Government shutdown bad for contractors benefits
Benefits advisers for government contractors say employees will be impacted in the way of retirement savings and more.
Compliance
Two court cases challenge the legality of subsidies on federal exchanges
Find out more on these ongoing legal spats over the Affordable Care Act and how employers are involved in the arguments.
District court grants trial-by-jury to ERISA plaintiff
A district court found that a claim seeking restitution to the plan for losses incurred as a result of a breach of a fiduciary duty under ERISA has the right to a jury trial. This will be an important issue to follow as the creation of a right to a jury trial could fundamentally alter the nature of ERISA litigation.
What happens on Oct. 2?
At 2 p.m. ET on Oct. 2, EBN and EBA will offer a web seminar on issues relating to ACA implementation and what they mean for employers whether or not they plan having their workers participate in ACA marketplaces.
New HIPAA requirements go into effect Monday
Privacy practices and business associates agreements should, in most cases, be updated by Sept. 23.
DOL pushes back fiduciary proposal
The Department of Labor is pushing back its timeframe for releasing a highly anticipated proposal for expanding fiduciary responsibilities for advisers who work with retirement plans.
$100-a-day penalties: ACA non-compliance can be expensive
While most employers are focused on the larger 'Obamacare' fines than be levied against a plan, they shouldn't lose sight of a slew of smaller penalties that can really add up.
NARAB bill to create national broker licensing bureau passes House
The U.S. House of Representatives voted today on key legislation for brokers to practice in multiple states. Find out more and its status in the U.S. Senate.
IRS issues post-DOMA guidance, state tax issues remain
While employers may welcome the federal guidance, there may still be state tax issues that complicate the administration of same-sex benefits.
What benefit providers need to know about the IRS same-sex marriage ruling
Last week the Internal Revenue Service confirmed that they will consider a same-sex couple married for federal tax purposes if they were married in a state or foreign country that recognizes same-sex marriage regardless of where the couple resides. Here are additional details on what employers should know about and what action they should take on the recent guidance, stemming from the U.S. Supreme Courts historic ruling on DOMA in June.
FMLA extended to same-sex couples
The U.S. Department of Labor has provided guidance on Family and Medical Leave Act protections for same-sex couples. The guidance follows the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to strike down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, which fundamentally changed how the federal government treats same-sex marriages.
More on the Oct. 1 ACA notices: Who has to provide them
In response to Monday's legal reminder about the Oct. 1 ACA employee communications, were bringing you more information on the requirements.
More on the Oct. 1 ACA notices: Who has to provide them
In response to last weeks legal reminder about the Oct. 1 ACA employee communications, were bringing you more information on the requirements.
How DOMA ruling affects benefit and leave policies, IRS tax rules
The Q&A sheds light on how the Supreme Court decision will affect income tax and estate planning issues, as well as employee benefit plans, leave policies, and other opportunities that companies give married workers.
Don’t forget about employee ACA communication due Oct. 1
With the recent employer mandate delay, some businesses might be overlooking the requirement to provide a notice to employees about health insurance coverage that may be available through a public exchange. Advisers should remind clients about this important requirement.
Five documents sure to appear in an employment lawsuit
The big five vary in importance depending on the claims asserted and the underlying issues, but theyre almost always included among documents produced in employment litigation.
ACA timeline on track as Congress heads out for summer
Before heading out until September, Congress heard testimony from top CMS and IRS officials. Find out what these testimonies said about the health care reform law, now that the insurance exchanges are less than two months away from opening.
Transitional reinsurance program complex process
Lawyer Garrett Fenton speaks to EBN about the Affordable Care Act's transitional reinsurance program and why employers need to start preparing for it now.
N.Y. exchange rates: comparing apples to donuts
This month, Gov. Cuomo announced that health insurance plan rates that will be offered through New Yorks Health Benefits Exchange have been approved. There was much made in the press about the individual market rates that will be offered in 2014 and how they are at least 50% lower than current rates. As with understanding penalties, really evaluating the exchanges takes a little deeper review of the figures.
DOL changes timing of required employer 401(k) and 403(b) disclosures
In a move to align 401(k) and 403(b) disclosures to employees with other required communications, the DOL has issued a delay that employers need to be aware of.