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 …
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 …
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 …
IRS Extends Deadline for Providing Form 1095-C to Employees
Under Notice 2016-70 the IRS extended the deadline for providing the 2016 Forms 1095-B and 1095-C to individuals from January 31, 2017 to March 2, 2017. The extension only affects …
IRS and SSA Announce 2017 Indexed Numbers
The IRS and Social Security Administration have announced cost-of-living increases for retirement and other employee benefit plans for 2017. 2017 2016 Compensation Limit $270,000 $265,000 Highly Compensated Employee …
Proposed Regulations for Treatment of Opt-Out Payments for “Affordability” Calculations
When employers offer employees a cash payment to opt out of medical coverage, how does the potential opt-out payment affect the affordability calculation under the ACA? Including the potential opt-out …
DOL, IRS and PBGC Release Proposed Revisions to the Form 5500
The DOL, IRS and PBGC have released proposed changes to the annual Form 5500 filed for ERISA plans. These revisions have been submitted for public comment and will be effective …
HIPAA Compliance Alert
The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has begun the second phase of audits of covered entities and their business associates. Covered entities take into account employers with self-insured group …
DOL Increases Penalties for Health Plan and Other Violations
On June 30, 2016 the DOL issued an interim rule increasing penalties for various health plan and other compliance violations. The changes became effective beginning August 1, 2016 and include …