
Articles
Supreme Court Supports Innovation
Friday, August 1, 2014
In what amounts to good news for technology innovators, the Supreme Court ruled on behalf of CLS Bank in their suit brought against Alice Corporation.
How Employers Should Handle MLR Rebates
Thursday, July 31, 2014
For the third year, employers who sponsor an insured group health plan may be receiving a Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) rebate from their insurers.
PCORI Fees due July 31
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Employers who sponsor self-funded medical plans must report and pay the ACA Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fees no later than July 31, 2014. Health insurance carriers/insurers will pay the fee directly in the case of fully-insured plans.
Final Rules – 90 Day Waiting Period & Orientation Period
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Final regulations were released by the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury (IRS) (The Departments) regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) 90-day waiting period rules, including the new, one month “orientation period”, which may be imposed prior to the start of the waiting period.
Background
What the Supreme Court Hobby Lobby Case Means to Employers
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
In a 5 to 4 decision, the Supreme Court has ruled that certain privately held corporations do not have to comply with some of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) contraception coverage requirements if they violate the owner’s religious views. The decision opens the door for companies that meet the IRS definition of a “closely held corporation” to opt-out of providing certain contraception coverage in their employer sponsored group health plan.
Self-funded Employers and the HIPAA Health Plan Identifier Number (HPID)
Monday, May 12, 2014
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued guidance regarding HIPAA electronic transactions related to the HIPAA privacy and security rules. According to the guidance, employers who sponsor self-funded health plans will be required to take certain administrative steps, including applying for a health plan identifier number (HPID) and getting certification from certain vendors that they are in compliance with HIPAA transaction rules.
Special Open Enrollment Offered to COBRA QBS and New ACA FAQs and COBRA Model Notices Released
Thursday, May 8, 2014
New FAQs, released by the Department of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury (IRS), clarify certain requirements in regard to the annual out-of-pocket maximum, coverage for preventive services, health FSA carryover, and summary of benefits and coverage (SBC). Also, in states with the Federally-facilitated Marketplace, individuals currently on COBRA have been offered a special one-time open enrollment period.
2015 HSA Contribution Limits
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
The IRS recently released Rev. Proc. 2014-30, which establishes the health savings account (HSA) contribution limits and definition of a qualified high deductible health plan (HDHP) for the 2015 calendar year.
2015 annual contribution limit:
Elimination of Small Group Deductible Limit
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
On April 1, 2014, the President signed into law the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014. The bulk of the provisions relate to Medicare; however, the law also contained a provision repealing the limitation on deductibles that applied to fully-insured small group plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Health FSA Carryovers – HSA Eligibility
Sunday, April 6, 2014
The IRS released guidance March 28, 2014, regarding to the health flexible spending account (FSA) carryover (up to $500) and health savings account (HSA) eligibility. The guidance clarifies methods under which an employer may implement the carryover provision, first introduced under guidance provided in 2013, while allowing individuals to maintain eligibility for HSA contributions.
Background
IRS Issues Final ACA Employer Reporting Rules
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
The IRS has released final regulations regarding important new employer reporting requirements contained in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA requires applicable large employers (as defined by the ACA) to provide new health plan reporting to the IRS beginning in 2016. The IRS previously released proposed reporting rules in September 2013 and requested comments on a number of issues. These final regulations provide some simplification of the requirements and address a number of questions left unanswered in the proposed regulations.
Business Auto Policy Considerations
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
The following are general guidelines to be considered when establishing a corporate auto policy. These comments are meant for use as a reference only. All policies should be reviewed by corporate counsel prior to implementation. Please discuss any questions or concerns regarding your particular policy with your, Parker, Smith & Feek Account Advisor.
Establish a Fleet Safety Policy
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