Clarity Implementation FAQs

Welcome to your Clarity implementation! We know that getting everything set up can feel like a big task, so we’ve made this guide to walk you through what to expect and answer the most common questions. Let’s make your setup simple and stress-free.

🏢 Company Profile

What information do I need to provide?
  • Federal Tax ID
  • Primary employer contact (name, email, phone)
  • Any additional admin users who need system access
  • Number of benefit-eligible employees
  • Any divisions or affiliates
  • Broker contact information (name, email, phone)

💰 Funding

What information is needed here?

You’ll confirm how your plans are funded and provide:

What’s the difference between Clarity Funding and Client Funding?
  • Clarity Funding: Clarity handles reimbursements directly from our bank account. You’ll make a yearly prefund to ensure early expenses are covered.
  • Client Funding: Reimbursements come directly from your bank account as claims are paid, usually daily.
Can admin fees be billed to different accounts for different divisions?

Not at this time—all fees must be billed to one account per client.

Why do I need to provide bank info for COBRA if we’ve never had anyone elect it?

We require this to prevent any delays in remitting premiums should a participant elect COBRA coverage in the future.

Can Clarity send COBRA payments directly to carriers?

No. Most carriers won’t accept payments from multiple sources, so premiums are remitted to the client or broker.

👥 Employee Benefit Plans

What information do I need for this section?
  • Plan year start and end dates
  • Minimum/maximum election or HRA funding amounts
  • How contributions are posted (if applicable)
  • Payroll vendor and calendar
  • Runout period details for active and terminated employees
  • Carryover or grace period options (if applicable)
  • HRA eligible expenses (if applicable)
  • EDI feed information (if applicable), including vendor contact and file error contact
What’s a carryover or rollover?

It allows unused funds to roll into the next plan year. Applies to FSA, LPFSA, and HRA plans. IRS limits apply for FSAs and LPFSAs; clients set their own limits for HRAs.

What’s a grace period?

A grace period gives participants an extra 2½ months after the plan year ends to incur eligible expenses.

What’s a runout period?

The runout period is how long employees have to submit claims after the plan year ends—or after termination—for eligible expenses.

⚙️ COBRA

What information do I need to provide?
  • Type of continuation coverage (Federal, Federal + State, or Mini COBRA)
  • EDI file feed details for new hires and qualifying events
  • Current plan information: carrier, plan name, renewal date, group number, COBRA rates, and SBCs
  • Prior/upcoming year details if renewal is within 3 months
  • Carrier eligibility notification contact (if applicable)
What’s the difference between COBRA types?
  • Federal COBRA: Applies to employers with 20+ full-time employees.
  • State Continuation: Adds extra continuation time if required by the state (CA, CT, MN, NY, TX).
  • Mini COBRA: Applies to smaller employers in certain states.
What’s a Disability Surcharge?

If an employee qualifies for an 11-month disability extension, you may charge up to 150% of the regular COBRA premium to offset plan costs.

Are level-funded plans considered fully insured or self-insured?

They’re typically treated as fully insured and must follow state insurance rules.

📤 After You Submit Your Info

What happens next?
  1. Upload your employee census.
  2. For Employee Benefits – download and complete the enrollment template after open enrollment ends, then upload it.
  3. For COBRA – upload your SBCs.
  4. If applicable, complete the takeover template once setup is finished.

🌐 Using the Portal

Can someone else help complete the setup?

Yes! Use the blue “Invite Collaborators” button at the top of your screen. If you don’t see the person you want to add, email your Client Engagement contact with their full name and email address.

Need help filling out the forms?

We’re here for you! Chat live with us Monday–Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern, or reach out to your Implementation Specialist (contact details are in your welcome email).

🧭 Key Terms & Helpful Info

What’s the difference between a Division and an Affiliate?

A Division is a subset of employees within your company. An Affiliate is a separate company under your organization’s umbrella.

What is a Carrier Eligibility Notification Contact?

This contact receives a copy of any COBRA election, change, or termination notices. At least one employer contact must be listed, but brokers can be added too.

How long does it take for Clarity Convenience Cards to arrive?

Cards typically arrive within 7–10 business days after enrollments are loaded into our system.