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 »
On March 28, 2024, the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (Departments) released a final rule on certain types of health coverage that are not subject to the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) consumer protections, namely short-term, limited-duration insurance (STLDI) and fixed indemnity coverage. This rule finalizes some of the changes …
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) includes several cost-reduction provisions affecting Medicare Part D plans, which may impact the creditable coverage status of employer-sponsored prescription drug coverage beginning in 2025. Employers that provide prescription drug coverage to individuals who are eligible for Medicare Part D must inform these individuals and the Centers for Medicare …
Medicare Part D Changes May Impact Creditable Coverage Status of Employer Plans Read More »
Group health plans and health insurance issuers must annually submit detailed information on prescription drug and health care spending to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This reporting is referred to as the “prescription drug data collection” (or “RxDC report”). The next RxDC report is due by Saturday, June 1, 2024, covering data …
Employers Should Start Preparing for 2024 RxDC Reporting Read More »
Workplace wellness refers to the education and activities that a worksite may sponsor in order to promote healthy lifestyles for their employees and their families. Examples of wellness initiatives include health education classes, subsidized use of fitness facilities and internal policies or programs that promote healthy behavior. Do Wellness Programs Really Work? When sponsoring …
Offboarding is the process of transitioning employees out of your organization due to resignation, termination or retirement. Offboarding requires employers to complete a variety of critical tasks in a short timeframe, including finalizing payroll, retrieving company property and transferring the departing employee’s job responsibilities. An effective offboarding process can help ensure your organization complies with …
