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“I really appreciate receiving the monthly HR newsletter from FIFS. As a small business owner, I have very limited time, resources, and staff to really dive into the many HR compliance issues and regulations that I am expected to adhere to. The newsletter provides guidance and a roadmap to focus my time and energy in the right direction.” – Jerry M., Souderton
Compliance Education Center
Affordable Care Act: 2026 Compliance Checklist
November 2025
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) made widespread reforms to health plan coverage when it was enacted in 2010. Since then, changes have been made to various ACA requirements for employer-sponsored health coverage.
Why Health Care Costs Are Increasing in 2026
November 2025
Health care costs have been growing at an alarming rate in recent years, and they’re not slowing down. Surveys project that U.S. health care costs are likely to increase by 6.5% to, in many cases, over 10% in 2026.
Deadline for Updating HIPAA Privacy Notices Is Approaching
November 2025
The HIPAA Privacy Rule generally requires covered entities (health plans, health care providers and health care clearinghouses) to provide individuals with a Notice of Privacy Practices (or Privacy Notice)…
7 Steps to Take After Open Enrollment
November 2025
Open enrollment can be overwhelming, but once it ends, it’s time to get ready for your benefits to kick in.
Small Business Bulletin
November 2025
Every year, health insurance companies inform state officials of their expected cost changes and propose new prices for plans that comply with the Affordable Care Act regulations.
Live Well, Work Well Video
November 2025
Monthly Tips for Healthy Living: The Power of Gratitude and Positive Thinking
Depression Rates Remain High
November 2025
A recent Gallup poll revealed that over 18% of U.S. adults are currently experiencing or being treated for depression, amounting to nearly 47.8 million Americans.
How AI is Shaping Employee Benefits
November 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how employer-sponsored benefits are designed, delivered and experienced. In fact, Mercer’s latest Global Talent Trends study found that approximately 40% of HR leaders use AI for benefits administration.
Why Health Care Costs Will Rise Significantly in 2026
October 7, 2025
Health care costs, and consequently employee benefit costs, have been growing at an alarming rate in recent years, and they’re not slowing down.
EEOC Increases Penalty for Violations of Notice-posting Requirements
October 2, 2025
On Sept. 30, 2025, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) published a final rule increasing the maximum civil monetary penalty for violations of federal requirements for employers to post notices about fair employment laws in their employees’ workplaces.
2026 Open Enrollment Checklist
October 2025
To prepare for open enrollment, employers that sponsor health plans should be aware of compliance changes affecting the design and administration of their plans for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2026.
Title VII Religious Discrimination and Accommodations
October 2025
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Title VII) prohibits employers with 15 or more employees from discriminating on the basis of an applicant’s or employee’s protected trait, including religion.
Motivating Employees to Actively Participate in Open Enrollment
October 2025
An Employee Benefit Research Institute survey revealed that while plan enrollees are satisfied with open enrollment, they spend very little time picking a plan. Surveyed enrollees spent less than two hours deciding on their health plan enrollment, with one-half spending less than one hour and one-third spending less than 30 minutes.
Why Are Health Care Costs Rising?
October 2025
In recent years, health care costs have been rising drastically. Reports predict that health care costs could rise by 8%-9% in 2026. This trend is expected to continue due to a range of factors, including the following:
Open Enrollment Communication Tips
October 2025
Effective communication is critical to educate and inform employees about new, returning or expanded benefits options. Consider these six open enrollment communication tips:
Live Well, Work Well Video
October 2025
Monthly Tips for Healthy Living: What to Know About This Year’s Flu Season
Small Businesses Facing Cost Pressures and Uncertainty
October 2025
Small businesses are often considered the backbone of local economies and innovation, but in recent years, they’ve been navigating an increasingly complex financial terrain.
Mental Health Minute
October 2025
In an age where it is easy to instinctively scroll through endless feeds of distressing headlines and negative news, the term “doomscrolling” has emerged to describe this compulsive consumption of pessimistic content online.
Medicare Part D Notices Are Due Before Oct. 15, 2025
October 2025
Each year, Medicare Part D requires group health plan sponsors to disclose to individuals who are eligible for Medicare Part D and to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) whether the health plan’s prescription drug coverage is creditable. Plan sponsors must provide the annual disclosure notice to Medicare-eligible individuals before Oct. 15, 2025—
Avoiding AI Employee Training Mistakes
October 2025
As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become increasingly embedded in workplace operations, more employers are asking their workforce to use AI in their day-to-day roles. However, not all AI initiatives have a positive impact on employees.
Deadline for Employers to Receive MLR Rebates is Approaching
September 2025
Employers with insured group health plans may soon receive a medical loss ratio (MLR) rebate from their health insurance issuers. Issuers who did not meet the applicable MLR percentage for 2024 must provide rebates to plan sponsors by Sept. 30, 2025.
Cafeteria Plans: Mid-year Election Changes
September 2025
Participant elections under an Internal Revenue Code (Code) Section 125 cafeteria plan must be made before the first day of the plan year or the date taxable benefits would currently be available, whichever comes first. Participant elections generally must be irrevocable until the beginning of the next plan year.
Avoiding Common Open Enrollment Compliance Mistakes
September 2025
Employers commonly make several mistakes during open enrollment, a busy and stressful period that comes with a high potential for errors.
Report Shows ACA Marketplace Premiums Could Increase by 15% in 2026
September 2025
Preliminary rate filings from over 300 Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplaces show that insurers are proposing that premiums for 2026 are expected to rise by 15% to 18%, marking the most significant increase since 2018.
From the HR Hotline
3rd Quarter 2025
In recent months, employers have been seeking guidance on prescription drug data collection, employment verification, and legal requirements when terminating or suspending employment. While answers to these topics can vary based on locality, employer and individual circumstances, federal agencies offer guidance that can aid employers in addressing day-to-day challenges in the workplace. This article explores questions and answers to common HR situations.
DOL Updates Model Employer CHIP Notice
September 2025
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has released a new model employer Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) notice with information that is current as of July 31, 2025.
Employee Referral Programs for Small Businesses
September 2025
As small businesses compete amid ongoing talent challenges, often with fewer resources than large companies, they may need to get creative in their attraction and hiring efforts.
HR Brief
September 2025
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recently announced that the Status Change Report will include an additional “Revoked Document Number” field to help employers determine whether an employee’s employment authorization document (EAD) presented when completing the Employment Eligibility Verification form (Form I-9) and used to create their E-Verify case is the revoked EAD in the report.
Live Well, Work Well Video
September 2025
Monthly Tips for Healthy Living: Are You Prepared for an Emergency?
The OBBB Act and Employee Benefit Changes
September 2025
President Donald Trump recently signed a major tax and spending bill, commonly referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBB Act), into law. The OBBB Act includes changes for employee benefit plans, including:
Mental Health Minute
September 2025
Do you know about 988? The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was established in 2005 to help those in crisis. In 2022, the Lifeline simplified its number to 988 to make it easier for people to remember and access.
Navigating Health Plan Notice Changes in 2025 and Beyond
August 2025
Employers should be aware of updates to several model notices that can be used to comply with certain disclosure requirements for their group health plans under federal laws.
Health Plan Enrollment Rules
August 2025
Employers who sponsor group health plans have some different options available to them for designing their plans’ enrollment process. When it comes to enrollment, employers should have rules in place regarding:
Health Savings Account (HSA) Eligibility Rules
August 2025
Many employers offer high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) to control premium costs, and then pair this coverage with health savings accounts (HSAs) to help employees with their health care expenses.
Supreme Court Upholds ACA’s Preventive Care Mandate
August 2025
On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a key component of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) preventive care mandate.
HHS Announces Support From Insurers for Changes to Prior Authorizations
August 2025
A KFF survey revealed that about 1 in 6 insured adults say they’ve had prior authorization problems. U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that almost 50 health insurers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Cigna, Elevance Health, Humana and UnitedHealthcare, have voluntarily pledged to standardize and reform the prior authorization process.
Attraction and Retention Tips for the Summer
August 2025
Summer can present a strategic opportunity for employers with seasonal employment, internships and graduations. This time of year is also often the peak season for many small businesses, driving up the need to hire more workers to keep up with increased demands.
The Heat’s Impact on Mental Health
August 2025
Health experts warn that extreme heat can significantly affect emotional and psychological well-being. Whether it leads to increased irritability or potential impacts on mental health conditions, excessive heat can be uncomfortable and dangerous.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act & Employee Benefits Changes
August 2025
President Donald Trump recently signed a major tax and spending bill, commonly referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBB Act), into law. The OBBB Act includes changes for employee benefit plans, including the following:
HSA Facts and Myths
August 2025
Health savings accounts (HSAs) offer individuals a tax-friendly way to set money aside for medical expenses. HSAs have many advantages but are also widely misunderstood. The following are some common myths and facts about HSAs:
Live Well, Work Well Video
August 2025
Monthly Tips for Healthy Living: Taking Care of Yourself During National Wellness Month
Americans with Disabilities Act: Employer-provided Leave
August 2025
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of disability and requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has provided guidance on when and how leave must be granted to disabled employees as a reasonable accommodation.
ADA Reasonable Accommodation Checklist
August 2025
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants with disabilities, except when the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the employer’s business.
Legal Update
July 4, 2025
On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a major tax and spending bill, commonly referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBB Act), into law. The OBBB Act includes changes for employee benefit plans, including provisions that:
COBRA Premiums
July 2025
Group health plans can require qualified beneficiaries to pay for COBRA continuation coverage, although plan sponsors can choose to provide continuation coverage at reduced or no cost.
Improving Your Health Care Literacy
July 2025
Personal health care literacy refers to being familiar with health care basics, understanding common medical terms and navigating health care information effectively. Improving your health care literacy can help you avoid unnecessary spending, stay healthy and prevent health problems.
Health Plan Enrollment Rules
July 2025
Employers who sponsor group health plans have some different options available to them for designing their plans’ enrollment process. When it comes to enrollment, employers should have rules in place regarding:
PCORI Fees Due July 31, 2025
July 2025
The Affordable Care Act requires health insurance issuers and self-insured plan sponsors to pay Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fees. The fees are reported and paid annually using IRS Form 720.
U.S. Supreme Court Upholds State Ban on Gender-affirming Care for Minors
July 2025
On June 18, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of a Tennessee law banning certain medical care, such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy, for transgender minors under the age of 18. As a result of the ruling…
Overcoming Summer Workforce Challenges
July 2025
Summer brings both opportunity and complexity for small businesses. Warmer weather and seasonal demand can boost business activity, but these months also introduce unique talent management challenges.
Good Stress vs. Bad Stress
July 2025
Not all stress is bad. Eustress, or “good stress,” can be beneficial and invigorating. It’s the kind of stress that pushes you to perform better, encourages growth, and helps you achieve your goals or overcome challenges.
White House Releases Chronic Disease Report
July 2025
A new report from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists revealed that prescription drug spending in the United States reached nearly $806 billion in 2024, up 10.2% from 2023.
Complying with the Equal Pay Act Checklist
July 2025
The Equal Pay Act (EPA) is one of several federal laws that aim to protect employees from discrimination in the workplace. This law applies to all employers, regardless of their organization’s size.
U.S. Supreme Court Upholds ACA’s Mandate for Free Preventive Care
June 27, 2025
On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a key component of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) preventive care mandate (Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, Inc.). The Court’s decision requires health plans and health insurance issuers to continue covering, without cost sharing, the full range of recommended preventive care services.
From the HR Hotline – 2nd Quarter 2025
June 2025
Zywave’s HR consultants continue to provide expertise and serve as a valuable resource for navigating the pressing challenges facing employers today. The HR Hotline team fields dozens of questions each day from employers seeking answers to their HR questions.
COBRA Qualifying Events
June 2025
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) is a federal law that requires most employers to provide former employees and dependents who lose group health benefits due to a qualifying event with an opportunity to continue group health coverage for a limited period of time.
Engaging Generation Z in the Workplace
June 2025
Generation Z (Gen Z) accounts for a growing percentage of the global workforce. These individuals, born between 1997 and 2012, range from 13 to 28 years old, making up the current and next wave of young professionals.
IRS Releases HSA/HDHP Limits for 2026
June 2025
On May 1, 2025, the IRS released the inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs) for 2026. The IRS is required to publish these limits by June 1 of each year.
Taking a Social Media Break
June 2025
There are risks to mental health from social media use, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Such risks include depression, social comparison, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content and sleep disruption.
Biosimilar Market Trends to Monitor in 2025
June 2025
A decade after the first biosimilar approval, these medications are still gaining approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and entering the market each year.
Complying with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act Checklist
June 2025
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is a federal law that protects individuals aged 40 years or older from employment discrimination based on age.
Vendor Management Tips
June 2025
Small businesses often don’t have the resources or expertise required to conduct every necessary function. That’s where vendors come in; they provide access to expertise, products and services that help a business run.
Benefits & Me Newsletter
June 2025
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have become a cornerstone in the treatment of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental health disorders.
New Executive Order Aims to Reduce Drug Costs
May 19, 2025
On May 12, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO) that aims to bring the prices Americans pay for prescription drugs in line with those paid by similar nations.
2024 RxDC Reporting Reminder
May 15, 2025
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) previously released updated Prescription Drugs Data Collection (“RxDC”) reporting instructions related to reporting 2024 data; there are no changes between the 2023 and 2024 instructions. The deadline to report 2024 RxDC data to CMS is June 1, 2025.
HSA/HDHP Limits Will Increase for 2026
May 6, 2025
On May 1, 2025, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2025-19 to provide the inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs) for 2026.
COBRA Common Questions – Notification Requirements
May 2025
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows individuals to continue their group health plan coverage in certain situations.
1 in 4 Workers Unaware of Mental Health Benefits
May 2025
An annual survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that 1 in 4 workers are unaware whether their employers offer mental health benefits, employee assistance programs, flexible work arrangements or sick days for mental health.
RxDC Reporting Due by June 1, 2025
May 2025
Group health plans and health insurance issuers must annually submit detailed information on prescription drug and health care spending to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Report: Employee Leave Requests Rose in 2024, Mental Health Among Key Reasons
May 2025
Employee leave requests increased for the third consecutive year in 2024, according to the 2025 State of Leave and Accommodations report from software firm AbsenceSoft.
DOL Updates Model Employer CHIP Notice
May 2025
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has released a new model Employer Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Notice with information current as of March 17, 2025.
Staying Educated on Mental Health Benefits
May 2025
Mental health benefits are valuable resources that many employers offer. These types of resources—flexible work arrangements, employee assistance programs, coverage for talk therapy and wellness programs—can help you manage stress, anxiety and other mental health concerns.
Trump Executive Order Aims to Repeal Disparate Impact Liability
May 2025
On April 23, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO) that aims to repeal disparate impact liability under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Title VII) and other federal antidiscrimination laws and ultimately reduce the potential discrimination claims employees may bring under federal law.
4 Reasons Why Reading is Good For Your Brain
May 2025
Reading is often considered a leisurely activity, but its benefits extend beyond entertainment. Daily reading can significantly impact mental health by enhancing cognitive function, reducing stress and fostering emotional well-being.
Fair Employment and Discrimination
May 2025
Under federal law, many employers are prohibited from discriminating against individuals based on certain protected traits. Employers with 15 or more employees may not discriminate against individuals based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or genetic information.
USCIS Updates Form I-9 and E-Verify
April 7, 2025
On April 2, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its Employment Eligibility Verification form (Form I-9) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Privacy Notice in the form’s instructions to align with statutory language. The revised Form I-9 is dated “01/20/25” and has an expiration date of “05/31/2027.”
Employee Leave – Legal Rules
April 2025
Employees may need to take time off from work for various reasons, including for their own medical situations or family emergencies. Federal and state leave laws require employers to provide employees with leave in certain situations.
Class-action Lawsuits Target Health Plan Tobacco Surcharges
April 2025
Numerous class-action lawsuits have recently been filed against employers alleging that health plan premium surcharges related to tobacco use violate federal compliance requirements.
Coping With Stress
April 2025
April is Stress Awareness Month, a time dedicated to acknowledging the commonality of stress and empowering individuals to manage it effectively.
Navigating a Growing Array of Benefits Options
April 2025
In today’s labor market, offering a robust benefits package is essential for employee attraction, retention and well-being.
Complying With COBRA Checklist
April 2025
This checklist outlines key steps for administering COBRA coverage.
Executive Order Directs Federal Agencies to Improve Health Care Price Transparency
April 2025
Recently, President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO) directing federal agencies to issue new guidance to improve health care price transparency.
5 Steps for Buying Life Insurance
April 2025
Life insurance is a crucial tool that can provide peace of mind and a financial safety net for you and your loved ones in times of loss.
Small Business Tips for Overcoming HR Distrust
April 2025
HR performs several functions that are necessary for small businesses including employee recruitment, onboarding, training, payroll and benefits, compliance and employee relations.
ERISA Compliance FAQs
April 2025
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is a federal law that sets minimum standards for employee benefit plans maintained by private-sector employers.
Employers Should Start Preparing for 2025 RxDC Reporting
March 18, 2025
Group health plans and health insurance issuers must annually submit detailed information on prescription drug and health care spending to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This reporting is referred to as the “prescription drug data collection” (or “RxDC report”).
Executive Order Directs Federal Agencies to Improve Health Care Price Transparency
March 2025
On Feb. 25, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO) titled Making America Healthy Again by Empowering Patients With Clear, Accurate, and Actionable Healthcare Pricing Information. By making more meaningful price information available to patients, this EO aims to promote a more competitive, innovative, affordable and higher-quality health care system.
Small Business Compliance Checklist
March 2025
Compliance is the act of adhering to federal, state and local laws and regulations. It’s an essential part of any business’s operations, regardless of size or industry. Ensuring compliance can aid employers in mitigating risks and avoiding hefty fines and penalties.
4 Tips to Save on Health Care Expenses
March 2025
Once again, health care costs are expected to rise this year. However, there are ways that you can reduce your spending. Consider these four tips:
ERISA Fiduciary Breach Claims Dismissed in Prescription Drug Lawsuit
March 2025
On Jan. 24, 2025, a U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey dismissed two claims in a class-action lawsuit filed against Johnson & Johnson (J&J), which alleged that the company breached its fiduciary duties under ERISA by mismanaging its prescription drug benefits plan and costing the plan and its participants millions of dollars due to higher out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs and higher premiums, among other things.
Newly Passed Legislation Modifies ACA Reporting Requirements
March 2025
At the end of 2024, Congress passed two new laws, the Paperwork Burden Reduction Act and the Employer Reporting Improvement Act. These laws eased the Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting requirements for employers and set new limits on the IRS’ assessment of “pay-or-play” penalties, among other changes.
Small Businesses Expect to Increase Employee Count in 2025
March 2025
Nearly 2 in 3 CEOs of small and midsized businesses (SMBs) expect their total number of employees to increase in 2025, according to a quarterly analysis by Vistage, a CEO coaching organization.
15 Drugs for Medicare Price Negotiations
March 2025
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services selected 15 additional drugs subject to Medicare Part D price negotiations. Manufacturers with a selected drug had until Feb. 28 to decide whether to participate in negotiations; then, negotiations will continue through 2025.
Form 5500 Exemption for Small Welfare Benefit Plans
March 2025
Employers that are subject to ERISA must file an annual report (Form 5500) with the Department of Labor (DOL) for their employee benefit plans. The Form 5500 must be filed by the last day of the seventh month following the end of the plan year, unless the employer requests an extension.
Employee Benefit Plan Limits for 2025
March 2025
Many employee benefits are subject to annual dollar limits that are adjusted for inflation by the IRS each year. The following commonly offered employee benefits are subject to these limits:
The Connection Between Diet and Mental Health
March 2025
Good nutrition is essential not only for physical health but also for mental well-being. The foods you eat profoundly influence your mood, cognitive function and ability to manage stress. A healthy, well-balanced diet can help you think clearly and be more alert.
Avoiding Common FLSA Overtime Mistakes
March 2025
The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to pay nonexempt employees with overtime pay for every hour they work over 40 during a workweek. Overtime pay must be paid at a rate of one and one-half the employee’s regular rate of pay.
Federal Court Partially Blocks Trump DEI Executive Order
February 26, 2025
On Feb. 21, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland issued a nationwide preliminary injunction, temporarily blocking certain provisions of Executive Orders (EO) 14151 and 14173 issued by President Donald Trump on Jan. 20, 2025, and Jan. 21, 2025, respectively.
Best Practices for Preparing for Immigration Raids
February 6, 2025
The federal government has recently increased its immigration enforcement efforts. This trend will likely continue in the foreseeable future, increasing employers’ potential risk of being subject to worksite enforcement action.