"While affected employers can avoid facing penalties until 2014 for not making health care coverage available to their workforce, the [DOL] has begun auditing employers' group health plans for compliance with other requirements of the law that are already in effect. As the DOL steps up its audit efforts ... [here] are five actions that employers should consider taking in 2013. [1] Assess the Workforce ... [2] Choose Whether to 'Pay' or to 'Play' ... [3] Evaluate Existing Wellness Programs and/or Implement New Wellness Programs to Enhance Employees' Health Profiles and to Avoid or Minimize the 'Cadillac Tax' ... [4] Understand and Be Ready to Comply with New Tax-Related Changes and Requirements [and] ... [5] Conduct Self-Audits to Ensure Compliance."

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