Articles
Funding Healthcare and Retirement Expenses with HSAs
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Today’s employers are faced with the monumental task of offering competitive benefits to a very diverse workforce in an extremely tight labor market (while keeping costs in check), promoting wellness and consumerism to its participants, and helping employees balance their needs for health and wealth management now and in the future.
Mitigating Rising Auto Insurance Rates
Thursday, August 1, 2019
Make no mistake, automobile insurance rates have been increasing over the past few years and seem to be picking up steam. Average rate increases, even for policyholders with relatively good loss histories, have been around 5%-7%. For those with greater loss activity, the increases have been in the double digits.
Controlling Washington L&I Premiums with Retro Groups
Friday, July 26, 2019
In Washington State, workers’ compensation insurance is provided through the state (i.e. a monopolistic state fund). This is a relatively rare structure in the United States; Washington is one of only four states that pay workers’ compensation premiums to the state’s department of labor and industries (L&I), and not to a private insurance carrier.
2020 “Affordability” Percentage
Thursday, July 25, 2019
In Revenue Procedure 2019-29, the IRS decreased the affordability percentage from 9.86% to 9.78% for 2020. This percentage determines which applicable large employers may face penalties under §4980H(b) for failure to offer affordable coverage as well as which individuals may qualify for subsidized coverage through a public Exchange.
HSAs & Preventive Coverage
Monday, July 22, 2019
In IRS Notice 2019-45, the IRS expanded upon what is considered to be preventive coverage for purposes of determining eligibility to contribute to a health savings account (HSA). The guidance comes shortly after the issuance of President Trump’s executive order requesting that the agency provide further flexibility for those with chronic conditions to receive coverage for such conditions while maintaining HSA eligibility.
Is Your Business Prepared When Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Begin in 2020?
Monday, July 22, 2019
Washington employers have already begun paying premiums to the state under the new Paid Family Medical Leave law, but there is still more work to be done before benefits start paying out in 2020. Organizations should take the time to review their existing benefits plans and how PFML fits into that structure.
HHS Changes Rule Regarding Prescription Drug Manufacturer Coupons and Cost-Sharing Requirements
Thursday, July 18, 2019
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the final Notice of Benefit & Payment Parameters for 2020.
Preparing for a Hardening Insurance Market
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
Up until 2018, companies have enjoyed the fruits of a “soft” commercial insurance market. A soft market is generally characterized by declining insurance rates and increased availability of generous coverage enhancements. Many things contribute to a soft market…
Recent Executive Order
Monday, July 1, 2019
President Trump issued an executive order last week directing the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), the Department of the Treasury (IRS), and the Department of Labor (DOL) to take various actions related to health care over the next two to six months.
Final Rules – Two New HRA Options for 2020
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
The Department of the Treasury, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Health and Human Services (the Departments) have jointly released the final expanded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) regulations.
Retain Employees with Student Loan Reimbursement
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
For the past six months, Washington State has been experiencing the lowest unemployment rate in over 50 years. Washington has gained over 83,000 jobs, across both the public and private sectors since April 2018. In such a competitive environment for talent, what are you doing to differentiate your organization and attract and retain the best and brightest candidates?
HHS Proposes Rolling Back Section 1557 Discrimination Protections Related to Gender Identity
Thursday, June 6, 2019
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has released proposed regulations that would make significant changes to existing HHS guidance related to discrimination provisions contained in Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
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