Category Archives: Government
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Zepbound, further expanding the market of government-approved weight loss medication. The new injectable drug, which is made by Eli Lilly and Company, is intended for use by adults with obesity or … Continue reading
HIGHLIGHTS The IRS has announced the affordability percentage that will apply under the ACA’s pay or play rules for plan years beginning in 2024. This percentage (8.39%) is a significant decrease to the affordability threshold. ALEs will need … Continue reading
LEGAL UPDATE – PCORI Fee Amount Adjusted for 2024
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued Notice 2023-70 to increase the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee amount for plan years ending on or after Oct. 1, 2023, and before Oct. 1, 2024. The updated PCORI fee amount is … Continue reading
CHECKLIST- Completing Form I-9
Federal law requires employers to hire only individuals who may legally work in the United States—either U.S. citizens or authorized foreign nationals. To comply with the law, employers must verify the identity and employment authorization of each individual they hire … Continue reading
FICA Reduction Redux – IRS Issues Guidance on Wellness Indemnity Payments
On June 9, 2023, the IRS released OCC Memo 202323006, which advises that wellness indemnity payments under a fixed indemnity insurance policy are wages for purposes of Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes, Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) taxes, and … Continue reading
New FAQs on ACA’s Cost-sharing Limit and No Surprises Act
On July 7, 2023, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (Departments) issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) overall cost-sharing limit and the No Surprises Act’s (NSA) protections … Continue reading
REMINDER: PCORI Fees Due By July 31, 2023
Employers that sponsor self-insured group health plans, including health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) should keep in mind the upcoming July 31, 2023 deadline for paying fees that fund the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) via Form 720, which was recently updated … Continue reading
DOL Issues Guidance on Preventive Care Court Order
On March 30, 2023, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas issued an order in Braidwood Management Inc. v. Becerra (“Braidwood”), vacating any and all actions taken by the DOL and other federal agencies (in the … Continue reading
Agencies Issue Guidance on the End of the COVID-19 Emergencies (Revised based on the President’s Signature of H.J.Res. 7 on April 10, 2023)
On January 30, 2023, President Biden issued a Statement of Administration Policy announcing his intent to end the COVID-19 national and public health emergencies on May 11, 2023. However, on April 10, 2023, the President signed H.J.Res. 7, which … Continue reading
ARE YOU PREPARED?
The Cost of Flooding It’s flood season, and if your area is affected by a flood, you could be left with some financial liability. How much exactly? This article explains: https://bit.ly/3EGvrcG Do You Know Your Flood Risk? Everyone is at … Continue reading
