The IRS outlined final rules regarding the shared responsibility payment (SRP) and other nondiscrimination rules applicable to health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) and other account-based group health plans integrated with individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements (ICHRAs) or Medicare, including safe harbor provisions applicable to ICHRAs. As noted in the IRS’ document, the final regulations affect employees… Continue Reading

Beginning in 2021, employers who sponsor group health plans (GHPs) must begin complying with several requirements of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2021. The CAA also includes provisions for COVID-19 relief, student loan repayment extension, and retirement plan safe harbors. Much of the legislation addresses economic stimulus and support; however, there remains over 500… Continue Reading

On November 6, 2020, the Departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury, and Labor (the Departments) issued new regulations under the CARES Act regarding the obligation of group health plans to cover COVID-19 vaccines. The regulation applies to qualified coronavirus preventive services.  This is defined as an immunization that has been approved for use by… Continue Reading

Transparency Rule Means Requirements for Health Plans On November 12, 2020, the Departments of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services (the Departments) published a final rule requiring insurers and health plans to publicly disclose pricing information for covered items, in order to provide participants with the ability to estimate cost-sharing liability for health care… Continue Reading

The Department of Labor (DOL) announced the release of an updated tool to help employers comply with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and related requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The self-compliance tool will help plan sponsors and other parties determine if a group health plan complies with… Continue Reading