Pennsylvania Employers: Potential Changes to Your Workers’ Compensation Program

What You Need to Know On June 20, 2017, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court held that the Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE) process was unconstitutional because the General Assembly is not permitted to delegate its authority to issue impairment rating guidelines to a non-legislative body, or in the Protz case, the American Medical Association (AMA).  See Protz … Continued

Fixed-Indemnity Benefits May be Taxable

By Shari Herrle, Director of Compliance A Chief Counsel Advice (CCA) memorandum issued by the IRS in January concludes that benefits provided under a Fixed Indemnity Plan may not be excluded from an employee’s gross income if premiums were pre-taxed through a Section 125 Cafeteria Plan or the premiums were paid by the employer.  Many … Continued

IRS Proposed Changes to Definition of Tax Dependent

The Internal Revenue Service has issued proposed regulations that will redefine “dependent”.    The changes update existing regulations so that they reflect the IRS’s current position on the “tiebreaker” rules, Qualifying Child and Qualifying Relative.   The revised definition of dependent has implications on employee benefit plans as the federal definition of dependent determines whether a household … Continued

HHS Releases New Benefit Parameters

Health and Human Services (HHS) released its 2018 health benefit and payment parameters.  Employer plan sponsors planning for 2018 will want to take note of the new Annual Cost Sharing Limits for group health plan coverage: Health Plan Annual Cost-Sharing Limits: Limits 2017 2018 Individual Coverage $7,150 $7,350 Family Coverage $14,300 $14,700   We anticipate … Continued

DOL Announces Adjustments to Employee Benefit Plan Penalties

In January of this year the DOL issued its first annual adjustment of civil penalties for several benefit-related violations. The new penalties are effective for penalties assessed after January 13, 2017 for violations occurring after November 2, 2015.  We have included a chart below that summarizes the changes. If you have any questions regarding the … Continued

2017 Publication 15-B – Employers Guide to Fringe Benefits

For each new calendar year the IRS releases an updated Publication 15-B (Employers Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits) which provides important information many employers rely upon to determine the tax treatment of various fringe benefits, including accident and health coverage, Health Savings Accounts, transportation benefits, etc.  The 2017 publication has some noteworthy changes and clarity … Continued

Retirement and COBRA

Recently retired or retiring soon? Choosing how to spend your funds and time can be an overwhelming part of retirement. 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: Here at Henderson Brothers, we want to … Continued