"This MEC Reference Chart is a reference tool that lists whether various types of coverage are considered MEC and whether eligibility for that coverage makes an individual ineligible for premium tax credits (PTC) in the marketplace."  MORE >>

"As school resumes and temperatures fall, employees may be calling out sick. Here is a refresher on the basics of California's paid sick leave law known as the Healthy Workplace Healthy Families Act[.]"  MORE >>

"HCSO covered employers generally must make health care expenditures on a quarterly basis for those employees for whom the employer contribution to the health plan is not already sufficient -- including employees who have declined coverage or are not eligible for the employer's health plan -- by contributing to the City Option. 2024 HCSO Required Health Care Expenditure Rates: 100+ Employees Worldwide: $3.51 per hour payable (11 cent increase); 20+ Employees (50+ Nonprofit) Worldwide: $2.34 per hour payable (7 cent increase)."  MORE >>

"After several failed attempts by pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) to challenge state laws regulating PBMs, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals handed down a big win for PBMs and, by extension, self-funded ERISA plans ... [W]hile the Oklahoma law does not directly regulate ERISA plans, but rather PBMs, the court recognized that ERISA plans are virtually compelled to use PBMs to administer their prescription drug benefits and, therefore, held that the Oklahoma law is preempted by ERISA as it impermissibly impacts and/or relates to ERISA plans by interfering with plan administrators' ability to administer their plans uniformly." [PCMA v. Mulready, No. 19-0977 (10th Cir. Aug. 15, 2023)]  MORE >>

"Some of the top employee benefits trends are designed around improving the quality of life for employees. Here are six to consider. [1] Flexible working schedules ... [2] Mental health support ... [3] Continuous learning opportunities ... [4] Financial wellness programs ... [5] Expanded parental leave ... [6] Benefits tailored to working remotely."  MORE >>

"[Lifestyle Savings Accounts (LSAs)] enable employers to offer reimbursements to employees for activities that appeal to the modern workforce and promote physical, financial and emotional wellbeing -- without the rules and restrictions typically associated with other benefit accounts or 'perks.' ... LSAs are not tax-advantaged, and employees only receive the reimbursement if they make an eligible purchase. LSA funds do not go into a benefit account for employees to use by the end of the year like with an FSA, nor do they go into a portable account that employees can take with them if they leave the company like with an HSA."  MORE >>

"In contrast to the mandatory Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs that were implemented by various states ... other states have adopted a voluntary model, allowing employers to 'opt-in' to providing a PFML benefit.... [1] Virginia Paid Family Leave (PFL) ... [2] New Hampshire Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) ... [3] Alabama Paid Family Leave Insurance (PFLI) ... [4] Arkansas Paid Family Leave Insurance (PFLI) ... [5] Florida Paid Family Leave Insurance (PFLI) ... [6] Tennessee Paid Family Leave Insurance (PFLI) ... [7] Texas Paid Family Leave Insurance (PFLI) ... [8] Vermont Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)."  MORE >>

"In this article, [the authors] describe the distinctive features of level-funded plans, clarify how they operate, explore their potential in creating value for employers and workers, and suggest directions for policymakers to consider."  MORE >>

"The terms of five Council members expire at the end of this year. The groups or fields they represent are as follows: [1] Employee organizations; [2] employers; [3] the general public; [4] corporate trust; and [5] investment management.... Nominations must be received on or before [45 days after publication in the Federal Register, currently scheduled for Sept. 6, 2023]."  MORE >>

"Employee benefits programs are indispensable to your organization's compensation package. A well-designed benefits package can increase employee retention and improve workplace productivity.... This article will help you create a winning employee benefits program in eight simple steps."  MORE >>