Benefits Think Wellness programs: A new layer of compliance
The EEOC has proposed rules addressing the extent to which employers may offer incentives to promote participation in wellness programs without violating the ADA.
Health insurance
Employee benefit lobbyists lay out legislative agenda
Ending the Cadillac tax, simplifying the reporting process and eliminating the automatic enrollment requirement are a few of the legislative recommendations the American Benefits Council is urging Congress to act on.
Is Aetna eliminating commissions on small-group business?
Benefit advisers in several states have received new fee arrangements from Aetna that eliminate commissions on small-group business, causing an uproar among brokers, many of whom question the legality of such a practice.
Dental, vision benefits vital to broader employee health promotion
Vision and dental benefits can be harnessed to play a larger role in employee health than the sum of their parts.
Benefits Think The minimum wage wave rides on
Commentary: Regardless of the federal minimum wage, companies must continue to comply with each states wage laws or face hefty fines and other penalties.
EEOC, court flip flops reveal challenges to employers facing accommodation requests
If even the EEOC and the courts cannot agree how far the ADA's accommodation obligation extends, how is an employer supposed to do so?
IRS monitoring shrinks, increasing compliance risk for plan sponsors
Hoping to get a green light from the IRS on a creative new plan design you are planning to implement or even just get reassurance that amendment you have made to your plan in response to new legislation are correct? Dont hold your breath.
What to expect should SCOTUS strike down ACA subsidies
The countdown is on for the U.S. Supreme Courts decision on the Affordable Care Act and the legality of subsidies with a decision that could have looming political implications leading into a heated primary election cycle.
Benefits Think Why are regulators targeting 401(k) rollovers?
Commentary: This practice may be eliminating opportunities for investors to purchase products which could greatly improve the emotional and financial well-being of the client in their retirement.
Curtis Cloke
Thrive Income Distribution System LLC
IRS modifies rules on 401(k) elective deferral failures
401(k) plans with automatic contribution features no longer need to make the 50% corrective contribution with respect to elective deferrals that were not properly made.
Burwell: Health care on threshold of big change
The health care system in the United States is on the threshold of changing the course of the nation and what happens now can impact the life of every American more than any piece of policy or legislation we have seen in the recent past, Sylvia Mathews Burwell, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, said Wednesday.
Insurers propose double-digit rate hikes
The proposals for Healthcare.gov plans are subject to a review process before the final rates are published by Nov. 1.
IRS guidance sought following hardship withdrawal, loan documentation warning
Defined contribution plan sponsors remain in regulatory limbo regarding their obligations to maintain detailed documentation surrounding employee 401(k) hardship withdrawals.
What are the ACAs preventive care requirements?
Commentary: Recent guidance issued jointly by the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury clarifies how the Affordable Care Act's requirement to provide cost-free coverage for preventive care applies to several types of products and services.
Obama administration clarifies ACA 2016 cost-sharing limits
Questions from industry stakeholders have prompted the Obama administration to clarify annual limits on cost sharing under the ACA and how they apply to individuals, families, and self-funded and large group health plans.
Employer groups urge repeal of ACA small group market expansion
The ACAs mandated expansion of the definition of the small group market would limit employers health plan options and lead to premium increases, according to employer groups that are urging the repeal of the mandate before it takes effect in 2016.
Will a loss of ACA subsidies spur economic growth?
A win for King would have economic benefits for both individuals and employers, according to one think tank.
Praise for AHIP CEO Ignagni as she steps down
For 22 years, she has worked tirelessly on our behalf with acumen that is unmatched.
The silver lining in 401(k) Supreme Court decision
The recent Supreme Court decision in Tibble v. Edison, though largely favorable to plaintiffs, does contain one silver lining for plan sponsors.
SCOTUS decision opens door to more 401(k) lawsuits
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision Monday that could have far-reaching implications for how long a retirement plan participant has to sue an employer for breach of fiduciary duty in a 401(k) plan.