3 Voluntary Benefits Trends to Watch in 2021 Voluntary benefits have always been great tools for rounding off employee benefits offerings. These add-on perks allow for more personalization that can

Highlights  A new SEP will be available Feb. 15, 2021, through May 15, 2021, via HealthCare.gov due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This new SEP may be accessed through HealthCare.gov directly,

Driving HR Efficiencies With Technology Improving workplace efficiency is about helping employees work smarter, not harder. Fortunately, in today’s world, technology can help improve efficiency and productivity in the workplace—especially

Employee Skills for the Post-pandemic Workplace As the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly changed workplaces, workers’ skills have changed as well. Job skills were evolving before the pandemic, but it has prompted

General Principles Continuous Posting The Bulletin outlines when electronic posting is an acceptable substitute for the continuous posting requirement contained in several statutes (i.e., requiring employers to “post and keep

Highlights Extended Furnishing Deadline The deadline for furnishing 2020 statements to individuals has been extended. However, the deadline for filing with the IRS remains the same. Relief From Penalties Notice

Plan Amendments  Employers can retroactively adopt plan amendments incorporating these provisions. Specific requirements must be met: The plan must be operated consistently with the amendment terms until the amendment is

Highlights Non-grandfathered group health plans and insurance issuers must cover coronavirus preventive services without cost sharing. Preventive care services include recommended immunizations. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, this coverage

IRS Guidance  The IRS letter responded to a letter from a Congressperson written on behalf of a constituent. Generally, the IRS cannot provide binding legal advice to taxpayers unless they

Important Dates Oct. 1, 2019 PCORI fees were scheduled to expire for plan or policy years ending on or after Oct. 1, 2019. 2020-2029 Fiscal Years PCORI fees now apply

 Social Connectivity In the Time of COVID-19 The need for social distancing has put a pause on normal socializing activities, like family get-togethers, restaurant outings and music concerts. As the