DOL Issues Model Notices, FAQs for COBRA Subsidy in the ARPA
On April 7, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued FAQs and model notices for the COBRA premium assistance provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
How Employers Should Handle MLR Rebates
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) established medical loss ratio (MLR) rules to help control health care coverage costs and ensure that enrollees receive value for their premium dollars.
COBRA Subsidy Provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law March 11, 2021, provides a 100% subsidy of premiums for employer-sponsored group health insurance continued under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA) and similar state continuation of coverage (mini- COBRA) programs.
American Rescue Plan Contains Employment-related Provisions
President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) into law on March 11, 2021.
Overview of the American Rescue Plan
The $1.9 trillion relief bill, known as the American Rescue Plan, has been signed into law by President Joe Biden.
Merck and Johnson & Johnson
Partner to Accelerate COVID-19 Vaccine Production The White House recently announced that drugmaker Merck & Co., will help produce competitor Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine to expand its production and supply.
Employee Leave – Legal Rules
Employees may need to take time off from work for various reasons, including for their own medical situations or family emergencies.
Temporary COVID-19 Relief for Section 125 Plans
On Feb. 18, 2021, the IRS released Notice 2021-15 to clarify special rules for Section 125 plans, health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) and dependent care assistance programs (DCAPs).
COVID-19 Relief Extends COBRA, HIPAA and Other Plan Deadlines
On April 28, 2020, the Departments of Labor (DOL) and the Treasury (Departments) issued deadline relief to help employee benefit plans, plan participants and plan service providers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
President Biden Issues Executive Actions Addressing Health Care Access
President Joe Biden has signed two executive actions to strengthen Americans’ access to affordable health care. Among the actions is an executive order aimed at expanding enrollment in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid, and a memorandum rescinding regulations on reproductive health access.
Health Plan Rules – Treating Employees Differently
Some employers may want to be selective and treat employees differently for purposes of group health plan benefits.
Employer Reporting of Health Coverage—Sections 6055 & 6056
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created reporting requirements under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Sections 6055 and 6056.
CDC Guidance for Workplace COVID-19 Vaccination Programs
Making COVID-19 vaccination part of your workplace wellness program may offer benefits to you and your employees. To aid in keeping their workplace healthy, employers can consider offering free, on-site COVID-19 vaccinations at work locations.
DOL Issues New Q&As About FFCRA Leave Requirements
The U.S. Dept. of Labor (DOL) has issued two additional Q&As regarding employee leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
Stimulus Bill Includes Temporary Special Rules for FSAs
On Dec. 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 into law. The Act provides temporary special rules for health and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs) that give employees additional time to use these funds.
SBA’s PPP Portal Opens for Second Round of Loans
The U.S. Department of Treasury and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced that beginning Monday, Jan. 11, applications will be accepted for the second round of loans in the SBA’s Payment Protection Program (PPP).
Employee Benefit Compliance Chart: Notice and Disclosure Rules
This Compliance Overview summarizes a number of the notice and disclosure requirements that apply to group health plans and employers under federal laws.
Stimulus Bill Includes Ban on Surprise Medical Bills
On Dec. 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 into law. The Act includes a $900 billion coronavirus relief package that provides funding for unemployment benefits, direct economic payments to individuals, vaccine distribution and rental assistance. It also includes the No Surprises Act, a ban on surprise medical bills, which takes effect beginning in 2022.
Stimulus Bill Extends FFCRA tax Credits
A stimulus bill, which was signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020, does not extend the leave mandates created by the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLA) and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA), which expire on Dec. 31, 2020.
Find Balance, Because You Need It
Children are resilient, but it's still important to pay attention to signs of anxiety during this time...
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Eligible Expenses
Your Health Care Reimbursement Flexible Spending Account lets you pay for medical care expenses not covered by your insurance plan with pre-tax dollars.
HSA and HDHP Limits for 2021 Announced
The IRS recently released Revenue Procedure 2020-32 to provide the inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs) for 2021.
Affordability Percentages Will Increase for 2021
The IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2020-36 to index the contribution percentages in 2021 for determining affordability of an employer’s plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
DOL Q&As Employee Leave Under the FFCRA
Since the passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) in March 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued—and added to—a lengthy series of questions and answers (Q&As) about employee leave under the Act.
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