Managing HR compliance can be challenging, with numerous deadlines and dynamic tasks throughout the year. To help your business stay organized and avoid penalties, our 2025 HR compliance calendar offers a comprehensive roadmap for key employment-related deadlines.  Download your 2025 HR compliance calendar here  and keep reading for a brief overview. Why you need this calendar  Predictable deadlines: Stay on track with annual tasks like distributing W-2 forms and filing form 5500 for employee benefit plans.  Dynamic compliance tasks: Be prepared for event-driven requirements such as onboarding new hires or managing workplace injury reporting.  Month-by-month planning: Access a detailed summary of compliance deadlines and reminders to keep your HR processes running smoothly all year long.  Benefits of staying compliant  Prevent workplace disruptions caused by missed deadlines.  Avoid costly penalties for noncompliance.  Build a proactive HR st...

Welcome to the January 2025 edition of Benefits Buzz ! In this monthly 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  PCORI fee amount adjusted for 2025: The IRS recently issued Notice 2024-83 to increase the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee amount for plan years ending on or after Oct. 1, 2024, and before Oct. 1, 2025.   New mental health parity requirements take effect in 2025: In September, federal agencies released a final rule to strengthen the requirements of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA).   Download the full story  For an in-depth look at this month's topics, download the PDF below. Dive deeper into the advice and guidance that can help you leverage your benefits to their fullest potential. Don't miss out on valu...

The Great Resignation has ended, but its impact hasn’t.  In 2024, you could argue the response to “why employee retention is important” differs from before COVID-19 and “The Great Resignation.” This period led to a significant turnover rate, forcing businesses to rethink their employee retention strategies to enhance employee morale and engagement.  The Great Resignation , also known as “The Big Quit” and “The Great Reshuffle,” shifted the way organizations view their work culture, putting pressure on human resource departments to assist in the reimagination of internal and external efforts. The value of employee retention became a focal point for businesses aiming to maintain stability.  Though the phenomenon ended in 2023, with the quit rate returning to what it was around 2019, businesses across sectors haven’t forgotten the trends that emerged during the period, such as voluntary and quiet quitting — so popular that many organizations and human resource professionals ...

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...

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...

Heads up healthcare professionals and group health plan administrators!   The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced significant increases in civil penalties for Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC), Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) and HIPAA violations as of Aug. 8. These adjustments, made to keep up with inflation, underscore the importance of complying with federal requirements.  The stakes have never been higher. Whether you're navigating adjustments in penalties ranging from $1,406 to $71,162, or ensuring your compliance protocols are airtight, this update is critical for anyone managing group health plans.  Dive into the full post to get a comprehensive overview of these changes, understand how they could impact your organization and learn how to safeguard against potential violations. Don’t wait — download the full story now to stay ahead of the curve !  Have questions? Contact us  TruePlan Benefit and Retirement Advisors focus...

In an era when ROI is the name of the game, HR leaders face the delicate task of maximizing the impact of shrinking budgets. But fear not — where there are challenges, there are also solutions.   Download our full article to take a deep dive into adaptive strategies for aligning HR initiatives with business objectives, ensuring financial resources are effectively used to support company growth.  Discover how to:  craft an agile HR budget that thrives amid funding cuts;  optimize talent acquisition processes to secure top candidates without breaking the bank;  implement continuous learning initiatives to boost employee morale and productivity;  streamline HR administration to save time and reduce errors; and  use key performance indicators to measure success and guide strategic decisions.  Ready to equip your team with the tools needed to turn budget constraints into opportunities for growth? Download the full story now for strategies to comb...

Navigating the complexities of financial and retirement planning can feel like an uphill battle for employees. However, with the right guidance and resources, employers and human resource professionals can equip staff with the tools they need to achieve financial wellness and a secure future. In this blog post, we will explore:  how providing a comprehensive retirement program can lay the groundwork for financial success;  why a comprehensive financial wellness program on top of a retirement plan is crucial;  how to implement a successful financial wellness program; and  a note on how supplemental benefits can be a game-changer for attracting and retaining talent.  Understanding the importance of a rich retirement program  A well-structured retirement plan provides employees with a sense of security and peace of mind. It is a strategic tool for employers to enhance employee satisfaction and loyalty.  Retirement planning is crucial for employees of all ...

Curious about the future of healthcare costs? In the latest news brief , we reveal how the soaring popularity of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy could impact your organization's budget by 2025. Discover key insights into rising pharmacy costs, employer strategies and what it means for your benefits plan.   [Download the report]   Quick summary  The report underscores the significant shift in pharmacy cost allocations as more individuals seek access to these medications. With the increasing acceptance of Ozempic and Wegovy as part of weight management strategies, organizations face new challenges in managing benefit costs.   By equipping yourself with these insights, you empower your organization to ascertain the most effective path forward amidst evolving healthcare landscapes. Prepare for the future by understanding present dynamics and reshaping your benefits strategy accordingly.   Contact us for additional information  If you ha...

Fiduciary governance is a fundamental aspect of managing retirement plans and benefits. Understanding the intricacies of fiduciary duties is crucial for employers, plan sponsors and retirement plan advisors to ensure compliance and safeguard against potential liabilities.   In our recent webinar, Quick hits session: Fiduciary Governance , we equipped participants with essential knowledge and strategies to navigate the complexities of fiduciary responsibilities. To help you build on your learnings, we wrote this supplemental blog. Explore the key elements of fiduciary governance, including best practices, monitoring entities, establishing sound processes and avoiding common compliance pitfalls.  Fiduciary best practices  At its core, fiduciary duty involves acting in the best interest of plan participants and beneficiaries. This means making decisions with care, skill and diligence. Here are some best practices to help you fulfill your fiduciary responsibilities :...