Midyear Compliance Check-Ins: The Smart Move Brokers Shouldn’t Miss

Most employers don’t think much about benefits compliance until crunch time during open enrollment or when there’s a problem they can’t ignore. That’s exactly why midyear check-ins are such a powerful opportunity for brokers. This is your chance to show up not just as a benefits advisor, but as a proactive compliance partner.

Why Now Is the Right Time

June and July are ideal for checking in with your clients. The beginning-of-year scramble is behind them, open enrollment hasn’t started yet, and many employers are more available and open to reviewing where things stand.

These check-ins aren’t just about avoiding penalties. They’re about strengthening client relationships, building trust, and keeping your book of business healthy ahead of renewal season.

The Hidden Risk of Waiting

Most compliance issues don’t happen all at once. They slowly pile up. Missed notices, outdated paperwork, and confusing documentation. Until they turn into real problems during an audit, a renewal, or an employee complaint.

By catching issues now, you can help your clients:

• Fix small problems before they snowball
• Stay on top of changing regulations
• Prep early for year-end reporting
• Communicate better with employees
• Feel more confident and in control

Even if things seem to be going smoothly, these midyear conversations give you a chance to deliver value beyond just rates and renewals.

What to Review During a Midyear Compliance Check-In

To keep the conversation focused and useful, here’s a quick checklist of areas that are often overlooked:

1. ERISA Documentation Any employer offering a group health plan, even fully insured, needs an SPD and a compliant wrap document. Many don’t have these or think the carrier provides them (they don’t).
2. Form 5500 Filing If your client has 100 or more participants in a health or welfare plan, they may need to file Form 5500. A lot of employers either don’t realize this or assume it’s handled automatically.
3. ACA Tracking & Reporting ACA compliance isn’t just a once-a-year thing. It requires ongoing tracking of full-time status, offers of coverage, and affordability to avoid penalties.
4. Non-Discrimination Testing Plans like FSAs, DCAPs, and self-funded medical plans must pass testing to avoid tax consequences. Waiting until year-end can leave no room for corrections.
5. ePOP Documentation If pre-tax benefits are offered, your client needs a compliant Premium Only Plan (POP) document and it needs to be current.
6. CAA & Transparency Rules The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) introduced new compliance rules, including broker comp disclosures, gag clause attestations, and pharmacy reporting. These rules apply to more employers than you might think, including smaller ones.

Make Compliance Your Differentiator

Plenty of brokers talk about compliance. Few make it a regular part of how they serve clients.

Midyear check-ins help you stand out. They show you’re not just reacting to problems. You’re helping your clients avoid them. You’re giving HR teams peace of mind and proving your value long before renewal season hits. That’s how you build strong, long-term relationships (and more referrals too).

How Ameriflex Can Help

At Ameriflex, we make compliance easier for brokers and their clients by offering hands-on support and in-house services that take the guesswork out of staying compliant. From Form 5500 filing support and ACA reporting to non-discrimination testing and Premium Only Plan (POP) document creation, our team helps you catch issues before they become problems. We also provide guidance on newer requirements like CAA transparency rules, giving your clients peace of mind and helping you deliver more value between renewals.

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