[Guidance Overview]

Why You Need to Get Your ACA Reporting Forms Right This Coming Year

"Every year since the ACA reporting forms have been required, the IRS has indicated that it would not assess penalties due to incorrect forms as long as the employer could show that it made 'good faith' efforts to comply.... That relief is now over.... [A]ny error can trigger potential penalties of up to $560 per form ... While it is possible to get penalties waived on a showing of 'reasonable cause', this is a higher standard to overcome."  MORE >>

HUB International

Who Should Consider a High-Deductible Health Plan?

"If you're in good health, rarely need prescription drugs, and don't expect to incur significant medical expenses in the coming year, you might consider an HDHP.... But HDHPs and HSAs are also sometimes among the best options for people who have serious health conditions and know they're going to need extensive medical care in the coming year. There are a couple of reasons for that: Maximum out-of-pocket costs combined with premiums, as well as the tax advantages that go along with contributing to an HSA."  MORE >>

Watko Benefit Group

Fourth Circuit Reverses Win for Hartford in Dispute Over Long-Term Disability Benefits

"The court found that the district court did not err by granting Hartford's motion to strike the extra-record evidence. The court was persuaded that exclusion of Dr. Whittenberg's letter was proper because Shupe failed to demonstrate a persuasive reason why he did not present the letter during the administrative appeal.... [The court also found that the functional capacity evaluation (FCE) which] set in motion Hartford's decision to terminate Shupe's benefits ... is internally inconsistent and represents an outlier." [Shupe v. Hartford Life & Accident Ins. Co., No. 19-1854 (4th Cir. Dec. 7, 2021)]  MORE >>

Roberts Disability Law

Taking Control of COVID-19 Policies: How U.S. Employers Can Move Forward While the Vaccination Mandate Ping-Pong Match Plays On

"[A] clearly drafted policy helps control your company's direction and operates as a clear message to your employees, who are stuck in the middle too.... [1] Understand your context ... [2] Be prepared for change ... [3] Gather information (with limitations) ... [4] Prepare your team ... [5] Pay attention to privacy and confidentiality rules.... [6] Promote vaccination on a voluntary basis, and consider an 'employer's choice' mandatory policy.... [7] Focus on other control measures ... [8] Review your reporting and anti-retaliation policies and training."  MORE >>

Dentons

New Requirements for New York City Employers as Omicron Spreads

"NYC employers who have not yet done so should consider how they would implement a mandatory vaccination policy and reasonable accommodation process, while waiting for further guidance from the City. NYC employers should also be ready to update their safe/sick leave policies if the mayor signs the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act expansion into law."  MORE >>

Davis & Gilbert LLP

Managing Compensation and Benefits in a Competitive Labor Market

"Financial wellness programs are being offered by more organizations ... Non-qualified plans continue to be critical for executive recruiting and retention ... Increased communication around employee benefits, continued remote work opportunities, and training on diversity, equity & inclusion initiatives are the most prevalent employee benefits strategies implemented in 2021.... [E]mployers continue to pass on a greater portion of [health plan] costs to employees through higher premium payments and deductibles, as well as leveraging employee wellness initiatives."  MORE >>

Newport Group

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Alerus Announces Acquisition of Metro Phoenix Bank

Alerus

Vestwell to Power State Savings Plans for Millions of Savers Through OregonSaves, MyCTSavings, and MarylandSaves Partnerships

Vestwell

McDonald Hopkins Adds Experienced Executive Compensation and Benefits Attorney Elliot Raff to Chicago Office

McDonald Hopkins

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Ethics for Actuaries

December 15, 2021 WEBCAST

American Society of Enrolled Actuaries [ASEA]

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Text of Draft IRS Publication 15-B: Employer's Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits, for Use in 2021 (PDF)

Internal Revenue Service [IRS]

Your Vaccination Status: What Does HIPAA Actually Protect and Prohibit

Holland & Hart LLP

The Highest Medical Costs to Expect in Retirement

U.S. News & World Report