Newsletter Archives At D|A Financial Group we understand how today's business owners and managers are pulled in many different directions.  That is why we aim to keep you up-to-date on the latest in Health Care Reform and Compliance Issues.  Every two weeks we send out our Compliance Corner newsletter, which covers some of the hot-button issues for today's busy employer.  In addition to the bi-weekly newsletter, we send out periodic updates on the ever-evolving Health Care Reform legislation.  If you do not receive these emails on a regular basis, we invite you to join our mailing list. Please click on the link below, or send an email to info@dafg.comand ask to be added to our list. Please note that we do not sell our mailing list email addresses to outside vendors. Join our Mailing List! ARCHIVE LIST Compliance Corner Newsletter - June 10, 2011 In this issue: Retroactive Amendment for Section 125 Cafeteria Plans Required by June 30, 2011, Final Rule on HHS Review of Premium Rate Increases, Health Reform Legal Challenge – Three Federal Appellate Courts to Consider PPACA Challenges, Attempts by the Republicans to Defund PPACA, Update on PPACA’s Temporary High-risk Pool and the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan, Supreme Court Declines to Review ADA Reasonable Accommodation Case, Supreme Court Upholds Arizona Law, 403(b) IRS Questionnaire Project Focuses on Higher Education Plans, FMLA Claim Dismissed After Employee Takes Trip to Mexico, ERISA Fiduciary Exemption to the Attorney-Client Privilege Recognized by Fourth Circuit, CMS Revises Medicare Part D Model Notice, Annual HSA Contribution Amounts Adjusted for 2010, Medicare Secondary Payer Mandatory Reporting User Guide Revised and CMS Issues Clarifications for HRAs, Long Awaited Employee Benefits Decision Issued by Supreme Court, Draft of Form 8955-SSA Now Available, State Updates and FAQs. Compliance Corner Newsletter - May 17, 2011 In this issue: Survey Designed to Assist HHS in Determining "Essential Health Benefits" Under PPACA Treasury, IRS Request Public Comments for Several Employer Provisions Included in PPACA, Health Reform Update: Free Choice Voucher Provision Repealed, Health Reform Legal Challenge Update, President Obama Signs Legislation Repealing PPACA 1099 Requirements, HHS Posts Opt-Out Election Materials for Self-funded, Non-federal Governmental Plans, CMS Incorporates PPACA Changes in Final Regulations and Announces Part D Benefit Parameters, Final Rule Revises List of Documents Accepted for Form I-9, Wellness Program Satisfies ADA, Despite Financial Penalty for Non-participation, State Law Privacy Claims Not Preempted by ERISA, DOL Seeks Comments on Electronic Disclosure by Employee Benefit Plans, HHS Issues Revised National Medical Support Notice - Part A, DOL Issues Final Amendments to Regulations Interpreting Fair Labor Standards Act and Portal-to-Portal Act, IRS Issues Final Regulations on User Fees Relating to Enrolled Retirement Plan Agents, Despite Losses to Participants, Properly Executed Change in Default Investment not a Fiduciary Breach, and State Updates for AL, AZ, AR, CA, GA, HI, ID, IL, IA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OK, PA, TN, TX, SC, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY. Compliance Corner Newsletter - April 18, 2011 In this issue: Obama Expected to Sign Repeal of PPACA 1099 Requirement, IRS Provides Transition Guidance and Relief for W-2 Reporting, DOL Releases Another Set of PPACA FAQs, Health Reform Legal Challenge Update, DOL Releases PPACA Study on Self-insured Plans, CMS to Stop Accepting Applications for ERRP Due to Unavailability of Funds, Archived Webcast: "Getting It Right- Know Your Fiduciary Responsibilities Webcast Series, IRS Releases Spring Edition of Employee Plans News, Employer Provided Sufficient Proof that COBRA Notice was Mailed, Ninth Circuit Upholds Criminal Convictions for Chairman and CEO Who Misappropriated 401(k) Contributions, Retroactive Plan Revocation Upheld by U.S. Tax Court for Failure to Amend, and State Updates for AR, CA, DC, IL, KY, MT, NJ, NY, NV, SD, UT, WA. Compliance Corner Newsletter - March 31, 2011 In this issue: Certain Internal Claims and Appeals Requirements Under PPACA Further Delayed EEOC Issues Regulations Implementing ADA Amendments Act, IRS Releases Final 2010 Form 8839, Supreme Court Declines to Consider ERISA Anti-retaliation Case, Seventh Circuit Upholds Denial of FMLA Protection to Employee Who Failed to Return Employer's Calls, and State Updates for AZ, CA, ID, IA, KY, ME, MN, OR, WV, WY. Compliance Corner Newsletter - March 18, 2011 In this issue: Eleventh Circuit Grants DOJ's Request for Expedited Appeal of Florida Health Reform Decision, CLASS Program FAQs Released, States Can Apply for Nearly $200 Million to Help Offset Health Premium Increases, Two Recent HIPAA Privacy Rule Violations Highlight Increased Enforcement Action, IRS Issues Guidance on 403(b) Plan Terminations, IRS Announces Replacement of Schedule SSA with Form 8955-SSA, Voluntary Correction Program Discounted Fee Applies only if Filing Occurs Before May 20, 2011, Employer Satisfied COBRA's Small Employer Exception Even When Combined with Related Employer, Schedule of Benefits Properly Described a Plan's Out-of-Pocket Maximum, and State Updates for AZ, MN, WY. Compliance Corner Newsletter - March 2, 2011 In this issue: Federal Judge in the District of Columbia Upholds Individual Mandate, HHS Establishes New Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight, DOJ Will No Longer Defend DOMA, DOL Intends to Extend Applicability Date for Service Provider Fee Disclosures, DOL Initiates Unprecedented Joint Partnership with the American Bar Association, DOL Issues Advisory Opinion of Interest to Indian Tribal Governments, New COBRA Premium Subsidy FAQs Added to IRS. HRFocus Webinar and Compliance Corner Newsletter - February 18, 2011 In this issue: Reminder for Calendar Year Plans Must Submit Creditable Coverage Disclosure Forms by March 1, 2011, HHS Provides New Information on Approved Annual Limit Waivers, EBSA Answers Questions on Internal and External Review of Denied Claims, HHS Issues Additional Responses to Early Retiree Reinsurance Program FAQs, Congressional Research Service Issues Report on Upcoming Rules Pursuant to PPACA, IRS Expands Deductible Expenses to Include Breast Pumps and Lactations Supplies Two Federal Courts Address Employer and TPA Responsibility for COBRA Election Notices. Compliance Corner Newsletter - February 8, 2011 In this issue: Federal Judge in Florida Rules Health Care Reform Law Violates U.S. Constitution, U.S. House of Representatives Votes to Repeal Health Care Legislation, HHS Announces New Grant Opportunities to Help States Implement Health Insurance Exchanges, IRS Issues Three Publications Relating to Benefits, and State Updates for CA, DC, IL, MO, OH, OR, WI. Compliance Corner Newsletter - January 25, 2011 In this issue: DOL Issues Interpretations and Seeks Feedback on Required Break Time for Nursing Mothers, TRICARE Military Insurance Program Expanded to Cover Children Up to Age 26, ERRP Adds New and Updated ERRP Common Questions and Updated Information to Website, APA Releases Summary of State Tax Treatment of PPACA's Dependent Child Mandate, IRS Releases 2010 Version of HSA Reporting Form 8889 and Instructions, DOL Publishes 2010 Form M-1, Report for MEWAs, DOL Updates Form 5500 Troubleshooter's Guide, IRS Provides Annual Update of IRS Procedures and Other Employee Plan Guidance, Health Coverage Tax Credit Extended, IRS Issues 2010 Versions of Publications 502 and 503, IRS Releases Form W-2 and Instructions for 2011-With New Code for Optional Reporting of Cost of Coverage, and State Updates for CA, CT, NE, NJ. Compliance Corner Newsletter - December 23, 2010 In this issue: Special Notice Regarding Nondiscrimination Rules, Federal Judge in Virginia Rules Health Reform Individual Mandate Unconstitutional, Model Notice Language Provided for Approved Annual Limit Waivers, Government Agency Provides Document Comparing FSAs, HRAs, HSAs and MSAs, Employer-provided Transit and Tuition Assistance Benefits Extended, IRS Delays Effective Date of Electronic Payment Card Guidance for Transit Expenses Until 2012, Treasury and IRS Release 2010-2011 Priority Guidance Plan, IRS Announces 2011 Standard Mileage Rate, 2010 Cumulative List of Retirement Plan Changes, Postcard Cannot "Furnish" Summary Plan Descriptions, Views on HIPAA, Business Associate Agreements, and Breach Notification, Sixth Circuit Rules in Favor of Employer in ERISA Fiduciary Breach Case, and State Updates for AR, IL, TX, UT. Compliance Corner Newsletter - December 9, 2010 In this issue: Additional Guidance on Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, IRS Issues Notice Relating to In-Plan ROTH Rollovers, IRS/DOL Post Updates Concerning Form 5500S, Employer Liable for Failure to Trigger Employee's Duty to Provide FMLA Medical Certification, ERISA Fiduciary Not Responsible for Non-Employee Spouse's Unforeseeable Retirement Decision, and State Updates for CO, DC. Compliance Corner Newsletter - November 24, 2010 In this issue: Certain Notices Must Be Provided by Dec. 1, 2010, for Defined Contribution Retirement Plans, HHS Issues Medical Loss Ratio Final Interim Rules, Supreme Court Declines to Review Challenge to Health Reform, Grandfathered Rule Amended, IRS Identifies When Gym Fees Will Qualify as Medical Care Expenses, EEOC Issues Final Regulations for GINA, DOL Issues Five-year Strategic Plan, EBSA Announces Two Cases Relating to Restoration of Funds to a 401(k) Plan, and State Updates for NJ, NY, UT. Compliance Corner Newsletter - November 17, 2010 In this issue: DOL Updates PPACA Website to Add FAQs Part IV, HHS Approves Nearly 700 Additional, Employers and Unions to Participate in ERRP, NAIC Provides MLR Recommendations: Forwards to HHS for Final Promulgation, HHS Issues Supplemental Guidance Regarding Waivers - Mini-Med and MLR, IRS and SSA Announce 2011 Retirement Plan Limits, IRS Releases 2011 COLAs for Adoption Assistance, Archer MSAs and Control Employees, DOL Announces Launch of Veterans Hiring Toolkit for Employers, Plan Administrator Ordered to Pay Penalty for Failure to Provide Requested SPD, New Form 5500 FAQs Address Reportable Compensation for Schedule C Purposes, and State Updates for DC, NY, UT, WI. Compliance Corner Newsletter - November 12, 2010 In this issue: Medicare Part D Notification, Update to OTC Drug Reimbursements, IRS Delays Mandatory W-2 Health Cost Coverage Reporting, DOL Updates PPACA Website to Add FAQ, Pt. 3, HHS Adds Tools to Web Portal, HHS Suggests Flexibility with MLR Standards, Federal Courts in FL and MI Issue Rulings on Health Reform Challenges, NO Social Security COLA for 2011, Final Rule Issued Regarding Fees- Expenses Paid by Workers In 401(k) Plans, New Employee Plans Newsletter Released, PBGC Announces Flat-Rate Premium for 2011 Plan Year, Federal District Court Rules Against School in COBRA Notification Case, DOL Issues Fact Sheet Describing In Loco Parentis, Employee vs. Independent Contractor Classification, and State Updates for AL, CA, IL, MD, MI, WA, WV. Compliance Corner Newsletter - October 13, 2010 Including updates regarding Form 5500 Deadline, IRS Delays Mandatory W-2 Health Cost Reporting, Update to OTC Drug Reimbursements, DOL Updates PPACA Website to Add FAQs Part II, IRS Offers PPACA Guidance on Adoption Credit, EBSA Posts Spanish Health Care Reform Notices, The Medicare Donut Hole: 50 Percent Discount Starts in 2011, States Receive Funds to Plan for Health Insurance Exchanges, HHS Announces Second Round of Accepted Applicants for the ERRP, HHS Releases ERRP Reimbursement Guidance, Small Business Jobs Act Makes Changes to Roth, Other Tax Issues, Abercrombie & Fitch Fined $1,047,110 After I-9 Audit, DOL Orders Payment of $173,000 in Back Wages for Misclassifying Employees, and State Updates for AK, CA, CT, LA, MO, NY and OH. Compliance Corner Newsletter - October 6, 2010 This Compliance Corner Newsletter features news on DOL Publishes New Health Reform FAQ, HHS Issues Guidance on External Reviews for Insured Plans, Guidance Provided on Opt-Out Election for Self-Funded Nonfederal Governmental Plans, Technical Release 2010-02 Provides Relief Applicable to Enforcement of Appeals, IRS Provides Employer Requirements on Affordable Care Act Tax Provisions, IRS Releases Notice 2010-63, Annual Deadline for Filing EEO-1 Reports is Sept. 30, 2010, Congressional Research Service Report on Wellness Programs, DOL Issues FAQs on GINA, Informal Views Provided on Health Plan Exclusions and HRAs, DHS Publishes a Final Rule on the Electronic Signature and Storage of the I-9 Form, Seventh Circuit Rules That ERISA Plan Document May be Reformed to Correct Scrivener's Error, Fifth Circuit Affirms Independent Contractor Classification Under the FLSA, and State Updates for CA, CT, DE, IN, MA, NE, NJ, OK, PR, TX and WI. HRFocus Webinar and Compliance Corner Newsletter - September 27, 2010 In this issue: HHS Releases Guidance for Limited Benefits Plans for Waiver from Restricted Annual Dollar Limits, IRS Issues Guidance on OTC Drug Restrictions Beginning 1/1/11, Early Retiree Reinsurance Program Website and Approved Applicant List Launched, IRS Releases Draft Form 8941 for Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, DOL Issues New Guidance Regarding COBRA and the Expiration of the Premium Subsidy, Voluntary Correction Program Submission Kit for Retirement Plan Sponsors, and State Updates for CA, DE, IL, IN, NE, NY, UT, VT and VA. Compliance Corner Newsletter - September 1, 2010 This issue contains updates on Additional PPACA Regulations and Notices, HHS Issues Interim Final Rule, Tax Treatment of Qualified Transportation Benefits Released, Breach of Fiduciary Duty Occurred with 401(k) Investments, Pethers v. Metro Lift Propane: Late COBRA Notice Did Not Result in Harm or Prejudice to the Employee, New Form 5500 FAQs for EFAST2 Electronic Filing, New COBRA Premium Subsidy FAQs, and state updates. HRFocus Webinar - August 26, 2010 The Perfect Storm: Changes in Employers’ Obligations in Challenging Economic Times with Jeffrey A. Hagelman, Ebe & Associates, P.C.; Coverage of Preventive Services Under the PPACA with Jessica J. Watts, NFP; and Break Time For Nursing Mothers Under the Fair Labor Standards Act with Jessica J. Watts, NFP. Compliance Corner Newsletter - August 18, 2010 In this issue: Employer Requirements Available on IRS Website, Final Breach Notification Rules Delayed IRS Issues Info Letters, and State Updates. Health Care Reform & HSAs - August 11, 2010 Featuring an article, Consumer Driven Health Plans Fit with Reform by Chris Bettner Compliance Corner Newsletter - August 6, 2010 In this issue: NEW: Retirement Legal & Compliance Newsletter, Interim Final Rules for Review of Denied Claims, Nursing Mother Fact Sheet, Interim Final Rules on Pre-Existing Condition Insurance, Plan Model Notices Issued for PPACA Requirements, Welfare Benefit Plan Definition Withdrawn, New Form 8955-SSA, and State Updates. Compliance Corner Newsletter - July 22, 2010 In this issue: Preventive Services Regulations, Health Care Access Info Web Portal, Form 5500 Filing Deadline, FAQs for E-Filing Form 5500, Proposed HIPAA Regulations Released, Fee Disclosure Rules for Retirement Plans, Sec. 111, Mandatory Reportion Guide Updated, IRS/Treasury Provide Views on Leave Sharing, HSAs, 401(k) Plans IRS Employee Plans News Update, and State Updates. Compliance Corner Newsletter - July 16, 2010 In this issue: Health Reform Notices Released, High Risk Pool Accepting Applications, Early Retiree Reinsurance Program Accepting Applications, Patient Bill of Rights Released, Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act Updates, Creditable Coverage Disclosure Updates, IRS Extension for Disaster Areas, "Son and Daughter" Definition Clarified for FMLA, and State Updates. Compliance Corner Newsletter - May 28, 2010 Latest Compliance Corner newsletter includes additional information on the Small Business Tax Credit, Electronic Form 5500 Filing information, IRS Newsletters, IRS Payroll Tax Exemption Claim Forms related to the HIRE Act and various state updates. Compliance Corner Newsletter - May 19, 2010 Latest Compliance Corner newsletter includes additional information on both the Small Business Tax Credit and Adult Dependent Coverage, interim regulations regarding the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program, updated 2011 Medicare Part D Limits and various state updates. Compliance Corner Newsletter - April 30, 2010 Latest Compliance Corner newsletter includes information on dependent coverage, how Health Care Reform interacts with COBRA and various state updates. Compliance Corner Newsletter - April 14, 2010 Latest Compliance Corner newsletter includes information on the extension of the COBRA Subsidy, IRS guidance on the Small Employer Tax Credit and San Francisco Health Care Security Ordinance increase, among other things. Health Care Reform Webinar An in-depth look at the new health care reform laws and how they will affect employer sponsored health plans. Presented by Janet Trautwein, Executive Vice President and CEO of the National Association of Health Underwriters. Health Care Reform Update President Obama signs the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) into law on March 23, 2010, while the Senate begins debates on the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4872). D|A Financial Group 3470 Mt. Diablo Boulevard Lafayette, California 94549 925-254-7100 www.dafg.com Join our Mailing List!