Employers

Posted May 1st, 2018 in Employers, Producers, Individuals

On April 26, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced relief for taxpayers with family coverage under a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) who can contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA).

Posted April 26th, 2018 in Producers, Employers
This blog was originally posted on July 13, 2017.
 
Group health plans are almost always subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, also known as ERISA.
 
This means employers must follow certain rules, such as:
 
  • Providing participants with important information in writing about plan features and funding.
  • Establishing an appeal and grievance process for participants to receive benefits from the plan.
Posted April 24th, 2018 in Producers, Employers

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created a research institute known as the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). The goal of PCORI is to help patients and those who care for them make better-informed decisions about healthcare choices. PCORI is funded by fees which are charged to health plans.

The following information is designed to help employers understand their payment obligations.

Posted April 19th, 2018 in Producers, Employers, Individuals
This month, our featured Ask the Expert question comes from Melissa in South Carolina. Melissa asks:
 
“I keep hearing that 213(d) expenses are eligible for reimbursement under a Flexible Spending Account. What exactly is a 213(d) expense?”
 
There are a few things to consider when talking about 213(d) expenses in relation to Flexible Spending Accounts. Let’s start off with a definition of 213(d) expenses.
 
Posted April 3rd, 2018 in Producers, Employers, Individuals

Last month, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R -PA) introduced the Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act. The proposed legislation would improve and enhance Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and unlike most other HSA initiatives, this bill has bipartisan support.

HSAs have been an agenda item for the Republican party since their inception in 2004, but they are now gaining support amongst Democrats too. The Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act is co-authored by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and is being co-sponsored by a mixture of Republicans and Democrats including Erik Paulsen (R-MN), Ron Kind (D-WI), Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).

Posted March 29th, 2018 in Employers, Producers, Individuals
Last week, President Donald Trump signed into law a 2,232-page federal spending bill avoiding another government shutdown. In the days leading up to the bill’ s passage, it appeared that Congressional leaders were on the verge of including funds which aimed to stabilize the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 
 
Posted March 27th, 2018 in Employers, Producers, Individuals
On Monday, March 5, 2018, the IRS published Internal Revenue Bulletin (IRB) 2018-10 that contains Revenue Procedure (Rev. Proc.) 2018-19. 
 
Effective for calendar year 2018, the family contribution limit for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) has been lowered to $6,850 from the previously set amount of $6,900. 
 
There has been no change in the individual contribution limit of $3,450 or the catch-up contribution limit of $1,000 for calendar year 2018.
 
Posted March 15th, 2018 in Producers, Employers

As a benefits professional, you know that navigating the benefits industry can sometimes be a tricky endeavor. Let’s face it; employee benefits can be confusing—even for those of us who deal with this stuff for a living. Whether you’re a Human Resource Manager, an insurance agent or benefits consultant, people are counting on you to have all the answers. Flex is here to make sure you get them.

Posted March 13th, 2018 in Producers, Employers, Individuals
The Idaho Test – Last Thursday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) shot down the state of Idaho’s plan to allow for the sale of health insurance plans which don’t comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Idaho officials wanted less expensive plans to be available for purchase in their state, but these plans could use medical underwriting and wouldn’t have to cover all ten of the essential health benefits.
Posted March 8th, 2018 in Producers, Employers
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) requires most employers who offer health and welfare benefits to maintain and distribute Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs) to all plan participants. This SPD must include certain disclosures and information, such as when the employer may amend or terminate the plan(s).
 

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