Category: Employee Benefits

On April 10, 2023, the President signed H.J.Res. 7, which ended the COVID-19 national emergency on April 10, 2023, approximately one month earlier than anticipated.  However, prior to the passage of H.J. Res. 7, the DOL and other federal agencies issued guidance in the form of FAQs that indicate an end date of May 11, 2023 for the national emergency […]

On March 3, 2023, federal agencies released Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) Reporting Instructions applicable to the 2022 reference year.  RxDC reporting for the 2022 reference year is due on or before June 1, 2023.    Background The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (“CAA, 2021”) includes a provision that requires group health plans and health insurance issuers (collectively […]

When the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “CAA”) was enacted on December 27, 2020, it included a provision that prohibits group health plans and health insurance carriers from entering into certain agreements that, either directly or indirectly, restrict the release of certain information related to provider networks and de-identified encounter data, among other things. Such […]

On February 21, 2023, the IRS released Final Rules amending the existing requirements related to mandatory e-filing of information returns, including Forms 1094-C and 1095-C, among others.  The final rules are effective for all applicable returns due on or after January 1, 2024.  While the final rule requires electronic filing for a number of different information returns, […]

Employee financial “wellness” is an important aspect of a well-rounded benefits program for any organization. Employee benefits are more important to associates now than before the pandemic. Learn why voluntary benefits matter now more than ever by downloading our handout. Download Now!

Providing high-quality benefits is key to attracting and retaining top talent and keeping employees engaged. But the cost and complexity of managing benefits is daunting for small businesses. Owners who are already strapped for time and resources must balance payroll and benefits while recruiting, training and retaining new employees. Employee benefits impact an employee’s work-life […]

Over the past year, our nation has focused on the direct effects of the pandemic such as death tolls, hospitalizations and probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19. However, as vaccine distribution begins to ramp up, we have a new health concern – the indirect effects of the pandemic. Most notably, the decrease in non-COVID related […]

Congress Passes the American Rescue Plan Act Congress has passed, and President Biden has signed, the American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (ARPA), the third COVID-19 stimulus bill.  This new $1.9 trillion stimulus package includes several health and welfare benefits-related provisions relevant to employers and plan sponsors, as summarized below.  FFCRA Paid Leave Extended and Enhanced While COVID-19 […]

IRS Provides Guidance on FSA Relief Authorized in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, Grants Other Cafeteria Plan Relief We are just weeks shy of the one-year anniversary of the President’s declaration of the COVID-19 National Emergency, and the COVID-19 National and Public Health Emergencies are still in effect.  As a result of the long-term impact of […]