On March 11, 2020, the IRS announced that high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) may cover COVID-19 testing and treatment without a deductible or with a deductible below the required minimum deductible for HDHPs without losing their HDHP status under the Code or threatening the tax-favored treatment of participants’ health savings accounts (HSAs). The notice applies broadly … Continued
As the coronavirus continues to spread and disrupt our lives – and with testing kits not yet widely available – people are looking for ways to avoid large public crowds and offices. Many are wary of visiting doctors’ offices or other medical facilities for fear of catching or transmitting COVID-19. The use of telehealth and … Continued
Does your health insurance policy include a spending account or reimbursement arrangement from which you can pull funds for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses? If so, you most likely have an HSA, Medical FSA, or an HRA attached to your health plan. Below, we’ve broken down each term to clarify the differences between all three. Health Savings … Continued
Recently retired or retiring soon? Deciding what to do with your health insurance coverage can be a challenge, but we’re here to help. The following information is important to consider when planning retirement, and how to insure your healthcare needs. Q. What are my options for healthcare coverage when I retire? A. Your previous employer … Continued
By Chris Shipley, Vice President and Director of Emerging Markets I would bet that I see at least 2-3 articles a week about the strength of the economy and how it is creating a difficult job market for attracting and retaining quality employees. Additionally, I probably talk to at least one business each week that … Continued
Many of us had envisioned that we would see less enforcement in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) compliance arena. This is not the case. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) they had a record year in 2018. The news that the OCR is collecting … Continued
On March 4, 2019, a U.S. District Court ruled that the White House Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) reasons for discontinuing the 2017 EEO-1 pay data requirement were speculative and insufficient. Because of the court’s order, employers subject to the EEO-1 survey requirement are now faced with the possibility they will need to gather … Continued
HR departments for large employers all across the country are focused once again on getting out their 1095-Cs. This process brings to light for many the need to monitor employees’ hours-of-service. Because of certain Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions large employers want to make certain employees working 30 or more hours per week are offered … Continued
In late December 2017, the judge in the AARP vs. EEOC case ordered that the wellness plan incentive rules contained in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulations to be vacated beginning January 1, 2019. The EEOC had an opportunity to draft new rules during the spring and summer of last year, yet we were … Continued
