Notes from our expert team.
March 16, 2026
Open enrollment
HDHP vs. PPO: everything you wish you knew before picking a health plan
Choosing between an HDHP and a PPO is one of the most important financial decisions employees make each year, yet most people do it without the full picture. This guide breaks down how high deductible health insurance actually works, who it's a smart fit for, and where it can backfire, including real talk on costs, HSA benefits, and what families with frequent care needs should watch out for. Whether you're an HR leader building your benefits strategy or an employee staring down open enrollment, here's what you need to make the right call.
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Explore topics
March 12, 2026
Employee benefits
How to build women's health benefits that work across every stage of a career
Women's health is a career-long conversation, but most benefit packages treat it as a single moment. This piece breaks down six areas where employer coverage still falls short, from menstrual and hormonal health to menopause and chronic conditions, and highlights what leading companies are doing differently. Whether you're an HR leader benchmarking your benefits or an employee who's felt the gaps firsthand, it's a look at what genuinely inclusive coverage can look like.
March 11, 2026
Employee benefits
What are ancillary benefits? A practical guide with 20+ examples
Ancillary employee benefits, like wellness programs, flexible work options, and financial wellness tools, go beyond traditional offerings to support employees' full lives and boost satisfaction, productivity, and retention. This guide breaks down the types of ancillary benefits, how to implement them effectively, and why they’re essential in a modern, people-first workplace. With actionable tips and real-world examples, it's your roadmap to building a benefits package that truly stands out.
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March 2, 2026
Employee benefits
Invisible labor and workplace equity: the role of employee benefits
Women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, yet research shows they continue to carry a disproportionate share of invisible labor, from caregiving responsibilities to health coordination and administrative load. These structural realities can quietly shape retention, advancement, and burnout, even in organizations committed to fairness. By designing employee benefits strategy with workplace equity in mind, HR leaders can reduce hidden strain and create more sustainable, measurable outcomes.
February 25, 2026
Tech and innovation
17 women in HR who are revolutionizing the workplace through leadership and innovation
Women have long been change agents in the workplace. From bold HR thought leaders to corporate people leaders, these women are championing a more safe, supportive, and equitable workplace.
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February 20, 2026
Working with brokers
How your benefits broker can help you amp up your 401(k) strategy
A 401(k) is one of the most valued benefits you offer, but many plans are left on autopilot. This blog explores how a strategic broker can help you optimize vendor selection, benchmark plan design, drive employee participation, and manage complex transitions like PEO exits. When approached thoughtfully, your 401(k) can become a powerful tool for retention, engagement, and long-term financial wellness.
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February 19, 2026
Employee benefits
Employee listening: the missing link in your benefits and total rewards strategy
Employee listening is more than a survey. It’s a strategic tool for building smarter, more effective benefits and total rewards programs. In this blog, we explore how a strong employee listening strategy helps HR leaders reduce wasted spend, improve engagement, and design benefits that reflect the real needs of a diverse workforce. We also break down how the right broker partner can turn employee feedback into actionable, data-driven benefits strategy.
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February 5, 2026
Employee benefits
Fertility benefits by state: what insurance covers IVF and where coverage is mandated (2026 guide)
Fertility benefits and IVF coverage can be difficult to navigate, especially because state laws and insurance requirements vary widely. This guide explains what fertility benefits typically include, how state mandates work, and what insurance covers IVF depending on plan type. It also includes an A–Z list of fertility insurance mandates across all 50 states.
February 2, 2026
Employee benefits
Self-funded insurance 101: how to gain transparency and control over healthcare spend
Rising healthcare costs and unpredictable renewals are pushing more employers to explore self-funded insurance as a smarter alternative to fully insured plans. In this Self-Funding 101 guide, Nava Benefits and Imagine360 break down how self-funding works, how risk is managed through stop-loss coverage, and why it can offer greater transparency and long-term cost control. Learn what it takes to get started and how HR leaders can build the case with finance partners.
January 26, 2026
Employee wellness
How to promote annual wellness visits and preventive care to employees
Preventive care is often covered at no cost, but many employees don’t use it due to confusion, access barriers, or uncertainty about what’s included. This guide breaks down why annual wellness visits matter and how HR teams can promote preventive care through clear education, better access, and thoughtful communication. The result is healthier employees and more value from employer-sponsored benefits.
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January 23, 2026
Announcements
Nava expands its #FixHealthcare ecosystem with Thatch: a modern ICHRA administrator
Nava is excited to announce a new strategic partnership with Thatch, a tech-forward ICHRA administrator helping employers offer personalized, affordable healthcare. This collaboration is part of Nava’s growing effort to curate the alternative healthcare marketplace, connecting employers with proven, cost-saving innovations that traditional brokers often overlook. With expedited quoting, escalated support, and strong outcomes for underserved workforces, Thatch brings much-needed clarity and efficiency to ICHRA administration, strengthening our mission to fix healthcare for everyone.
January 13, 2026
Employee benefits
How an employee benefits decision support tool helps employees choose health plans with confidence
Choosing a health plan is one of the most confusing decisions employees make each year, and many end up in plans that don’t fit their needs. An employee benefits decision support tool helps employees compare options based on their personal healthcare needs, costs, and preferences. With the right decision support in place, employees can choose health plans with confidence and employers can deliver a better benefits experience.
January 9, 2026
HR tips and tricks
How HR leaders turn advocacy into influence in the C-suite
HR influence in the C-suite isn’t about advocacy alone, it’s about operating as a business leader. This article breaks down how HR leaders can translate people strategy into business outcomes through data, timing, and cross-functional partnership. Learn practical ways to earn trust, shape decisions, and build lasting influence at the executive table.
