The HIPAA Privacy rules function to protect individuals’ protected health information (PHI) and set standards for use of PHI by an employer and its vendors. However, the rules do not …
DOL Continues Support of Lifetime Income Payouts for DC Retirement Plans
The DOL recently issued an information letter that reinforces its continued support of lifetime income vehicles for defined contribution retirement plans. In the letter, the DOL asserts that a prudent …
Communicating HDHPs and HSAs To Employees
When employees are offered a choice between a “high deductible health plan” (HDHP) and a health plan with a lower deductible, they may choose the health plan with the lower …
Compliance Reminders For Retirement Plans
Reviewing Your Retirement Plan For Operational Compliance Employers should perform regular self-audits of their retirement plans to ensure compliance and stay a step ahead of an IRS audit. Quick detection …
Proceeds Paid Under Fixed Indemnity Health Plans May Be Taxable
Fixed indemnity health plans are plans that pay to covered individuals fixed amounts for certain medical services regardless of the amount of medical expenses incurred. Examples might include accident insurance, …
A Survey Released by WorldatWork Documents
WorldatWork recently released a report entitled Inventory of Total Rewards Programs & Practices. This report provides results from a survey exploring the various benefits offered at U.S., Canadian and international …
Supreme Court Accepts Cases Concerning ERISA Church Plan Exemption
Under ERISA there is an exemption from certain ERISA requirements for plans established and maintained by a church or a convention or association of churches. Past interpretations of the statute …
DOL Releases Guidance on Proxy Voting
On December 28, 2016, the DOL issued Interpretive Bulletin 2016-01 updating guidance on proxy voting and the exercise of other shareholder rights under ERISA. Under the new guidance, Interpretive Bulletin 2008-2 is …
HIPAA Enforcement Action Settled for $475,000
The Office of Civil Rights (“OCR”) announced that a settlement has been reached for an action against a health network for untimely reporting of a breach of unsecured protected health …
Federal District Court Issues Nationwide Injunction Against Part of ACA
Section 1557 of the ACA prohibits discrimination under health programs and activities on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, age or disability. Final regulations interpreted Section 1557 as …