The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires health insurance issuers and self-insured plan sponsors to pay Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute fees (PCORI fees). The fees are reported and paid annually using IRS Form 720, the Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return. Form 720 and full payment of the PCORI fees are due by July 31 of each year, …
A recent U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) final rule increases the salary thresholds used to determine whether executive, administrative and professional (EAP) employees are exempt from overtime pay under federal law. While the increased thresholds are likely to result in a significant number of employees who were previously exempt now qualifying for overtime pay, employers …
How the DOL’s New Overtime Rule Could Impact Employee Benefits Read More »
Understanding PEOs: Pros, Cons, and When They’re the Right Fit for Your Business In the complex landscape of employee benefits and workforce management, businesses often seek solutions that streamline operations, ensure compliance, and offer competitive benefits to employees. One such solution that has gained traction is the Professional Employer Organization (PEO). But what exactly is …
Understanding PEOs: Pros, Cons, and When They’re the Right Fit for Your Business Read More »
The IRS has released the inflation-adjusted limit for excepted benefit health reimbursement arrangements (EBHRAs) for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2025. Effective for 2025 plan years, the maximum annual employer contribution for an EBHRA will increase to $2,150 (up from $2,100 for plan years beginning in 2024). Excepted Benefit HRAs An EBHRA …
IRS Announces Excepted Benefit HRA Limit for 2025 Read More »
Enforcement of the strict standards of fiduciary conduct set forth in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) has traditionally been reserved for retirement plan sponsors. However, a new class action lawsuit highlights the importance of employers’ adherence to their fiduciary duties when managing their group health plans. The lawsuit, filed against Johnson & Johnson …
Group Health Plan Fiduciary Litigation on the Rise Read More »
Each year, employers that are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) must electronically file an annual report (Form 5500) for each employee benefit plan they maintain unless a filing exemption applies. Action Steps Employers with employee benefit plans that operate on a calendar year basis must file their annual reports …
On April 26, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Civil Rights (OCR) issued a final rule under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in certain health programs and activities. The final rule is scheduled to …
HHS Final Rule on Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities Read More »
On April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted to issue a final rule that would ban noncompete agreements in virtually all employment relationships. The final rule has not yet been filed in the Federal Register, but is scheduled to take effect 120 days after such filing. Final Rule The final rule defines a …
In a recent turn of events, UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) has been diligently working to counteract the effects of a significant cyberattack on the U.S. health system and Change Healthcare services. This unprecedented event has posed challenges for both consumers and care providers alike. However, UnitedHealth Group is making strides towards mitigating the impact and …
On April 15, 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released a final rule to implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). The final rule clarifies definitions and limitations under the PWFA and seeks to help employers understand their duties under the law. The final regulation will be published in the Federal Register on …
EEOC Releases Final Rule Implementing Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Read More »
