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Showing posts from June, 2025

2026 HSA/HDHP limits announced: What employers need to know

The IRS released its annual inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) and high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) for the 2026 calendar year (Revenue Procedure 2025-19). If your organization offers an HDHP with an HSA, now is the time to review these updates and prepare for open enrollment.  [Download the full PDF here]  What’s changing in 2026  The HSA contribution limit is increasing to $4,400 for self-only coverage and $8,750 for family coverage.  The HDHP minimum deductible will rise to $1,700 for self-only and $3,400 for family coverage.  The HDHP out-of-pocket maximum will increase to $8,500 for self-only and $17,000 for family coverage.  The HSA catch-up contribution for individuals age 55+ remains unchanged at $1,000.  Why it matters  Employers sponsoring HDHPs should review their plan designs to ensure compliance with these new limits. Now is also a good time to update employee communications so that workers can take full ...

US prescription drug spending rose 10.2% in 2024

Prescription drug spending in the United States continues to rise sharply. According to a new report from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) , U.S. prescription drug spending reached nearly $806 billion in 2024 (an increase of 10.2% compared to 2023).  [Download the full PDF report]   The main driver behind this growth?   Medications, used to treat diabetes and obesity, have seen rapid adoption and high utilization across many populations. In 2025, several factors continue to impact prescription drug spending:  Tariffs on pharmaceutical ingredients , especially those sourced from China, may lead to shortages and drive patients toward more expensive brand-name medications.  Oncology drug spending is expected to grow as new high-cost treatments enter the market and the use of existing therapies expands.  Vaccine spending has declined post-pandemic , but reduced vaccination rates may contribute to rising costs in other areas of care...

Form 5500 deadline is approaching — Are you ready?

If your organization sponsors an employee benefit plan subject to ERISA, your Form 5500 filing deadline is just around the corner.  [Download the Full Story Here]   Key date   For calendar-year plans, the 2024 Form 5500 must be filed with the U.S. Department of Labor by July 31, 2025 — unless you’ve requested an extension by filing Form 5558.  Missing this deadline can be costly. The DOL can assess penalties of up to $2,739 per day for incomplete or late filings. However, relief may be available through the Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program (DFVCP) — but only if you act before receiving a DOL notice.  Who’s exempt?   Small welfare benefit plans with fewer than 100 covered participants that are unfunded, fully insured or both may not need to file.  Take action now  Work with your plan service providers to ensure you’re ready to file on time and avoid unnecessary penalties.  Download our full guide to learn more about exe...

June 2025 Benefits Buzz: HSA/HDHP 2026 limits and MHPAEA

Welcome to the June edition of Benefits Buzz! In this monthly issue, we dive into the latest news that employers need to know about and monitor.   This month's highlights  Topic #1: The IRS released inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) and high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) for 2026.  Topic #2: DOL, DOH and the U.S. Treasury released a statement regarding the non-enforcement of the 2024 final rule under 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 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 update...