18 pages, rev. Nov. 2024. "[This document] contains general and program specific testing information for use with ACA Assurance Testing System (AATS).... Software Developers must pass IRS AATS scenarios for the forms and tax year that the software package will support.... Transmitters and Issuers must pass a one-time communication test for the forms they will file."  MORE >>

Nov. 12, 2024. "This form and its separate instructions have replaced the Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction Worksheet that was previously published as a worksheet in Pub. 535, Business Expenses. Use this form and its instructions to determine any amount of the self-employed health insurance deduction you may be able to claim and report on Schedule 1 (Form 1040), line 17."  MORE >>

"The Act requires private employers to provide paid sick time to all employees regardless of the size of the employer beginning on Oct. 1, 2025.... Employers can either provide paid sick time on an accrual basis or they can frontload the employee's anticipated annual paid sick time accrual at the beginning of the year.... The Act imposes restrictions on the notice, documentation, and information an employer can require from employees."  MORE >>

"The biggest barrier to HDHP and HSA adoption is education.... By communicating the value of your benefits offering and educating your staff on how your HSA-qualified plan can benefit them long-term, you can boost engagement during open enrollment and motivate your employees to explore and take advantage of their options. Here are some actionable steps you can take."  MORE >>

"[We] can take a back look at the initiatives put forth by Trump in his prior administration ... [1] Expansion of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and other coverage alternatives.... [2] Lowering drug prices.... [3] Emphasis on telehealth and innovation.... [4] Protecting individuals with pre-existing conditions.... [5] Supporting value-based care."  MORE >>

"Employers and employees covered by their health plans differ by size, workforce composition and by region. The task of designing a cap on the exclusion for all employer-sponsored plans would be very difficult.... [No] matter how carefully crafted a cap on the tax exclusion may be, there is no logical limiting principle to a cap. Future Congresses could well return to the tax exclusion to generate additional savings. Once the principle of a cap on the exclusion is established, a future Congress could dial the cap ever downward."  MORE >>

"[T]he largest PBMs reportedly engage in business practices that drive up prescription drug costs, rather than lowering costs and passing the savings on to those feeling the pressure of rising costs. Three PBMs process more than 80 percent of prescription drug claims in the U.S., giving them immense market power ... To date, seven committees of jurisdiction across both chambers have voted overwhelmingly in favor of PBM transparency and reforms ... Now is the time to enact real and lasting change. "  MORE >>

"Pursuant to the Joint Notice, benefit plans subject to ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code are required to disregard a defined 'Relief Period' when determining certain plan deadlines applicable to participants, beneficiaries, COBRA qualified beneficiaries and claimants affected by the disasters. [This article answers] questions related to the scope of the relief, and offer recommendations for plan sponsors and administrators regarding implementation of the deadline extensions."  MORE >>

"On November 1, 2024, the [IRS] announced cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to the dollar limits on benefits and contributions in retirement plans for 2025. These adjustments are in addition to previously announced increases in limits to other employee benefit plans. In addition, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced the COLA to the Social Security wage base for 2025."  MORE >>