Resources

Preparing for the 2024 Gag Clause Attestation: Key Resources and Action Steps for Employers

On May 24, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released a set of resources to help health plans and insurance issuers with their annual…

Final Rule Strengthens Mental Health Parity Requirements

Highlights The Departments have released a final rule to strengthen MHPAEA’s requirements. The final rule makes changes to the existing NQTL standard to prevent plans…

Pay-or-Play Affordability Percentage to Increase for 2025

Highlights The IRS has announced the affordability percentage that will apply under the ACA’s pay- or-play rules for plan years beginning in 2025. This percentage…

Employee Health & Benefits Trends: The Evolving Workforce

2024 Employee Health & Benefits Trends: The Evolving Workforce report helps professionals like you stay ahead of evolving workplace trends. Optimize your company’s benefits strategies…

2024 Absence, Disability, and Leave Benchmarking Report

We are pleased to present the findings of Marsh McLennan Agency’s 2024 absence, disability, and leave benchmarking survey in a new report. This report gathers…

Medicare Part D Notices Are Due Before October 15

Important Date October 15, 2024: Group health plan sponsors must provide the annual Medicare Part D notices to Medicare-eligible individuals before this deadline. Every year,…

FTC Noncompete Ban Blocked by Federal District Court

Highlights On May 7, 2024, the FTC issued a final rule that would ban virtually all noncompetes effective September 4, 2024. On July 3, 2024,…

Employer Handling of MLR Rebates

Links and Resources HHS issued interim final rules implementing the MLR requirements in December 2010. The Department of Labor (DOL) issued Technical Release 2011-4 (TR…

How to Handle HSA Overcontributions and Prevent Future Excise Taxes

Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions that go beyond an individual’s maximum allowable amount, or are made by or for someone who is not eligible for…

Federal Courts Block Enforcement of Specific Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Provisions

On April 26, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Civil Rights (OCR) issued a final rule under Section 1557…

Key Employment Law Compliance Trends for Mid-2024

There have been significant changes in employment law at the federal, state and local levels throughout 2024. A review of recent and proposed legislation reveals…

HHS Enhances Reproductive Health Care Privacy with HIPAA Model Attestation

Key Dates April 26, 2024: HHS published a final rule on reproductive health care privacy. December 23, 2024: Covered entities and business associates must comply…

2024 ACA Reporting: Draft Forms Now Available

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued the draft forms for 2024 reporting under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6055 and 6056. However, the draft instructions…

Court Rejects Pre-Birth FMLA Leave for Unmarried Father

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled in Tanner v. Stryker Corp. that an unmarried employee who traveled to be with his pregnant ex-girlfriend…

Understanding the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA): Key Takeaways for Employers

A recent webinar hosted by The Horton Group provided essential insights into the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and its implications for employers. Here’s a…

Top Economic Insights for 2024 – A Shift in Momentum

As businesses navigate the complexities of today’s economic landscape, making data-driven decisions has become increasingly crucial. Here are the key takeaways that business leaders should…

ERISA Penalties Awarded for Failure to Provide Requested Information on Mental Health Benefits

The U.S. District Court for the District of Montana awarded over $32,000 in penalties against an employer’s self-insured health plan and its third-party administrator (TPA)…

Employer Considerations: Coverage of Gender-Affirming Care

In Lange v. Houston County, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that it was a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act…

How to Exit a PEO: A Guide for Businesses

Exiting a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) can be a significant milestone for businesses experiencing growth and looking to regain control over their operations. The process can…

Law Alert: Cook County and Chicago Midyear Updates

Several new and updated laws take effect in Cook County and Chicago on July 1, 2024. Keep reading for more details. LOCAL MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES…

Enhancing Workforce Well-Being: Key Insights from The Horton Group’s Webinar on Wellness and Population Health

Wellness and population health programs are pivotal in boosting employee engagement, productivity, and retention, which are more important than ever in today’s evolving workplace dynamics.

Applicability Timeline for Section 1557 Final Rule

Action Steps The final rule is likely to trigger additional lawsuits. As a result, plan administrators and issuers should monitor all legal developments in consultation…

Compliance Overview: FAQs on Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Final Rule

Action Steps The final rule will likely trigger additional lawsuits. As a result, plan administrators and issuers should monitor all legal developments in consultation with…

Overview of the EEOC’s Guidance on Workplace Harassment

Highlights On April 29, 2024, the EEOC published final guidance on harassment in the workplace. The new guidance clarifies the EEOC’s positions on the application…