by Angel Carrier | September 14, 2020 | Employer Guidance
Employers who provide prescription drug coverage to those who are or may become eligible for Medicare Part D, must notify both plan members and CMS on whether the coverage provided is deemed “creditable” or “non-creditable” per the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) of... by Geralyn Isler | August 10, 2020 | Employee Benefits, Employer Guidance, Insurance Company News, Recommended Articles
As we approach cold and flu season, the nation and the economy are still combating the affects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As with any public health issue, the insurance carriers work with and follow the guidance and protocols issued by the Centers for Disease Control... by Geralyn Isler | July 30, 2020 | Employee Benefits, Employer Guidance, Health Care Reform
In a recent Notice the IRS announced the adjusted percentage that will be used to determine whether employees' share of their 2021 premiums are considered affordable for purposes of the employer mandate. Applicable Large Employers, for the 2021 plan year, will... by Jim Beatrice | May 29, 2020 | Employee Benefits, Employer Guidance, Recommended Articles
The IRS released two notices (2020-29 & 2020-33) providing relief on cafeteria plan election rules and increasing the allowed health FSA carryover. These notices are not an employer requirement, rather options to consider. Keep in mind that if you want to adopt... by Angel Carrier | May 22, 2020 | Employee Benefits, Health Care Reform, Recommended Articles
What is the PCORI Fee? The Affordable Care Act established the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to explore the effectiveness, risks and benefits of medical treatments. The fees were originally scheduled to be collected for plan years and policy... by Geralyn Isler | May 20, 2020 | Employee Benefits, Employer Guidance, Recommended Articles
On May 4, 2020, the IRS and DOL issued a joint Notice extending various timelines that apply to COBRA elections and premium payments. The extensions are retroactive back to March 1, 2020. The extensions will be effective throughout the National Emergency and will end... by Geralyn Isler | May 1, 2020 | Employee Benefits, Recommended Articles
Included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was signed into law on March 27, 2020 is the restored ability to use HSAs, FSAs and some HRAs to purchase certain over- the- counter drugs and medications, like aspirin and other pain... by Jim Beatrice | December 20, 2019 | Employee Benefits, Health Care Reform, Recommended Articles
As reported by National Association of Health Underwriters, Congress has voted to fully repeal the Cadillac (excise) Tax and the Health Insurance Tax. The legislation fully repeals the Cadillac Tax and repeals the HIT effective January 1, 2021, which means the... by Geralyn Isler | December 13, 2019 | Employee Benefits, Employer Guidance, Wellness at Work
Depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses carry a workplace stigma that cause many employees to suffer in silence rather than to seek help. Many employees struggling with mental health issues have expressed anxiety about the possibility of losing their jobs due... by Geralyn Isler | December 5, 2019 | Employee Benefits, Employer Guidance, Health Care Reform, Recommended Articles
Employer reporting requirements and penalties for non-compliance have largely remained the same even though the individual penalty payment is no longer applicable. Forms 1094/1095-B (B Forms) and Forms 1094/1095-C (C Forms), and related instructions, for the 2019...
