New Change of Status Events

The Internal Revenue Service issued Notice 2014-55 which allows employers to amend their Section 125 plans to recognize several new change in status events.

Federal Officials Tighten Up on “Skinny” Plans | Chicago Benefits Broker

On November 4, 2014, the Departments of Health and Human Services and the Treasury released Notice 2014-69 regarding employer-sponsored health plans and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) definition of minimum value coverage. The Notice clarifies that plans that do not “substantially cover in-patient hospitalization or physician services” — often called “skinny” or “bare bones” plans … Continued

Painkiller Problems

According to two studies by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI), the vast majority of injured workers with long-term opioid use (opioids, such as morphine, oxycodone and hydrocodone, are effective pain relievers but can be highly addicti…

A To-Do List for Sponsors of Self-Funded Group Health Plans

Below are some to-dos for sponsors of self-funded group health plans. The information is limited generally to the “what” and the “when.” For a summary of the PPACA provisions that apply to group health plans and whether the provision applies to self-funded plans, request UBA’s PPACA Decision Guide for Self-funded Plans.

A To-Do List for Sponsors of Self-Funded Group Health Plans

Below are some to-dos for sponsors of self-funded group health plans. The information is limited generally to the “what” and the “when.” For a summary of the PPACA provisions that apply to group health plans and whether the provision applies to self-funded plans, request UBA’s PPACA Decision Guide for Self-funded Plans.

Requirement to Obtain a Health Plan Identifier (HPID) Delayed | Chicago Employee Benefits

On Friday, October 31, 2014, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) quietly updated its Health Plan Identifier information page to delay the requirement that insurance carriers and self-funded health plans obtain a health plan identifier (HP…

Self-Funded Plans Must File Transitional Reinsurance Fee Form by November 15

The transitional reinsurance fee (TRF) applies to fully insured and self-funded major medical plans for 2014, 2015, and 2016. The purpose of the fee is to provide funds to help stabilize premiums in the individual insurance market in view of uncertaint…

Employee Leaves under the FMLA, ADA, and Other Laws

Managing leaves of absence is an ongoing issue for many employers. Several laws potentially apply to leaves — the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and workers’ compensation apply most often. Recent guidance under the …

Employee Leaves under the FMLA, ADA, and Other Laws

Managing leaves of absence is an ongoing issue for many employers. Several laws potentially apply to leaves — the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and workers’ compensation apply most often. Recent guidance under the …