Compliance Bulletin – Legal Considerations for Employee Terminations
Employee terminations are often complicated, and if not conducted properly, employers can open themselves up to costly legal challenges and negatively affect their business or reputation. Understanding the legal obligations of employee terminations can help employers ensure this process is conducted in a manner that minimizes legal risks and accounts for various business considerations.
Legal Update: All Draft Forms & Instruction for ACA Reporting Now Available
In July 2024, the IRS released draft 2024 forms for reporting under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6055 and 6056. Thereafter, on Sept. 4, 2024 and Sept.13, 2024, respectively, the draft instructions for the B series forms and C series forms were released.
- The 2024 draft Forms 1094-B and 1095-B (and related draft instructions) are draft versions of forms and instructions that will be used by providers of minimum essential coverage—including self-insured plan sponsors that are not applicable large employers (ALEs)—to report under Section 6055.
- The 2024 draft Forms 1094-C and 1095-C (and related draft instructions) are draft versions of forms that will be used by ALEs to report under Section 6056 as well as for combined Section 6055 and 6056 reporting by ALEs that sponsor self-insured plans.
No major changes were made to the draft forms or instructions for 2024 reporting. However, certain changes may be made once the forms and instructions are finalized.
Career Elevator: Enhancing Your Workplace Value (September)
In today’s dynamic and competitive job market, demonstrating and elevating your workplace value is essential for career growth and job satisfaction. Whether seeking a promotion or simply looking to solidify your position within your company, focusing on your workplace value can help you achieve your professional goals.
Compliance Bulletin – Health Plans Must Update HIPAA Policies for New Reproductive Health Care Rights
Beginning Dec. 23, 2024, covered entities and their business associates must comply with stricter
HIPAA privacy protections for reproductive health care. These new protections prohibit regulated entities from using or disclosing protected health information (PHI) related to lawful reproductive health care:
- For a criminal, civil or administrative investigation into (or proceeding against) a person in connection with reproductive health care; or
- To identify an individual, health care provider or other person for purposes related to such an investigation or proceeding.
In addition, regulated entities must obtain a valid attestation when a request is made to use or disclose PHI potentially related to reproductive health care for certain purposes to ensure that the use or disclosure is permissible.
Legal Update: 5th Circuit Upholds DOL’s Authority to Set Minimum Salary Requirement for White-collar Exemptions
On Sept. 11, 2024, in Mayfield v. U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit held that the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL)authority to define and delimit the terms of the executive, administrative and professional (EAP) exemptions includes the power to set a minimum salary for exemption under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
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.
