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.
Compliance Overview – DOL’s Cybersecurity Program Best Practices for Plan Fiduciaries
The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has provided
guidance to assist plan fiduciaries and recordkeepers in their responsibilities to manage cybersecurity risks. According to EBSA, pension plans and health and welfare plans covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) often hold millions of dollars or more in assets and store and/or transfer participants’ personally identifiable data, which can make them tempting targets for cybercriminals.
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.
