
Articles
EEOC issues regulations addressing ADA requirements for employer wellness programs
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued long awaited proposed regulations on how employers can structure their wellness programs in relation to the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Out-of-Pocket Maximums
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
In final regulations published in February 2015, the Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) set forth various limits and coverage requirements for 2016. In regards to the out-of-pocket (OOP) maximum that applies to essential health benefits the agencies not only set forth the 2016 limits, but also […]
Notice of Coverage through the Benefit Exchange
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Starting in 2015, the employer mandate is being phased in and employers with 100 or more full-time equivalents (FTEs) may pay an additional tax on any eligible individuals who are not offered coverage or for whom coverage is unaffordable. In 2016, employers with 50 or more FTEs will be required to comply as well.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act Coverage
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
One of the great benefits of living near oceans, rivers or lakes is the beautiful waterfront vistas we get to enjoy. However, for those involved in the world of construction, those waters can also be dangerous to navigate in terms of Workers’ Compensation insurance.
IRS Releases Final Reporting Forms and Instructions
Thursday, February 12, 2015
The IRS has released final forms and instructions for the ACA employer reporting requirement. Applicable large employers (ALEs, generally those with 50 or more FTEs), and small employers with self-funded group health plans, are required to report certain plan information to the IRS and to provide statements to employees, beginning in 2016 for calendar year 2015 health plan and coverage data.
SBC and Uniform Glossary Modifications
Thursday, January 15, 2015
On Dec. 22, 2014, the Department of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Treasury (IRS) jointly released proposed rules regarding the requirements relating to the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) and the accompanying uniform glossary. Most notably, these proposed rules shorten the template to 2½ pages; add a new example to illustrate coverage; add new definitions to the uniform glossary; and provide updated templates, instructions, and other related documents.
CMS Extends the Deadline to Report Membership Data for the Transitional Reinsurance Contribution
Monday, November 17, 2014
On Friday November 14th the Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced an extension of the deadline for submission of plan membership data for the transitional reinsurance program (TRP). Employer/plan sponsors of self-funded plans were originally required to report membership by November 17th, 2014, but the filing deadline has now been extended to December 5th, 2014.
Supreme Court to Hear ACA Case
Thursday, November 13, 2014
On Friday Nov. 7th the Supreme Court announced they plan to consider challenges to the government’s policy of providing subsidies to individuals who purchase health insurance through Healthcare.gov, the federally run Marketplace. The case will be heard early in 2015, with a decision likely at the end of the Court’s term early in the summer of 2015.
Background
Employer Can Not Pay for Employee’s Individual Health Insurance
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
In the most direct guidance released to date, the DOL has issued new FAQs that make it clear employers are not permitted to pay for the cost of individual health insurance for employees, even if the payments are made on an after-tax basis.
IRS Announces 2015 Adjustments for Certain Benefit Items
Monday, November 10, 2014
In Revenue Procedure 2014-61, the IRS set forth a variety of 2015 adjusted tax limits. Among other things, the notice addresses benefits related limits for health flexible spending accounts (FSAs), adoption assistance, and qualified transportation benefits.
Health Plan ID (HPID) Requirement Delayed
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
On October 31st the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced an indefinite delay in the Health Plans ID (HPID) requirements applicable to self-funded employer sponsored health plans. Officially described as an enforcement delay, the announcement means that large self-funded employers will not be required to obtain an HPID by November 5th, 2014 as originally required. No further information regarding a new deadline, or other changes to the HPID requirements, was contained in the announcement.
Transitional Reinsurance Contribution Form to be available Oct 24 for Self-Funded Medical
Thursday, October 23, 2014
As announced earlier, the first submission of membership numbers to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for purposes of the transitional reinsurance fee is due by November 15th of this year.
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