Workplace Wellness: Healthy Food Options

Most full-time employees eat at least one or two meals at work each workday. Not only are a significant number of meals eaten in the workplace, but work is also where employees are most susceptible to distracted or stress-related eating. As an employer, you can help your employees make healthy meal and snack choices. Good…

Workplace Wellness: Stress Management

Initiatives for Stress Management Stress is a leading contributor to many health problems, and the workplace can often be a major source of stress. Lowering stress can lower the risk of medical conditions and can help employees feel better on a day-to-day basis. You can implement various activities to help reduce employee stress, which can…

HHS Increases Civil Penalties for HIPAA Violations

Privacy and Security Rule Violations Impacted by Rule On Jan. 17, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a final rule increasing the civil monetary penalties for violations of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules. HHS is required to adjust these penalties for inflation each year. Effective Jan. 17, 2020, the following…

2020 DOL Penalty Amounts for ERISA Violations Issued

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has increased the penalties employers face under ERISA for group health plan reporting and disclosure failures. These new amounts apply to penalties assessed after Jan. 15, 2020, and include the following: Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC): Failure to provide group health plan participants and beneficiaries with an SBC…

Cadillac Tax Repealed / PCOR Fee Renewed

The SECURE Act President Trump has signed a year-end spending package that will fund the federal government through September 30, 2020.  The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement  (SECURE) Act of 2019 is included in that spending package.  The SECURE Act contains significant changes to retirement plan regulations.  It also contains some significant changes…

Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage Notice Reminder

All group health plans that provide prescription drug coverage to Medicare Part D eligible individuals (whether actively working, retired, or disabled) are required to notify CMS whether or not the coverage provided is creditable. This disclosure is required whether the coverage is primary or secondary to Medicare. Employers must file their Disclosure Notice through the…

Upcoming Group Health Plan Compliance Dates

Employers must comply with numerous reporting and disclosure requirements throughout the year in connection with their group health plans. Listed below are upcoming important compliance deadlines for employer-sponsored group health plans, organized chronologically. For these requirements, the information provided herein shows the deadlines that apply to calendar year plans. For non-calendar year plans, these deadlines…