On December 23, 2024, President Biden signed into law the Paperwork Burden Reduction Act (PBRA) alleviating some burdens associated with the annual ACA reporting. Effective for tax years beyond 2023, employers are no longer required to automatically distribute the Forms 1095-B/Cs to employees unless requested. The Form 1095-B/Cs must still be prepared and electronically filed […]
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Webinar: Ensuring Your Health Plan is Ready for a Department of Labor Audit
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 1 – 2PM CST Register Now Registration Code:UBA410EW Attend this month’s webinar to learn what triggers a DOL audit and how to prepare. Key takeaways: Gain insight into the DOL’s enforcement priorities that can trigger an audit, especially regarding compliance with the ACA, Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, and […]
Read moreWellness Programs and Smokers’ Penalties under Scrutiny
READ TIME: 5 MINUTES A recent lawsuit involving Macy’s Inc. and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is bringing attention to the way companies structure their wellness programs—particularly those that impose penalties on employees who smoke. This case highlights the potential risks for employers who charge higher health premiums to smokers and raises questions about […]
Read moreDecember 2024 Compliance Recap
READ TIME: 7 MINUTES President Biden stepped away from proposed changes to the birth control opt-out for moral objections. The pre-deductible status of telehealth in HSA plans expired, and the CAA 2024 Gag Clause Attestation submission took effect. Biden Administration Withdraws Proposed Birth Control Benefits regulations The Biden Administration has suspended its efforts to limit […]
Read moreHappy New Year from Bim Group!
As an expression of our gratitude for the opportunity to serve the employee benefit needs of our clients, Bim Group is proud to make financial contributions to numerous deserving organizations that are making a profound and lasting impact on the lives of those they serve. Wishing you all the best in the New Year!
Read moreFifth Ciruit Court Ruling on Benefits Denial
READ TIME: 5 MINUTES The recent ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Dwyer v. United Healthcare Ins. Co. serves as a reminder for plan sponsors and insurers of the importance of adhering to both substantive and procedural requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). In this case, a participant in […]
Read moreChanges to Medicare Part D Call for a Reexamination of Creditable Coverage
READ TIME: 5 MINUTES Every year, group health plans are required to notify their Medicare-eligible policyholders whether their prescription drug coverage is “creditable coverage.” Drug coverage is creditable if it is as good or better than the Medicare drug benefit. If a Medicare-eligible individual is not enrolled in creditable coverage, they may incur late enrollment […]
Read moreNew CMS Rules on Medicare Reporting Penalties
READ TIME: 6 MINUTES The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued final rules outlining the penalties for responsible reporting entities (RREs) that fail to meet Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) reporting obligations. The regulations were applicable as of October 11, 2024, and enforcement will begin in October 2025. The penalties for non-compliance are […]
Read moreDear HR Manager
Dear HR Manager, I’ve recently been promoted to a leadership role and want to ensure I’m the best boss I can be. What steps can I take to lead effectively and create a positive environment for my team? – New to Leadership Dear New to Leadership, Congratulations on your new role! Becoming an outstanding leader […]
Read moreSimplifying HR Processes with AI
READ TIME: 4 MINUTES AI is becoming crucial as HR looks to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and offer personalized solutions. From creating HR materials to improving the recruitment process, AI’s integration is driving a shift in the way organizations support and engage their workforce. According to a recent survey, 44% of employers said they use […]
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