Benefits Buzz – August 2020
Topics
Supreme Court to hear Arguments in Lawsuit Challenging ACA’s Constitutionality
Employers Have Flexibility with Contraceptive Plan Designs
View and download the August 2020 Benefits Buzz Newsletter
Benefits Buzz – June 2020
Topics
Updated Model COBRA Notices Available
COVID-19 Relief for EmployeeBenefit Plan Deadlines
View and download the June 2020 Benefits Buzz Newsletter
May Benefits Buzz
IRS Allows HDHPs to Cover COVID-19 Costs
The IRS recently issued Notice 2020-15 to advise that high deductible
health plans (HDHPs) can pay for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) testing and treatment before plan deductibles have been met, without jeopardizing their status. . .
COVID-19 Relief Laws Require Paid Employee Leave
Click here or the image to download the May 2020 Benefits Buzz
Benefits Buzz – April 2020
U.S. Supreme Court Will Hear Challenge to ACA
No Statute of Limitations Applies for ACA Pay or Play Penalties
March Benefits Buzz
- Supreme Court Declines to Expedite ACA Case
The lower court’s ruling is expected to ultimately be appealed to the Supreme Court, and a final decision is not expected to be made until that time. It is likely that any ruling eliminating the ACA will be stayed pending appeal.
- HHS Increases Civil Penalties for HIPAA Violations
HHS is required to adjust these penalties for inflation each year to improve their effectiveness and maintain their deterrent effect. The new penalty amounts are effective for penalties assessed on or after Jan. 17, 2020.
2020 HIPAA Civil Penalties
HHS may assess civil penalties when it discovers a HIPAA violation. The penalty amount depends on the facts involved.
February Benefits Buzz
- Cadillac Tax and Other Key ACA Taxes Repealed
- PCORI Fees Extended for 10 Years
December Benefits Buzz
FSA Contribution and Other Benefits Limits Rise for 2020, DOL Proposes New Method for Electronic Delivery of Retirement Plan Disclosures
In addition to the FSA contribution limits, the IRS announced increases for transportation benefits and adoption services. Qualified transportation benefit limits (for parking or transit passes) increased to $270 for 2020. Maximum employer subsidies for qualified adoption expenses rose to $14,300, up $220. Other adoption-related limits increased as well. Learn more in the December Benefits Buzz newsletter:
November Benefits Buzz
Summary of the 2019 Employer Health Benefits Annual Survey
Each year, the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research & Educational Trust conduct a survey to examine employer-sponsored health benefit trends. This article summarizes some of its main points. Request a full summary from Evolution of Benefits for more details. Read more for Plan Enrollment Trends:
October Benefits Buzz
Deadline Approaching: Medicare Part D Notices Are Due Before Oct. 15
Each year, Medicare Part D requires group health plan sponsors to disclose to individuals who are eligible for Medicare Part D and to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) whether the health plan’s prescription drug coverage is creditable. Plan sponsors must provide the annual disclosure notice to Medicare-eligible individuals before Oct. 15, 2019.
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.
