November 18, 2025 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm With many different permitted types of Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), employers have a wide array of options to provide tax-favored reimbursement for qualifying medical expenses to employees and their family members. But each HRA type has its own compliance requirements, eligibility rules, and strategic use cases. This…
As the Trump administration returns to aggressive tariff strategies, business owners across the country are once again bracing for impact. On-again, off-again tariffs aimed at key trade partners like China, Mexico and Canada are creating a volatile environment where forecasting costs, securing materials and delivering products on time are increasingly difficult. The unpredictability of these…
Congratulations to Our Distinguished Employee Award Recipient! Paula Senna Account Manager, Commercial Insurance Department Sacramento Office Each year, InterWest recognizes employees who are identified by their co-workers as having demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their clients, workmates as well as their community. This partnership between work and giving back makes them stand out for…
Gaining access to plan claims data and expenditures can help employers identify their plan’s main cost drivers and any under- or overutilization. Employers whose plans are spending less than average can use that information as leverage if they want to negotiate for better rates or plan structure. But how much data an employer can…
Growing companies often overlook the importance of properly managing their risk. Increased activity can result in additional losses. For example, more trucks driving more miles may result in more accidents. However, other kinds of risk can increase more than the jump in business activity. We look at three such areas here. Workplace safety Typically,…
Congratulations to Our Distinguished Employee Award Recipient! Sheri Huertas Senior Account Manager, Commercial Insurance Department Hollister Office Each year, InterWest recognizes employees who are identified by their co-workers as having demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their clients, workmates as well as their community. This partnership between work and giving back makes them stand out…
Voluntary benefits have emerged as a key differentiator for small businesses looking to stay competitive in attracting and retaining employees. These benefits, which are offered in addition to group health insurance and 401(k) plans, allow employees to opt in to coverage that fits their unique needs, often with little or no cost to the employer.…
As commercial property insurance rates have climbed steadily in the last five years, insurers have been increasing deductibles, sometimes for all risks, but sometimes for specific perils, such as hail. Often, business owners fail to notice these increased deductibles until they file a claim. Sometimes, their dollar-amount deductible has been replaced by a deductible that…
Congratulations to Our Distinguished Employee Award Recipient! Lori Wagner Receptionist / Office Coordinator, Administration Walnut Creek Office Each year, InterWest recognizes employees who are identified by their co-workers as having demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their clients, workmates as well as their community. This partnership between work and giving back makes them stand out…
Congratulations to 2025 Thomas G. Williams Chairman’s Award recipients! Each year, we honor exceptional broker performance with this award, named after the visionary who founded InterWest in 1992. Your dedication, and hard work have set a new benchmark for excellence. We are incredibly proud of your achievements and grateful for your contributions to our success.…