Benefits Buzz – November 2020
The IRS recently issued Notice 2020-76 to:
• Extend the due date for furnishing forms under Sections 6055 and 6056 for 2020 from Feb. 1, 2021, to March 2, 2021.
• Provide a final extension of good-faith transition relief from penalties related to 2020 information reporting under Sections 6055 and 6056.
• Provide additional penalty relief related to furnishing 2020 forms to individuals under Section 6055. Under this relief, employers will
IRS Provides Transition Relief for 2020 ACA Reporting
only have to provide Form 1095-B to covered individuals upon request.
The due date for filing forms with the IRS for 2020 remains March 1, 2021 (since Feb. 28, 2021, is a Sunday), or March 31, 2021, if filing electronically.
Action Steps
The IRS is encouraging reporting entities to furnish 2020 statements as soon as they are able. No request or other documentation is required to take advantage of the extended deadline.
Each year, the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research & Educational Trust conduct a survey to examine employer-sponsored health benefits trends. Request a full summary from Evolution of Benefits for more details.
Plan Enrollment Trends
The following were the most common plan types in 2020:
• Preferred provider organizations (PPOs)—47% of workers covered
• High deductible health plans with a savings option (HDHP/SOs)—31% of workers covered
• Health maintenance organizations (HMOs)—13% of workers covered
• Point-of-service (POS) plans—8% of workers covered
Summary of the 2020 Employer Health Benefits Annual Survey
Health Insurance Premiums
The average premium rose 4% for both single and family coverage over the past year—around $7,470 and $21,342 respectively.
Worker Contributions
Workers contributed $1,243 and $5,588 toward their premiums for single and family coverage, respectively.
Self-funding
Self-funded plan enrollment increased over the past year, with 23% of workers with small employers enrolled in either a partially or entirely self-funded plan, compared to 84% of workers with large employers.
Contact us for more information on benefits offerings or what you can do to control your health care costs.
Benefits Buzz – October 2020
ACA Pay or Play Penalties Will Increase for 2021
For the 2021 calendar year, the adjusted $2,000 amount is $2,700, and the adjusted $3,000 amount is $4,060.
Pay or Play Penalties
Two separate penalties can apply under the employer shared responsibility rules—the Section 4980H(a) penalty and the Section 4980H(b) penalty.
Medicare Part D Notices Are Due Before Oct. 15, 2020
Benefits Buzz – September 2020
Topics
Affordability Percentages Will Increase for 2021
The slight increase in percentages from 2020 may provide some employers greater flexibility when setting employee contributions for 2021 plans.
Evolution of Benefits is here to help discuss your options.
Preparing for an Unprecedented Open Enrollment Period
View and download the September 2020 Benefits Buzz Newsletter
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:
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.
