New Back-to-School FFCRA Guidance

September 1, 2020

The DOL recently released three additional FAQs around FFCRA Leave and school “closings” in an attempt to clarify when an employee is eligible for leave. FAQ 98. My child’s school is... Read more »

Alera Group’s Lisa Allen Invited to Join U.S. Department of Labor’s ERISA Advisory Council

August 27, 2020

Allen is Only Expert Chosen to Represent the Insurance Industry Lisa Allen, Senior Compliance Consultant at Alera Group, has been named to the U.S. Department of Labor’s ERISA Advisory... Read more »

President Trump Issues Executive Orders Intending to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs

August 3, 2020

On July 24, 2020, President Trump issued several Executive Orders intending to lower prescription drug costs by (1) modifying anti-kickback laws to lower drug prices, (2) reducing trade barriers to... Read more »

As HHS Finalizes Its Updated §1557 Rules, the United States Supreme Court Rules Title VII Protects Individuals From Discrimination Due To Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity

June 17, 2020

On June 12, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) released its Final Rule under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act which, among other things, modifies the... Read more »

Legal Alert: IRS Releases Updated Form 720 Used For PCORI Fee Payments

June 16, 2020

As we recently reported, on June 8, 2020, the IRS released the applicable PCORI fee for plan years ending between October 1, 2019 and September 30, 2020. As we indicated in that alert, an... Read more »

Alera Group Releases Results of COVID-19 Employer Pulse Survey: Phase 2

June 16, 2020

One-Third of All Employers Furloughed Employees Yet Nearly 85% Plan to Bring Back Workers Alera Group, a national employee benefits, property and casualty, retirement services and wealth... Read more »

REMINDER: PCORI Fees Due By July 31, 2020

June 8, 2020

Employers that sponsor self-insured group health plans, including health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) should keep in mind the upcoming July 31, 2020 deadline for paying fees that fund the... Read more »

IRS Releases 2021 HSA Contribution Limits and HDHP Deductible and Out-of-Pocket Limits

May 28, 2020

In Rev. Proc. 2020-32, the IRS released the inflation adjusted amounts for 2020 relevant to HSAs and high deductible health plans (HDHPs). The table below summarizes those adjustments and other... Read more »

Carrier Premium Credits and ERISA Fiduciary Obligations

May 18, 2020

Due to COVID-19 and state and local stay-at-home orders, utilization of group medical and dental insurance benefits is down. As a result, some carriers recently notified employers that they... Read more »

IRS Relaxes Election Change, Other Rules for Cafeteria Plans and FSAs

May 13, 2020

As the country continues to feel the impact of the COVID-19 National Emergency declared by President Trump on March 13, 2020, the IRS has provided some much-needed guidance and relief for... Read more »