Legal Update: EEOC Releases 2024 Litigation Data, Showing a Decrease in Lawsuits
On Oct. 9, 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released litigation data for fiscal year (FY) 2024, which covers Oct. 1, 2023,through Sept. 30, 2024. The data shows an overall decrease in litigation;however, of the lawsuits filed, the EEOC focused on emerging issues, such as pregnancy discrimination, and advancing the rights of underserved and vulnerable workers
Compliance Bulletin – Educational Assistance Programs Can Help Pay Student Loans Through 2025
The IRS is reminding employers who offer educational assistance programs that they can also use them to help pay for their employees’ student loans. Though educational assistance programs have been available for many years, the option to use them to pay for student loans has only been available for payments made after March 27, 2020. Under current law, this student loan provision is set to expire Dec. 31, 2025.
In most cases, educational benefits are excluded from federal income tax withholding, Social Security tax, Medicare tax and federal employment (or FUTA) tax. By law, tax-free benefits under an educational assistance program are limited to $5,250 per employee per year, and assistance provided above this level is typically taxable as wages.
Legal Update: CMS Releases Cost-Sharing Limits for 2026 Plan Years
On Oct. 8, 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the maximum limits on cost sharing for 2026 under the Affordable Care Act(ACA). For 2026, the maximum annual limitation on cost sharing is $10,150 for self-only coverage and $20,300 for family coverage. This represents an approximately 10.3% increase from the 2025 limits of $9,200 for self-only coverage and $18,400 for family coverage.
News Brief: Report Finds That Commuter Benefits May Help Employees Return to Office
A recent report by transit benefit vendor Jawnt found that commuter benefits may help encourage employees to return to theoffice. With more employers pushing for in-person work, many organizations are struggling to motivate their staff.
The study, which surveyed over 400 HR professionals, revealed how these benefits might impact return-to-office (RTO) initiatives. As companies continue to navigate the challenges of post-COVID-19-pandemic work arrangements, incentives such as commuter benefits could prove to be a valuable tool.
“The only way to offer a best-in-class commuter benefits experience is to genuinely understand our users—not just assume their needs.”
-Jeff Stade, CEO and co-founder of Jawnt
Compliance Overview – What Employers Should Know About Seasonal Employment
Many organizations rely on seasonal workers to supplement their regular workforce during peak times. This often occurs during busy seasons or holidays, as there’s an influx of business activity. While similarities exist, there are important differences between seasonal and regular employment. Due to these differences, hiring and reliance on seasonal workers can present significant and unexpected challenges for employers.
HR Brief – USCIS Extends Form I-9 Expiration Date (October)
Recently, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it updated its Employment Eligibility Verification form, also known as Form I-9, to extend the form’s expiration date from July 31, 2026, to May 31, 2027.
Employers must use the Form I-9 dated “08/01/2023,” which may have an expiration date of either “07/31/2026” or“05/31/2027.” Employers may use either form until its respective expiration date. However, the USCIS’ website will only include the Form I-9 with the new “05/31/2027” expiration date for downloading.
Compliance Bulletin – Telehealth Exception for HDHP/HSA Plans May Expire Soon
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Congress enacted legislation that temporarily allowed high deductible health plans (HDHPs) to provide benefits for telehealth services before plan deductibles were met. This relief became effective in 2020 and has been repeatedly extended. It currently applies to plan years beginning before Jan. 1, 2025.
Employers with HDHPs should review their health plan’s coverage of telehealth services to determine if changes should be made for the plan year beginning in 2025. Unless the relief is extended again, HDHPs must impose a deductible on telehealth services to be compatible with HSA contributions.
Also, any changes to telehealth coverage should be communicated to plan participants through an updated summary plan description or a summary of material modifications.
Compliance Overview – ACA Violations – Penalties and Excise Taxes
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes numerous reforms for group health plans and creates compliance obligations for employers and health plan sponsors. The ACA, for example, restricts health plans from imposing pre-existing condition exclusions and requires coverage for preventive care services without cost sharing. Some of the reforms for health plans apply to all health plans, while others apply only to non-grandfathered plans or to insured plans in the small group market
News Brief: Pay Transparency Report Shows More Employers Are Adapting Practices
A recent WTW survey found that the majority of North American employers have pay transparency policies in place due to increased regulatory requirements. Organizations are increasing their communication about pay programs due to legal requirements (73%), to align with their company values and culture (47%), and to match worker preferences and expectations (46%). In general, larger companies are adapting pay transparency practices quicker than smaller ones.
“Employers are seeing an increase in regulatory requirements around the globe, which has forced many to act fast and comply with a consistent minimum standard, regardless of location.”
–Mariann Madden, North America Pay Equity co-leader, WTW
Think Well, Be Well: Choosing Nutritious Foods for Mental Health
Good nutrition is essential not only for physical health but also for mental well-being. The foods you eat profoundly influence your mood, cognitive function and ability to manage stress, highlighting the importance of balanced dietary choices. A healthy, well-balanced diet can help you think clearly and be more alert. It can also improve concentration and attention span.
An American Psychiatric Association survey revealed that 4 in 5 adults would be willing to change their diet in a way that positively impacts mental health.
Client and Employee Resources
The more your employees understand your benefit plans the more they become educated, empowered consumers. The programs you provide will also gain an enhanced value.
As your strategic partners in employee benefits, we can provide multiple avenues of ongoing support, including:
- Employee Meetings (English and Spanish)
- Webcasts
- Payroll Stuffers
- Poster Campaigns
- Newsletters
Carrier Directories
E-Verify is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. Click the image below to begin.
