Benefits Made Simple

Helpful forms and official links

Benefits rules come from a handful of government agencies. These are their official pages for the questions people ask most, with a short note on what each one is and when you'd use it.

Last checked: Nov 2026

For employees

For your own health coverage, leave, savings accounts, and retirement plan. For plain-language explanations first, see the employee guides.

  • HealthCare.gov

    Getting health coverage outside Open Enrollment

    Explains Special Enrollment Periods: life changes, like getting married, having a baby, or moving, that can let you sign up for a Marketplace plan outside Open Enrollment. Use it when your life changes during the year.

  • HealthCare.gov

    Glossary

    An A-to-Z list of health insurance words with plain definitions. Use it when a word in your plan papers doesn't make sense.

  • CMS.gov

    Medical bill rights

    Explains the No Surprises Act, which protects you from many unexpected out-of-network bills, and your right to a good faith cost estimate if you don't use insurance. Use it when a medical bill surprises you.

  • DOL.gov

    Continuation of Health Coverage (COBRA)

    Explains COBRA, which can let you and your family keep your work health plan for a limited time after a job loss, fewer hours, or other life events, often paying the full cost yourself. Use it when you leave a job.

  • DOL.gov

    Portability of Health Coverage (HIPAA)

    Explains HIPAA protections in work health plans: plans can't treat you differently because of your health, and certain events give you a special chance to enroll. Use it when you want to join a work plan outside the usual signup time.

  • DOL.gov

    Family and Medical Leave Act

    Explains FMLA: up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for reasons like a new baby or a serious health condition, with your work health coverage kept. Use it before you ask for time off (not every job qualifies).

  • DOL.gov

    Ask EBSA

    The Labor Department's help desk for questions about job-based health and retirement plans, with quick answers and benefits advisors at (866) 444-3272. Use it when your plan isn't working the way it should.

  • IRS.gov

    About Publication 969, Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans

    The IRS's official guide to HSAs, health FSAs, HRAs, and similar accounts. Use it when you need the exact tax rules for one of these accounts.

  • IRS.gov

    About Form 8889, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

    The tax form used to report money put into or taken out of an HSA, including what your employer added. Use it at tax time if you had an HSA during the year.

  • IRS.gov

    Plan participant/employee

    The IRS's retirement plan pages for workers: saving, putting money in and taking it out, life changes, and retiring. Use it when you have a question about your 401(k) or similar plan.

  • Medicare.gov

    Welcome to Medicare

    The official Medicare website, where you can find and compare health and drug plans. Use it when you or a family member are getting close to Medicare age or already have Medicare.

  • SSA.gov

    Disability

    Explains Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): monthly payments for people with enough work history whose disability stops or limits their ability to work. Use it if a health problem keeps you from working.

For employers

For business owners and HR teams: tax rules, required forms and reports, and federal rules on health coverage and leave. For plain-language explanations first, see the employer and HR guides.