This month's highlights  Topic #1: Class-action lawsuits target health plan tobacco surcharges.  Topic #2: IRS issues ACA reporting guidance on individual statements.  Welcome to the April 2025 edition of Benefits Buzz! In this issue, we dive into the latest on employee benefits, wellness programs and ever-evolving workplace dynamics. Stay informed and gain insights that help you make the most of your benefits package.  Download the full story  Download the PDF below for an in-depth look at this month's topics. Dive deeper into guidance that can help you leverage your benefits to their full potential. Don't miss out on valuable insights that could improve your professional and personal life.  [Download the Full Story]   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?  Contact TruePlan . Our...

  With more than 150 voluntary benefits available to supplement traditional offerings like health insurance and 401(k) plans, choosing the right mix can feel overwhelming. How can organizations strike the perfect balance between employee needs, budget constraints and market competitiveness?  In our latest guide, How to navigate a growing array of benefits options , we break down the essential steps to designing a competitive and cost-effective benefits package. From assessing workforce needs to prioritizing offerings and ensuring compliance, this resource provides a roadmap for success.  [Download the full guide now]    Want more information on employee benefits?  As an employee benefits service provider, we have more resources you can leverage. First, explore the five employee benefits trends employers can’t ignore in 2025 . Then, learn what employee benefits perks you can add to your current offerings .  This content is for informational purposes onl...

Compliance missteps in health plan administration can be expensive and time-consuming, but many organizations make the same avoidable errors year after year. From failing to meet ACA reporting requirements to misclassifying employees, these mistakes can trigger audits, penalties and operational headaches.  Is your organization at risk? Compliance resources can keep you on track  In our latest resource, Common health plan compliance mistakes to avoid , we break down the top errors and provide actionable strategies to keep your health plan on track.  [Download the full guide]    Check out some of our additional compliance resources. First, make sure you have these 2025 health compliance deadlines on your calendar. Then, explore some top tips for employers in this human resource compliance guide .  This content is for informational purposes only. It has been partially generated from an AI language model, which may not always be exhaustive or tailored to indiv...

What it means for employers and patients  On Feb. 25, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at improving healthcare price transparency: Making America Healthy Again by Empowering Patients with Clear, Accurate, and Actionable Healthcare Pricing Information.    This directive pushes federal agencies to enforce stricter disclosure requirements. The order builds upon previous transparency rules by requiring:  the disclosure of actual prices for medical services — not just estimates;  updated regulations ensuring standardized, easily comparable pricing data; and  stronger enforcement measures to hold health plans and insurers accountable.  These changes could significantly impact how health plans operate, requiring greater transparency from insurers and providers alike. Employers and benefits managers must stay informed to navigate these evolving regulations.  Want to learn more about how this executive order will affect your health ...

Attention HR professionals! If your organization is subject to Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting, it’s time to gear up for the upcoming deadlines. Staying compliant with IRS regulations is crucial and knowing the timelines can help you avoid last-minute stress.   [Read the Full Article Now to Get Prepared]   What to know for 2024 calendar year reporting  Electronic filing deadline: File returns electronically by March 31 . Filing on paper? The deadline was Feb. 28 . Remember, employers filing 10 or more returns must do so electronically.   Individual statements: Statements were required to be furnished upon request by Jan. 31 or within 30 days of receiving the request , whichever is later. Alternatively, employers needed to submit statements by March 3 if they chose not to follow the on-request distribution method.  [Get the Full Story]   Additionally, a notice with information on obtaining these statements should have been posted on your website ...

Mental health parity compliance is in the spotlight and employers need to stay ahead of evolving regulations. The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has made enforcing the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) one of its top priorities — but what does that mean for your organization?  With nearly 25% of EBSA’s enforcement program dedicated to finding noncompliant health plans, businesses must ensure they meet parity requirements or risk costly penalties.  [Download the full report now]  What’s inside our full compliance bulletin?  Key takeaways from EBSA’s latest report;  how the new MHPAEA final rule impacts employer-sponsored health plans in 2025 and beyond; and  steps employers should take to avoid violations and improve compliance.  Download the full report now to ensure your health plan meets MHPAEA requirements and stays compliant.  Need employee benefits guidance?  Navigating mental health parity regula...

Welcome to the March 2025 edition of Benefits Buzz! In this month's issue, we explore the latest developments in employee benefits, workplace policies and legal changes that may impact you. Stay informed with insights that help you effectively navigate your benefits.  This month's highlights  Topic #1: ERISA fiduciary breach claims dismissed in prescription drug lawsuit   A recent U.S. District Court ruling dismissed two claims in a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, alleging fiduciary breaches under Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The court found the plaintiff lacked standing, emphasizing the complexities of fiduciary litigation related to prescription drug benefits.  Topic #2: DOL clarifies FMLA and state paid family leave programs   A new U.S. Department of Labor opinion letter explains how state-paid family and medical leave (PFML) interacts with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Employers must designate...