EMPLOYEE BENEFITS ISSUES DURING MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
5/23/2019
Mergers and acquisitions create complicated employee benefit administration challenges. The type of business transaction, whether it’s a stock or asset sale, can have an impact on compliance obligations such as COBRA. Transitioning employees to new plans and combining benefits can also create compliance challenges. This session will focus on health and welfare plan issues for employers going through some kind of merger or acquisition.
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Employee Benefits During An FMLA Leave
4/19/2019
Employers face significant benefits administrative challenges when employees take an FMLA leave. This session will discuss in detail the employer’s obligations, employee communication requirements, and other rules specific to employee benefits during and after FMLA leave. This session is designed for employers with at least 50 employees who are subject to FMLA.
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The "Good News" Compliance Webinar
3/21/2019
Employers typically think employee benefits compliance is complicated, confusing, and full of bad news. In this webinar we are looking at the compliance world from a different angle. We will cover good news about compliance obligations that are going away, like the end of the PCORI fee, and the rescission of the HPID requirement. We will review ways that employers can use compliance rules to save money or avoid risk, for example, how an employer can reduce COBRA costs by helping qualified beneficiaries understand their other options. We will also share ideas about how to use the IRS employer safe harbor rules to reduce the employer’s plan contribution requirements.
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HIPAA Privacy and Security Mistakes Employers Make
2/28/2019
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has completed its second round of HIPAA Privacy and Security Audits. We now have more information on what employers are doing wrong that is putting them at risk. More importantly, this webinar will focus on strategies employers can implement to better comply with these complicated rules.
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Medicare and Employee Benefits
1/24/2019
This webinar will concentrate on how Medicare affects employer sponsored benefits. Topics will include Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) rules, which prohibit employers from taking certain actions related to employees eligible for Medicare; Medicare entitlement and HSA eligibility; how Medicare affects employees’ and dependents’ COBRA rights, and more.
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2018 Regulatory Wrap-Up and a Look Forward to 2019
12/20/2018
2018 was another interesting year for employers, with new regulations and activity in the courts having an impact on how employers manage benefit plans. 2018 also saw increased enforcement by the IRS of the ACA employer shared responsibility rules (the “employer mandate”). This webinar will review what actually happened (and didn’t happen) in 2018. We will also look forward into 2019 and discuss the possible developments that could affect employer plans.
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Tobacco Related Wellness Programs
11/29/2018
Tobacco and smoking-related programs are one of the most common wellness incentive arrangements offered by employers, by they must be done right. Employers often struggle with the required reasonable alternative method of earning the incentive that must be offered in some programs, and if any medical testing is done the EOOC wellness rules must be taken into consideration. Employers must also be prepared to deal with new developments, like e-cigarettes and medical marijuana.
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Into the Weeds - Again! Answers to Specific Employer Benefits Questions
10/25/2018
In the newest episode of this popular webinar we will review actual employee benefits compliance questions we have received and go over our answers in detail. We will discuss questions about ACA enforcement, the voluntary plan safe harbor, HSA eligibility, the tax treatment of discriminatory benefits, and more. Learn from real life compliance issues other employers have faced.
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New Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) Rules
9/27/2018
The Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and Treasury have released new information regarding the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), including FAQs related to nonquantitative treatment limitations and guidance on new disclosure requirements. The DOL has also released a self-compliance tool. This webinar will review existing MHPAEA rules and discuss disclosure guidance and the clarifications from the FAQs.
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5500 Filing & Plan Structure Issues
8/23/2018
This webinar will review health plan Form 5500 filing requirements and discuss plan design issues that impact 5500 filing. We will also preview significant changes to 5500 filing that have been proposed by the DOL, including the new Schedule J, and possible filing requirements for small employers.
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New Association Health Plan Regulations
7/26/2018
The Department of Labor (DOL) has released the much anticipated Association Health Plan (AHP) regulations. The new AHP rules are designed to make it easier for groups of small employers and individuals to participate in health plans sponsored by a number of different types of organizations. This webinar will cover the AHP regulations and the changes they make to existing rules. We will also discuss the possible effect the rules will have on the health insurance market.
Employees vs. Independent Contractors - Why it Matters and What the Future Looks Like
6/21/2018
The relationship between employers and their workers is changing. Many companies now use a mix of employees, independent contractors, “Gig” workers, shared employees, and more. This webinar will review employee benefit compliance issues related to different worker types. We’ll also share information on employer and legislative initiatives that have the potential to significantly change the way we treat some workers and the rules that apply.
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Employee Benefits Compliance Update
5/24/2018
While no major benefits legislation is expected to be passed in 2018, the regulatory agencies are busy introducing new rules. The IRS continues to try to collect employer penalties under §4980H and the AARP – EEOC court case could force employers to rethink their wellness strategies. This webinar will bring employers up-to-date on important developments including association health plan regulations, rules expanding the use of health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), IRS collection efforts, and the status of the AARP – EEOC wellness case.
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Compliance Issues Related to Emerging Employee Benefit Strategies
4/26/2018
Many employers are implementing new strategies in their attempt to control costs while still offering attractive benefits to employees. In adopting these programs, the employer must consider various compliance implications. This webinar will cover compliance issues related to spousal carve-outs, on-site medical clinics, concierge and direct preventive care provider arrangements, reference-based pricing, and more.
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HIPAA Privacy and Security for Employers
3/29/2018
Many employers do not understand the full scope of compliance required by the HIPAA Privacy and Security rules. Many employers mistakenly believe that their plans are not subject to HIPAA because they are fully insured, or that employee training is the only thing they need to worry about. To comply with HIPAA, most employers should have written HIPAA policies in place that govern the plan’s use of Protected Health Information (PHI). Employers must also comply with a number of other HIPAA requirements, including: entering into written agreements with Business Associates, implementing safeguards to secure PHI, and conducting a Security Risk Assessment, to name just a few.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) investigates thousands of HIPAA privacy and security complaints every year and is also currently conducting its second round of random HIPAA audits. This webinar will help employers understand how to effectively comply with HIPAA and be in a position to respond to any HHS audits or inquiries.
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HSA Administration and Compliance
2/22/2018
Properly administering HSA benefits has always been difficult for employers. IRS rules are often complicated, and improper administration can lead to serious tax consequences for the employer and employees. New benefit arrangements such as concierge medical services, on-site medical clinics, and other reimbursement arrangements can create HSA eligibility issues. This session will cover important compliance rules applicable to HSAs, such as coordination with Medicare eligibility, employer contributions rules, and more. We will also review common questions we receive from employers.
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IRS §4980H Penalty Collection Efforts and Why Employer Reporting Still Matters
1/25/2018
The IRS has begun to send letters to employers (Letter 226J) to begin the collection process for those who failed to meet the §4980H requirements for benefits offered during 2015. Penalty calculations are based on data provided by employers to the IRS on Forms 1094-C and 1095-C. Many of the IRS proposed employer penalties are due to mistakes made in employer reporting, not to an actual violation of a §4980H requirement. This webinar will review the 4980H rules and employer reporting requirements. We will also explain the IRS penalty assessment dispute and collection process and help employers understand how to respond to an IRS proposed assessment.
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Regulatory Wrap-Up and a Look Forward to 2018
12/21/2017
2017 was a wild and crazy year for employers trying to plan for how to handle their employer sponsored benefits. As Congress debated significant changes to health plan rules, employers were left guessing about how changes might affect their plans. This webinar will review what actually happened (and didn’t happen) in 2017. We will also look forward into 2018 and discuss the possible developments that could affect employer sponsored plans.
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The Future of Wellness Plans After the AARP v. EEOC Decision
11/17/2017
In a suit brought by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled against the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) saying that portions of the EEOC’s final wellness regulations related to wellness incentives were arbitrary. The court ordered the EEOC to review the rules and make changes to satisfy the court. Although the current ruling does not change anything immediately, it raises questions about how employers will handle their wellness plans in the future. This webinar will review current EEOC regulations and the existing HIPAA wellness rules, and it will help employers think about how to prepare for changes that may be made to the EEOC rules as a result of the AARP case.
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ACA 1094/1095 Employer Reporting Year 3 (and possible changes to the ACA)
10/26/2017
Many employers hoped that Congress would make changes to the ACA that would eliminate or simplify the ACA employer reporting process. As you all know by now, as of the middle of September, that has not happened. The IRS has released the new 2017 draft forms and instructions, so it is time to make sure employers are ready for reporting due early in 2018. In this webinar, we will review the rules, discuss changes, and help employers prepare for this year’s reporting. Also note that by the time of the webinar, we will know once and for all whether Congress has made any changes to the ACA rules this session. If any significant changes have been made, we will shorten our reporting discussion and provide an update on new developments and breaking news.
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Benefit Plan Transition Issues
9/28/2017
Employers face a myriad of rules when trying to make significant changes to employee benefits plans. In this session, we will discuss compliance issues as they relate to some common scenarios, including taking over benefits when purchasing another company, making mid-year plan changes, introducing an HSA/HDHP option for the first time, and more.
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Health Insurance Legislative Update
8/24/2017
The current ACA repeal legislation being considered by Congress must be passed by the end of September. So, by August 24, we should have a clear picture of what changes Congress will be able (or not able) to make this year. This webinar will discuss the changes that have a direct impact on employer sponsored plans.
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COBRA is Here to Stay
7/27/2017
COBRA has been around for over 30 years and employers still struggle to properly comply with the rules. This session will cover basic COBRA compliance and discuss areas where employers often struggle. This session will be valuable even for employers who use the services of a COBRA administrator.
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Section 125 Cafeteria Plan Rules Review
6/22/2017
Employers have offered Section 125 Cafeteria Plans for years, yet many still struggle with some of the rules and administrative requirements. This webinar will focus on Section 125 compliance issues important to employers including document requirements, election change rules, discrimination testing and more.
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No "Repeal or Replace" "…Maybe “Repeal or Replace”…Maybe Something Else? What Should the Employer Focus on Now?
5/25/2017
Even though the Republicans have managed to push a bill in the House, it is still unclear whether Congress will be able to pass legislation making significant changes to the ACA. In these uncertain times, employers must continue to administer their benefit plans in compliance with existing ACA rules. However, even in the absence of significant legislative action, regulatory agencies are still likely to make changes to rules that impact employers. This webinar will focus on important ACA compliance requirements still in force, but will also review what is still being proposed in Congress and explain what changes regulators are able to make without congressional action.
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Employee Benefits During an FMLA Leave
4/27/2017
Employers face significant risk if benefits are not properly handled for employees taking an FMLA leave. This session will discuss in detail the employer’s obligations, employee communication requirements and other rules specific to employee benefits during and after FMLA leave. This session is designed for employers with at least 50 employees who are subject to FMLA. Topics include:
- Benefit reinstatement rules
- What to do if an employee does not return from FMLA
- When to offer COBRA
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Keeping Up with Changes to Employee Benefits Rules (Part 2)
3/23/2017
By the end of March 2017, many changes to employee benefits rules will have begun to take shape. Beyond changes to the ACA, we expect to see modifications to HSA rules, adjustment to the tax treatment of employee benefits and much more. Tune in to this webinar to keep up with changes that are important to employers as they plan their employee benefits strategy for the future.
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Keeping Up with Changes to Employee Benefits Rules (Part 1)
2/23/2017
The results of the 2016 elections guarantee that many changes will be made to employee benefits rules and regulations in 2017. Even if Congress needs some time to make changes to the law itself, executive and regulatory actions could move very quickly. Also, as soon as the new Congress takes office, new bills are likely to be introduced that will shed some light on the changes we can expect. This webinar focuses on changes and breaking news that will affect employer sponsored employee benefits.
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Employee Benefits and Medicare Coordination Issues
1/19/2017
As the workforce ages, the challenge of coordinating employer sponsored benefits with Medicare increases. Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) rules prohibit employers from taking certain actions related to employees eligible for Medicare; Medicare entitlement makes employees ineligible for HSA contributions; and Medicare affects employees’ and dependents’ COBRA rights, to name just a few issues. This webinar will concentrate on how Medicare affects employer sponsored benefits, not on general Medicare coverage and eligibility issues.
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Into the Weeds! Answers to Specific Employer Benefits Questions
12/15/2016
In this webinar we will review actual employee benefits compliance questions we have received and go over our answers in detail. From “ACA reporting” to the “zero balance FSA/HSA rule”, learn from real life compliance issues other employers have faced. Don’t worry, the names have been changed to protect the innocent (and the guilty too).
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How Will the Election Impact Employee Benefits Regulations & A Look Forward to 2017
11/17/2016
With the election over we will discuss how the results could affect employee benefits rules and regulations. We will also look forward to 2017 and discuss regulatory developments and new rules likely to impact employers going forward. For example, Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) need to prepare for upcoming IRS communications expected in 2017 regarding possible §4980H penalties.
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ACA 1094/1095 Employer Reporting Year 2
10/27/2016
Here we go again. It seems like employers just finished reporting last year’s data to the IRS on Forms 1094 and 1095, and it is already time to get ready for this year’s reporting due early in 2017. The IRS has released draft forms and instructions and there are some changes (such as a new 1095 code for certain kinds of coverage offers to spouses). In this webinar we will review the rules, discuss the changes, and help employers better prepare for reporting this year.
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ACA & Benefits Compliance Update
9/22/2016
While there will not likely be any congressional action in an election year making changes to benefits related rules, it is anticipated that the regulatory agencies will continue to issues new rules, and clarify existing informal guidance. This session will focus on regulations, FAQs, and other guidance issued over the previous months to help employers keep up-to-date on these ever changing requirements.
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Wellness Plan Regulations Update
8/18/2016
The EEOC has issued its final wellness regulations regarding compliance with the ADA and GINA. The rules contain a new notice requirement and some changes from the previously issued proposed rules, including adjustments to incentive limit calculations and the application of such limits. Many of the EEOC rules go into effect for plan years beginning Jan. 1, 2017. Now is the time to look at your wellness plans to make sure they are in compliance with both the EEOC regulations and the existing HIPAA wellness rules.
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HRA/HSA Compliance and Administration Issues
7/28/2016
Properly administering HRA and HSA benefits has always been difficult for employers, but the ACA has added a whole new layer of compliance challenges. This session will cover compliance rules applicable to these types of benefits. We will also review common questions we receive from employers on topics such as HSA eligibility after age 65, and HRA integration rules.
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Plan Affordability Under the ACA
5/26/2016
There is a tremendous amount of confusion around what it means for an employer’s plan to be “affordable” under the ACA. It’s not surprising because there are two different kinds of affordable criteria. First there is the definition of when an employer’s plan is affordable for purposes of an individual who is purchasing individual health insurance and trying to qualify for a subsidy. Separately, there are the three employer affordability safe harbors provided by the IRS to help employers set contribution rates in a manner that mitigates their §4980H(b) penalty risk. This webinar will help employers understand the differences and provide strategies for setting employer contributions going forward.
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Making Sense of the Employee Classification Puzzle
4/28/2016
The gig economy continues to challenge how we define and compensate our employees—regular full-time, temp, common law, part-time, seasonal, independent contractor, leased, and more! And the labels are taking on even greater importance with laws like the Affordable Care Act (requiring offers of coverage to full-time employees) and state and local leave laws (requiring various types of leave for employees). This webinar will start by sorting out some of the conflicting employee definitions and will provide advice on how to keep them straight and protect yourself.
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ACA & Benefits Compliance Update
3/24/2016
2015 ended with a flurry of guidance, changes and delays from the regulatory agencies. It is expected that early 2016 will bring more of the same. This webinar will cover the latest compliance developments including new IRS guidance on affordability and hours of service, guidance on opt-out incentives, new COBRA rules for health FSAs and more.
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EEOC Wellness Regulations
2/25/2016
In 2015 the EEOC filed a number of lawsuits challenging some common employer wellness plan strategies. After significant backlash from the business community and Congress, the EEOC issued its first set of regulations regarding employer wellness plans. While the proposed rules align to a great extent with existing HIPAA wellness regulations, there are some differences. Attend this webinar for a review of existing wellness rules and an update on the EEOC regulations and their impact on employer wellness plans.
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ACA 1094/1095 Reporting Details
1/28/2016
The IRS has extended the deadline for employers to complete their ACA 1094/1095 reporting, so we will take this last opportunity before the deadline to dive into the more difficult details of the reporting requirements. The webinar will cover reporting specifics including how to code 1095s for various scenarios such as COBRA coverage, dealing with aggregated employer groups and union plans, filling out line 22 of the 1094 and more.
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2015 Regulatory Wrap-Up and a Look Forward to 2016
12/17/2015
2015 was another challenging year for employee benefits managers and human resource professionals. The ACA employer shared responsibility rules began to take effect and employers began to prepare for the difficult ACA reporting requirements that begin early in 2016. This webinar will look forward into 2016 and discuss the practical implications of rules scheduled to go into effect over the next 12 months. The webinar will also review additional compliance issues employers may have to deal with in 2016.
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Public Marketplace (Exchange) Third Open Enrollment Period
10/27/2015
The third open enrollment period for the public Marketplaces/Exchanges takes place from November 1, 2015–January 31, 2016. The news surrounding the open enrollment period is likely to generate many employee questions. Employees are often confused about how the benefits employers offer effects their eligibility for subsidies when buying individual health insurance. It also presents opportunities for employers, such as providing a chance for current COBRA QBs on an employer plan to move to subsidized individual insurance plans on through the Marketplace. This webinar will focus on the impact that the public marketplace open enrollment has on employers.
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Employer 1095 and1094 Reporting
9/24/2015
The new 1095 and 1094 employer reporting begins in just a few short months. All Applicable Large Employers (both fully insured and self-funded), and any small employer with a self-funded health plan are subject to the plan reporting requirements. 2015 forms and instructions will have been released by the IRS prior to this webinar. This webinar will explain what information needs to be reported, and provided guidance on the process. Note: Small employers who do not meet the definition of an ALE, and offer only fully insured plans, are not subject to these reporting requirements.
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How does the Supreme Court's Same-Sex Marriage Decision Affect Employee Benefits
8/27/2015
The Supreme Court ruling on same sex marriage has caused many employers look carefully at their current benefit strategies related to employees who are in same-sex marriages or domestic partnerships. This session will explain what impact the decision has on how employers offer benefits to employees.
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New EEOC Rules for Wellness Plans
7/30/2015
The EEOC has issued long-awaited proposed regulations addressing ADA requirements for employer wellness programs. The guidance also addresses the interaction between the new EEOC rules and the existing ACA and HIPAA wellness rules. This webinar will help employers understand how the new rules impact their employee wellness programs.
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ACA Update & Discussion of Supreme Court Decision
6/25/2015
Regulatory agencies will continue to release ACA-related regulations and guidance throughout 2015. This webinar will address the most recently released ACA guidance. The Supreme Court is also expected to release its highly-anticipated decision in the case King vs. Burwell sometime in June. If the court has released its decision, the webinar will be focused on the impact that the court’s decision may have on employer sponsored plans.
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IRS §414 Controlled Group and Affiliated Service Group Rules
5/28/2015
Internal Revenue Code §414 controlled group and affiliated service group rules require some separate companies to be treated as a single employer for purposes of several different benefits related issues including: 401k administration, discrimination testing, and ACA Applicable Large Employer (ALE) status for health benefits. Employers with certain levels of common ownership and/or operational integration must determine their single employer status under these rules, even if they have separate tax EINs. For the first time, beginning in 2016, employers will need to apply these rules in IRS reporting if they are part of an “aggregated group” of employers when they complete their Form 1094. This webinar will help employers understand the basics of the §414 rules and in some cases determine if they are part of an aggregated group. At a minimum, employers will understand if they need additional employer-specific analysis to make the determination.
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Employer ACA Reporting Requirements
3/26/2015
Beginning in 2016, all applicable large employers (ALEs) and any self-funded employer (even if not an ALE) face a significant new obligation to report certain plan and employee information to the IRS, as well as provide a new health care statement to employees. Both fully-insured and self-funded employers are subject to the plan reporting requirements, with self-funded plans having additional employee coverage reporting obligations. Final forms and instructions will be released by the IRS prior to this webinar. This webinar will explain what information needs to be reported as well as provide guidance on the process.
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2014 Regulatory Wrap-Up & Looking Forward to 2015
12/18/2014
2014 was an interesting year for employee benefits managers and human resource professionals, but delays in the ACA employer shared responsibility rules pushed actual implementation of many provisions into 2015. Now the action really starts. This webinar will look forward into 2015 and discuss the practical implications of rules scheduled to go into effect over the next 12 months. Particular attention will be given to rules that require employers to change current administrative practices. The webinar will also review additional compliance issues employers may have to deal with in 2015 such as possible Section 125 discrimination testing changes, HIPAA transaction certification for self-funded plans, and more.
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Employer ACA Reporting Requirements
10/23/2014
All “Applicable Large Employers”, or ALEs (generally those with more than 50 full-time equivalents/FTEs), and any self-funded employer (even if not an ALE) will be required to report certain plan and employee information to the IRS beginning in 2016 for 2015 data. The IRS has released final regulations, sample forms and instructions. Both fully insured and self-funded employers are subject to the plan reporting requirements, with self-funded plans having additional employee coverage reporting obligations. This webinar will explain which employers are subject to the requirements and whet information needs to be reported. Note: Small employers who do not meet the definition of an ALE and offer only fully insured plans are not subject to these reporting requirements.
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