Two new federal laws passed at the end of 2024 bring welcomed updates to benefit plan sponsors. Under the Employer Reporting Improvement Act (ERIA) and the Paperwork Burden Reduction Act (PBRA) plan sponsors are no longer required to distribute Forms 1095-B and 1095-C to all covered individuals. The laws also offer employers new protections related […]
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2025 RxDC Reporting Deadline
Since the passage of Section 204 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA), referred to as the No Surprises Act (NSA), employers have been required to submit annual prescription drug and health care spending data with the Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) report. The RxDC report collects information about prescription drugs, spending on health care […]
Read moreWellness Works: Establishing Psychological Safety at Work
Have you ever hesitated to speak up at work because you weren’t sure how your ideas would be received? You may have held back a suggestion in a meeting or avoided bringing up a concern out of fear it might not be taken well. You’re not alone. Psychological safety is about sharing your thoughts without […]
Read moreThe Play-or-Pay Penalty and Counting Employees under the ACA
Since 2015, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has required applicable large employers (ALEs) to offer their full-time employees health coverage or pay one of two shared responsibility penalties (ESRP or “play-or-pay”). An employer is an ALE if it employs 50 or more full-time or full-time equivalent employees. Final IRS regulations provide guidance to help employers […]
Read moreFebruary 2025 Compliance Recap
The federal government in 2025 has is experiencing significant internal restructuring, workforce reductions, and communication restrictions across various departments. The results from the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services investigations into Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) enforcement have been shared. The IRS has eased regulations surrounding ACA reporting, Centers for […]
Read moreWebinar: Consolidated Appropriations Act in 2025
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 1 – 2PM CST Register Now Registration Code:UBA410EW Attend this month’s webinar to learn how the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) requirements impact all group health plans. Key Takeaways: Understand the key provisions of the CAA. Gain insight into the latest compliance obligations under the CAA, including new transparency rules, reporting requirements, […]
Read moreRising ERISA Class-Action Lawsuits over Tobacco Surcharges in Health Plans
READ TIME: 5 MINUTES A wave of ERISA class-action lawsuits is challenging tobacco surcharge programs in employer-sponsored health plans across the U.S. These cases center on potential fiduciary breaches, with plaintiffs arguing that surcharges added to tobacco users’ premiums are not compliant with federal laws such as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the […]
Read moreACA Reporting Changes for 2025
On December 23, 2024, President Biden signed into law the Paperwork Burden Reduction Act (PBRA) alleviating some burdens associated with the annual ACA reporting. Effective for tax years beyond 2023, employers are no longer required to automatically distribute the Forms 1095-B/Cs to employees unless requested. The Form 1095-B/Cs must still be prepared and electronically filed […]
Read moreWebinar: Ensuring Your Health Plan is Ready for a Department of Labor Audit
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 1 – 2PM CST Register Now Registration Code:UBA410EW Attend this month’s webinar to learn what triggers a DOL audit and how to prepare. Key takeaways: Gain insight into the DOL’s enforcement priorities that can trigger an audit, especially regarding compliance with the ACA, Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, and […]
Read moreWellness Programs and Smokers’ Penalties under Scrutiny
READ TIME: 5 MINUTES A recent lawsuit involving Macy’s Inc. and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is bringing attention to the way companies structure their wellness programs—particularly those that impose penalties on employees who smoke. This case highlights the potential risks for employers who charge higher health premiums to smokers and raises questions about […]
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