Two common denominators are reshaping the dental and vision benefits equation: One is increasing awareness of their respective correlation to overall health, while the other is a growing desire for greater freedom of choice. Together, these key themes are expected to help elevate flat plan participation in a post-healthcare reform environment as employees and their […]
Category: News
Top healthcare benefit trends to watch
The number of employers offering a healthy living/incentive program grew in 2015, and is one of several trends to watch as the year 2016 unfolds, analysts say. Plan design changes and programs such as incentive and wellness were of increasing interest to employers last year and most “continue to turn to their brokers and consultants […]
How does the ACA apply to LTD and STD recipients?
In order to avoid potential pay or play penalties, do employers need to make an offer of health plan coverage to individuals receiving payments from a short-term disability or long-term disability arrangement? All large employers must offer health plan coverage to their full-time employees or potentially be subject to pay or play penalties. Under the […]
What the presidential candidates’ positions on the ACA mean for employers
As you certainly know, we are in the heart of the presidential campaign season. With all of the focus on the horserace aspect of the democratic process, it can be difficult to dig into details of policy. With that in mind, here’s a closer look into where the candidates stand on healthcare, and specifically the […]
Helping employees understand the retirement savings contributions credit
Tax time is here and with it comes the perfect opportunity for employers to inform workers about a little-known tax credit they may be eligible to claim that could put $1,000 to $2,000 back in their pockets. The Saver’s Credit or Retirement Savings Contributions Credit is offered to low- to moderate-income workers who put money […]
What employees need to know now to file tax forms for PPACA
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) reporting deadlines are rapidly approaching, presenting a major administrative burden for employers who face penalties for failing to report in a timely and accurate manner. While there has been significant discussion of employer roles and responsibilities, employees have been largely left out of the equation. However, many employees will […]
ACA Reporting a Challenge for Employers
When we flipped our calendars to the New Year, many of us took time to review our priorities and reset our to-do lists. This year, many employers will have a new challenge added to their lists: ACA reporting. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) added new reporting rules to the federal tax code that will affect […]
Will Congress really dismantle the Cadillac tax?
Currently delayed for two years, the Affordable Care Act’s excise tax is on track for full repeal — but not without upcoming challenges, Members of Congress and their staffs said Wednesday on Capitol Hill in Washington. Now set to take effect in 2020, the so-called Cadillac tax would force employers to pay a 40% tax […]
Cadillac tax or no, new strategies help employers reduce health plan costs
The fate of the so-called Cadillac tax notwithstanding, new strategies are emerging to help employers cut healthcare costs. The Affordable Care Act’s excise tax places a 40% levy on high-cost employer-sponsored health plans ($10,200 for individuals, $27,000 for families). Originally set to go into effect in 2018, it recently was pushed back until 2020 and […]
Employers advised to prepare for questions on ACA reporting forms
As employers prepare to distribute Forms 1095 to employees by the newly extended IRS deadline of March 31, they should brace for increased questions from employees about the new forms. In Notice 2016-4, issued by the IRS on Dec. 28, the agency extended the deadlines for both providing individuals with the reporting forms required as part […]