Timely updates and practical guidance for all healthcare reform related legislation and regulations
On Nov. 20, 2012, federal agencies responsible for health care reform released advance copies of three proposed rules implementing provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Click here to read more.
.jpg)
Beginning in 2014, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or PPACA, will require employers with 50 or more full-time workers to pay a penalty if they do not provide a group health insurance plan.
Click here learn more.
The Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration announced cost of living adjustments applicable to dollar limitations for qualified retirement plans, and other limits for tax year 2013.
Click here to find out more in FFG's Legislative Update.
As part of the Department of Labor's continuing effort to spread the word about the FMLA and make the FMLA more accessible, the Wage and Hour Division released an Employee Guide to the FMLA, a 16-page, plain language booklet designed to answer common FMLA questions and clarify who can take FMLA leave and what protections the FMLA provides.
Click here or on the image below for details
The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the insurance mandate in President Obama’s healthcare law. The court said Congress has the authority to enforce the healthcare law’s individual mandate, which will require most U.S. taxpayers to buy insurance or pay a penalty. Chief Justice John Roberts said the mandate could survive as a tax. "Nothing in the Constitution guarantees that individuals may avoid taxation by inactivity," Roberts said from the bench.
Click here or on image below for details
On May 30, 2012, The IRS released Notice 2012-40 which provides guidance on the effective date of the $2,500 limit (as indexed for inflation) on salary reduction contributions to health flexible spending arrangements (Health FSAs) under Code Section 125(i) and on the deadline for amending plans to comply with that limit. This notice also provides relief for certain contributions that mistakenly exceed the $2,500 limit and that are corrected in a timely manner.
Click here or on image below for details
The Departments of Labor (DOL), HHS and Treasury (collectively, “the Departments”) issued a set of 14 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding implementation of the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC).
May 1, 2012: IRS releases new HSA limits for 2013
The IRS has just issued Revenue Procedure 2012-26, which provides the 2013 cost-of-living contribution and coverage adjustments for HSAs, as required under Code Section 223(g). Most contribution limits and the out-of-pocket amounts have been increased for 2013.
March 30, 2012
Healthcare Reform Law's Individual Mandate in the Supreme Court; Timeline
March 8, 2012
HHS releases Guidance on Defining "Essential Health Benefits"
 |
Beginning in 2014, health plans offered in the small group and individual market will be required to cover essential health benefits. The scope of coverage for these items must be equal to that provided under a "typical employer plan." |
February 13, 2012
HHS releases Guidance on the new Summary of Benefits and Coverage Documents
 |
On Feb. 9, 2012, the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury (Departments) released much-anticipated final guidance on the requirement for health plans and health insurance issuers to provide a summary of benefits and coverage to applicants and enrollees.
The final regulations, template and uniform glossary are available through the Department of Health and Human Services |
February 3, 2012
DOL Releases New Proposed Regulations on FMLA
 |
On Tuesday, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis announced that the U.S. Department of Labor is issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking to implement new statutory amendments to the Family and Medical Leave Act that would expand military family leave provisions and incorporate a special eligibility provision for airline flight crew employees. Please Click the Newsletter for more details. |
August 19, 2011
HHS Announces Proposed Rule for Uniform Benefit Summaries
August 3, 2011
New Guidelines Provide Additional Women’s Preventive Care with No Cost Sharing
June 28, 2011
Rules for Internal and External Claim Reviews Revised
May 24, 2011
2012 HSA Contribution and Coverage Limits
Connect with FFG