EEOC and DOJ Issue Guidance on DEI-related Discrimination📌 (March)

On March 19, 2025, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued joint guidance on illegal and discriminatory diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices. The EEOC also issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding DEI-related discrimination. The guidance provides some clarity as to the agencies’ position on what may constitute illegal DEI and offers steps employees may take to report violations.
EEOC and DOJ Issue Guidance on DEI-related Discrimination.docx
Posted on March 31, 2025 by EOB
Legal Update: IRS Releases Health FSA Limit for 2025

On Oct. 22, 2024, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2024-40 (Rev. Proc. 24-40), which includes the inflation-adjusted limit for 2025 on employee salary reduction contributions to health flexible spending accounts (FSAs). For plan years beginning in 2025, the adjusted dollar limit on employees’ pre-tax contributions to health FSAs increases to $3,300. This is a $100 increase from the 2024 health FSA limit of $3,200.
Posted on October 30, 2024 by EOB
Legal Update: Proposed Rule Would Expand ACA’s Contraceptive Coverage Mandate

On Oct. 21, 2024, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury released a
proposed rule that, if finalized, would expand access to contraceptive coverage without cost sharing under the Affordable Care Act’s(ACA) preventive care mandate. Notably, the proposed rule would require most health plans and health insurance issuers to cover over-the-counter (OTC)contraceptives without imposing cost sharing (e.g., deductibles, copayments or coinsurance) or requiring a prescription.
Posted on October 29, 2024 by EOB
Legal Update: DOL Targets Employment-related Contract Provisions

On Oct. 15, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of the Solicitor(SOL) released a
special enforcement report indicating seven “fine-print”employment-related contract provisions that the SOL is targeting to help ensure that workers receive the pay and protections they are guaranteed by federal labor law. The report also highlighted innovative approaches the SOL is taking to combat contract provisions that may discourage workers from exercising their rights under federal labor law.
Posted on October 28, 2024 by EOB
Legal Update: IRS Allows Employees to Allocate Employer Contributions Among Various Benefits

The IRS has released a private letter ruling (No. 202434006) approving an employer’s program that gives employees the option to direct employer contributions toward several different offered benefits. A private letter ruling, or PLR, is a written statement issued to a taxpayer in response to a written request that interprets and applies tax laws to the taxpayer’s represented set of facts. While a PLR may not be relied on as precedent by other taxpayers, the PLR provides important insight into how the IRS might view similar employer programs.
Posted on October 23, 2024 by EOB
Legal Update: IRS Expands List for Preventive Care Benefits for HDHPs

On Oct. 17, 2024, the IRS issued Notice 2024-75 (the Notice) to expand the list of preventive care benefits permitted to be provided by a high deductible health plan (HDHP) without a deductible (or with a deductible below the minimum deductible) to include:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) oral contraceptives, including OTC birth control pills and emergency contraceptives, for individuals potentially capable of becoming pregnant, regardless of whether they are purchased with a prescription; and
- Male condoms, regardless of whether they are purchased with a prescription and regardless of the gender of the individual covered by the HDHP who purchases them.
Posted on October 21, 2024 by EOB
Legal Update: Oct. 15 Deadline Approaching for Part D Notices and Form 550 Extensions

As a reminder, the deadline to distribute Part D notices and the extended Form 5500 filing deadline for calendar year plans is Oct. 15, 2024. This deadline applies to employers with group health plans that provide prescription drug coverage and those with calendar year employee benefit plans that previously requested an extension of time to file their Form 5500, respectively.
Posted on October 18, 2024 by EOB
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
Posted on October 16, 2024 by EOB
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.
Posted on October 14, 2024 by EOB
Legal Update: New Notice Requirement for the Fixed Indemnity Coverage for 2025

Employers offering fixed indemnity coverage must comply with a new notice requirement for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2025. The new notice is designed to explain the limitations of fixed indemnity coverage and help prevent employees from mistakenly selecting such coverage as an alternative to or replacement for traditional health coverage.
Employers with fixed indemnity policies should ensure that enrollment,application and marketing materials for the 2025 plan year include the required notice.
Posted on September 30, 2024 by EOB
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Recent Posts
- EEOC and DOJ Issue Guidance on DEI-related Discrimination📌 (March) March 31, 2025
- ⛔IRA Changes to Medicare Part D May Impact Employer Plans⛔ (March) March 31, 2025
- ⚠️Report Finds 1 in 4 Workers Unaware of Mental Health Benefits⚠️(March) March 31, 2025
- 💫Staying Educated on Mental Health Benefits💫 (March) March 31, 2025
- ❗Employers Should Start Preparing for 2025 RxDC Reporting❗ (March) March 24, 2025
- 💛 Celebrating International Happiness Day reminds us of the importance of joy and positivity in our lives. As we observe this special day, let’s focus on spreading kindness and creating environments that foster happiness and well-being. By prioritizing mental health and emotional wellness, we contribute to a more harmonious world. Let us all take a moment to appreciate the simple joys that life offers and share smiles with those around us. March 20, 2025
- Fresh blooms and sunny days ahead. 🌸 🌷 ☀️ March 19, 2025
- Celebrate the luck of the Irish! 🍀 March 17, 2025
- Happy Pi Day! March 14, 2025
- ❗Report: Employee Leave Requests Rose in 2024, Mental Health Among Key Reasons❗ March 13, 2025
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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.
