The Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury Departments issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) in relation to the contraceptive coverage mandate under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Non-grandfathered plans, under the ACA, are required to cover specific women’s preventative health services without cost …
2023 Notice of Benefits and Payment Parameters
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its final Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2023. The rule details the benefit and payment parameters for the 2023 benefit year under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The 2023 maximum annual limit on cost-sharing is $9,100 for self-only coverage, …
Why Implement a Workplace Wellness Program?
SHRM’s 2019 Employee Benefits Survey found that 64% of employers provide wellness information and resources. With health care costs continuously increasing, employers and employees strive to save money. A wellness program is an attractive solution as it has the potential to reduce health care costs and boost workplace satisfaction. Wellness …
Transition Policy for Non-ACA Compliant Plans Extended Indefinitely
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extended an existing transition policy indefinitely for health plans that do not comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This extension applies to policy years beginning after October 1, 2022. Until the HHS announces that the coverage must come into compliance with …
Proposed Rule Would Update 2022 Benefit & Payment Parameters
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently published a proposed rule that would revise several benefit and payment parameters under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for the 2022 benefit year. While the proposed changes primarily impact insurers and Exchanges, it’s important to consider that some provisions could also …
Supreme Court Upholds Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) as it exists today, will remain in place. On June 17, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in a 7-2 ruling after several arguments challenging the constitutionality of the ACA were brought forth to the court. The Supreme Court determined …
Remaining 2022 Notice of Benefit & Payment Parameters Finalized
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently finalized the second Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters (NBPP) for 2022. The final notice — which follows the first final 2022 NBPP published on January, 19, 2021 — sets forth payment parameters and provisions related to the risk adjustment program …
ACA Special Enrollment Period Extended to August
On March 23, 2021, President Joe Biden and his administration reported that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it is extending the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) — which was originally available through May 15, 2021 —for an additional three months, allowing eligible individuals to enroll in …
IRS Extends HSA 2020 Contribution Deadline
On March 29, 2021, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2021-21, which extends tax deadlines to May 17, 2021 for individuals filing Form 1040 series returns and making 2020 IRA and HSA contributions. This decision follows a previous announcement from the IRS declaring that the federal income tax filing …
Guidance for Health FSA & DCAP COVID-19 Relief
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released a notice intended to clarify the application of temporary special rules for health flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and dependent care assistant program (DCAP) accounts under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA). Health FSAs and DCAPs are accounts individuals can make pre-tax contributions to, …
Biden Administration Urges Supreme Court to Uphold ACA
The Biden administration has told the Supreme Court to uphold the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  In a letter to the Supreme Court, Deputy Solicitor General Edwin Kneedler clarified that the current U.S. Department of Justice views the ACA as constitutional. “Following the change in administration, the Department of Justice …
IRS Provides Additional Codes for Individual Coverage HRAs Under Section 6056
For plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2020, employers may offer HRAs integrated with individual health insurance coverage or Medicare, subject to certain conditions. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently provided two additional codes from Code Series 1 that can be used on Form 1095-C, line 14, for …
President Biden Issues Executive Action to Broaden Healthcare Access
President Joe Biden recently signed two executive actions aiming to strengthen Americans’ access to affordable healthcare and expand enrollment opportunities. It is one of Biden’s first several moves toward delivering on his campaign’s promise to bolster the landmark health reform law that he formerly advocated for as Vice President. The …
DOL Increases Civil Penalty Amounts for 2021
To maintain their deterrent effect each year, the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, requires the Department to annually adjust its civil monetary penalty levels for inflation no later than January 15th. The Department of Labor (DOL) has released its 2021 inflation-adjusted civil monetary penalties that may be …
2021 ACA Reporting Deadlines Are Approaching
Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting deadlines are approaching soon under Section 6055 and Section 6056 for the 2020 calendar year. Reporting entities must: File returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by March 1, 2021. If filing electronically, the deadline to file returns is March 31, 2021; and Furnish statements …