The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the work environment in many ways, including a significant impact on employer-sponsored health benefits. The past year has resulted in changes to how frequently individuals visit the doctor (or do not visit the doctor), purchase eligible medical expenses, and need dependent care. In response to the pandemic, the IRS, Congress,
Notice Requirements under COBRA: Check it Twice!
The beginning of the New Year (and a new plan year for many public agencies) is a good time to review key provisions of the Comprehensive Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”), including what notice requirements COBRA imposes on public agencies.
This year, make a resolution to ensure that your public agency fully complies with COBRA
Righting Wrongs Before It Costs Serious Dough – How Affordable Care Act Audits Can Help Employers Avoid Steep Reporting Penalties
At the beginning of each calendar year all employers who are considered “Applicable Large Employers” (“ALE”) under the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) Employer Mandate Regulations will be required to file with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) annual information returns concerning the health care coverage offered to full-time employees. Employers may be assessed penalties for failures
Let Them Eat Stale Cake – But They Won’t Be Getting COBRA!
This post was authored by Jessica Frier
Federal COBRA legislation allows departing employees and dependents to continue coverage under an employer’s group health plan after coverage is lost for almost any reason—including death, divorce, reduction in hours, and even termination for cause. Only the employee’s “gross misconduct” provides a basis to deny COBRA coverage.
But
Updated Model Notices for Employees and Dependents Eligible for COBRA Continuation Coverage
This post was authored by Stephanie Lowe
The federal government recently released updates to the model Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”) notices available to employers on the Department of Labor (“DOL”) website. The updated model notices clarify that additional cost-effective coverage options, including financial assistance under the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”), may be available
REMINDER: Certain Employers Must Report The Cost of Employer-Sponsored Group Health Plan Coverage on 2012 Forms W-2 That Are Provided To Employees This Month
This guest post was authored by Heather DeBlanc
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires employers to report the cost of employer-provided group health plan coverage on the 2012 Forms W-2 provided to employees this January 2013. Employers who issued fewer than 250 Forms W-2 in January 2012, do not need to comply with