Articles
Tax Treatment of Benefits Provided to Same-Sex Married Couples
Friday, September 6, 2013
The IRS has issued guidance clarifying the tax treatment of employee benefits provided to same-sex married couples. Prior to the Supreme Court’s DOMA ruling, employers who chose to offer benefits to same-sex spouses were generally required to treat the benefits provided to those spouses as taxable income to the employee.
Sending the Notice of Exchange to Employees
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Background
The ACA requires that employers provide employees with a written notice containing the information regarding exchanges and possible subsidies when purchasing individual coverage through a public exchange. Originally the ACA required the notice be provided to employees by March 1, 2013; however, the DOL issued guidance delaying the notice requirement.
Out-of-Pocket (OOP) Maximum Limits
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Beginning in 2014 the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that all health plans limit participant out-of-pocket (OOP) maximums. The OOP maximum includes deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and any other required participant expenditure for essential health benefits covered under the plan.
Employer Shared Responsibility Rules Delayed Until 2015
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
In the most significant health reform development for employers since the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the employer shared responsibility rules (often called the “employer mandate” or “pay or play rules”) have been delayed until 2015.
The Impact of the Supreme Court’s DOMA Ruling on Health and Welfare Plans
Monday, July 1, 2013
The recent Supreme Court decisions on same-sex marriage obviously have significant implications for employers in a number of employee-related areas including payroll, retirement and employee benefits. While much has already been written in general about these decisions, this issue brief will focus only on issues related to employer-sponsored health and welfare plans.
IRS Issues New Form 720 for Reporting ACA Research Fee
Monday, June 10, 2013
The IRS has issued a revised Form 720 and corresponding instructions to allow for the reporting and payment of the fee for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) formed as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Final Rules For Wellness Plans Released
Thursday, June 6, 2013
The Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury (The Departments) have issued final wellness program rules. The new final rules are based on the existing HIPAA wellness rules and the requirements contained in proposed rules issued in November 2012.
Determination of Affordability and Minimum Value
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
The IRS has released proposed regulations providing guidance for determining the “affordability” and “ minimum value” of employer-sponsored plans.
Department of Labor Releases Model Notice of Exchange
Friday, May 10, 2013
The Department of Labor (DOL) has released guidance and model notice language for employers to use to meet the Affordable Care Act (ACA)employee exchange notice requirement. The guidance can be found at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/newsroom/tr13-02.html.
IRS Releases HSA and HDHP Limits for 2014
Sunday, May 5, 2013
The IRS has released the 2014 limits affecting HSAs and High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs). The minimum required deductibles will not change from the 2013 limit, but the HSA contribution limits and the HDHP out-of-pocket (OOP) maximums will increase for 2014.
Modifications to the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules Released
Thursday, April 25, 2013
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued regulations modifying the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy, security, and enforcement rules. The changes strengthen the privacy and security protection for individuals’ health information, modify the rule for breach notifications, and extend HIPAA compliance obligations to additional entities.
Small Employer “Choice Option” Delayed on Federal SHOP Exchange
Thursday, April 4, 2013
In more Employee Benefits Day news, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced that one of the options planned for small group insurance purchased through federally operated exchanges will be delayed until 2015. Under what is referred to as the “choice option,” small employers will be able to select a level of coverage (i.e. bronze, silver, gold, or platinum coverage tier), and participating employees would be allowed to choose from any carrier offering coverage within that tier.
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