News Brief: IFEBP Report: Employers Project 8% Increase Health Costs in 2025
According to a recent survey of employers by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP), U.S. employers estimate a median 8% increase in health care costs for 2025. Catastrophic health claims and rising specialty prescription drug prices drive the projected increase. The latest findings are greater than those of the past two annual surveys, which both projected a 7% rise in health care costs.
HR Compliance Bulletin: Recent and Upcoming U.S. Supreme Court Cases Employers Should Monitor
In its 2023-24 term, the U.S. Supreme Court issued several consequential decisions that will likely have a significant impact on employers. These cases involved federal agency power, discrimination until Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Title VII), whistleblower retaliation and arbitration. The Supreme Court’s
next term, which starts Oct. 7, 2024, will also decide cases that will impact the workplace.
Click here to view and download the latest HR Compliance Overview
News Brief: Inflation Rate Slows to 2.9% in July
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.9% year over year in July, down from 3% in June. This is the first time the monthly reading has dipped below 3% since March 2021, an additional sign that the inflated pressures are waning and that the Federal Reserve (Fed) may start cutting interest rates.
“Federal Reserve officials have reason to be increasingly concerned about softening of the job market, the other part of its dual mandate of stable prices and maximum employment.”
-Mark Hamrick, Bankrate senior economic analyst
Compliance Bulletin – SAR Is Due by Sept. 30 for Calendar Year Plans
Many employers that must file Form 5500 on behalf of their employee benefit plans must also provide plan participants with a summary annual report (SAR). The SAR is a summary of the information included in the Form 5500.
Employers with plans that operate on a calendar year basis must provide the SAR by
Sept. 30, 2024. However, if the employer received an extension of time to file its Form 5500, the deadline for providing the SAR is Dec. 15, 2024.
The SAR requirement only applies to plans that must file a Form 5500. Also, self-insured welfare plans, regardless of size, are not required to provide a SAR if they are unfunded.
The DOL has released a model SAR relating to welfare plans for plan years beginning in 2023 and later. Acceptable delivery methods for the SAR include U.S. mail, in-hand delivery and electronic delivery, if certain requirements are satisfied.
In the Loop – August
The Impact of SCOTUS Overruling Chevron Deference
On June 28, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo
and Relentless Inc. v. Department of Commerce. The Court overruled its 1984 decision in Chevron, U.S.A. Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council Inc., which held that courts should defer to federal agencies to interpret ambiguities and gaps in the laws that the agencies implement (known as Chevron deference). Congress has the authority to pass laws that govern employers, and federal agencies have the authority to enforce those laws. To fill in any gaps or to remedy ambiguities, federal agencies may issue more detailed guidance on how the laws should be interpreted and applied.
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.
