With two seemingly simple and straightforward definitions in the final regulations implementing the Affordable Care Act’s pay-or-play rules—i.e., definitions of “employer” and “employee”— the Treasury Department and IRS have...more
The Internal Revenue Service has released a series of FAQs to answer several outstanding questions following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Windsor, which struck down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act. The most...more
Group health plan sponsors turn their attention to completing 2013 tasks, implementing upcoming 2014 changes, preparing for the ACA Shared Responsibility requirement in 2015, and documenting recent extensive plan changes....more
As we approach the end of the year, employers and plan sponsors of qualified retirement plans and health and welfare plans should take time to meet various upcoming deadlines. Failure to comply with the deadlines may result...more
The Internal Revenue Service has issued proposed regulations on reporting requirements under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The regulations, released on September 9, 2013, address two separate ACA reporting requirements: one...more
The Obama Administration has announced that implementation of the penalties under the Affordable Care Act's ("ACA") employer mandate (also known as the "pay or play" penalties) have been delayed until 2015. ...more
More and more employers and insurance companies are providing incentives and rewards to employees and their covered dependents to encourage participation in wellness programs—programs designed to improve an individual’s...more
The Affordable Care Act added the so-called “Play or Pay” mandate or “Employer Shared Responsibility” provisions to the Internal Revenue Code (the Code). Starting in 2014, certain employers may be subject to a penalty tax,...more
Starting in 2014, "large" employers (essentially, those with 50 or more "full-time" employees) must offer minimum health insurance coverage to full-time employees or face hefty penalties. These provisions (a.k.a "shared...more
With the close of 2012 approaching fast, employers should consider the following checklist of items as the nation moves ahead with compliance with the Affordable Care Act. Effective in 2013: The following list...more
As 2012 closes, group health plan sponsors turn their attention to completing 2012 tasks, implementing upcoming 2013 changes, and preparing for the full impact of ACA in 2014. As 2012 draws to an end, employers pass...more
With the re-election of President Obama and the Supreme Court's recent decision upholding portions of the Affordable Care Act (the "ACA"), health care reform is here to stay for the foreseeable future. Though limited...more
After months of uncertainty, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the federal healthcare reform law known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA). What does this landmark law mean for employers now and in the near and distant future? ...more
With the end of 2012 quickly approaching, and for 2013 planning purposes, this newsletter provides a high-level list of the important changes to be aware of under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the...more
With year-end fast approaching, now is the time for plan sponsors to review their employee benefit plans to ensure that they have been updated for any changes in the law, that required notices have been distributed, and to...more
As everyone knows, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was upheld in a somewhat surprising Supreme Court decision last month. (For a recap of the decision see our Legal Alert on the case). Set out below is a...more
Now that the Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (collectively, the “Act”), employers must move...more
Excerpt from Health Insurance Reform Timeline chart: - W2 inclusion of cost of employer-sponsored health coverage for employers who filed more than 250 Forms W2 in prior year. 2012 Forms W2, due 1/31/13 -...more
On January 3, 2012, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") released Notice 2012-9, which restates and clarifies its prior guidance on the requirement under the Affordable Care Act to report the cost of employer-sponsored health...more
On March 29, 2011, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) released Notice 2011-28, which provides guidance to employers on the requirement under the Affordable Care Act (the “Act”) to report the cost of employer-sponsored...more