New health care laws are driving significant change in the workplace. We're at a crossroads, with an unprecedented volume of regulations issued as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. These changes require new paths to be paved—or at least patched—especially surrounding the popular health reimbursement arrangements.

But some in the consumer-directed benefits industry aren't sure where to go next with HRAs, as PPACA is underway. To keep HRAs as part of health care choices, employers need to start preparing now.

First, employers who are already offering HRAs as part of an overall plan can keep the current arrangements as it. If that's not the case, it's important to take a look at the purpose of the HRAs, how much is being spent on them and whom they are or should be benefiting.