IRS to Get Tough on ACA Reporting Form Mistakes
The time when the IRS offers relief from financial penalties to employers that make errors on their group health insurance reporting forms has come to an end. Starting this year, the IRS will no longer offer protection against reporting error penalties
Employers Curtail Health Cost-Shifting to Workers
One of the health insurance trends that went largely unnoticed in 2021 was that employers halted cost-shifting to their employees by reducing or holding steady workers’ deductibles and other cost-sharing. That’s according to a new study by consulting firm Mercer, which
Pandemic Fallout: Employers Boost Mental Health, Substance Abuse Benefits
The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on health insurance in the U.S., with many employers improving mental health and other benefits to help their workers during this trying period, according to a new report by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Despite
Hospital Indemnity Insurance a Key Voluntary Benefit
Most employers offer major medical coverage to their full-time employees. But that still leaves workers and their families with significant exposure to financial hardship in the event of a serious medical emergency.For example, even with insurance, treating a broken leg
How to Coax Your Employees to Enroll in an HDHP
Employers looking for ways to decrease their group health insurance outlays over the past decade have been turning to high-deductible health plans as they offer lower up-front premiums. In 2021, 51% of the U.S. workforce was enrolled in one of these
2022 Health Insurance Outlook, Changes
As we enter 2022, there are a number of changes on the horizon that plan sponsors need to be aware of as they will affect group health plans as well as employees enrolled in those plans. Some of the changes concern
Dealing with COVID Vaccination Status Friction Points with Employees
The controversy over COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the workplace continues growing and human resources are sounding the alarm on how employers should approach the matter. While the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and impending OSHA regulations will provide some cover to employers
Helping Your Employees Find the Right Plan for Them
Studies have found that nine out of 10 employees opt for the same benefits every year and that around a third of workers don't fully understand the group health plan benefits they are enrolled for. Staying in the same plan after
Draft Would Help Policyholders Meet Drug Deductibles, Copays
A model measure would require health plans to include financial assistance that policyholders receive, as well as drug rebates, towards their pharmaceutical deductibles, copays and coinsurance. Most health plans do not allow rebates and outside financial assistance to count towards a