Benefits Think The ACA clock is ticking
Commentary: Just because vendors are promising you will avoid penalties because you were able to provide a good faith effort, doesnt mean you actually will be penalty-free.
Compliance
NLRB redefines joint-employer standards
More companies may be held responsible for labor-law violations committed by contractors and forced to negotiate wages and benefits with their workers under a decision by a politically split U.S. labor board.
By
Jim Snyder
Number of employers subject to Cadillac tax predicted to rise
The number of employers who could be subject to the ACAs Cadillac tax is predicted to rise if employers remain stagnant on health care plan changes, underscoring a need to make plan adjustments sooner rather than later.
Same-sex marriage: A checklist for plan sponsors
The Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges primarily affects the administration of benefits and almost exclusively applies to employers in those states that previously did not recognize same-sex marriage.
Benefits Think How to help clients avoid ACA filing penalties
Commentary: Good faith effort, transition relief, 30-day extension and other safety nets for 6055 and 6066 tax filing.
Michael Weiskirch
Employee Tech
Medical pot in the workplace: What employers need to know
Despite the wide range of cannabis program laws, consistent themes have begun to emerge.
By
Bob Morgan
DOL fiduciary opponents pin price on proposal: $3.9B
Warnings of billions in crippling costs and TV attack ads are the latest salvos from opponents of the Labor Department's fiduciary rule after hearings closed last week. The industry's newest claim is that independent firms could get hit with a bill tallying up to $3.9 billion in startup costs alone should the rule go into effect.
Benefits Think The long reach of the National Labor Relations Act
Non-union employers are often under the misimpression that they are not affected by the National Labor Relations Act.
5 tips for ADA compliance
Commentary: Many employers feel that the Americans with Disabilities Act is burdensome, but that burden is the reality, and employers have to accept their responsibility to meet it. Here are five tips to help employers with ADA compliance.
DOL fiduciary standard: Here’s what’s next
After four days of public hearings, in which dozens of participants weighed in, the Labor Department is one step closer to implementing a new fiduciary standard, the scope of which heartens supporters and troubles critics.
How the gay marriage ruling impacts group benefits
Employers have some decisions to make regarding coverage for spouses and domestic partners following the Obergefell ruling. If there are any modifications to a policy, its crucial theyre reflected in the plan document and that employees and TPAs are informed about such changes.
Hope of congressional intervention shifts Cadillac tax to neutral
Large employers are playing a waiting game in the coming year on health care cost saving strategies as many wait and see how Washington politics play out.
Full Coverage of Dept. of Labors Fiduciary Hearings
Complete, ongoing coverage on the Labor Department's hearings on its proposal to impose fiduciary requirements on retirement advisors from SoureMedia's Financial Planning, On Wall Street, Employee Benefit Advisor and Employee Benefit News.
By
Phil Albinus
PSCA asks for model language in DOL fiduciary rule
The Plan Sponsor Council of America outlines its concerns over the DOLs proposal to impose fiduciary requirements on retirement advisers.
Benefits Think Religious accommodations: What employers need to know
Employers must make appropriate religious accommodations just ask UPS and Abercrombie & Fitch.
ADP promises to work with brokers on new private exchange
Working in partnership with USI and GoHealth, the payroll firms platform will serve populations with employer-provided benefits as well as those who must purchase through public exchanges.
Benefits Think Joint employment: Is your company at risk?
Temporary agency workers, leased workers, and independent contractors provide organizations with flexibility, but they can also create unknown risks for employers.
Senators question CMS over state-based marketplace reimbursements
Three Republican senators have sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expressing concern for the lack of oversight for more than $1 billion in federal grants given to state-based marketplaces.
Consumers in state-based marketplaces said, I better shop around
State-based marketplaces were overall quite successful in retaining enrollees, however, a large number of consumers shopping within the marketplace during 2015 open enrollment decided to switch plans based on the price of services offered.
IRS issues first taste of Cadillac tax implementation
The IRS continues to seek industry input on the Affordable Care Acts excise tax on high-cost employer-sponsored health plans.
