
Articles
Guidance Issued on HRAs, FSAs, and Premium Reimbursement Plans
Thursday, September 19, 2013
The DOL recently issued Technical Release 2013-03 which answers a question that has been unclear since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed. Can employers pay for the purchase of individual health insurance plans for employees on a tax-free basis? The DOL’s answer to this question is no.
IRS Issues Proposed Employer Reporting Rules
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
The IRS has released proposed rules related to Affordable Care Act (ACA) employer and insurance carrier reporting requirements. The ACA created two new sections in the Tax Code, section 6055 and 6056.
Medicare Part D Notice Reminder- Deadline of October 14th
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
As you may recall, with the introduction of Medicare Part D prescription drug benefits, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) imposed certain notice requirements on employers. Employers are required to notify all Medicare beneficiaries of the “creditable” or “non creditable” coverage status of their prescription drug plan.
Tax Treatment of Benefits Provided to Same-Sex Married Couples
Friday, September 6, 2013
The IRS has issued guidance clarifying the tax treatment of employee benefits provided to same-sex married couples. Prior to the Supreme Court’s DOMA ruling, employers who chose to offer benefits to same-sex spouses were generally required to treat the benefits provided to those spouses as taxable income to the employee.
Sending the Notice of Exchange to Employees
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Background
The ACA requires that employers provide employees with a written notice containing the information regarding exchanges and possible subsidies when purchasing individual coverage through a public exchange. Originally the ACA required the notice be provided to employees by March 1, 2013; however, the DOL issued guidance delaying the notice requirement.
Out-of-Pocket (OOP) Maximum Limits
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Beginning in 2014 the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that all health plans limit participant out-of-pocket (OOP) maximums. The OOP maximum includes deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and any other required participant expenditure for essential health benefits covered under the plan.
Employer Shared Responsibility Rules Delayed Until 2015
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
In the most significant health reform development for employers since the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the employer shared responsibility rules (often called the “employer mandate” or “pay or play rules”) have been delayed until 2015.
The Impact of the Supreme Court’s DOMA Ruling on Health and Welfare Plans
Monday, July 1, 2013
The recent Supreme Court decisions on same-sex marriage obviously have significant implications for employers in a number of employee-related areas including payroll, retirement and employee benefits. While much has already been written in general about these decisions, this issue brief will focus only on issues related to employer-sponsored health and welfare plans.
IRS Issues New Form 720 for Reporting ACA Research Fee
Monday, June 10, 2013
The IRS has issued a revised Form 720 and corresponding instructions to allow for the reporting and payment of the fee for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) formed as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Final Rules For Wellness Plans Released
Thursday, June 6, 2013
The Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury (The Departments) have issued final wellness program rules. The new final rules are based on the existing HIPAA wellness rules and the requirements contained in proposed rules issued in November 2012.
Determination of Affordability and Minimum Value
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
The IRS has released proposed regulations providing guidance for determining the “affordability” and “ minimum value” of employer-sponsored plans.
Department of Labor Releases Model Notice of Exchange
Friday, May 10, 2013
The Department of Labor (DOL) has released guidance and model notice language for employers to use to meet the Affordable Care Act (ACA)employee exchange notice requirement. The guidance can be found at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/newsroom/tr13-02.html.
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