Borislow Insurance - Email Archive

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Welcome to the Email Archive of Borislow Insurance. We know you are busy, so we have put together this page to help save you time! Here you will find all of our email announcements and updates in one, easy to find location! Just bookmark this page and you will have easy access to our archive--no more scrolling through hundreds of emails to find one from Borislow Insurance!

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August 2016 Employer Webinar (7/26/2016)
The EEOC recently issued two final rules governing how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) apply to employee wellness programs.
ERISA Violations Penalties Updated (7/18/2016)
On July 1, 2016, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued an interim final rule, effective August 1, 2016, to adjust the amounts of civil penalties as required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015.
Proposed Rule - Expat Health Plans, More (7/15/2016)
In a tri-agency proposed rule, the Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Department of Treasury (Treasury) have published guidance discussing expatriate health plans (expat plans), excepted benefits, and essential health benefits (EHBs).
Certain Employers May Receive Marketplace Notices (7/14/2016)
Health Insurance Marketplaces (Exchanges) are now sending letters to notify certain employers that one or more of their employees has been determined eligible for advance premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions and has enrolled in a Marketplace plan.
Benefit Insights - Summer 2016 (7/13/2016)
Please take a moment to view the latest issue of our Benefit Insights Newsletter, and be sure to check out this quarter's BI Health and Wellbeing client spotlight, which features MjjM and how they were able to help one of their own clients and essentially save a life.
PCORI Fees Due by August 1, 2016 (7/13/2016)
Fees to fund the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)* are due August 1, 2016 from employers that sponsor certain self-insured health plans, including health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) that are not treated as excepted benefits.
Announcing changes to our compliance calls! (7/12/2016)
Based on your requests, we will be providing you the option to join a webinar or continue calling in on a quarterly basis. The webinar/call is designed to help you stay up-to-date on health and welfare compliance requirements.
July 2016 Employer Webinar (6/23/2016)
After a long wait, the Department of Labor (DOL) released revisions to the white collar overtime exemption rules in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Non-exempt, or "overtime eligible," workers in the United States are entitled to time-and-a-half pay for their hours worked after 40 hours in a week.
Laura Ahern joins Borislow Insurance (6/21/2016)
Borislow Insurance is pleased to announce that Laura Ahern has joined the agency as Sales Vice President.
2016 AHA Fit Friendly Award (6/15/2016)
Borislow Insurance has been recognized for the 4th year as a Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association for helping employees eat better and move more.
Deadlines to File ACA Information Returns With IRS Approaching (6/14/2016)
Employers subject to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) information reporting requirements are reminded that the deadlines to electronically file ACA information returns with the IRS are quickly approaching.
OSHA Rule on Injury, Accident Tracking (6/9/2016)
Beginning in 2017, certain employers with as few as 20 employees at a single site will be required to electronically file information about employee injuries and accidents that occurred in the prior year.
Nondiscrimination Final Rule (5/24/2016)
On May 13, 2016, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule implementing Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), which will take effect on July 18, 2016
Overtime Exemption Rules Arrive (5/19/2016)
After a long wait, the Department of Labor (DOL) has released the revisions to the white collar overtime exemption rules in the Fair Labor Standards Act.
HHS Releases Sample Marketplace Employer Notice (5/18/2016)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released a sample employer notice that the federally-facilitated and certain state-based Health Insurance Marketplaces (Exchanges) will use as part of the employer notice program.
Deadlines to File ACA Information Returns With IRS Approaching (5/17/2016)
Employers subject to the new Affordable Care Act (ACA) information reporting requirements are reminded that the deadlines for filing the first ACA information returns with the IRS are quickly approaching.
June Webinar Alert: The ACA: A Never-Ending Story (5/12/2016)
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has placed numerous obligations and responsibilities on applicable large employers (ALEs) and employers who sponsor group health plans.
Compliance Recap -- April 2016 (5/10/2016)
Regulatory agencies were quiet during the month of April. The most significant guidance came from a variety of federal agencies that issued various documents regarding wellness programs.
Same-Sex Marriages and Group Health Benefits (5/2/2016)
From 2013 to 2015, a series of Supreme Court cases and government updates have changed the landscape of the way employers must consider same-sex spouses in relation to employee benefits.
IRS Reporting: Now What? (4/25/2016)
Applicable large employers and self-funded employers of all sizes have now completed the first round of required IRS reporting under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
May Webinar Alert: Special Delivery: Providing Participant Materials for Group (4/18/2016)
Group health plans have a variety of requirements relating to materials and notices that must be provided to participants.
Compliance Recap -- March 2016 (4/11/2016)
The government was busy during the month of March, issuing the massive Benefit Payment and Parameters rule in addition to numerous other updates.
Benefit Insights - Spring 2016 (4/1/2016)
Be sure to check out this quarter's BI Health and Wellbeing article which highlights one of our vendor partners, Healthy Ever After.
Correction - IRS Reporting Tip 1 (3/28/2016)
Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), individuals are required to have health insurance, while applicable large employers (ALEs) are required to offer health benefits to their full-time employees.
IRS Reporting Tip 2 (3/23/2016)
Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), individuals are required to have health insurance, while applicable large employers (ALEs) are required to offer health benefits to their full-time employees.
April Webinar: Health Plan Affordability for Applicable Large Employers (3/18/2016)
Applicable large employers (ALEs) are required to provide affordable health coverage to their full-time employees.
Benefit and Payment Parameters Rule (3/18/2016)
The 2017 Benefit and Payment Parameters (BPP) rule, an annual rule that sets policies relating to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), has been released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Compliance Recap February (3/7/2016)
Despite having an extra day, February 2016 remained relatively quiet in regard to compliance and employee benefit plans.
Proposed SBC Template Updates (2/29/2016)
A Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) is four-page (double-sided) communication required by the federal government.
March Webinar: Plan Documents 101: Who Needs What and Best Practices (2/17/2016)
This webinar will help employers understand what plan documents they need, what the documents should contain, and the implications of using a "wrap document" to wrap the ERISA plan document and SPD requirements into one document.
February Webinar: Controlled Groups & Affiliated Service Groups (1/25/2016)
This 90-minute beginner to intermediate level webinar will help employers understand the rules regarding aggregated groups, and how they can impact benefit plans.
IRS Updates 6055, 6056 FAQs (1/19/2016)
The long-standing IRS FAQs related to reporting under sections 6055 and 6056 on requirements provided by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) have been updated in January 2016 to reflect new information.
IRS Final Rule on Minimum Value (1/18/2016)
In December 2015, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a final rule that clarifies various topics relating to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and premium tax credit eligibility provisions.
Benefit Insights - Winter 2016 (1/4/2016)
Please take a moment to view the latest issue of our Benefit Insights newsletter, including this quarter's BI Health and Wellbeing Client Spotlight, which highlights the commendable efforts in wellness and giving back of our client Curaspan.
IRS Provides Major Delay in 6055 and 6056 Reporting (12/29/2015)
Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), individuals are required to have health insurance, while applicable large employers (ALEs) are required to offer health benefits to their full-time employees.
COBRA and the ACA (12/28/2015)
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) requires employers to offer covered employees who lose their health benefits due to a qualifying event to continue group health benefits for a limited time at the employee's own cost.
IRS Notice 2015-87 (12/24/2015)
On December 16, 2015, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other federal agencies released IRS Notice 2015-87, which is a "potpourri" update that covers many different topics relating to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), including some relating to market reforms.
Tax Delays (12/23/2015)
Borislow Insurance is pleased to announce that on Friday, December 18, President Obama has signed omnibus legislation that includes the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2016 and a tax extenders package.
2015 Holiday Video Greeting Card (12/21/2015)
Wishing you health and happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year.
January Webinar: Understanding FMLA in 2016: An Employer's Basic Guide (12/11/2015)
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires covered employers to permit eligible employees to take unpaid job-protected leave under certain circumstances.
Medicare Part D Notices Reminder (12/2/2015)
Medicare is complex - and can be very confusing and often overwhelming for both human resources and your eligible current, and former employees.
Final Rule on Grandfathered Health Plans (11/24/2015)
On November 13, 2015, federal agencies issued a final rule that essentially combined a variety of interim final rules and non-regulatory guidance on a variety of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) initiatives such as grandfathered health plans, preexisting condition exclusions, internal and external appeals, rescissions of coverage, lifetime and annual limits, emergency care access and dependent coverage.
December Webinar: IRS Play or Pay Reporting: The Final Countdown (11/16/2015)
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's (ACA) reporting requirements are rapidly approaching for employers with group health plans or with 50 or more full time or full time equivalent employees. During 2015, the IRS released a variety of FAQs, as well as draft and then final instructions for employers who are preparing to file. This webinar will provide an overview of all the information reporting guidance and instructions.
EEOC Proposed Rule on GINA and Wellness (11/12/2015)
On October 30, 2015, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued a Proposed rule to amend the regulations implementing Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) as they relate to employer wellness programs that are part of group health plans.
CMS Clarifies PACE Act Implications (11/9/2015)
The Providing Affordable Coverage for Employees (PACE) Act amended the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and redefined small employers as those with 50 or fewer employees; it also gives states the option to expand the definition to include employers with up to 100 employees (or, practically speaking, those with 51 to 100 employees, also called "mid-size employers").
November 2015 Compliance Recap (11/9/2015)
October was a relatively quiet month, although it began with a big shift for employers with the Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees (PACE) Act becoming law, which amended the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and redefined small employers as those with 50 or fewer employees and gave states the option to expand the definition to include employers with up to 100 employees.
ACA's Auto-Enrollment Requirement Repealed (11/6/2015)
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) initially required employers with more than 200 full-time employees and that offer employees one or more health benefit plans must automatically enroll (and re-enroll existing) full-time employees into one of the health plans (subject to any waiting period authorized by law), in accordance with DOL regulations.
DOL FAQ: MHP, ACA Market Reforms (11/6/2015)
In October 2015, the Department of Labor (DOL) provided an informational FAQ relating to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) market reform provisions.
November Webinar: The $36,000 Question (10/19/2015)
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires employers and plan administrators to self-report a variety of failures to comply with group health plan requirements, including many related to COBRA, HIPAA, Mental Health Parity, and comparable contributions for health savings accounts (HSAs). The excise tax is $100 a day, per affected individual.
The Time is Here: Reporting Requirements for Applicable Large Employers (10/13/2015)
Under the health care law, applicable large employers - those with 50 or more full-time employees, including full-time equivalent employees, in the preceding year - are required to report some information regarding health coverage by filing information returns with the IRS and furnishing statements to full-time employees.
October 2015 Compliance Recap (10/12/2015)
After a slow summer, federal agencies picked up the pace in September, with a large assortment of guidance, proposed rules, and updated forms and instructions. Nondiscrimination regulations were proposed, a temporary safe harbor was announced for summary and benefits of coverage, and the 2015 6055/6056 reporting forms and instructions were finalized, among other things.
PACE Act Passes House, Senate (10/6/2015)
The U.S. Senate, following the House of Representatives, has passed House Resolution 1624, the "Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees Act" or "PACE Act" which will be sent to President Obama's desk for signature. It is anticipated the President will sign the Act into law.
Medicare Part D Notices (10/2/2015)
Don't Forget...
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires employers to provide a Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage Disclosure Notice to all Medicare eligible individuals.
IRS Notice on MEC Reporting (9/28/2015)
Minimum essential coverage or "MEC" is the type of coverage that an individual must have under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
New IRS Resource helps Employers Understand the Health Care Law (9/25/2015)
The new ACA Information Center for Applicable Large Employers page on IRS.gov features information and resources for employers of all sizes on how the health care law may affect them if they fit the definition of an applicable large employer.
ACA Advisor: How to Handle Leaves of Absence under the ACA (9/23/2015)
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires applicable large employers (ALEs) to offer full-time employees health coverage, or pay one of two employer shared responsibility penalties.
IRS Releases 2015 Forms and Instructions for 6055/6056 Reportin (9/23/2015)
Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), individuals are required to have health insurance while applicable large employers (ALEs) are required to offer health benefits to their full-time employees.
October Webinar: Common Knowledge (9/17/2015)
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires employers to determine who their common law employees are and include them in their headcount to determine their applicable large employer (ALE) status.
Temporary SBC Safe Harbor (9/14/2015)
A Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) is four-page (double-sided) communication required by the federal government under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
IRS Proposes Minimum Value Rule Change to Mesh IRS and HHS Rules (9/11/2015)
Beginning in 2015, under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), large employers must offer affordable, minimum value coverage to their full-time employees or potentially pay a penalty.
ACA Nondiscrimination Regulations (9/11/2015)
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued the first of the anticipated nondiscrimination rules, which sets forth proposed regulations to implement Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Medicare Season upcoming at Borislow Insurance (9/10/2015)
We hope that you enjoyed the long Labor Day weekend! As we say goodbye to Summer and look towards the Fall, we say hello to the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15th through December 7th).
ACA Information Returns (9/4/2015)
Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), individuals are required to have health insurance while applicable large employers (ALEs) are required to offer health benefits to their full-time employees.
6055 Reporting, HRAs, Suppl. Coverage (8/31/2015)
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) implemented section 6055 of the Internal Revenue Code, which requires IRS reporting from any entity that provides "minimum essential coverage" (MEC) to individuals. Employers who are applicable large employers (ALEs) have related reporting obligations under section 6056.
September Webinar - IRS Play or Pay Reporting for Difficult Employee Groups (8/19/2015)
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's (ACA) reporting for employers with 50 or more full time or full time equivalent employees in early 2016 is on the horizon.
Draft 6055/6056 Reporting Instructions (8/14/2015)
Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), individuals are required to have health insurance while applicable large employers (ALEs) are required to offer health benefits to their full-time employees.
Compliance Recap - July 2015 (8/10/2015)
July brought the benefits industry increased fines relating to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) as well as some much-anticipated updates and information on a variety of subjects.
Counting Veterans with TRICARE (8/10/2015)
The Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act (STVHCC) of 2015 was signed into law by President Obama on July 31, 2015.
Developing Cadillac Tax Regulations (8/7/2015)
The IRS has issued its second notice regarding the upcoming implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's (ACA) excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage, also known as the "Cadillac tax."
DOL Guidance on Independent Contractors (7/31/2015)
The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued an "Administrator's Interpretation" to assist employers in determining if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor.
Transition Relief and Community Rating (7/27/2015)
The employer shared responsibility (i.e., "play or pay") requirements went into effect in 2015 for large employers only (those with 100 or more full-time or full-time-equivalent employees).
August Webinar - Just Married! What Employers Need to Know About the Obergefell (7/23/2015)
The Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v Hodges that the 14th Amendment requires a state to license a marriage between two people of the same sex, and to recognize a marriage between two people of the same sex when their marriage was lawfully licensed and performed out of state.
Preventive Services Final Rules (7/20/2015)
Federal agencies released final regulations on the preventive services mandate of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) that requires non-grandfathered group health plans to provide coverage without cost-sharing for specific preventive services, which for women include contraceptive services.
Trade Bill Increases ACA Penalties (7/10/2015)
Most employers are familiar with the penalties assessed to applicable large employers that fail to offer minimum essential coverage that is minimum value and affordable.
Draft 6055/6056 Reporting Forms (7/7/2015)
Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), individuals are required to have health insurance while applicable large employers (ALEs) are required to offer health benefits to their full-time employees.
Same Sex Marriage Protected (7/6/2015)
The Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v Hodges, that the 14th Amendment requires a state to license a marriage between two people of the same sex, and to recognize a marriage between two people of the same sex when their marriage was lawfully licensed and performed out of state.
Benefit Insights - April 2015 (7/1/2015)
The Affordable Care Act is complicated and confusing, but it's is the law of the land. Employers have a lot of work to do to ensure they are in compliance with the employer mandate and other aspects of the sweeping health insurance reform law.
Supreme Court Ruling (6/25/2015)
The Supreme Court ruled today that Obamacare's insurance subsidies can go to residents of any state, a huge win for the Obama administration.
ACA Advisor: SBC Frequently Asked Questions (6/24/2015)
Frequently Asked Questions about the "Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)"
July Webinar - The Service Contract Act and Employers (6/12/2015)
The Service Contract Act outlines operational requirements for service contracts, making compliance for government contractors (both sub and prime) confusing and complex.
Compliance Recap - May 2015 (6/8/2015)
After a few quiet months, regulatory agencies have picked up steam, leaving employers with a significant amount of new information to digest and work through.
Transition Relief and Community Rating (6/5/2015)
The employer shared responsibility (i.e., "play or pay") requirements went into effect in 2015 for large employers only (those with 100 or more full-time or full-time-equivalent employees).
Cost-Sharing, Discrimination FAQ (6/4/2015)
On May 26, 2015, federal agencies, including the Department of Labor (DOL), issued a short five-question FAQ on two PPACA-related issues: limitations on cost-sharing and provider discrimination.
PCORI Highlights, May 2015 (6/1/2015)
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee applies from 2012 to 2019. The fee is due based on plan/policy years ending on or after October 1, 2012, and before October 1, 2019.
FAQs 6055/6056 Reporting (5/28/2015)
In order for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to verify that (1) individuals have the required minimum essential coverage, (2) individuals who request premium tax credits are entitled to them, and (3) applicable large employers (ALEs) are meeting their shared responsibility (play or pay) obligations, employers with 50 or more full-time or full-time equivalent employees and insurers will be required to report on the health coverage they offer.
Preventive Services FAQ (5/21/2015)
On May 11, 2015, the Department of Labor (DOL) along with other federal agencies issued an FAQ regarding the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that focused on coverage of preventive services.
Tracking Employees FAQ (5/15/2015)
Frequently Asked Questions about Tracking Full Time Employees under Play or Pay
June Webinar - Penalties, Taxes, and Fines, Oh My (5/14/2015)
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) introduced a variety of new penalties, fines, and taxes that employers are working hard to avoid paying. Two significant penalties include the excise tax, and penalties faced by applicable large employers that do not meet their employer-shared responsibility play or pay obligations.
Compliance Recap - April 2015 (5/11/2015)
Regulatory agencies were quiet during the month of April. The most significant guidance came from a variety of federal agencies that issued various documents regarding wellness programs. In addition to a Proposed Rule (discussed below) issued by the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) to align wellness program requirements with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), other agencies released documents on the same topic.
Play or Pay Penalties (4/29/2015)
Employers that do not meet the requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) need to be concerned about several potential penalties. Two significant penalties include the excise tax, which can be as much as $100 per affected individual per day, and the penalties that larger employers must pay if they do not meet their employer-shared responsibility/play or pay obligations.
Wellness Programs under ADA (4/23/2015)
On April 20, 2015, federal agencies released a Proposed Rule to amend regulations and provide guidance on implementing Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it relates to employer wellness programs.
May Webinar - 1-2-3, Let's Count Employees! (4/21/2015)
As we move through 2015, do you know what employers will need to report at year end, or even which employees should be offered coverage? This webinar will discuss PPACA's Play or Pay mandate and how to count employees for purposes of reporting and offering coverage.
What You Need to Know About Medicare Secondary Payer Rules (4/14/2015)
Under federal regulations, Medicare is a secondary payer for many individuals who have an employer group health plan available to them, either as an employee or the dependent spouse or child of the employee. Generally the Medicare Secondary Payer rules prohibit employers with more than 20 employees from in any way incentivizing an active employee age 65 or older to elect Medicare instead of the group health plan, which includes offering a financial incentive.
Compliance Recap - March 2015 (4/13/2015)
Coming off a busy February, regulatory agencies were noticeably quiet during the month of March. This allowed the Supreme Court to take the spotlight with oral arguments in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) related case, King v. Burwell. A clarifying FAQ was issued regarding cost-sharing limits for individuals, which was originally announced in February's Final Rule on standards for insurers and Marketplaces in 2016.
Affordable Care Act Seminar - April 2015 (4/2/2015)
Please join Agency Principal Mark S. Gaunya, GBA, LIA and David A. Shore, Vice President and Employee Benefits Practice for an insider's view of health care reform and what's next, followed by a discussion about an innovative financing solution that returns the control of your future where it belongs - with you and your organization.
Benefit Insights - April 2015 (4/1/2015)
This quarter the spotlight highlights the wellness efforts of Ken's Foods, a manufacturing company with participating locations in both Massachusetts and Georgia.
April Webinar - Privacy Issues for Employers and Health Plan Sponsors (3/26/2015)
Breaches of health and other personal information continue to make headlines, and the regulatory agencies reportedly are preparing to conduct HIPAA audits.
Wraparound Excepted Benefits (3/23/2015)
Health plan sponsors would be permitted to offer wraparound coverage to employees purchasing individual health insurance in the private market, including the Marketplace, in limited circumstances, under a new Final Rule issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) and other federal agencies.
Borislow Insurance Announcements (3/23/2015)
Borislow Insurance is proud to share that Mark S. Guanya has been appointed to the Massachusetts Health Connector Board, and more!
2016 Cost-Sharing Limits (3/18/2015)
In the Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2016 Final Rule issued in February of 2015, federal agencies included a clarification that annual cost-sharing limitations for self-only coverage apply to all individuals, regardless of whether the individual is covered by a self-only plan or is covered by another kind of plan.
Highlights of Employer and Insurer Reporting Requirements (3/16/2015)
On March 4, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in King v. Burwell, a case that centers on the meaning of statutory language in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
Compliance Recap - February 2015 (3/9/2015)
Regulatory agencies were busy during the month of February, providing information on a variety of topics including: (1) reporting, (2) premium payment arrangements, (3) single benefit products and excepted benefits, (4) and benefit parameters.
Winter 2015 Benefits/Employment Briefing (3/5/2015)
A Newsletter About Employee Benefits & Current Events
Compliance Recap - January 2015 (2/24/2015)
Although employers are not required to offer coverage during 2014, individuals are generally required to have health coverage during 2014 and must report on that coverage through their 2014 federal income tax return.
PPACA Employer Reporting Requirements (2/24/2015)
Large and mid-size employers must provide reporting in early 2016 about the health coverage they offered to employees during 2015. In addition, sponsors of self-funded plans of all sizes must report on coverage.
Anthem Breach Employer FAQ (2/13/2015)
The first massive data breach of 2015 hit one of the country's largest insurance issuers, Anthem, Inc., including Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and other related entities (Anthem). The incident reportedly affected over 80 million persons who are or were covered under a policy or program insured or serviced by Anthem.
Anthem Data Breach (2/6/2015)
We are writing to inform you that on Thursday, February 5th, 2015, Anthem, Inc. - the parent company of 15 Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans - announced it was the target of a cyber-attack that led to disclosure of personal information. It is expected to be the largest breach by a health-care company.
February 2015 Employer Webinar (1/26/2015)
Many employers offer voluntary insurance products to their employees. As employee benefits, these programs may need to meet the requirements of a number of laws, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
Excludable Transit Benefits (1/19/2015)
On December 19, 2014, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (TIPA) became law. TIPA included a retroactive increase for 2014 in the amount of transit benefits an employee could exclude from income, whether those benefits are paid directly by the employer or by the employee on a pre-tax basis.
Compliance Recap - Dec. 2015 (1/12/2015)
During the month of December Congress passed a temporary increase to the transit pass and vanpooling benefit and the regulatory agencies released several cost-of-living increases, proposed relatively minor revisions to the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) requirement, and updated the list of counties in which foreign language versions of the SBC and other benefits notices may be required.
"Cadillac Tax" Highlights (1/7/2015)
Benefit Insights - December 2014 (1/2/2015)
Please take a moment to view the latest issue of our Benefit Insights newsletter (downloadable here), which highlights ways to make taking charge of your health even easier, with Health Care Apps for your phone and understanding the benefits of E-Visits.
WEBINAR: Washington Outlook (12/29/2014)
The elections are over and the balance of power has shifted in Washington, D.C. Will there be significant changes, or will things just continue as usual? Significant parts of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) have been implemented, but major additional requirements are scheduled to take effect over the next few years.
Affordable Care Act IRS reporting: Are you ready? (12/19/2014)
In 2016, insurance carriers and employers with 50 or more full time and full-time equivalent employees sponsoring group health plans will furnish annual reports to the IRS and employees about the health coverage offered to employees during the prior calendar year.
Happy Holidays 2014 (12/17/2014)
Wishing you health and happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year.
Compliance Recap - Nov. 2015 (12/8/2014)
The month of November brought a new delay in reporting required from self-funded plans. It also brought several new notices and regulations that may affect sponsors of group health plans and an updated employer guide and health plan compliance checklist from the Department of Labor (DOL).
Preparing for 2015 (12/3/2014)
As we approach 2015, employers should be taking steps to ensure they are prepared to meet the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requirements that begin in 2015 and those which must be completed in 2014.
WEBINAR: Employee Handbooks -- Do's and Don'ts (12/2/2014)
An employee handbook can be a great tool to orient new employees and to communicate key policies to both new and current employees. A good handbook will help to establish consistent practices, offer guidance to employees and managers, and provide the employer with significant help against labor and employment litigation.
TRF Filing Date Extended to Dec. 5 (11/19/2014)
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended the deadline for group health plans to complete their 2014 transitional reinsurance fee (TRF) submission. The announcement, which was released late on November 14, 2014, states that the filing is now due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2014.
Premium Reimbursement Arrangements - Employers Beware (11/18/2014)
The Department of Labor (DOL) has just published a series of FAQs regarding premium reimbursement arrangements.
Agencies Disallow Several Plan Designs (11/17/2014)
The upcoming employer-shared responsibility ("play or pay") requirements have spawned a number of different approaches to meeting the requirement that large employers offer coverage or pay penalties.
Monthly Compliance Recap (11/10/2014)
During the month of October, there were developments in the courts and new information from the regulatory agencies that may affect sponsors of group health plans.
HPID Delay (11/3/2014)
On Friday, October 31, 2014, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) quietly updated its Health Plan Identifier information page to delay the requirement that insurance carriers and self-funded health plans obtain a health plan identifier (HPID). The delay is in effect until further notice.
Compliance Alert - Health Plan ID (10/20/2014)
To meet federal requirements, large health plans must obtain a national health plan identifier number (HPID) by November 5, 2014. For this requirement, a large health plan is one with more than $5 million in annual receipts.
Same-Sex Marriages and Group Benefits (10/17/2014)
On October 6, 2014, the Supreme Court of the United States declined to review seven cases in which the lower appeals court had ruled that a state law or constitutional provision that prohibited same-sex marriage was unconstitutional.
WEBINAR: Employee Leaves under the FMLA, ADA, and Other Laws (10/16/2014)
Managing leaves of absence is an ongoing issue for many employers. Several laws potentially apply to leaves -- the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and workers' compensation apply most often.
*Monthly* Compliance Conference Calls (10/14/2014)
Our Weekly Compliance Calls Have a New Number & Schedule!
*Calls will now be hosted monthly!*
Compliance Recap - Sept. 2014 (10/2/2014)
In the past few weeks, the regulatory agencies have issued details on a number of items of interest to sponsors of group health plans.
Benefit Insights - Fall 2014 (10/1/2014)
We hope that you are enjoying the delights of this season and taking advantage of fun outdoor activities like apple picking. You know what they say - "an apple a day keeps the doctor away!"
Sec. 125 Change in Status Events (9/26/2014)
On September 18, 2014, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2014-55 which allows employers to amend their Section 125 plans to recognize several new change in status events.
Health Plan Identifier Number: Deadline Approaching! (9/26/2014)
To meet federal requirements, large health plans must obtain a national health plan identifier number (HPID) by November 5, 2014.
WEBINAR: Wellness Programs and Health Care Reform (9/18/2014)
Employers are increasingly turning to wellness programs as a way to control health care costs and improve employee engagement and productivity. However, a number of laws dictate what employers may, must, and may not do when designing and implementing these programs.
Have you Met Ted? (clients) (9/12/2014)
Ted joined BI in April and can be a leader and coach for your employees with Medicare education, insurance carrier evaluation and enrollment assistance. This valuable service is also available to employee spouses, parents and family members.
Compliance Recap - August 2014 (9/3/2014)
August 2014 brought a court case that will be of interest to employers that apply significant penalties to those who choose not to participate in wellness programs.
Fall 2014 Benefits & Employment Briefing (8/27/2014)
A Newsletter About Employee Benefits & Current Events
Employer's Guide to Annual Notices (8/22/2014)
Employers that sponsor group health plans are required to give eligible employees a number of notices each year. Some notices must be given by a particular date, and some must be given as part of the enrollment packet. (This means that non-calendar year plans may need to provide Medicare Part D notices this fall, and the other notices with their open enrollment materials.)
Highlights of the Summary of Benefits and Coverage Requirement (8/21/2014)
Included is a highlight of the Summary of Benefits and Coverage Requirement
Delivering Participant Materials (8/20/2014)
The Department of Labor (DOL) requires that participant notices and other plan information ("disclosures") be provided in a way that is reasonably calculated to ensure delivery to all plan participants. The Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) typically follows the DOL's rules. There are two primary ways to deliver plan information -- by paper and electronically.
WEBINAR: Fiduciary Responsibilities under ERISA (8/14/2014)
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) lays out the definition and responsibilities of fiduciaries. Individuals who oversee employee benefit plans need to understand these requirements.
Compliance Recap - July 2014 (8/6/2014)
The month of July brought court cases, draft forms, and a FAQ of interest to group health plans.
Individual Reponsibility Reporting (8/5/2014)
In order for the IRS to verify that individuals and employers are meeting their shared responsibility obligations, and that individuals who request premium tax credits are entitled to them, employers and insurers will be required to provide reporting on the health coverage they offer. Reporting will first be due early in 2016, based on coverage in 2015.
Court Rulings - PPACA Subsidies (7/25/2014)
On July 22, 2014, two Courts of Appeals issued decisions that address whether only people who live in states that have state-run Marketplaces (which are also called exchanges) are eligible to receive premium tax credits or subsidies under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
MLR Rebate ERISA (7/24/2014)
As was the case last year, insurers with medical loss ratios (MLRs) that were below the prescribed levels on their blocks of business must issue rebates to policyholders. Insurers must pay rebates owed on calendar year 2013 experience by August 1, 2014. The rules for calculating and distributing these rebates are largely the same this year as they were last year.
MLR Rebate NonERISA (7/24/2014)
As was the case last year, insurers with medical loss ratios (MLRs) that were below the prescribed levels on their blocks of business must issue rebates to policyholders. Insurers must pay rebates owed on calendar year 2013 experience by August 1, 2014. The rules for calculating and distributing these rebates are largely the same this year as they were last year.
WEBINAR: Planning for 2015 - Open Enrollment and Other PPACA Issues (7/14/2014)
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) continues to phase in. Many plan design requirements took effect in 2014 for both large and small plans. This next year will bring employer-shared responsibility ("play or pay") requirements for larger employers. PPACA has also affected the notices employers need to give as part of the open enrollment process and it affects COBRA.
Compliance Recap - June 2014 (7/8/2014)
During the month of June, rules and decisions that potentially affect some or all group health plans were issued by the regulatory agencies and the Supreme Court of the United States.
AHA Fit Friendly Worksite award (6/27/2014)
Borislow Insurance has been recognized for the 2nd year as a Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association for helping employees eat better and move more.
Summer 2014 Benefits & Employment Briefing (6/25/2014)
A Newsletter About Employee Benefits & Current Events
PPACA Advisor - FAQ PCORI Fee (6/19/2014)
Frequently Asked Questions About the Patient Centered Outcomes/Comparative Effectiveness (PCORI) Fee - updated June 2014
Webinar: Understanding the Wage and Hour Laws (6/13/2014)
In recent years, employers have paid millions of dollars in back pay to workers who have been classified incorrectly or paid for fewer hours than they should have been. Both federal and state laws apply to employers, and some of the requirements are complicated.
PPACA Advisor - PCORI Highlights (6/11/2014)
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee applies from 2012 to 2019. The fee is due based on plan/policy years ending on or after October 1, 2012, and before October 1, 2019. The fee is due by July 31 of the year following the calendar year in which the plan/policy year ended.
Compliance Recap - May 2014 (6/2/2014)
Most of the major rules that affect 2014 and 2015 requirements under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) have been issued, so the regulatory agencies have begun addressing some of the details that need additional clarification. A number of notices were released during the month of May that address a wide range of open items that affect group health plans.
Webinar: ERISA: Basics and In Context (5/22/2014)
We thought we'd take a break from PPACA and get back to basics - ERISA basics, that is. Health care reform has created a number of critical issues for group health plans, but employers typically sponsor other benefits for their employees - dental, vision, life, long term disability, severance, and others.
Compliance Recap - April 2014 (4/29/2014)
The IRS has released the 2015 minimums and maximums that apply to health savings accounts (HSAs) and related high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). These increases occur annually based on a cost-of-living formula.
Webinar: Form 5500 Filing Requirements (4/18/2014)
Most employee benefit plans are required to file a Form 5500 annually, and penalties for not meeting this obligation can be costly.
Compliance Recap - March 2014 (4/3/2014)
The regulatory agencies issued a number of documents during the month of March, as they have tried to provide needed information with respect to 2014 and 2015 obligations under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
Benfits Insights - Spring 2014 (4/1/2014)
It sure has been a brutal winter! This time of year offers a fresh start. Are you keeping your employee benefits "fresh" by offering an extensive package to include wellness programs and voluntary benefits?
PPACA Advisor: Preparing for PPACA - a Readiness Checklist (3/27/2014)
As we approach the month of April, employers should be taking steps to ensure they are prepared to meet the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requirements that begin in 2014 and in 2015.
Webinar: Counting Employees under Health Care Reform - Part 2 (3/25/2014)
Counting employees under health care reform is not as easy as 1-2-3. The rules are quite complicated, and if not done correctly can have serious repercussions for your business. The final employer-shared responsibility ("play or pay") regulations have been issued and beginning in 2015, larger employers will need to either offer health coverage that meets the requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) or pay penalties.
Webinar Alert: Legislative and Regulatory Update (3/20/2014)
Want to know what is happening in Washington, D.C., as it relates to the now four-year-old Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)? While parts of the law have been implemented, major additional requirements are scheduled to take effect over the next several years.
PPACA Advisor: IRS Releases Final Reporting Regs (3/13/2014)
In order for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to verify that individuals and employers are meeting their shared responsibility obligations and that individuals who request premium tax credits are entitled to them, employers and issuers will be required to provide reporting on the health coverage they offer.
PPACA Advisor: Policy Renewal Option (3/12/2014)
On March 5, 2014, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a Bulletin that allows state insurance departments to permit the renewal through October 1, 2016, of individual and small group policies that do not meet the "market reform" requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
Compliance Recap - February 2014 (3/7/2014)
February brought two significant final regulations that affect an employer's compliance obligations under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The first, on the employer-shared responsibility ("play or pay") requirements, delays this requirement for many employers with 50 to 99 employees and includes a number of clarifications from the rules described in the proposed regulation. The second, on eligibility waiting period requirements, is very similar to the proposed rule.
Winter 2014 Benefits & Employment Briefing (3/3/2014)
A Newsletter About Employee Benefits & Current Events
PPACA Advisor: Eligibility Waiting Periods (2/27/2014)
On February 20, 2014, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released final regulations on the eligibility waiting period requirements.
Webinar Alert: Counting Employees Under Healthcare Reform (2/26/2014)
The IRS has issued the final employer-shared responsibility ("play or pay") regulations and employers promptly need to determine if they are large enough for the requirements to apply to them. The employer's size also determines when any penalties will start to apply.
PPACA Advisor: Final Regulations on Employer Shared Responsibility (2/13/2014)
On February 10, 2014, the IRS issued final regulations on the employer-shared responsibility requirements, often known as "play or pay." This is the requirement that large employers offer adequate coverage to their full-time employees or pay penalties. The final regulations follow the proposed regulations (which were issued in January 2013) in many respects, but also contain some surprises.
Compliance Recap - December 2013 (2/5/2014)
Coverage first became available through the health marketplaces/exchanges on January 1, 2014, with a number of temporary provisions in effect to address some of the technical problems experienced in many of the marketplaces. Perhaps as a result of the government's focus on launching the marketplaces, there was not very much released during January that affects employer's compliance efforts.
PPACA Advisor: Additional PPACA Details Released (1/17/2014)
On January 9, 2014, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Department of the Treasury (IRS) issued Frequently Asked Questions - Part XVIII that provides additional information about requirements in several areas.
Webinar: Current Developments with Healthcare Reform (1/17/2014)
The health marketplaces/exchanges have enrolled many individuals, but are not without problems. Lawsuits continue to be filed about different provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and a number of bills have been introduced in Congress to modify the law. Meanwhile, the regulatory agencies continue to release clarifications and new regulations.
PPACA Advisor: FAQ on Eligibility Waiting Periods (1/13/2014)
Frequently Asked Questions about Eligibility Waiting Periods
Benfits Insights - Winter 2014 (1/6/2014)
Please take a moment to view the latest issue of our Benefit Insights newsletter, which highlights incentive based health programs in the workplace. These are becoming increasingly popular to boost program participation and might also help you prepare for Health Care Reform.
Compliance Recap - December 2013 (12/31/2013)
December usually brings a number of releases from the regulatory agencies and 2013 has carried on that tradition.
W-2 Reporting Requirement FAQ (12/30/2013)
Employers that issued 250 or more W-2s in the prior calendar year must include the value of "employer-sponsored group health coverage" on their employees' W-2s. This means that an employer that issued 250 or more W-2s during 2012 must include the value of employer-sponsored coverage on the employee's 2013 W-2 (to be issued in January 2014). The same rules apply as were applied in last year's reporting.
IRS Issues Notice about Same-Sex Spouses (12/20/2013)
On Dec. 16, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2014-1, which provides some answers about covering same-sex spouses under Section 125 plans in light of the Windsor decision. In the Windsor decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that prohibited same-sex marriages for federal law purposes was unconstitutional.
Webinar: HRAs, HSAs, and FSAs under PPACA (12/17/2013)
The IRS recently issued notices that will affect health reimbursement arrangements (HRA) and health flexible spending accounts (FSA). Beginning in 2014, most employers will not be able to have an HRA or a health FSA unless they also sponsor a group medical plan. Reimbursement of individual policies will also be prohibited. Employers now have more flexibility with their health FSAs, as some carryover of unused contributions will be allowed.
PPACA Advisor: Wellness Rules Highlights (12/16/2013)
The wellness program rules provide an exception to the general rule that employers may not take a person's health status into account with respect to eligibility, benefits, or premiums under a group health plan. Wellness programs, therefore, are allowed if they are designed to help employees improve their health; if they are primarily punitive they will not be allowed.
PPACA Advisor - Smorgasbord of Regs (12/11/2013)
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have recently issued several final and proposed rules of interest to employers.
Additional Medicare Withholding (12/6/2013)
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published Final Regulations on the Additional Medicare Tax (AMT) on Nov. 29, 2013, and an updated and comprehensive FAQ on Dec. 2, 2013. There are few changes from the proposed requirements.
Compliance Alert: Mental Health Parity (12/5/2013)
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) seeks to ensure that medical plans, including group health plans, that provide mental health and substance use disorder benefits do so in a manner that generally is on par with the medical benefits offered under the plans.
Compliance Recap - November 2013 (12/2/2013)
November brought several developments of interest to group health plans. Read more about them here.
PPACA Advisor - Extension Announcement (11/18/2013)
Last Thursday (Nov. 14, 2013) the White House announced that insurers will not be required to meet most of the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) if they renew individual or small group policies that were in effect on Oct. 1, 2013.
Webinar: Open Enrollment is Over -- Now What? (11/18/2013)
While there have been delays on some key provisions of PPACA, employers will need to start planning now to ensure compliance in 2015. Other requirements remain effective in 2014. Open enrollment for the health marketplaces has begun, raising questions about employee eligibility for the premium tax credit/subsidy.
2014 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (11/7/2013)
Many employee benefit limits are automatically adjusted each year for inflation (this is often referred to as an "indexed" limit). The Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration have released the indexed figures for 2014. Because inflation is relatively low and some amounts are adjusted only if the increase meets a minimum, many amounts are unchanged for 2014.
PPACA Advisor - Changes to the Health FSA "Use it or Lose it" Rule (11/4/2013)
On Oct. 30, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service issued a notice that liberalizes the "use it or lose it" rule that applies to health flexible spending accounts (HFSAs) and clarifies that employers of all sizes may choose to amend their Section 125 plan to essentially treat the availability of the health marketplaces/exchanges as a one-time change in status event.
Compliance Recap - October 2013 (10/25/2013)
Because of the government shutdown, very little has been issued in the way of regulations or notices during October. Several items of interest to group health plans were released in September, however.
Webinar Alert: Benefit Plans After the DOMA Decision (10/17/2013)
The Supreme Court's decision that part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional raised many questions for employers. The IRS and the Department of Labor have now released guidelines for handling some of the issues related to providing employee benefits to same-sex spouses.
PPACA Advisor - New Guidance HRAs PRAs (10/9/2013)
On Sept. 13, 2013, the IRS issued Notice 2013-54, which includes details on permissible health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), provides some clarification on minimum essential, minimum value and affordable coverage, and addresses payment of individual premiums through an employer-provided plan.
PPACA Advisor - Same-Sex Marriages and Employee Benefits (10/4/2013)
Details continue to emerge on how the federal government will implement the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court that part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional.
Benfits Insights - Fall 2013 (10/2/2013)
Fall is upon us and as quickly as the seasons are changing, so are the federal and state laws and regulations. We are here for you to help guide you through these changes, and hope that the articles in this issue will provide some valuable insight.
Here we grow again! (9/26/2013)
We are pleased to announce the additions of Donna Naugler as Director of Risk Managament, Bianca Saul as Compliance Manager, Carolyn Georgian as Senior Benefit Analyst in the Employee Benefits Practice and Collette Turgeon as an Executive Assistant in the Insurance & Investment Practice.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Exchange (Marketplace) Notice (9/25/2013)
This FAQ is based on Department of Labor (DOL) Technical Release 2013-02, which does not provide specific guidance on many issues. Consequently, some of the answers in this FAQ are based on agency guidance provided in similar situations.
Webinar Alert: New Guidance for Health Plans on Health care Reform and Federal Tax Treatment of Same-Sex Spouses (9/20/2013)
This program will provide information on the fall's hot topics for health and other group benefit plans. In this 90-minute, intermediate-level webinar, we will cover the current news on employee benefit plan implications of the Supreme Court's decision on DOMA, new information on how PPACA affects HRAs and Health FSAs, the health marketplaces and recent proposed and final regulations.
DOL Announces Non-Enforcement of Marketplace/Exchange Notice (9/12/2013)
PPACA requires employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act to provide a notice about the upcoming health marketplaces (also called exchanges) to their employees. The notice is due Oct. 1, 2013.
IRS Proposed PPACA Reporting Rules (9/11/2013)
On Sept. 5, 2013 the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released the long awaited rules that describe the reporting that plans, employers and insurers will need to provide in support of the individual shared-responsibility and employer shared-responsibility requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
Highlights of Exchange Notice Requirement (9/6/2013)
Most employers must give a notice about the upcoming health exchanges/marketplaces to all existing employees by Oct. 1, 2013. Employees hired after that date must receive the notice within 14 days following their start date.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Exchange (Marketplace) Notice (9/5/2013)
This FAQ is based on Department of Labor (DOL) Technical Release 2013-02, which does not provide specific guidance on many issues. Consequently, some of the answers in this FAQ are based on agency guidance provided in similar situations.
PPACA and the Individual Shared Responsibility Requirement (9/4/2013)
Although the employer shared responsibility requirements have been delayed to 2015, the individual responsibility requirement (also known as the individual mandate) is still scheduled to take effect in 2014.
Seminar: The Retiree and Medicare Eligible Employee Health Challenge (8/26/2013)
It has always been a struggle to balance access to quality coverage for Medicare eligible (65+) and early retirees (ages 55 to 64) with a price you can afford. Employers that provide health insurance for Medicare eligible and early retirees should carefully review all their options and decide if maintaining the status quo is the best choice...there might just be a better way.
Webinar: Keeping Your Wellness Program Compliant (8/15/2013)
With the issuance of final regulations affecting wellness programs, employers with existing programs need to review their programs to see if changes are needed to meet the new requirements. Employers considering adding a wellness program also need to understand the rules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grandfathered Plans (8/14/2013)
As employers determine their plan designs for the coming year, those with grandfathered status need to decide if maintaining grandfathered status is their best option. Following are some frequently asked questions, and answers, about grandfathering a group health plan.
Borislow Announce Weekly Compliance Conference Calls (8/9/2013)
Today we are announcing a new service offering. Every Tuesday morning at 10:00 we will open up a conference call line so that we can discuss the Compliance Alerts and Emails we have sent you over the prior week.
MA Health Insurance Connector's Section 125 Plan Eliminated as of December 31, 2013 (8/8/2013)
Many of our clients have received a letter from the Massachusetts Health Insurance Connector (the "Connector") alerting them that the Connector's Section 125 Voluntary Plan program is closing at the end of 2013 due to a change made by the Affordable Care Act ("ACA"). The ACA made an amendment to Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code ("Code") stating individuals may not purchase individual market health care coverage on a pre-tax basis through a government exchange like the Connector on or after January 1, 2014.
PPACA and the Individual Shared Responsibility Requirement (7/25/2013)
Although the employer shared responsibility requirements have been delayed to 2015, the individual responsibility requirement (also known as the individual mandate) is still scheduled to take effect in 2014.
Announcing CDHP Coach (7/24/2013)
Whether you are currently on a Consumer Driven Health Plan (CDHP) within your organization or not, your employees will benefit from increased awareness and understanding of healthcare consumerism.
Repeal of Massachusetts Fair Share Law and HIRD Form Requirements (7/23/2013)
As of July 1 2013, the Massachusetts Fair Share Contribution Law (M.G.L. c. 149, § 188) has been repealed along with the requirement to collect the Health Insurance Responsibility Disclosure form ("HIRD") from employees who decline employer-sponsored health care benefits.
MLR Rebate Considerations (7/18/2013)
As was the case last year, insurers with medical loss ratios (MLRs) that were below the prescribed levels on their blocks of business must issue rebates to policyholders.
August 2014 UBA Webinar -- Preparing for 2014 Open Enrollment (7/17/2013)
The heart of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) takes effect in 2014. Even with the delay to the "play or pay" requirements, employers will need to make a number of changes to their plan designs.
Play or Pay delayed to 2015 (7/3/2013)
On July 9, 2013 the Internal Revenue Service issued Notice 2013-45, which confirms that the employer shared responsibility penalties and reporting requirements will not apply until 2015.
Benefits Insights Newsletter - Summer 2013 (7/1/2013)
In the slower pace of summer, why not take advantage of that time to reflect on how you are communicating with your employees about their benefits. How can you increase their participation? How can you make the most of this communication to help them, and yourselves, become better consumers?
COMPLIANCE ALERT: Supreme Court Rules Same-Sex Marriage (6/28/2013)
The United States Supreme Court has issued two decisions that expand same-sex marriage rights. In the first, United States v. Windsor, No. 12-307 (June 26, 2013), the Court ruled unconstitutional a law denying federal recognition of legally-married same-sex couples.
FAQ about the PCORI Fee (6/28/2013)
What plans does the PCORI fee apply to?

All plans that provide medical coverage to employees owe this fee. Medical coverage includes PPOs, HMOs, POS, HDHPs, and HRAs.
MLR Rebates are in the mail (6/26/2013)
The Affordable Care Act and Massachusetts state law require health insurers to spend a minimum percentage of their premium dollars on medical claims and quality improvement.
Small Business Wellness Tax Credit (6/26/2013)
The new Massachusetts Wellness Tax Credit gives small businesses a tax credit for having an employee wellness program.
BI Health Advantage Recognized by three industry leaders (6/25/2013)
Borislow Insurance honored for excellence in Workplace Wellness: BI Healthy Advantge Program awarded with 3 major recognitions
COMPLIANCE ALERT: FINAL "SHOP" REGULATIONS ISSUED (6/24/2013)
On June 4, 2013, the Department of Health and Human Services ("HHS"), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ("CMS"), issued final regulations implementing the provisions of the Affordable Care Act ("ACA") related to the establishment and operation of the Small Business Health Options Program ("SHOP")...
July 2013 UBA Webinar: Recent Developments with PPACA (6/14/2013)
As we approach 2014, the agencies are regularly providing details on what employers may, must and cannot do. To help you stay current, this 90-minute, intermediate-level webinar will cover...
PPACA Advisor - PREPARING FOR PPACA - A READINESS CHECKLIST (6/13/2013)
All employers should be taking steps now to be sure they are prepared for the PPACA requirements that take effect later this year and in 2014. While some requirements vary based on employer size, other requirements apply to all employers. The most significant requirements and options for an employer include...
COMPLIANCE ALERT: PCORI Fee Due Date (6/12/2013)
By July 31, 2013, most issuers of health insurance policies and plan sponsors of self-insured health plans must pay a fee of $1 per covered life as a result of new provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act...
PPACA Advisor - Wellness Rules Alert (6/3/2013)
On May 29, 2013 the Department of Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Labor jointly issued a final rule that addresses how wellness programs must operate under PPACA beginning in 2014...
COMPLIANCE ALERT: Availability of Exchange Coverage (5/10/2013)
A provision of the 2010 health care reform law requires employers to provide notices, by March 1, 2013, to all employees regarding the availability of health coverage options through the state-based exchanges created pursuant to that law...
May is Disability Month 2013 (5/9/2013)
May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month - and it's a great time to become more educated about the risks of disability...
PPACA Advisor - Waiting Periods and More (3/25/2013)
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) continue to issue details on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
MDRT Grant press release (3/22/2013)
Mark S. Gaunya, GBA, LIA, Principal of Borislow Insurance (BI) and a Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) and Top of the Table member, applied for and was awarded a $10,000 grant for the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, the charity of choice for Sparta Systems.
PPACA Employer Fees (3/21/2013)
The IRS and the Department of Health and Human Services have issued final regulations that provide details on two new, temporary fees that will be due as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
COMPLIANCE ALERT: New FMLA Model Forms and Notice (3/4/2013)
The U.S. Department of Labor has released revised model Family and Medical Leave Act ("FMLA") forms to administer federal FMLA leave and a notice poster.
Webinar -- Getting Ready for 2014: Analyzing Employer Obligations (2/25/2013)
The IRS has given us lengthy proposed regulations on the "play or pay" penalty (and how to avoid it) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
PPACA Advisor - State Guide (2/14/2013)
States have two major decisions to make with respect to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) -- whether they will run the health exchange themselves, and whether they will expand Medicaid to cover most individuals whose income is below 133 percent of the federal poverty level.
PPACA Advisor - Exchange Notice (2/6/2013)
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) have recently issued more FAQs and proposed rules that address several employer obligations under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
COMPLIANCE ALERT: Significant Changes HIPAA Privacy Regs (2/5/2013)
The Office for Civil Rights ("OCR") of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published its long-awaited final privacy and security regulations ("Final Rule") under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ("HIPAA") on January 25, 2013.
Webinar:- Getting Ready for 2014: New Information on the Pay or Play Rules (1/22/2013)
It's the beginning of a new year, and the IRS has given us a late Christmas present in the form of lengthy proposed regulations on the "pay or play" penalty (and how to avoid it) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Benefit Insights Newsletter - Winter 2012 (1/7/2013)
This is a great time to get started on those New Year's resolutions! Learn how small business owners believe that their employees' health and wellness is an important contributer to their bottom line.
COMPLIANCE ALERT: Proposed Regs Employer Penalty (1/4/2013)
The Internal Revenue Service has released proposed regulations on the health care reform employer "shared responsibility" penalty provision.
COMPLIANCE ALERT: DOL Begins Auditing Health Plans (1/2/2013)
Employers that have had their group health plans audited by the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA, the arm of the U.S. Department of Labor that enforces Title I of ERISA) are aware of the broad nature of the document requests and compliance reviews carried out under these audits.
PPACA Advisor - Parameters; Multi-State (12/19/2012)
On Dec. 5 and 7, 2012, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued two more sets of proposed rules that provide added details on how the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) will probably unfold.
Webinar: PPACA's Impact on Employer-Provided Benefits (12/18/2012)
What's the difference between "essential benefits" and "minimum value"? The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act uses similar terms for very different requirements, and it remains confusing for many people.
IRS issues 3 proposed regulations addressing open issues under PPACA (12/4/2012)
On Nov. 20, 2012, the Department of Health and Human Services issued three sets of proposed rules that provide some of the needed details on how PPACA will probably unfold. The proposed rules address:

- Wellness programs under PPACA
-Essential health benefits and determining actuarial value
-Health insurance market reforms
Personal and Financial Wellness - Live Webinar (12/3/2012)
When you think of improved health, you might think of lowered body mass index, blood pressure and cholesterol. What about higher outcomes such as higher energy levels, productivity and potential wealth?
Webinar Alert: The Impact of the November 2012 Election on PPACA (11/29/2012)
We are fast approaching January 2014, when the key provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) are to take effect.
PPACA Webinars (11/27/2012)
Borislow Insurance will be hosting three complimentary health care reform webinars where we will focus on the 2013 provisions of the Affordable Care Act.
Karen Trulli Joins BI! (11/5/2012)
We are pleased to announce the addition of Karen Trulli as a Sales Consultant in the Insurance & Investment department.
Webinar Alert: Preparing for 2014 (10/23/2012)
Health care reform's "main event" (at least for employers) arrives in 2014. That's when employers with 50 or more full-time employees will have to either "pay" (a substantial tax penalty) or "play" (by offering "affordable" health coverage of at least "minimum value" to their full-time employees).
Benefit Insights Newsletter - Fall 2012 (10/1/2012)
It is hard to avoid what you are seeing and reading in the news about healthcare. With changes happening, there are things that you as employers can do to help both your employees health & welfare...
Webinar: Health-Related Lost Productivity (9/25/2012)
Many employers, along with their advisors, are concerned about health care costs and the productivity of their workforce...
Medicare Part D Notices Reminder (9/20/2012)
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires employers to provide a Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage Disclosure Notice to all Medicare eligible individuals.
Webinar: Retirement Plan Fee Disclosures: Now What? (9/18/2012)
By now, you have no doubt been inundated with communications from your 401(k) or 403(b) plan vendors regarding the fees that they charge and the services they provide...
Compliance Alert: Full Time EE's 90-Day Waiting Period (9/12/2012)
More Guidance on "Full-time" Employees and 90-day Waiting Period
Q3 2012 Benefits & Employment Briefing (8/30/2012)
A quarterly newsletter about employee benefits and current issues
Webinar: Health Care Reform: What's Coming in 2013? (8/27/2012)
Although the "main event" of health care reform does not take effect until 2014, sponsors and administrators of employer group health plans will not want to ignore a number of requirements taking effect in 2013. ..
PPACA Advisor Exchange Notice (8/21/2012)
As of March 1, 2013, employers must give a notice about the upcoming health exchanges to all existing employees and new hires.
PPACA Advisor Patient-Centered Outcomes (8/15/2012)
Included are highlights of the Patient-Centered Outcomes / Comparative Effectiveness Fee. This fee will apply for plans *ending* on or after October 1, 2012 and before October 1, 2019.
PPACA FSA Contribution Limits (8/13/2012)
Highlights of the Health FSA Contribution Limit
PPACA SBC Highlights (8/13/2012)
Highlights of Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) Requirements
New WorkplaceWisdom Webinar Series (8/9/2012)
This month there will be two FMLA related webinars, one geared towards HR Professionals, and the other for Supervisors and Managers!
W-2 Reporting Requirements (7/26/2012)
Highlights of W-2 Reporting Requirement
PPACA Medicare Withholding (7/25/2012)
Because PPACA has been upheld, employers need to move forward with implementing the changes required by the law. One of the most immediate requirements applies to high income taxpayers.
Webinar: Benefits Aspects of Employee Leaves of Absence (7/20/2012)
Employee leaves of absence raise a number of difficult questions under federal employment laws. Must a requested leave be granted? Under what conditions? Must the position be held open so that the employee may return to it after the leave ends?
Webinar: Health FSAs: What Do You Need To Know? (7/17/2012)
Most employers sponsor a health flexible spending account. Health FSAs allow employees to pay their uninsured medical expenses on a pre-tax basis. Sponsoring employers also escape FICA taxation on amounts contributed to these accounts.
Webinar: PPACA Legislative Update (7/17/2012)
This important and timely presentation on health care reform will be conducted by Janet Trautwein, executive VP and CEO of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU). Ms. Trautwein will examine the fate of the law, pending a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, and will explore what the decision will mean for employers that sponsor health plans.
Overview of Medical Loss Ratio Rebates (7/5/2012)
The Affordable Care Act requires health insurers to spend a minimum percentage of their premium dollars on medical claims and quality improvement.
Benefits Insights Newsletter - Summer 2012 (7/2/2012)
In the slower pace of the season, why not encourage your employees to use some of that "slower" time to think about the bigger picture: their future! It takes planning and preparation to accumulate the funds to sufficiently carry an employee through their retirement years, and maximizing their workplace benefits is something that will have an impact.
PPACA Employer Up-Date (6/20/2012)
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to publish its decision on the legality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or PPACA (also called health care reform, HCR and ACA), by the end of June. What they will decide is anyone's guess.
Newsletter: Q2 2012 Benefits & Employment Briefing (6/18/2012)
A quarterly newsletter about employee benefits and current issues
COMPLIANCE ALERT: $2500 FSA Limit (6/4/2012)
The 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) set a $2,500 maximum annual limit on employee contributions to health flexible spending accounts (health FSAs), effective in 2013. For a calendar-year health FSA, it was already clear that this limit would take effect as of January 1, 2013.
Voluntary Insurance Products to consider during Disability Insurance Month (5/22/2012)
Voluntary Insurance products offer protection for a variety of unfortunate life events. In all cases they are meant to help your employees continue to pay their necessary monthly living expenses...
Webinar Posting - Health FSAs: What Do You Need To Know? (7/17/2012)
Webinar Alert: Health FSAs: What Do You Need To Know? (5/16/2012)
Most employers sponsor a health flexible spending account. Health FSAs allow employees to pay their uninsured medical expenses on a pre-tax basis.
COMPLIANCE ALERT: Valuing ER Health Coverage (5/8/2012)
The IRS has just issued three notices concerning key aspects of the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Borislow Insurance Recognized by the Better Business Journal as a "Healthiest Employer" Winner! BBJ Healthiest Employer 2012 (5/4/2012)
The Boston Business Journal has named Borislow Insurance (BI) the winner in the Small Business category for Healthiest Employers in Massachusetts in its second annual regional awards program.
COMPLIANCE ALERT: 2013 HSA and HDHP Amounts (5/3/2012)
On April 27, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2012-26, announcing the 2013 inflation-adjusted dollar limitations applicable to health savings accounts (HSAs) and qualifying high-deductible health plans (HDHPs).
May is Disability Insurance Month Do you have enough coverage? (5/1/2012)
May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month - and it's a great time to become more educated about the risks of disability.
Do You Have an Affirmative Action Plan? Maybe You Should. (4/23/2012)
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), the agency charged with ensuring affirmative action compliance by federal contractors and subcontractors, is now aggressively enforcing this requirement.
Benefits Insights Newsletter - Spring 2012 (4/2/2012)
We can't help but look forward to the warmer weather that is ahead. Don't forget to make sure to keep your health and wellness in check with the change in seasons.
New England Governors all support Consumer Driven Health Improvement Week! (3/27/2012)
In preparation for National Employee Benefits Day on April 2, 2012, Borislow Insurance (BI) has set the standard for a proactive approach to healthcare and community education.
Summary of Benefits and Coverage (3/20/2012)
In addition to SPDs, SMMs, and SARs, health care reform added another acronym to the list of "summary" disclosures that group health plans must distribute.
Newsletter: Q1 2012 Benefits and Employment Briefing (3/8/2012)
A quarterly newsletter about employee benefits and current issues
Borislow Insurance welcomes Rose Sandoval and Jeffrey Zalacca (3/5/2012)
Borislow Insurance is committed to delivering the highest level of service with the greatest sense of urgency to our clients.
Compliance Alert - FAQ-SBC Regulations (2/23/2012)
On the same day that they released final regulations on the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (see the recent Compliance Alert on SBCs), the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury (the Departments) also issued a joint set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) addressing various topics under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
W-2 Reporting of Employer Health Coverage (2/21/2012)
Larger employers (those issuing more than 250 W-2s for 2011) must report the value of their employees' health coverage on the W-2s they issue for 2012 (in January 2013).
Compliance Alert - SBC Finalized Guidance (2/14/2012)
As enacted, this SBC requirement was to apply as of March 23, 2012. This recent guidance allows compliance to be deferred until the first open enrollment period beginning on or after September 23, 2012.
Compliance Alert - 401k fee dislcosures 408(b)(2) (2/7/2012)
After months of delay, the Department of Labor (DOL) has just released final regulations under Section 408(b)(2) of ERISA....
Communicating with Benefit Plan Participants in the Digital Age (1/25/2012)
The volume of information that employers must exchange with participants in their employee benefit plans can be overwhelming. ERISA, the tax code, COBRA, HIPAA, health care reform and other federal laws and regulations impose a bewildering array of disclosure obligations.
Compliance Alert - W-2 Health Coverage Value Reporting (1/23/2012)
Among the provisions contained in the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was a requirement that employers report, on each employee's IRS Form W-2, the value of any employer-provided health coverage.
December 2011 Newsletter (1/4/2012)
Please take a moment to view the latest issue of our Benefit Insights newsletter, which offers new guidelines from the IRS on W-2 reporting of health care costs, as well as 10 reasons to encourage fitness in the workplace - time to get a jumpstart on those New Year's resolutions!

**We will try our best to keep our archive as up-to-date as possible, but keep in mind that not all emails will make it to the archive. Any communications sent only to a specific target audience will not be included in this archive. As always though, just get in touch with your Client Consultant if you need additional information!

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