News
The latest insurance articles, insight, and news from Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors.
5 Midyear Employee Benefits Trends to Monitor
July 25, 2026
The middle of the year is an ideal time to evaluate benefits strategy and recalibrate plan design, vendor partnerships and cost-containment efforts to close out the year strong or prepare for the 2027 open enrollment season. As such, understanding the current state of the employee benefits market can help employers evaluate their offerings to best…
Read MoreIRS Announces Health Plan Affordability Percentage for 2027 (Pay-or-Play Rules)
July 25, 2026
On July 21, 2026, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2026-26 to index the contribution percentage in 2027 for determining the affordability of an employer's health plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For plan years beginning in 2027, employer-sponsored coverage will be considered affordable under the ACA's "pay-or-play" rules if the employee's required contribution for…
Read MoreDifferent Types of Raises and How to Communicate Them With Employees
July 19, 2026
Pay increases aren't one-size-fits-all. Employers use several types depending on their goals, budget and workforce needs, and these differences matter more than many organizations realize. A merit increase signals something very different to an employee than a standardized across-the-board adjustment, even if the dollar amounts are similar. Understanding the distinctions helps organizational leaders make more…
Read MoreAI-generated Content and Intellectual Property Risks
July 12, 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming commonplace in workplaces across the United States, helping organizations improve productivity and streamline workflows. Across marketing, advertising and communications, companies can use generative AI to produce sophisticated and realistic images, blog posts and other content at scale. However, AI-generated content can give rise to intellectual property (IP) and content…
Read More6 Ways HR Teams Can Stay Ahead of AI Scams
July 5, 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming HR, but it's also powering more convincing, scalable scams. From deepfake candidates to impersonated executives, today's threats look more real than ever. The following tips can be used to avoid HR-related AI scams. 1. Learn how to spot AI scams. Watch for these emerging AI-driven red flags: 2. Strengthen verification…
Read MoreWhat Every Business Owner Should Review Before Their Insurance Renewal
July 5, 2026
Businesses evolve over time. New locations, additional employees, expanded services and changing market conditions can all alter a company's risk profile. As a result, insurance coverage that was adequate a few years ago may no longer provide sufficient protection. Conducting a thorough insurance review before renewal can help identify coverage gaps, ensure policies reflect current…
Read MoreWhat Are Trump Accounts?
June 28, 2026
A Trump Account is a tax-favored savings account for children under the age of 18. It works similarly to a retirement account but has special rules during what's called the "growth period," which lasts until the child reaches adulthood. During this time, contributions grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals are generally not permitted, except in a few…
Read MoreWhat to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Commercial Property Loss
June 20, 2026
A commercial property loss can come without warning. Whether a fire breaks out overnight, a storm damages the roof or a pipe bursts and floods the building, the hours immediately following a loss have an outsized effect on the outcome of any insurance claim. Missteps during this period, including premature cleanup, delayed notice and poor…
Read MoreInfostealer Malware and the Risk of Credential Theft
June 14, 2026
When a cyberattack makes headlines, it is usually because of ransomware, a large data breach or a fraudulent wire transfer. What is less visible is often what made the attack possible in the first place: A stolen password. Infostealer malware is designed specifically to collect login credentials and other sensitive data from infected devices and…
Read MoreMitigating New Hire Safety Risks
June 6, 2026
While hiring new staff can help employers expand their talent pools and deepen their workforce, it also carries additional safety risks. Multiple studies show that employees are up to six times more likely to experience a workplace injury in their first 30 days on the job, with 1 in 8 injuries occurring on the first…
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