For the final 2024 edition of our Live Well, Work Well newsletter , we’re focusing on emotional well-being during the holidays. Read this issue for:  Topic #1: Six tips to prioritize your emotional well-being around the holidays.  Topic #2: How to give your favorite recipes a healthy makeover.  Topic #3: New research on sleep and brain aging acceleration.   Bonus: Apple sauce cookies recipe.  [Download the latest edition today]   Share our newsletter with your team  Encourage your team to thrive by sharing our Live Well, Work Well newsletter! Packed with valuable insights on health, wellness and work-life balance, this monthly publication is designed to help employees lead healthier, happier lives both inside and outside the workplace.    By sharing this resource , you can foster a positive work environment, promote well-being and demonstrate your commitment to employee wellness. Get caught up by reading our latest edition on ways ...

In the fast-paced world of human resources, staying updated on the latest regulations and compliance requirements is crucial. The end of the year is a particularly busy for HR professionals and benefits administrators.  The IRS annually adjusts employee benefit plan limits for inflation, so employers need to update their plans accordingly. This blog post will guide you through the employee benefit plan limits for 2025 and offer a comprehensive year-end checklist to ensure compliance and preparedness. We also provide two downloadable resources to support your work:   2025 Employee benefits plan limits reference sheet.   2024 Year-end compliance checklist.   Comparing 2024 and 2025 limits  It's helpful to compare the benefit plan limits for 2024 and 2025 to understand the changes and prepare for the upcoming year.  [Download the full employee benefit plan limits for 2025]   Chart of inflation-adjusted limits: This comprehensive chart compares the 20...

Welcome to the December 2024 edition of Benefits Buzz ! In this issue, we dive into the latest topics related to employee benefits, wellness programs and ever-evolving workplace dynamics. Stay informed and gain insights that help you make the most of your benefits package.  This month's highlights  Topic #1: A brief breakdown of IRS employee benefit plan limits for 2025.  Topic #2: Federal agencies seek to expand coverage for OTC contraceptives under Notice 2024-75, which could impact high-deductible health plans and issuers.   [Download the Full Story PDF]   Stay informed, stay empowered and make the most of your benefits with Benefits Buzz! Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn for monthly updates and never miss out on the latest in benefits news.  Questions?  If you have questions, contact TruePlan . Our team of advisors can help you with questions within the scope of employee benefits .    Read our last Benefits Buzz on ACA reportin...

Telemedicine has made significant strides, reshaping how healthcare is delivered and making medical services more accessible. With the recent surge in its popularity, it's crucial to understand how implementing this benefit could impact your business and your employees' health savings accounts (HSAs). For HR professionals, employers and plan sponsors, knowing the intricacies of telemedicine’s influence on HSA eligibility is essential.  [Download the entire story] to access links and charts from the IRS on HSA eligibility requirements and HSA-compatible coverage types. For a summary, read on.  The intersection of telemedicine and HSA eligibility  Did you know that offering a telemedicine benefit could affect an employee's eligibility for HSA contributions? The IRS has yet to issue direct guidance on this topic; however, general rules governing HSA contributions can help inform your decisions. The structure of your telemedicine benefit could determine whether it is conside...

Vendor management can be a litigious environment where efficiency, transparency and risk mitigation are paramount. With the right advisor in your organization’s corner, you’ll feel more confident navigating vendors and managing their services, ensuring streamlined processes and strategic alignment.   In this blog post, we'll cover the basics: What vendor management in HR entails, why it's important, how it can transform businesses and some scenarios in a few business types. Level up your knowledge and find the right partners to thrive.  Understanding vendor management in HR  Vendor management in HR involves the systematic management of third-party suppliers who provide goods and services essential to HR operations. This includes managing contracts, ensuring compliance with service level agreements and optimizing vendor performance to align with a company's long-term business goals.  A robust vendor management strategy can provide organizations with a structured ...

Compliance is a crucial aspect of human resources, ensuring an organization’s smooth operation and legal standing. For human resources (HR) managers, plan sponsors and employers, navigating the labyrinth of HR compliance can be daunting. Add retirement planning rules and regulations into the mix, and HR teams have a full plate.  Use this blog post as your guide to essential information on:   HR compliance for retirement plans;  labor laws and compliance implementation strategies;  how to make HR compliance part of your workplace culture; and   the ways TruePlan can assist as an HR guide, providing HR compliance solutions and assistance.  Understanding HR compliance  HR compliance refers to the process of defining policies and procedures to ensure that your employment and work practices demonstrate a thorough understanding of applicable laws and regulations, while also being tailored to the specifics of your organization. It encompasses variou...

Can investors breathe a sigh of relief?  The third quarter of 2024 has proven to be both eventful and rewarding for investors across various asset classes. While the first half of the year saw a steady rally in equity markets, fixed-income markets were less fortunate, navigating through a maze of volatility. However, relief came in Q3 as bond markets gained momentum alongside equities, helped by the Federal Reserve's decisive move to cut interest rates by 50 basis points.*  Download the full Market Recap to get insights into these major areas:   the equity market’s resilience;  a resurgent fixed-income market;  geopolitical influences and safe havens; and  the Fed’s interest rate cuts.  The road ahead  Looking forward, investors remain cautious yet optimistic. While the prospect of additional rate cuts presents opportunities, geopolitical uncertainties continue to loom large. Download our comprehensive Market Recap for an in-depth analysis and in...