[Guidance Overview]

IRS Issues Guidance on Federally Funded COBRA Premium Subsidy: What You Need to Know

"Notice 2021-31 [provides] much needed guidance ... Loss of coverage due to a reduction in hours includes furloughs, lawful work stoppages, and voluntary reduction in hours.... Involuntary termination includes termination for good reason and constructive discharge.... An individual may become a potential AEI more than once."  MORE >>

Troutman Sanders

[Guidance Overview]

IRS Finally Releases Guidance Implementing COBRA Subsidies But Leaves Important Questions Unanswered

"A dilemma remains for employers offering stand-alone dental or vision plans in addition to their major medical plans.... Notice 2021-31 is also clear that the extension of timeframes under emergency relief do not apply to the ARPA notice requirements or the extended election period.... The premium assistance credit is includible in the employer's gross income, and an employer is not eligible to receive the credit, if it is also claiming a credit for qualified health plan expenses under the FFCRA or for qualified wages under the CARES Act."  MORE >>

The Wagner Law Group

Health Insurance Trends, May 2021 (PDF)

29 presentation slides. "52% of insurers say they do not anticipate raising rates due to the COVID pandemic ... 33% are likely to make changes to plan benefits as a result of the pandemic ... 55% report a 50% or greater increase in utilization of telehealth benefits over the period before the pandemic."  MORE >>

eHealth

Congressional Leaders Ramp Up Efforts to Craft Health Insurance Public Option

"Two congressional committee leaders ... sent out a May 26 request for information to stakeholders, seeking input by July 31.... The American Hospital Association (AHA) and the Federation of American Hospitals (FAH) ... expressed their opposition to the general concept. Both groups support expanded healthcare coverage, but the preference is for that to take place through the commercial market."  MORE >>

Healthcare Financial Management Association [HFMA]

Congressional Subcommittee Hearing on Universal Paid Leave and Guaranteed Access to Child Care

Video of May 27 subcommittee hearing, with links to written testimony by [1] The Honorable Rosa DeLauro (CT-3); [2] The Honorable Katherine Clark (MA-5); [3] The Honorable Ashley Hinson (IA-1); [4] Nina Perez, MomsRising; [5] Michael Rothman, Fatherly; [6] Lee Savio Beers, MD, FAAP, American Academy of Pediatrics; [7] Jocelyn C. Frye, Center for American Progress; and [8] Elizabeth Milito, National Federation of Independent Business.  MORE >>

Worker and Family Support Legislative Subcommittee, Committee on Ways and Means, U.S. House of Representatives

Rethinking Commuter Benefits for a Hybrid-Work World

"As employers adjust their policies and benefits to meet the needs of a more distributed workforce, some are continuing to help with commuting expenses while others are deciding to redirect spending to support other benefits."  MORE >>

Society for Human Resource Management [SHRM]; membership may be required to view article

Addressing Mental Health in the Workforce

"[T]here are things employers can do to encourage their employees to ask for help.... [1] Make EAP available and accessible.... [2] Publish a list of resources.... [3] Make sure mental health care is covered by your health plan.... [4] Create opportunities for employees to socialize.... [5] Ensure all employees understand how to request an accommodation."  MORE >>

FordHarrison

[Guidance Overview]

DOL Issues Long-Awaited Cybersecurity Guidance for Benefit Plans

"Although issued as informal tips and best practices, the Guidance Packet is likely intended to provide a minimum standard of care, which may be an indication that the DOL intends to focus future enforcement efforts on cybersecurity."  MORE >>

Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP

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OneDigital Expands its Portland Presence with Two Acquisitions

OneDigital

AIG Retirement Services Launches Self-Directed Retirement Planning Tool to Help Plan Participants Discover Their Path to a Brighter Future

AIG Retirement Services

Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Falsifying Pension Contribution Reports

U.S. Department of Justice [DOJ]

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Workforce Mental Health

August 17, 2021 WEBCAST

International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans [IFEBP]

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IRS Uncoils COBRA Subsidy Guidance

Groom Law Group

IRS Bites Into COBRA Subsidy Questions Under ARPA

Miller Johnson

HHS HIPAA Security Rule Settlement Imposes Extensive Independent Monitoring Requirements

Thomson Reuters Practical Law