Compliance News

2020

November 23, 2020

Single-Employer DB Funding Extension is Now January 4, 2021

In response to requests from plan sponsors, the IRS has moved the extended date for contributions to private sector

Investment, Compliance, Compensation & Careers

November 11, 2020

IRS Addresses Plan Withholding on Payments to State Funds

Learn more about the latest guidance from the IRS so you can be compliant.

Retirement, Compliance

November 05, 2020

Final Transparency Rule for Group Health Plans and Insurers

Understand the final transparency rule and stay compliant with the disclosure and notice requirements.

Health, Insurance, Compliance

November 05, 2020

Departments Publish Mental Health Parity Compliance Tool

Learn more about the final self-compliance tool and how it benefits you.

Compliance, Health, Mental Health

November 04, 2020

Guidance on Covering COVID-19 Preventive Services and Tests

Understand the new interim final rule implications and how it affects group health plans.

COVID-19, Health

October 13, 2020

Medicare Part D 2021 Numbers: What You Need to Know

Medicare Part D 2021 drug benefit program changes may affect group health plans that cover retirees.

Compliance, Health

October 12, 2020

Independent Contractor or Employee? DOL Proposed Rule

Find out the implications of the proposed rule for your workers.

Compliance

October 08, 2020

Guidance on ACA Reporting for 2020

Learn more about the ACA reporting requirements and how they affect your plans.

Health, Compliance

October 06, 2020

Another National Public Health Emergency Extension

The COVID-19 public health emergency has been extended for an additional 90 days, until January 21, 2021.

Health, Compliance, COVID-19

October 06, 2020

HHS OCR Releases Title IX Effective Practices List

Learn more about the practices and how it implies to your institution.

Compliance, Health

September 28, 2020

Updated PBGC Lump-Sum Methodology Will Affect Few Plans

Find out how this regulation change affects your plan.

Retirement, Compliance

September 28, 2020

DOL’s Latest Proposed Regulation: Proxy Voting

Learn about how the DOL's proposal would address your fiduciary responsibility to vote proxies.

Retirement, Compliance

August 21, 2020

Dramatic Increase in Automatic Amortization Extension Fee

Learn more about the IRS fees extension and how it affects your plans

Compliance, Retirement, Multiemployer Plans

August 21, 2020

August 31 Extended Rollover Deadline Fast Approaching

Learn more about the extended deadline for RMD rollovers and act accordingly

Retirement, Compliance, COVID-19, Multiemployer Plans, Public Sector, Higher Education, Hospitals and Health Systems

August 13, 2020

Executive Orders Aimed at Lowering Prescription Drug Prices

Learn more about the executive orders to lower drug pricing and how it affects healthcare costs.

Health, Compliance

August 10, 2020

CARES Act Relief for Single-Employer DB Plans Explained

Learn more about the relief and how it affects your plan.

Compliance, COVID-19, Retirement

July 30, 2020

HHS Extends National Public Health Emergency

Learn more about the extension and how it affects your plan.

Health, Compliance, COVID-19

July 10, 2020

More Retirement Plan Guidance on Distributions and Loans

Learn more about the retirement plan guidance on distributions and loans.

Retirement, Compliance, COVID-19

July 10, 2020

Summer Camp Closed? Guidance Helps Parents Take FFCRA Leave

Learn more about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act guidance

Compliance, COVID-19

July 06, 2020

Supreme Court Rules Civil Rights Act Protects LGBTQ Workers

Federal protections against workplace sex discrimination now apply to discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

Compliance

July 06, 2020

New Final Rule on the ACA’s Nondiscrimination Requirements

The rule revises the previous interpretation of the nondiscrimination provisions of the Affordable Care Act.

Compliance, Health

June 25, 2020

Federal Expectations for MHPAEA Compliance Heighten

Read a summary of the proposed updated version of the MHPAEA self-compliance tool.

Compliance, Health, Mental Health

June 24, 2020

Plans Not Required to Cover COVID-19 Tests in All Situations

On June 23, 2020, the Departments of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services released new answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Health, Insurance, COVID-19

June 10, 2020

Indexed Amount for PCORI Fee

July 31, 2020 is the deadline for calendar-year group health plans to pay the ACA’s comparative effectiveness research fee for the 2019 plan year.

Compliance, Health

June 03, 2020

Additional Deadline Relief for Retirement Plans

The IRS has provided additional relief for retirement plan sponsors filings and notices.

Retirement, Compliance, COVID-19

May 28, 2020

New ERISA Rules for Retirement Plan Electronic Disclosure

DOL published a final rule providing a new voluntary safe harbor for electronic disclosures by retirement plans subject to ERISA

Retirement, Compliance

May 20, 2020

DOE Releases Final Rule on Title IX Regulations

The Department of Education (DOE) has released a much-anticipated Final Rule mandating sweeping changes.

Communications, Compliance, Higher Education, Organizational Effectiveness, Corporate

May 19, 2020

Governmental Health Plans and Extended Deadlines

New guidance clarifies the impact of the guidance on non-federal government health plans.

Compliance, COVID-19, Health, Public Sector

May 14, 2020

New Flexibility for Cafeteria Plan Elections

Employers with cafeteria plans now have significant flexibility to address challenges that have arisen because of the COVID-19 public health emergency

Compliance, Health, COVID-19

May 12, 2020

IRS FAQs on Plan Distributions and Loans Related to COVID-19

The IRS has issued guidance in the form of FAQs that clarifies the distribution and loan relief provisions made available to retirement plans

Compliance, COVID-19, Retirement

May 12, 2020

ACA OOP Limit for 2021 & Guidance on Rx Manufacturer Coupons

The Department of Health and Human Services issued an important notice for plans not grandfathered in under the ACA.

Compliance, Health

May 04, 2020

Health Plan Sponsors: There Are New Model COBRA Notices

The Department of Labor's new model COBRA notices for continued health coverage contain new information regarding Medicare

Compliance, Health

May 01, 2020

Health and Disability Plan Deadlines Extended

The Departments of Labor (DOL) and Treasury, in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Health, Compliance, COVID-19

May 01, 2020

DOL Filing Deadlines & Fiduciary Relief for Retirement Plans

Fiduciaries and administrators of private sector retirement plans will be relieved to learn that the Department of Labor has issued guidance in respon

Health, Retirement, Compliance, COVID-19

April 14, 2020

Answers to FAQs on COVID-19 Testing Requirements

Here are the answers to the FAQs about the new federal requirements for coverage of diagnostic testing services for COVID-19

Health, Compliance, COVID-19

April 10, 2020

State Insurance Premium Payment Relief Related to COVID-19

In response to hardships related to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency, states have begun to issue notices about new insurance

Health, COVID-19

March 30, 2020

Federal Focus on Mental Health Parity Enforcement Continues

The federal government continues to prioritize the enforcement of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA).

Compliance, Health, Mental Health

March 30, 2020

Impact of CARES Act on Health Plans

We highlight the CARES Act provisions that affect group health plans.

Health, Compliance, COVID-19

March 30, 2020

DOL Guidance on Paid Leave Related to COVID-19

We look at two new types of leave for governmental employers and private employers with fewer than 500 employees.

Compliance, COVID-19

March 30, 2020

Impact of CARES Act on Retirement Plans

The CARES Act is generally immediately effective. That means there are action items plan sponsors need to consider now.

Retirement, COVID-19

March 20, 2020

New Law Addresses Coronavirus Testing, FMLA and Sick Leave

A new act signed into law lays down guidelines for group health plan coverage, paid family and medical leave, and more.

COVID-19, Compliance

March 16, 2020

ERISA-governed Funds: Reimbursing Cancelled Travel?

Can ERISA-governed multiemployer welfare funds reimburse trustees for unused travel expenses outside of a refund policy but due to COVID-19?

COVID-19, Multiemployer Plans

March 13, 2020

Reminders about 403(b) Plans and Hardship Distributions

This is a reminder about two compliance issues that might need plan sponsor attention at this time.

Compliance, Retirement

March 11, 2020

Coronavirus Test Coverage and Group Health Plans

State insurance commissioners have issued directives to implement modifications to existing insurance regulations in light of COVID-19.

Compliance, Health, COVID-19

March 10, 2020

Medicare Telehealth Expansion in COVID-19 Spending Law

The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020 provides $8.3 billion in emergency funding for federal agencies.

Health, Compliance, COVID-19

March 04, 2020

What Plan Sponsors May Need to Change for SECURE Act

Retirement plan sponsors may need to take certain actions in order to stay compliant with the new legislation.

Compliance, Retirement

March 02, 2020

U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Latest ACA Challenge

The Supreme Court agrees to hear case on whether the ACA is unconstitutional

Compliance, Health

February 27, 2020

SCOTUS: Receipt of DC Plan Disclosure Not “Actual Knowledge”

Yesterday, in the Intel v. Sulyma case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in the participant’s favor today, finding that a participant does not

Insurance, Compliance, Health

February 26, 2020

MI’s New Auto Insurance Law May Affect Group Health Plans

Effective July 1, 2020, the state's residents will no longer need to carry personal injury protection (PIP) on their auto policies.

Insurance, Compliance, Health

February 10, 2020

Rx Manufacturer Coupons & the ACA’s Out-of-Pocket Limit

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently issued new information for non-grandfathered group health plans.

Health, Compliance

January 28, 2020

Appropriations Acts: Health and Fringe Benefits

The end-of-year spending legislation has important implications for some health plans and fringe benefits.

Health, Compliance

January 03, 2020

Proposed Guidance on Rx Importation

On December 23, 2019, the FDA published guidance on two pathways to promote access to safe, lower-cost prescription drugs.

Public Sector, Multiemployer Plans

2019

December 27, 2019

New Paid Leave Rights for Federal Employees

The new paid leave rights will be available for any birth or placement for adoption or foster care occurring on or after October 1, 2020.

Compliance, Public Sector

December 20, 2019

Latest Court Ruling on ACA Has No Immediate Impact on Plans

The ruling was made on December 18, 2019.

Compliance, Health

December 18, 2019

Proposed Rule Would Require Transparency of Cost-Sharing and Pricing Information

The deadline for comments on the proposal is 5 pm on January 14, 2020.

Compliance, Health

December 18, 2019

Congress Set to Repeal 40 Percent Excise Tax on High-Cost Health Plans; Pass SECURE Act

President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law before December 20.

Retirement

December 17, 2019

2020 Reporting and Disclosure Guide

Get our annual guide to compliance requirements for sponsors of health and retirement plans.

Compliance, Retirement, Health

December 12, 2019

IRS Dollar Limits and Social Security Figures to Increase

Read about the 2020 limits for retirement plans.

Retirement, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Public Sector

December 05, 2019

Guidance on Affordable Care Act Reporting for 2019

Read the new guidance on ACA reporting for 2019.

Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Health, Public Sector

November 22, 2019

Senators Grassley and Alexander's Proposal on Pension Plan Reform

The multiemployer pension recapitalization and reform plan was released on November 20, 2019.

Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Retirement

November 20, 2019

2020 Premiums and More for Medicare Parts A and B

Read about what's changing and what's not in 2020.

Health, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Public Sector

November 06, 2019

DOL Proposes New Safe Harbor for Electronic Disclosure by Pension Plans

It published the proposed rule on October 23, 2019.

Retirement, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans

October 31, 2019

PBGC Proposes Change in Interest Rates

In October 2019 the PBGC issues a proposal that would change interest rates for private sector lump-sum calculations.

Retirement, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans

October 17, 2019

DOL Releases Updated Overtime Rule

On September 24, 2019, the DOL announced a final rule governing the salary threshold for overtime exemptions on certain employees.

Compliance, Public Sector

September 26, 2019

New guidance on enforcement of the MHPAEA

These FAQS on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act make final those issues in 2018.

Compliance, Health, Mental Health

August 27, 2019

Guidance on Coupons and Out-of-Pocket Limits for Nongrandfathered Plans

The guidance was issued on August 26, 2019.

Health, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Public Sector

August 01, 2019

Federal Agencies Announce Action Plan on Importation of Prescription Drugs

HHS and the FDA outlined the steps they'll take on prescription drug importation.

Health, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Public Sector

July 30, 2019

Multiemployer Pension Loan Assistance Legislation Passes House

The Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act of 2019 was passed on July 24, 2019.

Retirement, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans

July 29, 2019

HSA-Qualified HDHPs May Now Cover Preventive Care Services

The Treasury Department and the IRS have expanded the list of preventive care benefits from HSAs and HDHPs.

Compliance

July 18, 2019

Bill to Repeal the ACA’s Excise Tax on High-Cost Plans Passes House

The bill passed the House of Representatives on July 17, 2019.

Health, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Public Sector

June 14, 2019

Departments Release Final Rule Expanding Permitted HRAs

On June 13, 2019 there was a new rule expanding the use of HRAs.

Health, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Public Sector

May 24, 2019

Medicare Part D Drug Benefit Program Changes for 2020

The Medicare Part D standard benefit design parameters will be higher in 2020.

Compliance, Health

May 24, 2019

House Passes Pension Bill; Senate Action Delayed Read

The House passed the bill on May 23, 2019.

Retirement, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Public Sector

May 20, 2019

House Passes Bill to Strengthen ACA and Get Generics to Market Sooner

It passed the package of seven different bills on May 16, 2019.

Health, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Public Sector

May 10, 2019

President Trump Gives Boost to Effort to Address Surprise Medical Bills

Trump called on Congress to take action on May 9, 2019.

Health, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Public Sector

May 08, 2019

Penalties for Violating HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules Will Be Reduced

Most but not all penalties will be reduced, according to a recent notice.

Health, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Public Sector

May 07, 2019

IRS Expands Determination Letter Program and Simplifies Certain Plan Corrections

The IRS made the announcement on May 2, 2019.

Retirement, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans

May 02, 2019

PBGC Streamlines Duties of Sponsors of Terminated and/or Insolvent Multiemployer Plans

On May 2, 2019 the PBGC published a final regulation intended to simplify some reporting and disclosure obligations.

Retirement, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans

March 29, 2019

Congress’s and the Trump Administration's Latest Actions Concerning the ACA

Recent activity in Washington underscores extreme differences of opinion about the future of the ACA.

Health, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Public Sector

March 26, 2019

IRS Reminds Plans of Deadline for Electronic Filing Changes

The deadline is April 1, 2019.

Retirement, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Public Sector

March 26, 2019

IRS Notice Removes Barrier to Considering Retiree Lump-Sum Windows

IRS no longer intends to issue regulations prohibiting defined benefit pension plans from retiree lump-sum windows

Retirement, Compliance, Public Sector

March 21, 2019

DOL Proposes Updated Rule on Overtime

The rule would modify overtime rules published in 2016, which were later declared invalid by a district court.

Health, Compliance, Public Sector

March 19, 2019

401(k)-Based Student Loan Repayment Program: New IRS Ruling

Read more about this new IRS Private Letter Ruling

Compliance

March 12, 2019

First Mortality Tables for Public Sector Retirement Plans Published

The tables are the first mortality study based exclusively on public sector plans.

Compliance, Public Sector, Retirement

February 25, 2019

Bill to Repeal the Affordable Care Act’s Excise Tax on High-Cost Plans

Health, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Public Sector

February 25, 2019

RFI on Challenges in Preserving ACA “Grandfathered Status”

On February 25, 2019 several government departments published a request for information about grandfathered status under the ACA.

Health, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Public Sector

February 06, 2019

HHS Proposes Rx Rebate Replacement: Point-of-Sale Discounts

The proposal would affect Medicare Part D and Medicaid managed care organizations.

Health, Compliance, Public Sector

2018

May 23, 2018

Federal Agencies Issue Guidance and Increase Enforcement of Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act

Learn more about the guidance and enforcement. Ensure your plans are compliant.

Health, Mental Health, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Public Sector, Corporate

May 23, 2018

HSA Contribution Limits and High-Deductible Health Plan Minimums and Maximums for 2019

Learn more about the HSA contribution limits and HDHP expense.

Health, Compliance, Public Sector, Corporate

April 19, 2018

Retirement and Health Plan Provisions in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018

Learn more about the provisions and how it might affect your group health plans.

Retirement, Health, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Public Sector, Corporate

March 13, 2018

New IRS Guidance on HSAs and Adoption Assistance

Learn more about the guidance and how it might affect your HSA and HDHP.

Health, Compliance, Public Sector, Corporate

January 31, 2018

Spending Law Delays Cadillac Tax and Suspends Other ACA Taxes

Learn more about the spending law, health provisions, taxes and the implications for plan sponsors.

Health, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Public Sector, Corporate

January 19, 2018

Benefits and Related Provisions in the New Tax Law

Learn more about the new tax law and it's impact on the tax rates for corporations and partnerships.

Retirement, Compliance, Multiemployer Plans, Public Sector, Corporate

2017

October 30, 2017

IRS Releases Guidance for Plans Undergoing IRS Plan Audits

We summarize IRS guidance for plans.

Retirement, Compliance

June 23, 2017

2018 Medicare Part D Amounts: Modest Increases from 2017

The Medicare Part D standard defined benefit and Retiree Drug Subsidy (RDS) amounts for 2018 will be slightly higher than the 2017 amounts.

Health, Compliance

March 10, 2017

Be Prepared for Using the New SBC Template

We discuss the changes, new rules about how SBCs interact with Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act and next steps.

Health, Compliance

February 02, 2017

Segal's Advice for DC Plan Sponsors in 2017

We recommend plan sponsors focus on the following five important issues this year.

Compliance, Retirement

2016

December 22, 2016

Congress Likely to Amend Affordable Care Act in 2017

We provide background on the budget process, including what can — and cannot — be achieved through it.

Health, Compliance

November 21, 2016

2017 Medicare Premiums, Deductible and Coinsurance

These amounts take effect on January 1, 2017.

Health, Compliance

October 10, 2016

ACA's 2016 Transitional Reinsurance Fee Submissions

Health insurers and group health plans must contribute to this program by paying fees over a three-year period.

Health, Compliance

June 23, 2016

Rule Requires Plan Sponsors to Cover Transgender Services

The effective date of the rule is plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2017.

Health, Compliance

June 09, 2016

EEOC Issues Important New Standards for Wellness Programs

The EEOC has published a final rule governing wellness programs which will affect the design of a variety of health and wellness programs.

Health, Compliance

May 12, 2016

2017 Minimums and Maximums for Health Savings Accounts

Revenue Procedure 2016-28 will be published in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2016-20 on May 16, 2016.

Health, Compliance

May 04, 2016

Medicare Part D Amounts Will Increase in 2017

We review changes to the Part D benefit and illustrate the impact of those changes on the 2017 benefit.

Health, Compliance

February 11, 2016

2017 Budget Proposals Affecting Retirement Plans, Savings

The Budget for Fiscal Year 2017 includes several proposals that would affect retirement plans and savings.

Retirement, Compliance

2015

December 22, 2015

2016 Appropriations Law Delays Three ACA Taxes

We provide details about these taxes and the delays.

Health, Compliance

December 16, 2015

Spending Deal Delays ACA’s 40% Excise Tax on High-Cost Plans

Included in this deal are three provisions affecting the ACA’s 40 percent excise tax on high-cost health plans, most notably a two-year delay.

Compliance, Health

December 16, 2015

Departments Release Series of Final Rules Under the ACA

We highlight new positions on important issues not addressed by the Departments in previous guidance.

Health, Compliance

November 19, 2015

2016 Medicare Premiums, Deductibles and Coinsurance

These amounts take effect on January 1, 2016.

Health, Compliance

November 19, 2015

2016 Medicare Premiums, Deductibles and Coinsurance Announced

We summarize this news and what it means for plan sponsors.

Health, Compliance

October 15, 2015

Year-End Update on Compliance Issues for Retirement Plans

We summarize the deadlines and provide reminders for employers that sponsor DB and DC plans.

Retirement, Compliance

October 07, 2015

ACA's Transitional Reinsurance Fee Submissions Due Soon

Submissions required by November 16, 2015.

Health, Compliance

October 07, 2015

File ACA's Transitional Reinsurance Fee Submissions Soon

In a major change from last year, self-insured, self- administered plans are exempt from the fees.

Health, Compliance

September 01, 2015

2015 ACA Reporting Requirements for Plan Sponsors

We summarize 2015 ACA reporting requirements for multiemployer plans and employers.

Health, Multiemployer Plans

September 01, 2015

Latest Guidance on Reporting Required by the ACA

We summarize recently published draft instructions for employer information reporting requirements under the ACA.

Health, Compliance

July 09, 2015

Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure Requirements

We describe the disclosure provisions as expanded by MPRA and outline some action steps for plan administrators.

Retirement, Compliance

June 25, 2015

MPRA's Rules for Benefit Suspension and Plan Partition

After providing some background, we briefly describe the new guidance and identify certain key aspects.

Compliance, Retirement

June 04, 2015

Final Rule on Limited Wraparound Coverage Under the ACA

We discuss limited wraparound coverage and conclude with a section on the implications for plan sponsors.

Health, Compliance

January 15, 2015

The ACA's Employer Shared Responsibility Penalty

We discuss penalty rules for contributing employers.

Health, Compliance