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...