Resources

HHS Expands Hardship Exemptions for Catastrophic Coverage

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027 formalizes earlier guidance that expands hardship-exemption eligibility to…

2026 DOL Civil Penalty Rates Remain Unchanged

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued a memorandum directing federal agencies to cancel penalty-inflation adjustments for 2026. This suspension affects penalties that…

IRS Revised FAQs on Educational Assistance Programs

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued revised frequently asked questions (FAQs) on educational assistance programs under Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code)…

Federal Agencies Report to Congress

The U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury recently submitted a report to Congress summarizing their review of comparative analyses of…

PCORI Fee Reporting

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) imposes a fee on health insurance issuers and plan sponsors of self-insured health plans to help fund the Patient-Centered Outcomes…

3 Key Tips for Evaluating Your Pharmacy Benefits Before a Merger or Acquisition

When considering a merger or an acquisition, reviewing the employee benefits strategy is essential for several reasons. Ensuring you retain key employees, cost control and…

Where Has Our Nonprofit Team Been in Q1 2026?

Our nonprofit team works tirelessly to stay on top of the latest industry news and trends so they can provide innovative recommendations to their clients. Our…

Top Nonprofit Industry Trends to Watch in 2026

The nonprofit sector has contended with a complex risk landscape for several years, largely fueled by funding pressures, economic uncertainty and rising demand for community…

Form 5500 Filing Deadline is July 31st

Every year, employers that are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) must electronically file an annual report (Form 5500 “Annual Return/Report…

DOL’s Questions and Answers Regarding Proposed Independent Contractor Rule

On Feb. 27, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a proposed rule that would rescind the department’s 2024 final independent contractor rule and…

EBSA Updates National Enforcement Projects for 2026

The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) announced updates to its national enforcement projects for the 2026 fiscal year, on January 15, 2026. According to EBSA,…

5 Ways Employers Should Approach GLP-1 Medications

As GLP-1 medications continue to gain prominence for treating diabetes, obesity, and other emerging health conditions, employers face growing challenges in managing their impact on…

5 Reasons Gas and Welding Distributors Need Off-Cycle Health Reviews

Gas and welding distributors are facing one of the most challenging health insurance renewal seasons in a decade. Medical cost increases in the 20 to…

5 Reasons Companies Need Off-Cycle Health Reviews

We are facing one of the most challenging health insurance renewal seasons in a decade. Medical cost increases in the 20 to 30 percent range…

ACA Reporting Deadlines Approaching

Employers that are required to report under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Sections 6055 or 6056 should begin preparing now…

Guidance Issued on New Trump Accounts for Children

On December 2, 2025, the IRS issued Notice 2025-68 announcing upcoming regulations and providing initial guidance regarding Trump Accounts. Created by the One Big Beautiful…

Top 5 Healthcare Trends to Watch in 2026

As we move deeper into 2026, the healthcare landscape continues to evolve rapidly, shaped by new therapies, shifting market dynamics and ongoing economic pressures. For…

State Minimum Wage Rates 2026

The minimum wage rate is projected to change in 2026 in the following states: Alaska Hawaii New York Arizona Maine Ohio California Michigan Oregon Colorado…

New 2026 Employment Law Changes Every Employer Needs to Know

Effective January 1, 2026, many states will implement new or amended labor and employment laws. These states include: Arkansas; Colorado; Connecticut; Delaware; Illinois; Maine; Minnesota;…

Penalty Relief Provided for Tax Year 2025 OBBBA Tip and Overtime Reporting

On November 5, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and IRS issued guidance providing penalty relief to employers and other payors for the…

PCORI Fee Amount Adjusted for 2026

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released Notice 2025-61 announcing an increase in the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee for plan years ending on…

Federal Agencies Release Updated Guidance on Providing Fertility Benefits

The U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (the Departments) jointly issued guidance on October 16, 2025, that clarifies existing categories…

Utilizing Dependent Care FSAs – What Expenses Can Be Reimbursed?

Internal Revenue Code (Code) Section 129 permits employers to provide dependent care assistance benefits for their employees on a tax-free basis. These benefit plans are commonly…

Aligning Health Plans After a Merger: Strategies for Cost Savings & Compliance

When companies merge, executives often focus on financials, technology or market positioning. But for employees, the first question is often more personal: What happens to…