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 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 ...