On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) into law. It provides a 100% subsidy of applicable COBRA premiums for eligible beneficiaries and their dependents, for the time period beginning April 1, 2021 and ending no later than September 30, 2021. COBRA …
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 …
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law March 11, 2021, provides a 100% subsidy of applicable COBRA premiums for eligible beneficiaries and their dependents, for the time period beginning April 1, 2021 and ending no later than September 30, 2021. Who is Eligible? An Assistance Eligible Individual (AEI) …
As the spring season rolls around, the Biden administration has been busy administering updated guidelines regarding COVID-19 accessibility, eligibility, and timelines. Below we have outlined the administration’s most recent announcements, as well as relaxed restrictions and an update on clinical trials surrounding vaccination of children under age 18. Vaccine Eligibility …
An HSA, or Health Savings Account, is available to individuals enrolled in high deductible health plans (HDHPs). Traditionally, HSAs are a popular type of tax-exempt medical savings account. Allocated HSA funds can be used to pay for expenses covered under an HDHP plan until their deductible has been met; or …
The $1.9 trillion relief bill, known as the American Rescue Plan, was signed by President Biden on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Additional information surrounding Emergency Paid Leave and Health Insurance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is included in the bill and outlined below. Emergency Paid LeaveSigned into law on …
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued long-awaited guidance for Americans fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is the first set of public health recommendations for fully vaccinated individuals since the beginning of the declared public health emergency. The guidance is designed to address growing demand, as more …
The constant influx of information and everchanging compliance updates surrounding the coronavirus pandemic can be overwhelming, making it strenuous to comprehend how up-to-date guidance and coverage affects one’s organization and employees. In response, the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury have issued Frequently Asked …
On April 28, 2020, the Departments of Labor (DOL) and the Treasury issued deadline relief to help employee benefit plans, plan participants and plan service providers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Thereafter, on February 26, 2021, DOL Disaster Relief Notice 2021-01 clarified the duration of this relief. The deadlines were …
No new guidance has been released to extend the relief issued last year to postpone various employee benefit plan deadlines during the defined “Outbreak Period.” The Outbreak Period began on March 1, 2020, and lasts until 60 days after the announced end of the National Emergency. By law, however, it …
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding legislation that extended and amended tax relief to certain small and mid-sized employers under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The paid sick and family leave tax credits, which previously were available only until the end …
In response to the executive actions recently signed by President Biden, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new Special Enrollment Period (SEP) through Exchanges using the federal www.HealthCare.gov platform. The CMS determined that the COVID-19 emergency has and continues to present exceptional challenges and circumstances for …
Previously issued at the end of 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a proposed rule describing benefit and payment parameters under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that would apply to the 2022 benefit year. On January 19, 2021, the HHS published a Notice of Benefit and …
Since 2014, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has continuously extended a transition policy for certain health plans that do not comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). On January 19, 2021, the HHS continued this tradition by extending an existing transition policy for certain health plans that …
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a proposed rule that would make certain changes to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule. The proposed changes are intended to: Support individuals’ engagement in their care; Remove barriers to coordinated care; and Reduce regulatory burdens …
