Preparing Employers and Employees for 2021 Benefit Plans Decisions
Every year, Medicare has a window in which beneficiaries can review and change certain parts of their coverage. According to the official site, the Open Enrollment Period (sometimes called the Annual Election Period) runs...more
This week, the government shutdown entered its fifth week and, on Nov. 4, 2025, became the longest in history, beating a 34-day-plus record set during President Donald Trump's first term. Meanwhile, the Open Enrollment Period...more
In last week’s Preview, we said this week would be one to watch for movement on the shutdown because of a few important dates. On November 1, 2025, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace open enrollment began, where...more
The US government shutdown has now lasted nearly one month, marking it as the longest full shutdown in US history, surpassing the previous record held by the partial shutdown of 35 days in 2018 – 2019. As the shutdown...more
The federal government is in the midst of a shutdown that is centrally focused on a dispute regarding the level of financial assistance that should be provided to individuals and families purchasing health insurance plans on...more
As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, there is no clear end in sight. Democrats continue to insist that any bill to reopen and fund the government include an extension of the advanced premium tax credits (APTCs)...more
Starting January 1, 2026, the annual contribution limit for dependent care assistance programs (DCAPs) will increase from $5,000 to $7,500 (or $3,750 if married filing separately), marking the first adjustment in decades....more
We are 20 days into the government shutdown, making this the longest full shutdown in US history (the 35-day shutdown in 2018 – 2019 was partial). Pressure to end the shutdown grows as more federal employees and programs...more
Here are the top ten items you should tackle in October 2025, based on the latest workplace law developments and upcoming critical compliance dates...more
It’s that time of year again – employers are gearing up for the administrative marathon known as open enrollment season, when employees revisit their benefit plan choices for the upcoming plan year. This critical period...more
On Dec. 11, 2024, the OIG issued a Special Fraud Alert (Alert) related to certain fraud and abuse risks associated with marketing arrangements between Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs) and health care professionals...more
Over the past several months, numerous large employers and their health plan fiduciaries have faced lawsuits regarding their health plan’s tobacco surcharge. A tobacco surcharge wellness program typically charges a higher...more
On November 26, 2024, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) released a proposed rule revising the Medicare Advantage (“MA”) Program (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program (Part D), Medicare Cost Plan...more
As our readers know, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) prohibits certain marketing communications, materials, and activities. With Medicare’s open enrollment period nearing an end, now is a good time to...more
With Medicare’s open enrollment period (October 15, 2024 – December 7, 2024) in full swing, now is a good time to discuss the many nuances of Medicare marketing that exist both during and outside of the open enrollment...more
It’s hard to keep up with all the recent changes to labor and employment law, especially since the law always seems to evolve at a rapid pace. In order to ensure you stay on top of the latest changes and have an action plan...more
On October 17, 2024, the IRS published Notice 2024-75 (Notice), expanding preventive care benefits that can be provided under a high deductible health plan (HDHP) before an individual reaches the applicable minimum HDHP...more
With Medicare’s open enrollment commencing on October 15, 2024, now is a good time to discuss the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (“CMS”) marketing rule changes for the 2025 contract year. In addition to complying...more
There are important new rules this year relating to prescription drug coverage which may be relevant to your Medicare plan beginning January 1, 2025. The “Open Enrollment” period this year during which eligible individuals...more
The 2025 open enrollment season for employee benefits is swiftly approaching. With newly released IRS guidance, employers should review the cost of their group health plan(s) to ensure affordability. Companies that rely on...more
Open enrollment season can put a spotlight on the many complex rules applicable to employer-sponsored health and welfare plans. As you announce your benefit offerings for the upcoming plan year and tirelessly work to inform...more
Employees increasingly request (and expect) choice in their benefits. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently released Private Letter Ruling 202434006 (PLR), which approved an employer's program allowing employees to...more
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced two settlements with major insurance companies this month that highlight the importance of employers avoiding the collection of group life insurance premiums from employees until...more
Last week, the Biden-Harris administration (the Administration) announced a new rule simplifying the process for enrolling in Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Basic Health Program (BHP)....more
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated its guidance on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022’s (P.L. 117-169) (IRA) Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (M3P) with its release of the Final Part One Guidance on...more