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...

Wondering how HDHP changes impact your organization?   The recent updates to high deductible health plans (HDHPs) for 2025 bring crucial adjustments that employers must address to remain compliant and maintain employee satisfaction.   Specifically, the deductible minimums have increased to $1,650 for individual coverage and $3,300 for family coverage. Additionally, changes to telehealth coverage under HDHPs may require attention, as these plans must meet IRS guidelines to ensure compliance.  Key steps your organization should take  Conduct a thorough review of your current HDHP offerings: Determine if deductibles align with the new thresholds. This review should also consider telehealth benefits and whether the plan meets the necessary requirements to avoid penalties.   Communicate these changes effectively to your employees: This is equally important. Updated materials like summary plan descriptions and benefits guides are essential tools to educate part...

Welcome to the February 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  Topic #1: An overview of the new ACA reporting and penalty relief laws.   Topic #2: News on DOL increased civil penalty amounts for 2025.  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 valuable insights that could improve your professional and personal life.  [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 n...

 The February 2025 edition of our Live Well, Work Well newsletter focuses on:  Topic #1: The Mediterranean diet and why it’s the best  Topic #2: How to build heart-healthy habits  Topic #3: The benefits of strength training  Bonus recipe of the month: Confetti grain salad  [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 trending tips to try this year.  Questions? TruePlan can help   If you have questions about this issue, contact ...

The battle for top talent isn’t over. While employee quits declined in 2024, studies suggest turnover could surge in 2025, with 38% of employees considering a job change. To stay ahead, organizations must adapt to these key trends.  [I Want the Trends Now]   The workforce trends that will shape 2025  1. Unemployment rates above 4%  A slowing job market may shift leverage back to employers, but competition for skilled talent remains fierce.  2. AI and automation in the workplace  As artificial intelligence reshapes jobs, companies must invest in upskilling to attract and retain a future-ready workforce.  3. Demand for GLP-1 weight loss drugs  With more employees factoring GLP-1 coverage into job decisions, employers must weigh the financial impact of adding these medications to benefits packages.  4. Return-to-office push  Companies are tightening in-office mandates, but balancing flexibility with business needs remains critical to retent...

The employee benefits landscape is shifting and organizations that stay ahead of these changes will have a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent. With workforce expectations evolving around healthcare, family support and financial wellness, understanding the latest trends is more critical than ever. Here’s a preview of the five key trends shaping employee benefits in 2025.  [Give Me the Full Report]   Five key 2025 trends shaping employee benefits  1. Regulatory changes on the horizon  The new administration in Washington could bring significant shifts in healthcare policies, from Affordable Care Act subsidies to Medicare and Medicaid adjustments. Employers must be prepared for potential impacts on benefits structures.  2. Rising healthcare costs and plan adjustments  With costs projected to increase by 7% to 8%, many employers are considering plan redesigns, including higher deductibles and cost-sharing models. Understanding these shifts ...

A strong finish to a strong year  2024 was a remarkable year for investors. After an outstanding 26.29% return in 2023, the S&P 500 posted another strong performance in 2024, gaining 25.02% . While concerns over inflation and interest rate policy loomed at the beginning of the year, a resilient U.S. economy, advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and strong corporate earnings helped sustain investor confidence.  [Download the Full Market Recap ]  Key market highlights from Q4 2024  Equities: The S&P 500 gained 2.41% in Q4, ending the year on a high note. While the "Magnificent Seven" tech giants dominated early in the year, the rally broadened in Q4, supporting small- and mid-cap stocks.  Fixed income: Despite three Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2024, bond markets remained volatile. The Bloomberg US Aggregate declined 3.06% in Q4 as investors reassessed the pace of future cuts.  Global markets: European markets struggled due to rising populism a...

As of Jan 1., New York's new paid prenatal leave law now requires private employers to provide 20 hours of paid prenatal personal leave annually for employees receiving healthcare services during pregnancy. To help businesses navigate this landmark amendment to the state’s paid sick leave law, New York published detailed frequently asked questions.  Access the full story now for all the important details and recordkeeping items.  Highlights of the mandate  Applies to all private-sector employees, including part-time workers.  Separate from annual sick leave, with no accrual or waiting period — employees can use all 20 hours immediately.  Covers prenatal appointments, including fertility treatments and end-of-pregnancy care.  Employers cannot dictate which leave type an employee must use or require medical documentation.  Employers are advised to maintain clear records to ensure compliance and to assist employees in understanding their leave balances....

The Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) requirements continue to evolve, bringing critical updates for employers sponsoring group health plans. For 2025, new rules and thresholds are taking effect, impacting affordability percentages, cost-sharing limits and reporting requirements.  Access your checklist today and continue learning about this year’s key updates.  Key updates for 2025  Affordability percentage: Slight increase under the employer mandate, offering applicable large employers (ALEs) more flexibility with employee contribution rates.  Cost-sharing limits: Adjusted for essential health benefits.  Reporting deadlines:   March 3, 2025: Individual statements for 2024 must be provided.  March 31, 2025: Electronic IRS returns for 2024 are due.  Employers must review and update health plan documents, including the summary of benefits and coverage (SBC), to reflect these changes. Additionally, clear communication during open enrollment will be e...

Employers managing group health plans face a host of critical deadlines each year for reporting, disclosures and notices. Staying ahead of these requirements is vital to avoiding penalties and ensuring compliance.  Download the guide today and keep reading for a short recap.   Key deadlines for 2025  Annual reporting and disclosures: Compliance deadlines for group health plans vary depending on your plan year. For calendar year plans, deadlines include mandatory reporting and notices required under federal law.  Custom adjustments for non-calendar year plans: Employers with non-calendar year plans will need to adapt deadlines to align with their specific plan year schedules.  In addition to meeting regulatory deadlines, employers must provide essential group health plan notices to employees annually, ensuring compliance and fostering transparency.  Plan for success  With deadlines and requirements constantly evolving, staying organized and infor...