"The prohibition on forcing employees to use accrued paid time off does not mean that the employee may not ask to use accrued and unused paid time off in order to supplement state-sponsored benefits -- which typically are less than an employee's full earnings while actively working.... The prohibition against forcing the employee to use accrued and unused PTO/vacation/sick leave only applies while the employee is receiving the state-sponsored benefit."  MORE >>

"[E]xpenses such as application fees and deposits that are not directly for care may qualify for reimbursement from a DCAP if the employee is required to pay the expenses to obtain related care. To be reimbursable, these 'indirect' expenses must otherwise meet the requirements for reimbursement under the DCAP rules and the plan document, and the care to which they relate must be provided.... [I]ndirect expenses are not reimbursable if the care they relate to is not ultimately received."  MORE >>

"In general, there are different HSA contribution limits based on employee-only vs. family coverage, whether the employee is age 55+, and the number of months in the year for which the individual is HSA-eligible. There is also a special rule ... that provides additional options for those gaining HSA-eligibility mid-year."  MORE >>

"Leaders across industries face unprecedented challenges as they navigate rising insurance premiums, escalating prescription drug costs, and the complexities of supporting hybrid workforces. With the right approach to employee benefits, organizations can better meet their people's needs and support their journey toward professional fulfillment."  MORE >>

"[T]elehealth played an outsized role in the delivery of mental health services starting in 2020, with over 40% of mental health visits occurring via telehealth from 2020-2022. Females, young adults, and people residing in the northeast and west coast received the highest share of mental health care via telehealth. Therapy was the most commonly received mental health service via telehealth."  MORE >>