High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) paired with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) remain a cornerstone of modern benefits strategy. When executed correctly, they offer a powerful “triple tax advantage” for employees and lower premiums for employers. However, the federal rules governing these accounts are strict. As we move into the 2026 plan year—and navigate new permanent…
If your company provides an employee benefit plan governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), you are likely obligated to file Form 5500. This annual report discloses key details about your organization’s benefit offerings, such as welfare benefit plans (including medical, dental, life, and disability coverage), retirement plans, fully insured plans, and self-funded…
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued Notice 2025-61, announcing a significant increase to the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee amount. Employers with self-insured health plans and health insurance issuers must take note of the new rate and upcoming compliance deadlines. What is the New PCORI Fee Amount? The PCORI fee is increasing to…
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a final rule that requires covered entities—including many health plans—to update their Notice of Privacy Practices (Privacy Notice). This change enhances privacy protections for highly sensitive Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment records. Why the Update is Necessary The HIPAA Privacy Rule already mandates that…
Employers with insured health plans may have received a Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) rebate from their health insurance carrier this year. Rebates were required for plans not meeting the 2024 MLR standards and had to be issued by September 30, 2025, either as premium credits or lump-sum payments. If any part of the rebate qualifies…
Open enrollment is a hectic and critical period for employers that often brings a risk of compliance errors. These mistakes can confuse employees and cause missed benefits, while also exposing employers to legal risks. This article highlights five common compliance pitfalls to avoid during open enrollment: By proactively addressing these areas, employers can help employees…
How to position yourself as a trusted ACA compliance advisor For brokers and benefits advisors, Q4 planning doesn’t start in October. It starts now. September marks a critical moment in the annual ACA compliance cycle, when employers begin thinking about year-end strategies, benefits renewals, and how to avoid last-minute reporting panic. That makes now the perfect…
If your company provides an employee benefit plan governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), you are likely obligated to file Form 5500. This annual report discloses key details about your organization’s benefit offerings, such as welfare benefit plans (including medical, dental, life, and disability coverage), retirement plans, fully insured plans, and self-funded…
The annual EEO-1 Report, mandated by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), is a cornerstone of workplace diversity and anti-discrimination efforts in the United States. This data collection provides a demographic snapshot of America’s workforce, helping to monitor for discrimination and promote equal employment opportunity. Missing the deadline can lead to serious consequences, making it…
At the close of 2024, Congress passed two new pieces of legislation: the Paperwork Burden Reduction Act and the Employer Reporting Improvement Act. These laws simplify the Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting requirements for employers and introduce new limits on the IRS’s authority to enforce “pay-or-play” penalties, among other changes. Under the ACA, applicable large…
