Are Your EAP and Wellness Program Subject to ERISA and COBRA?

Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), employee welfare benefit plans are subject to certain fiduciary rules, claims procedures and plan document requirements (including providing participants with a Summary Plan Description (SPD) and possibly also filing a Form 5500 annual return). The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) generally requires [...]

By |2021-01-14T10:15:46-05:00October 6th, 2020|2020 News, News, Uncategorized|

COVID-19 Relief May Require Prompt Employer Action

Over the past several months, there has been a spate of federal legislation and corresponding guidance related to COVID-19 that requires group health plan changes and allows voluntary changes aimed at removing barriers to care and minimizing the impact of the pandemic on employees’ pocketbooks. Mandatory changes include first-dollar coverage for COVID-19 diagnostic testing and [...]

By |2020-08-19T15:36:44-04:00August 19th, 2020|2020 News, News, Uncategorized|

HHS Issues Report to Address Surprise Medical Billing

Last week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the HHS Secretary’s Report on Addressing Surprise Billing which was required under President Trump’s Executive Order 13877. The Report calls for steps, including Congressional action, to combat surprise billing and promote pricing transparency, with the following principles in mind: Patients receiving emergency care should [...]

By |2020-08-07T13:33:07-04:00August 4th, 2020|2020 News, News, Uncategorized|

New COBRA Compliance Developments May Require Employer Action

A constellation of recent developments related to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) should prompt employers to take action to ensure there are no errors or omissions in their communications and procedures that could invite legal or regulatory penalties. COBRA is the government mandate that allows employees and their “qualified beneficiaries” to [...]

By |2020-07-14T08:14:31-04:00July 13th, 2020|2020 News, News, Uncategorized|

Departments Issue Additional Guidance Related to COVID-19 Legislation

coronavirus The Department of Labor, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of the Treasury (the Departments) have jointly issued a new set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ #43) to provide additional guidance regarding the implementation of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the FFCRA), the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and [...]

By |2020-07-14T08:14:13-04:00July 2nd, 2020|2020 News, News|
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