Employees May Not Leave Their Ex's On The Group Plans

After being terminated for wrongfully continuing to cover his ex-wife under his employer's group health plan, this employee filed suit. According to the employee, when he informed his manager that he was required to maintain his ex-wife's health coverage in their divorce, the manager stated that he would leave the ex-spouse on the plan.  This case demonstrates that training, not just for benefits personnel but for managers and others who may have more direct contact with employees, is a key component in good benefit plan administration. Although the employer prevailed here, this lawsuit could have been avoided completely if the manager had handled the situation appropriately. Also keep in mind that periodic audits to verify dependent eligibility can be a useful tool to help identify and correct these problems sooner.  Court Case

Compliance Dangers of Assisting Employees With Individual Policy Arrangements 

Two IRS Information Letters, dated September 2014 but first released publicly in late December 2014, reiterate the compliance dangers of helping employees obtain individual health insurance coverage. Provided by the IRS Office of Chief Counsel, the letters respond to constituent inquiries from two members of Congress, and references IRS positions on individual plans. Letters

New Guidelines For Pap Tests

Do you remember when your next mammogram, Pap smear or annual physical is due? For most women, things have gotten a little simpler with Pap tests, the screening for cervical cancer. Here's a quick update on the timing guidelines for Pap and HPV testing.

Video: Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care

You need a doctor and you need one now. If your condition isn't life threatening, should you go to a hospital emergency room or an urgent care facility? Share this video, provided by Regence, with your employees to help them understand the typical charges you'll pay depending on your decision. Hint: An emergency room visit can be up to three times more expensive.