"A separate return must be filed for each plan type. [1] Transfers ... [2] HSA mistaken distributions ... [3] HSA closure under the USA PATRIOT Act ... [4] Death of account holder ... [5] Statements to recipients ... [6] Truncating recipient's TIN on payee statements ... [7] Account number." [Also available: 2023 Form 5498-SA: HSA, Archer MSA, or Medicare Advantage MSA Information]  MORE >>

"For 2023 family leave insurance (FLI), workers will contribute 0.06% of the first $156,800 in wages, down from 0.14% in 2022. There are no employer contributions to New Jersey FLI."  MORE >>

"The court rejected the employer's argument that it had complied with its statutory duty because it had delegated to its TPA the obligation to mail COBRA notices. Stating that the delegation did not absolve the employer of liability, the court allowed the case to proceed to trial for the determination of whether the employer attempted in good faith to notify the employee of her COBRA rights ... In contrast, the court ruled in favor of the TPA, finding that it had no statutory liability or fiduciary responsibility toward the employee[.]" [Howard v. Ivy Creek of Tallapoosa, LLC, No. 20-0213 (M.D. Ala. Sep. 22, 2022)]  MORE >>

"7 in 10 employers expect moderate to significant cost increases over the next 3 years ... 52% will implement programs or switch vendors to reduce total costs. Only 1 in 4 will shift costs to employees through higher premium contributions ... Concerns about healthcare costs extend to employee affordability ... Actions to take now."  MORE >>

"35% of people would be deterred from seeking care for themselves if they were unaware of the price ahead of time. Almost two-thirds (64%) of Americans don't know if their physicians or hospitals offer payment plans or financial assistance for medical bills."  MORE >>

"Health care affordability, rising health insurance costs, and a lack of confidence in affording unexpected medical bills are significant concerns for adults ages 40 to 64.... [T]hree in 10 were more likely to forgo taking a medication because of its cost within the last 12 months. That percentage closely mirrored those who experienced an adverse medical event during that time."  MORE >>

"[T]he 214th open meeting of the [ERISA Advisory Council] will be held on December 8-9, 2022 ... [in] Washington, DC. The meeting will also be accessible via teleconference and some participants, as well as members of the public, may elect to attend virtually.... The purpose of the open meeting is for the members of the ERISA Advisory Council to finalize their observations and recommendations on the issues they studied in 2022, present their observations and recommendations to the [DOL], and receive an update from leadership of [EBSA]."  MORE >>

"Many employees who moved on to another job are having second thoughts about their decision -- a new phenomenon that is being referred to as the 'Great Regret.'... The current employee-driven jobs market ... presents an opportunity for plan sponsors to strengthen their benefits offerings and improve participant communications to become an employer of choice for job seekers."  MORE >>