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Harbor Shield isn’t just about MEC, it’s about protecting the entire structure that makes those healthcare benefits possible. By being embedded within participating healthcare plans, Harbor Shield provides employers with built-in IRS audit defense for their full Section 125 benefit stack. This ensures every pretax deduction, contribution and compliant benefit is defended, giving businesses peace of mind and the freedom to expand healthcare access without fear of legal exposure or unexpected costs.
For carriers and MEC providers, embedding Harbor Shield adds unique value to their offering: Faster adoption, stronger retention and a differentiator that helps employers say “yes” to coverage while staying confident in their compliance.
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IRS audits don’t target MEC plans alone, they focus on how employers administer their entire Section 125 benefits structure, including MEC and any other pretax programs. Harbor Shield transforms that risk into reliable protection, ensuring every compliant plan component is defended properly.
The IRS routinely reviews Section 125 filings to confirm that pretax benefits are set up and administered correctly. Even small administrative errors can trigger an audit.
Harbor Shield protects not just MEC coverage but the employer’s full Section 125 plan, the framework that enables pretax savings and reduces taxable wages, turning potential exposure into lasting peace of mind.
Without defense coverage, legal costs for Section 125 audits can escalate quickly. Harbor Shield provides attorney-led representation and insured protection so businesses stay compliant and confident.
Up to $50,000 in attorney fees per covered plan year.
Direct access to specialists with benefits and compliance experience.
Documentation guidance and audit-ready checklists.
Protection for both employers and MEC providers against IRS
or state audits.
Transparent, fixed-cost pricing with bundle options.
There’s no such thing as “audit insurance” for MEC or Section 125 compliance. Harbor Shield is the first solution of its kind. Instead of leaving employers exposed to costly legal bills, Harbor Shield issues contractual guarantees that cover the real costs of defending MEC and Section 125 benefit plans.
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Covers up to $50,000 per occurrence in legal defense costs.
Provides direct access to seasoned tax attorneys with IRS audit experience.
Protects not just MEC compliance, but the entire Section 125 benefit structure.
Fixed-cost coverage. No exclusions, no surprise legal bills.
Coverage is issued as a contractual guarantee, not as insurance.
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Harbor Shield activates immediately. You’ll be connected with an IRS audit attorney experienced in MEC compliance. You hire them directly, keeping privilege intact while Harbor Shield covers their invoices up to your guarantee limit.
No. Your MEC provider handles plan delivery. Harbor Shield adds an extra layer of audit coverage and compliance protection, ensuring you’re never left exposed if the IRS investigates.
Pricing is structured as a fixed percentage of the covered legal defense guarantee, typically around 5%, with discounts available for bundled credits or multiple years.
IRS audits are routine. Legal bills don’t have to be. Harbor Shield gives you protection,
monitoring and expert defense for ERC, R&D, MEC and FICA Tip credits.
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