Reminder: Oct. 15 deadline   The deadline to distribute Part D notices and the extended Form 5500 filing deadline for calendar year plans is Oct. 15. This deadline applies to employers with group health plans that provide prescription drug coverage and those with calendar year employee benefit plans that previously requested an extension of time to file their Form 5500, respectively.  [Get information on the Oct.15 deadline] Checklist to prepare for Medicare Part D creditable cover changes  The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 brought significant changes to Medicare Part D plans, which will affect the creditable coverage status of employer-sponsored prescription drug coverage for 2026.   This checklist is designed to help employers understand the implications of the new creditable coverage methodologies, assess their current plan’s creditable coverage status and identify necessary adjustments to comply with federal requirements and support their Part D-eligible p...

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...