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Compliance Education Center
COBRA ResourcesPrescription Drug Notices Due by October 15
September 25, 2023
Each year, group health plan sponsors must disclose whether the plan’s prescription drug coverage is creditable to all Medicare Part D-eligible individuals. The notice must be provided by Oct. 15, the beginning of the annual enrollment period for Medicare Part D. This is true even when, as in 2023, Oct. 15 falls on a weekend.
MLR Rebate Checks To Be Issued Soon
September 20, 2023
As a reminder, insurance carriers are required to satisfy certain medical loss ratio (“MLR”) thresholds. This generally means that…
Small Business Bulletin
September 2023
As small businesses compete amid ongoing talent shortages, often with fewer resources than large companies, they may need to get creative in their attraction and hiring efforts.
In the Loop
September 2023
The Biden administration recently launched a beta website for its new student debt loan repayment plan, the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan.
Live Well, Work Well
September 2023
In the pursuit of a fulfilling life, happiness is a goal for many. However, happiness is not an isolated concept…
Mental Health Minute
September 2023
Recent research indicates that the communication between your brain and your gut plays a crucial role in your overall health.
HR Compliance Bulletin
August 30, 2023
On Aug. 30, 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a proposed rule to amend current requirements employees in white-collar occupations must satisfy to qualify for an overtime exemption under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Checklist for Completing Form I-9
August 21, 2023
Federal law requires employers to hire only individuals who may legally work in the United States – either U.S. citizens or authorized foreign nationals. To comply with the law, employers must verify the identity and employment authorization of each individual they hire….
News Brief
August 17, 2023
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) settles its first AI Discrimination Case.
ERISA Compliance FAQs
August 3, 2023
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. ERISA includes requirements for both retirement plans (for example, 401(k) plans) and welfare benefit plans (for example, group health plans).
Benefits Buzz
August 2023
On July 13, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it approved the first nonprescription daily oral contraceptive to prevent pregnancy.
In the Loop
August 2023
In many parts of the country, wildfire season is now in full effect. Wildfires pose a serious threat to life, property, and health.
Small Business Bulletin
August 2023
As talent shortages persist across industries, an increasing number of small businesses are grappling with the need to adapt to this “new normal” to address this challenge effectively.
Live Well, Work Well
August 2023
Self-discipline is an important skill that can enable you to reach personal and professional goals. Developing self-discipline is like strengthening muscles; it can be improved with practice.
Mental Health Minute
August 2023
Happiness is a positive emotion that can include feelings of gladness, satisfaction, joy, and well-being. Many Americans desire happy, fulfilling lives. However, happiness is not an isolated feeling. It’s complex and connected to your overall physical and mental health.
Do You Have An Employee Losing Medicaid Coverage?
July 25, 2023
On July 20, 2023, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury (Departments) released a letter calling on employers who sponsor group health plans to extend their HIPAA special enrollment periods beyond 60 days for individuals who lose coverage under Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
New Form I-9 Available Aug. 1, 2023
July 25, 2023
On July 21, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new version of Form I‑9, also known as the Employment Eligibility Verification form.
President Biden Announces New Actions Intended to Provide Debt Relief
July 24, 2023
President Joe Biden recently announced a new plan to pursue debt cancellation under the Higher Education Act (HEA).
Are You Ready for a World Driven by Artificial Intelligence?
July 18, 2023
Artificial intelligence (AI) impacts almost every area of society. And as groundbreaking technologies like generative AI emerge, this impact will increase in the coming years.
Important Update: COBRA Timeframes Resuming
July 13, 2023
The temporary pause on COBRA payments and timeframes, which was extended during the COVID-19 National Emergency, came to an end on July 10, 2023.
What the Groff v. DeJoy SCOTUS Opinion Means for Employers
July 10, 2023
On June 29, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion in Groff v. DeJoy. The case significantly heightens the bar for employers looking to deny an employee’s request for a religious accommodation.
HR Brief
July 2023
The IRS recently released Revenue Procedure 2023-23 to provide the inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs) for 2024. The IRS is required to publish these limits by June 1 of each year.
Benefits Breakdown
July 2023
Cell and gene therapy (CGT) is a treatment that modifies a patient’s genetic code to treat or cure specific diseases.
Live Well, Work Well
July 2023
At some point throughout the summer, you may spend time outside with family and friends at a picnic or backyard barbecue. If you aren’t careful about handling foods and beverages during these cookouts, you’re putting yourself and others at risk for potential food-related illnesses.
In the Loop
July 2023
Self-discipline is a crucial skill that can help you reach professional goals and milestones. It describes your ability to focus on a task or goal to accomplish it.
Mental Health Minute
July 2023
A Healthline survey recently found that 25% of people say social media negatively impacts their mental well-being, and more than half (53%) believe cutting down on social media use could improve their mental health.
Small Business Bulletin
July 2023
Employee fraud, which involves deliberate dishonesty, theft or deception by an employee for personal gain, is prevalent in nearly two-thirds of U.S. small businesses, according to the National Federation of Independent Business.
EEOC Issues New Posters With PWFA Updates for June 27, 2023, & After
June 27, 2023
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued new posters that include information about the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA).
ERISA Compliance FAQs
June 23, 2023
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.
Creating a Job Description Checklist
June 20, 2023
Crafting an effective job description is a crucial step in attracting top talent and ensuring a successful hiring process.
HR Insights
June 1, 2023
“Bare Minimum Monday” is one of many recent employment trends to gain popularity on social media. Similar to “quiet quitting,” this trend entails employees prioritizing their work-life
Health Care Overview
June 1, 2023
Group health plans and health insurance issuers are subject to many new requirements designed to increase health care transparency and protect consumers against surprise medical bills. These requirements come from final rules regarding transparency in coverage (TiC Final Rules), which were issued by the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury (Departments) in November 2020, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA), which was signed into law in December 2020.
News Brief
June 1, 2023
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released technical assistance focusing on preventing discrimination against applicants and employees because of employers’ use of algorithmic decision-making tools when making employment decisions.
Benefits Buzz Newsletter
June 2023
On May 16, 2023, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2023-23 to provide the inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs) for 2024.
HR Brief Newsletter
June 2023
Recently, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that employers have until Aug. 30, 2023, to complete the physical inspection of identity and employment eligibility documents for any employee whose Employment Eligibility Verification form (Form I-9) was completed virtually according to the temporary flexibilities extended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Benefits Breakdown Newsletter
June 2023
What employers need to know about Medicaid redeterminations…
Live Well, Work Well Newsletter
June 2023
As we move into summer, many will want to exercise outdoors to stay active and get some fresh air. That’s great news, as health experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week.
Mental Health Minute
June 2023
While physical exercise is known to be good for your body, it also can help your mind. Research continues to validate that exercise can improve mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative moods.
Small Business Bulletin
June 2023
With fewer employees, small businesses tend to be more dependent on workers’ individual performance. As a result, there’s often a lot at stake for a small business when hiring and developing talent.
DOL Issues Opinion Letter About Holidays During FMLA Leave
May 31, 2023
On May 30, 2023, the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the U.S. Department of Labor issued Opinion Letter FMLA2023-2-A: “Whether Holidays Count Against an Employee’s FMLA Leave Entitlement and Determination of the Amount of Leave Taken.”
Legalized Marijuana State Laws & Related Employment Laws
May 15, 2023
Employers should become familiar with all applicable laws before implementing or enforcing any workplace policies regarding employee marijuana use. This infographic highlights state laws for legalized marijuana and related employment laws.
HR Insights
May 1, 2023
The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, Eightfold and HireVue is forever changing the HR landscape.
Legal Update
May 1, 2023
Aiming to promote responsible innovation in automated systems—including those marketed as artificial intelligence or AI—four federal agencies have issued a joint statement pledging to monitor the development and use of these systems and vigorously enforce anti-discrimination laws as they become more common.
HR Brief
May 2023
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Title VII), employers with 100 or more employees and certain federal contractors must submit a report about their workforces to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) by March 31 every year.
Benefits Buzz
May 2023
How the end of the COVID-19 National Emergency impacts health plan deadlines.
Small Business Bulletin
May 2023
Vendors provide access to expertise, products, and services that help a business run. Vendor management is important for a small business’s overall success and growth because it can help organizations control costs, minimize risks and improve services, but the practice can be challenging.
Benefits Breakdown
May 2023
Rapidly increasing health care costs will likely continue to impact employers for the foreseeable future. The introduction of biosimilar drugs as an alternative to biologics may bring value to health care by offering cost savings and increasing employee access to necessary medications.
In the Loop
May 2023
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the sale of Narcan, a brand name for the drug naloxone and the standard treatment for opioid overdose, without a prescription.
Live Well, Work Well
May 2023
Mental Health Awareness Month, observed every May, is a time to raise awareness and break the stigma about mental health, and support people with mental illness.
Legal Update
April 27, 2023
The deadline for health plans and health insurance issuers to submit their second prescription drug data collection (RxDC) report is June 1, 2023. This is an annual reporting requirement; plans and issuers will generally submit these reports by June 1 of each year, reporting information for the prior calendar year.
ACA Compliance Bulletin
April 24, 2023
On April 13, 2023, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (Departments) issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) preventive care coverage requirement.
Guidance Issued on Emergency Period Expiration
April 14, 2023
This Compliance Bulletin contains guidance released in FAQ 58; however, President Joe Biden subsequently signed a House Bill on April 10, 2023 immediately ending the National Emergency, which may change certain dates referenced below. It is possible that FAQ 58 will be updated to reflect new dates. The signed Bill did not change the end of the Public Health Emergency, which remains May 11, 2023.
Legal Update
April 12, 2023
On April 10, 2023, President Biden signed a resolution ending the COVID-19 national emergency that had been in place since 2020. The Biden administration had previously announced a May 11, 2023, end date to both the national emergency and the public health emergency (PHE), but the signing of the bipartisan legislation terminates the national emergency as of April 10, 2023.
Benefits Breakdown
April 3, 2023
Americans spend less than one hour on health plan options during open enrollment…
Small Business Bulletin
April 3, 2023
Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT has recently made waves for producing human-like text from user inputs. Accessible to anyone with a computer and internet connection, ChatGPT produces usable written material on a wide range of topics.
In the Loop
April 2, 2023
Global spending on prescription drugs will reach nearly $1.8 trillion by 2026, with the United States
alone spending up to $715 billion…
Benefits Buzz Newsletter
April 2, 2023
On Feb. 23, 2023, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (Departments) issued FAQs on the prohibition of gag clauses…
Mental Health Minute
April 1, 2023
When times get tough, instinct often pushes people toward coping mechanisms. These mechanisms can help people feel like they’re…
Live Well, Work Well
April 1, 2023
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), allergies are the nation’s sixth-leading cause of chronic illness.
Legal Update
March 30, 2023
On March 30, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas issued a ruling that affects portions of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) preventive care services requirement.
Senate Votes to End COVID-19 National Emergency Declaration Early
March 29, 2023
On March 29, 2023, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution that would end the COVID-19 national emergency declaration that has been in place since 2020.
Compliance Overview
March 16, 2023
Under ERISA, employer-sponsored welfare benefit plans, such as group health plans, must be described in a written plan document.
HR Insights
March 3, 2023
Nearly two decades ago, more employers started requiring college degrees for positions that previously did not require one…
ACA Compliance Bulletin
March 2, 2023
Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in certain health programs and activities.
Benefits Buzz
March 2, 2023
On Jan. 30, 2023, the Biden administration announced that it plans to end the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) and national emergency on May 11, 2023.
Live Well, Work Well
March 2, 2023
March is recognized as National Nutrition Month, making it a great time to evaluate the food and beverages you’re putting into your body.
Health Care Bulletin
February 24, 2023
On Feb. 23, 2023, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury (Departments) issued FAQs on the prohibition of gag clauses under the transparency provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA).
2023 HR Compliance Calendar
February 15, 2023
Use this HR calendar to keep track of important compliance tasks for 2023.
News Brief
February 9, 2023
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, President Joe Biden delivered the 2023 State of the Union address where he discussed Employee Benefits and the workplace.
Health Care Overview
February 6, 2023
Group health plans and health insurance issuers are subject to many new requirements designed to increase healthcare transparency and protect consumers against surprise medical bills.
Benefits Buzz
February 3, 2023
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (CAA) extends the ability of high deductible health plans (HDHPs) to provide benefits for telehealth…
In the Loop
February 3, 2023
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced a proposed rule that would ban noncompete clauses in employment agreements.
Small Business Bulletin
February 3, 2023
Small businesses have faced unprecedented challenges over the last few years. Many are hoping for a calmer 2023…
Live Well, Work Well
February 2, 2023
Some people wake up ready to take on the day, while others may need more time or a cup of coffee to start their day.
HR Brief
February 2, 2023
In 2023, it’s critical for employers to consider how to prepare for economic uncertainty and build resilient, prepared organizations.
Benefits Breakdown
February 2, 2023
There’s no denying that employees’ needs have changed in recent years.
HR Compliance Overview
February 1, 2023
The current federal minimum wage rate is $7.25 per hour. However, several states have adopted minimum wage rates higher than the federal rate.
Health Care Bulletin
January 31, 2023
The Biden Administration has announced its plan to end the COVID-19 national emergency and public health emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023.
Amazon Launches Subscription-based Prescription Drug Service
January 26th, 2023
On Jan. 24, Amazon announced a new Prime membership benefit from Amazon Pharmacy. RxPass will be available only as a subscription service for customers who have Amazon Prime memberships.
Small Business Bulletin
January 24th, 2023
A recession is a prolonged and pervasive reduction in economic activity that can last for several months or years.
Benefits Buzz Newsletter
January 14th, 2023
On Dec. 12, 2022, the IRS released a final rule that extends the annual furnishing deadlines for Sections 6055 and 6056 reporting under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Live Well, Work Well
January 12th, 2023
Winter is one of the most challenging times of the year to collect enough blood products and donations to meet patient needs. That’s why National Blood Donor Month is celebrated every January.
HR Brief
January 11th, 2023
There’s no denying that employees’ needs have changed over the past few years, and many workers are paying more attention to their benefits and wondering how to stretch their dollars further.
In The Loop
January 11th, 2023
Many employee benefits are subject to annual dollar limits that are adjusted for inflation each year by the IRS.
Benefits Breakdown
January 10th, 2023
Many employee benefits are subject to annual dollar limits that the IRS adjusts for inflation each year. The IRS typically announces the dollar limits that will apply for the next calendar year well before the beginning of that year.
Benefits Insights
January 10th, 2023
Benefits have always been crucial for attracting and retaining top performers. For 2023, employers are uniquely positioned to offer more than just a health care plan, including holistic benefits, resources and perks that today’s workers most need.
2023 Limits to Know
January 8th, 2023
Many benefit plan limits have changed for the new calendar year. Here are some limits to review for 2023.
ACA Compliance Bulletin
January 7th, 2023
Employers subject to Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6055 or 6056 should prepare to comply with reporting deadlines in early 2023.
CMS Releases Cost-sharing Limits for 2024 Plan Years
January 7th, 2023
On Dec. 12, 2022, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the maximum limits on cost sharing for 2024 under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
