Senior Compliance Analyst
Insperity
in TX

401(k) Plan Consultants
CEP Consultants, Inc.
in NY

Employee Benefits Associate
Shipman & Goodwin LLP
in CT

Client Service Center Associate
Alerus Financial
in MN

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Administration's Health Reimbursement Arrangement Proposal Is Welcome Step but Leaves Questions Unanswered

"While the proposed regulations promise relief from the prior guidance, it may be premature to exhale quite yet. First, despite their length and complexity, many questions remain. Additionally, taxpayers may not rely on the proposed regulations, meaning that any relief they offer are still speculative. Final regulations are not expected until 2019 (with comments on the proposed regulations due by Dec. 28, 2018). The proposed regulations are a very welcome first step, however, and indicate how serious the Departments are about issuing meaningful relief that works well within the existing regulatory framework." Groom Law Group, via Bloomberg BNA

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IRS Reminder to Employees: Plan Now to Use Health Flexible Spending Arrangements in 2019

"[IRS] reminded eligible employees that now is the time to begin planning to take full advantage of their employer's health flexible spending arrangement (FSA) during 2019. FSAs provide employees a way to use tax-free dollars to pay medical expenses not covered by other health plans. Because eligible employees need to decide how much to contribute through payroll deductions before the plan year begins, many employers are offering their employees the option to sign up for an FSA this fall for participation that begins in 2019." Internal Revenue Service [IRS]

Healthcare Costs for Employer-Sponsored Healthcare Plans Will Continue to Outpace General Inflation

"Medical costs are projected to increase in 2019 at rates that are lower than those in the previous two surveys. However, healthcare costs are still expected to increase at rates greater than general inflation.... Health insurers reported a weighted average prescription drug trend of 10%, which is down by 0.9% from the prior year." Buck

IRS Updates Health and Welfare Benefit Plan Limits

"IRS announced cost-of-living adjustments affecting the 2019 dollar limitations for Health and Welfare plans and other related Health and Welfare Benefits items. [A chart describes limits for] some of the most commonly used business benefits[.]" Hall Benefits Law

Building a Strategic Plan for Your Health Benefits Program

"Employers should continue to evaluate traditional approaches, such as plan design and cost-sharing. It's also critical to take advantage of emerging new resources, such as: changes in health delivery by the providers and new networks; changes driven by payment reform; and provider shifts to value-based care. To build a multi-year benefits strategy successfully, leadership support and effective change management are critical." Findley

Nondiscrimination Testing for Health Plans: Code Section 105(h) and Post-ACA Design Alternatives

Dec. 5 webinar. Understand rules and develop cost effective strategies to meet the compliance obligation, avoid lawsuits, and develop health benefit offerings that are both facially and operationally nondiscriminatory. BenefitsLink discount .

Effect of Inclement Weather Closures on an Employee's FMLA Allotment

"[It] appears that if an employer's business is closed for a week or more because of the storm, the days the business is closed would not count against an employee's FMLA leave allotment. If the business is closed for less than a week, the FMLA's regulation pertaining to holidays likely would apply." FordHarrison

Think Globally, Comply Locally: How Employers Navigate Leave Laws

"When asked about their approach to complying with state and local leave laws, the majority of respondents -- 65% -- simply track and comply with all laws and regulations that apply to their operations, with 38% using a third party to help.... 12% of respondents maintain a single national policy based on the most generous state/local leave law with which the employer must comply, and 27% have established a leave policy that meets or exceeds all state/local requirements." Mercer

How Can Brokers and Employers Get on the Same Page with Technology?

"Claims data ... can help reduce the confusion about which products to choose.... [T]he increasing use of apps and platforms is leading many agencies to set up 'tech teams,' technology experts who can educate businesses and employees on the new tools.... [A]rtificial intelligence will play an increasing role in educating and serving benefits consumers." BenefitsPro

What Can We Expect from CVS-Aetna?

"Opening up the MinuteClinic model will provide an easy-to-access, front door portal to cost-effective care for acute and chronic conditions -- which can help care be simpler.... Integrating the pharmacist into care triage to aid in steerage to a primary care provider is a low-hanging fruit solution -- and allowing that pharmacist to provide needed advice and follow-up on chronic care treatment can only serve to lower those costs." Frenkel Benefits

New Draft Form 5500, Instructions and Schedules Issued

"[S]ome compliance questions are back on Schedule H and Schedule I and on the abridged version of the Form 5500-SF. The instructions indicate that answers to the compliance questions are mandatory.... [T]he penalty for failing to file a complete or accurate Form 5500 is now $2,140 per day." Winstead PC

What Are the Content Requirements for a Disability Claim Denial Notice?

"Specific reasons, plan provisions, and additional information ... Discussion of the decision.... Scientific or clinical judgment.... Internal rules and guidelines.... Right to obtain documents.... Appeals and right to sue." Thomson Reuters / EBIA

IRS Announces Benefit Plan Limits for 2019 (PDF)

2-page printable chart shows limits for 2018 and 2019, as well as important deadlines for 2019. Lockton

Press Releases

Sherrie Boutwell Inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel Boutwell Fay LLP

Newport Group Acquires Kidder Benefits Consultants Newport Group, The

Northern Trust Asset Management Strengthens Public Funds and Taft-Hartley Team Northern Trust

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Most Popular Items in the Previous Issue

2018 Benefits Strategy Benchmarking Survey (PDF) Gallagher

Solutions to Lower Premiums for Hardworking Americans Who Buy Their Own Coverage (PDF) America's Health Insurance Plans [AHIP]

Text of IRS Rev. Proc. 2018-57: Inflation-Adjusted Limits for 2019 (PDF) Internal Revenue Service [IRS]