Count Down to Open Enrollment – Some Quick Thoughts

Posted on: August 30, 2018 By:

As open enrollment approaches for the 2019 calendar year, below are some items employers may want to consider:

  • Wellness program changes – Many employers change their wellness programs during open enrollment.  This is a reminder that even small changes to a wellness program may have significant consequences.  For example, if an employer increases wellness rewards, it may impact not only whether a program complies with the 30% test under HIPAA but it may also impact affordability under Code Section 4980H.  Making changes to a wellness program structure may also create problems.  For example, employers with tobacco surcharges might allow people to avoid surcharges by attesting that they do not use tobacco. 
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Posted in Health & Welfare Plans, Health Care Reform | Tagged , , , , , ,

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The Family Medical Leave Act and Benefit Plans: What comes first – the Law or the Employer’s Established Policy?

Posted on: July 24, 2018 By:

An employer that employs 50 or more employees for each working day during each of 20 or more calendar workweeks in the current or preceding calendar year is subject to the Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”). Therefore, often when I am reviewing an employee benefits plan or policy I flag language that states something like: “You may be eligible to continue your coverage pursuant to the FMLA. Contact the company for more information.”  What does this mean?

Group Health Plan

For purposes of the FMLA, a group health plan is generally a plan that provides health care to employees, former employees, or families of such employees or former employees. Read More ›

Posted in Employee Benefits, Health & Welfare Plans | Tagged , , , ,

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