Common Questions
WHAT IS SIMRP?
SIMRP stands for Self-Insured Medical Reimbursement Plan.
It is a structured employer-sponsored benefit program designed to create value for both employers and employees through established IRS and ERISA frameworks.
The program combines employee benefit resources with a structured administrative framework designed to support both workforce objectives and organizational efficiency.
HOW IS SIMRP DIFFERENT FROM THE EMPLOYEE RETENTION CREDIT (ERC)?
The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) was a temporary program created to reward employers that continued supporting and retaining employees during a specific period of time.
SIMRP is an ongoing employer-sponsored benefit program designed to operate moving forward.
While the programs serve different purposes, both demonstrate how IRS-recognized provisions can create meaningful value for employers and employees.
IS SIMRP LEGITIMATE?
Yes.
SIMRP operates within established IRS and ERISA frameworks, similar to the regulatory frameworks governing many employer-sponsored benefit programs, including major medical plans and 401(k) plans.
The program is structured around long-established provisions of federal law governing employee benefits, medical reimbursements, cafeteria plans, and qualified medical expenses.
The framework incorporates:
- IRC Section 105(b)
- IRC Section 106
- IRC Section 125
- IRC Section 213(d)
- ERISA governance
- Formal plan documentation
- Third-party administration
- Substantiation requirements
As with any employee benefit program, organizations are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and consult with their CPAs, attorneys, and professional advisors when evaluating the program.
DOES SIMRP REPLACE OUR EXISTING HEALTH INSURANCE?
No.
SIMRP is designed to complement existing employee benefit programs.
It is not intended to replace major medical insurance coverage or disrupt an organization’s current benefit structure.
WILL SIMRP INTERFERE WITH OUR CURRENT BROKER RELATIONSHIP?
No.
SIMRP is designed to operate alongside existing insurance and benefit relationships.
Organizations typically maintain their current broker relationships and existing insurance programs.
WHO IS THE PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?
SIMRP is designed primarily for organizations with eligible W-2 employees.
Organizations with some 1099 contractors may still qualify; however, the program applies only to eligible W-2 employees.
HOW DO WE KNOW WHETHER OUR ORGANIZATION QUALIFIES?
A preliminary review can help determine whether SIMRP may be appropriate for your organization.
The review process is designed to be straightforward and confidential.
DO YOU NEED EMPLOYEE NAMES OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS FOR A PRELIMINARY REVIEW?
Generally, no.
Preliminary reviews can typically be conducted without employee names, Social Security numbers, or other personally identifiable information.
The analysis is generally based on census and demographic information rather than individual employee identities.
This allows organizations to explore the program while helping protect employee privacy and confidentiality.
HOW MUCH WORK DOES THIS CREATE FOR HR AND PAYROLL?
Most employers find that implementation requires only a few hours of HR and Payroll involvement spread across the implementation process.
After implementation, ongoing administration is generally limited to routine employee status changes such as:
- New hires
- Employee terminations
- Standard payroll updates
In many organizations, ongoing administration is measured in minutes rather than hours during a payroll cycle.
WILL THIS WORK WITH OUR PAYROLL COMPANY?
In most cases, yes.
SIMRP is designed to integrate with many payroll systems, including providers such as:
- ADP
- Paychex
- UKG
- Paylocity
- Paycom
- Gusto
and numerous regional payroll providers.
WHO HANDLES THE ADMINISTRATION?
SIMRP is supported through independent third-party administration.
Administration may include:
- Plan documentation
- Participant enrollment
- Eligibility administration
- Substantiation review
- Compliance oversight
- Ongoing plan support
This structure helps reduce administrative burden on employers while supporting consistent plan operation.
WHAT BENEFITS MAY EMPLOYEES RECEIVE?
Depending upon plan design and eligibility, employees may have access to resources such as:
- Amaze Health services
- Healthcare navigation assistance
- Patient advocacy services
- Mental health resources
- Wellness tools and education
- Prescription savings through Rx Valet
- Hospital fixed indemnity benefits through Encompassing Health
- Family support resources
See the Employee Benefits section for additional information.
WHAT IS AMAZE HEALTH?
Amaze Health is a healthcare support platform that provides employees and eligible family members with access to virtual care, patient advocacy, healthcare navigation assistance, mental health resources, and related support services.
Additional information is available in the Employee Benefits section.
WHAT IS ENCOMPASSING HEALTH?
Encompassing Health is a health and wellness program that may include hospital fixed indemnity benefits, prescription savings resources, healthcare navigation tools, wellness resources, and employee support services.
Additional information is available in the Employee Benefits section.
CAN OUR CPA, ATTORNEY, OR ADVISOR REVIEW THE PROGRAM?
Absolutely.
Organizations are encouraged to involve their CPAs, attorneys, consultants, and other professional advisors as part of their evaluation process.
The CPAs & Advisors section contains additional resources, including the CPA Journal article.
WHO DO THE SAVINGS BELONG TO?
The savings belong to the company.
Just as organizations receiving Employee Retention Credit funds determined how those resources would be utilized, organizations participating in SIMRP program determine how best to use any resulting savings.
The company decides how those savings are used.
WHAT CAN THE COMPANY DO WITH THE SAVINGS?
Organizations may choose to:
- Strengthen operations
- Support growth initiatives
- Invest in employees
- Improve financial stability
- Build reserves
- Reduce debt
- Pursue other organizational objectives
The decision belongs to the employer.
WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?
The next step is a preliminary review to determine whether SIMRP may be appropriate for your organization.
The review is designed to be confidential, straightforward, and respectful of organizational privacy.
Additional information can be found on the Contact Us page.