"[T]he calculation of normal deadlines will resume on July 10, 2023, for individuals whose Relief Event date was after July 10, 2022.... Employers would also be well served to review COBRA notices previously issued to determine if an updated notice or communication is merited in light of the impending end of the relief."  MORE >>

Summarizes key dates for calendar year 2023 regarding activities and policies that are outlined in other documents.  MORE >>

"The guidance provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding the ordinances, such as which employers are covered by the ordinance, which employees are covered, and how to calculate supplemental pay. The FAQ notes the following important points:"  MORE >>

"[T]he court held that participants in the RingCentral health and welfare benefit plan -- which participated in the Tech Benefits Program, a Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA) -- lack Article III standing to sue the MEWA manager for breach of fiduciary duty under ERISA arising from an alleged unlawful kickback scheme and excessive administrative fees." [Winsor v. Sequoia Benefits & Ins. Servs., LLC, No. 21-16992 (9th Cir. Mar. 8, 2023)]  MORE >>

"[F]amily-based considerations are viewed as a top deterrent to pursuing a career in the industry. Transportation is another key concern ... Among the most important are programs that support: [1] Women's health; [2] Education/apprenticeship; [3] Families; [4[ Work-life balance."  MORE >>

"The bill [HR 1447] provides that if an employer alters or terminates an employee's coverage in a group health plan during a lawful strike or lockout, the employer will be fined $75,000 per offense during a lockout and $50,000 per offense during a strike.... Each employee whose plan is altered or terminated during a strike or lockout constitutes a single offense[.]"  MORE >>

"Retirees whose former employers offer health coverage are being shifted to privately run Medicare Advantage, often against their wishes. The change saves millions for employers."  MORE >>

"[T]he average couple who retires today at age 65 with traditional Medicare coverage can expect to spend roughly $315,000 (after tax) during retirement on copays, deductibles, insurance premiums, and other expenses not covered by insurance. That does not include costs associated with long-term care (LTC), the median annual cost of which was $108,000 per year in 2021 for a private room at a nursing home facility."  MORE >>

"[V]oluntary benefit providers systematically over-promise and under-deliver.... The carrier will not enroll all of your employees correctly.... This will increase the HR department's workload and hours will be spent on the transition.... Depending on the type of product you offer, you may have to meet minimum participation levels.... Courts regularly rule that a voluntary plan is an ERISA plan, even if the employer never intended to sponsor the plan formally.... [Yet some voluntary benefits] can be appropriate and even desirable in a handful of circumstances."  MORE >>