Trump Takes Aim at ACA on First Day in Office
Following his inauguration Friday, President Trump signed his first round of executive orders, including one directing federal agencies to ease enforcement of some Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements.
Tag: benefits
Ask the Expert: Are Employee Recognition ‘Gifts’ Taxable Income?
Question: If we create an employee recognition program that awards points to employees that can be used to purchase company-branded items from an online store, does the value of the items “purchased” by the employees have to be added to their gross income for tax purposes?
Second DOL FAQ on Fiduciary Rule Addresses Questions About Fiduciary Communications
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released the second set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) for retirement plan professionals on the agency’s complex new fiduciary rule just days before the end of the Obama administration in an effort to answer plan practitioners’ questions about how the rule draws lines between fiduciary and nonfiduciary communications, education, and advice.
Genetic Testing as Part of Workplace Wellness Programs
Designing competitive benefit packages that help you attract and retain top talent can be daunting. While health and well-being benefits may only represent a small portion of your overall compensation plan, they can drive a disproportionate share of your budget. Could the introduction of genetic testing as a covered benefit allow you to better manage your healthcare spend? With the promise of continued increases in your healthcare premiums, perhaps now is the time to seriously consider using genetic testing in order to offer more personalized benefits.
DOL Clarifies Cures Act’s Effect on HRA Guidance
The effect of the recent 21st Century Cures Act on health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) was clarified by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in a new round of frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Year-End Reporting: Clarifying Tax Forms and ACA Requirements
Navigating the latest tax reporting changes and avoiding filing errors is not always straightforward and can present unique challenges to small and midsized businesses.
CMS Finalizes Health Insurance Marketplace Rules
On December 16, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters final rule and the final Annual Letter to Issuers for 2018. The primary focus of the notice—risk stabilization—complements recent announcements that are meant to improve the risk pool, including actions to address third-party payments of premiums and improve program integrity for […]
Provider Fraud, Treatment Delays Targeted in New California Workers’ Comp Laws
In California, a worker can seek treatment for a work-related illness or injury that’s expected to be covered under the employer’s workers’ compensation policy. To be paid for services performed for claims that aren’t yet finalized, the healthcare provider can file a lien (a claim for payment) against the employee’s workers’ compensation benefits claim. Unfortunately, […]
Weighing Paid Parental Leave? Consider These Points First
While the United States is still one of few developed nations that do not offer paid parental leave, Americans overwhelmingly support these policies. A recent poll shows that 82% of voters say it’s important to explore legislation that allows paid time off for medical and family reasons. Today, there is potential for change on the horizon. There has been a growing chorus of support for possibly amending federal unemployment insurance laws to guarantee 6 weeks of paid maternity leave.
How Many Weeks Must Your Employees Work to Pay for Healthcare Coverage?
Healthcare coverage has been a hot button issue for employers since President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law in 2010. With President-elect Donald Trump taking office, there has been much speculation over whether or not the ACA will be repealed. Only time will tell if the ACA survives a Trump presidency, but […]