Regulation

Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Mark Udall (D-Colo.) on Tuesday introduced new legislation to counter the debated Supreme Court Hobby Lobby decision, which favored religious exemptions to certain contraception methods.

Commentary: While the rules are clear that employers cannot reimburse employees for coverage purchased on the Affordable Care Act’s exchanges, broker David C. Smith explores questions about post-ACA reimbursement arrangements, particularly HRAs.

As reports of more DOL audits continue to spook benefit advisers into talking compliance with their clients, employers are confirming that they, too, are fearful of federal agencies’ monitoring.

Over the past two months, minimum wage increases have either been signed into law or enacted in states from coast to coast. With many more locales still considering changes, management and legal authorities recommend employers – of all sizes and industry – revisit their pay structures.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s vigorous zeal for employer compliance with the Americans with Disability Act is not showing any signs of letting up. As a result, legal advisers in the labor and employment field recommend that employers of all sizes conduct a thorough review of their policies and accommodations.

If it “smells like a benefit plan,” you likely have to follow ERISA, said one speaker at the National Association of Health Underwriters annual convention in Scottsdale, Ariz. Here are some general tips benefit advisers need to know about complying with this law, for your clients and their employees alike.

“The majority of Americans, including many small business owners, are still confused about the health reform legislation,” according to Health Partners America, a broker training and education organization. Here are 10 FAQs about the Affordable Care Act and its implications for small businesses.

There are few smiles as the ACA’s effect on dental coverage begins to be better understood. Coupling dental benefits with health care coverage may have unintended consequences — and complicate access for employees.

Over the last year, “skinny plans” have gained some acceptance among employers under the employer shared responsibility provisions of the Affordable Care Act. And while a skinny plan might be limited to preventative services only, the skinny plans appearing in the marketplace generally include a handful of other features.

The president of the ESOP Association calls the Supreme Court’s decision in Fifth Third Bancorp v. Dudenhoeffer a “mish-mash” and says he doesn’t consider it to be a big victory for employers.