flexible reimbursement model, with over a million Americans now covered nationwide.
ICHRA Surge 2026: A Small Business Benefits Opportunity
ICHRA gives small businesses in Nebraska, Iowa, and beyond a flexible, cost-predictable way to offer health benefits without a traditional group plan.
ACA Subsidy Cliff: 5 Ways Self-Employed Pros Can Lower 2027 Health Costs
Enhanced ACA subsidies expired and premiums are climbing. Here are five practical strategies self-employed professionals can use to manage 2027 health insurance costs.
Disability Income Insurance: Coverage You Can't Skip
Self-employed in Nebraska or Iowa? Your income may be your biggest uninsured asset. Learn how disability income insurance protects freelancers and 1099 workers.
Healthcare Bridge: Early Retirement to Medicare at 59-to-65
Early retirees often face a health coverage gap between leaving work at 59½ and Medicare at 65. Learn how ACA and individual plans bridge those years.
ACA Subsidy Cliff Returns in 2026: Self-Employed NE & IA
Enhanced ACA premium subsidies expired at the end of 2025. Here's what the subsidy cliff means for self-employed Nebraskans and Iowans in 2026.
The Med Supp-First Rule: Why We Advise Starting Here
Medigap or Medicare Advantage at 65? Here's why Trek advises starting with Med Supp: a guaranteed-issue window, lifetime renewability, and predictable costs.
Disability Income Insurance for Self-Employed Professionals: The Coverage You Cannot Afford to Skip
Self-employed in Nebraska or Iowa? Your income may be your biggest uninsured asset. Learn how disability income insurance protects freelancers and 1099 workers when an illness or injury keeps you from working.
COBRA Alternatives for Job Changers
Leaving your job? Compare COBRA, ACA Marketplace, and short-term health insurance options so you don't lose coverage during a career transition.
Why More Employers Are Adding Critical Illness Coverage
Critical illness insurance is emerging as a top voluntary benefit for employers in 2026 — here's what HR teams and brokers should know about it.
Why Cancer Insurance Matters: Filling the Health Plan Gaps
Your health insurance may not cover every cancer-related cost. Trek Insurance Solutions helps Nebraska families find cancer insurance that fills those gaps.
What Insurance Covers Biohacking & Wearable Tech in 2025?
From continuous glucose monitors to Oura Rings, here's what health insurance actually covers in the wearable tech and biohacking space in 2025.
From Medicare to Retirement: Your Life Stages, Covered
How Trek Insurance Solutions helps Nebraska residents navigate every life stage, from turning 65 to managing Medicare costs throughout retirement.
ICHRA vs Traditional Group Health: Which Is Better?
Comparing ICHRA and traditional group health insurance on cost, flexibility, and choice to help Nebraska families and employees pick the better fit.
Why Life Insurance Matters for Omaha Families in 2025
Omaha families face unique considerations when choosing life insurance. Here is why protecting your family's future matters more than ever in 2025.
Navigating Home Care Insurance: Coverage Tips
Understand what home care insurance covers, what Medicare leaves out, and how to make sure in-home care services are fully covered when you need them.
What Is IRMAA and Why Should You Have a Plan in Retirement
IRMAA surcharges can add hundreds to your monthly Medicare premiums. Learn how they work and why planning ahead protects your retirement income.
How Critical Illness Insurance Protects Your Family
Critical illness insurance pays a lump sum cash benefit upon diagnosis of a serious illness, helping protect Nebraska families from financial ruin.
Adding a Critical Illness Rider to Your Life Insurance
A critical illness rider on your life insurance policy pays a portion of the death benefit early, giving you financial protection while you're still here.
Why ICHRA Is the Flexible Employee Benefit to Know About
How ICHRA gives Nebraska employers a flexible, cost-effective way to offer health benefits while giving employees choice and control over their coverage.
Medicare Advantage Shake-Up: 7 Steps to Protect Coverage
Medicare Advantage plans are changing across Nebraska. Follow these 7 steps to protect your coverage, avoid gaps, and find the right plan for your needs.
Everything You Need to Know About Home Care Insurance
A complete guide to home care insurance — what it covers, what it costs, and how to choose the right policy for your Nebraska family.
How Home Care Insurance Supports Independent Living
Home care insurance helps Nebraska seniors maintain independence and age in place with dignity. Here is how the right coverage supports independent living.
How to Maximize Your Dental Insurance Benefits
Get the most out of your dental insurance with this complete guide to maximizing benefits, timing procedures wisely, and saving money on dental care.