What Changes to Expect to Health Insurance in 2017

With Donald Trump's inauguration this Friday, one hot topic news item is what is going to happen to health insurance under his administration.

Federal Court Issues Nationwide Injunction Against Enforcement of Rules on Gender Identity

On December 31, 2016, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas granted a nationwide preliminary injunction, finding that the gender identity and termination of pregnancy provisions of final regulations under Section 1557 contradict existing law, exceed statutory authority and, as applied to religious entities, likely violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).

Pre-Tax Benefit Limit Increases for 2017

With the end of the year soon upon us, we wanted to remind you of the new contribution limits for various taxed deferred accounts for 2017.  The IRS released the new limits a couple months ago and yet again increased many of the limits.

New HRA Guidlines For Small Businesses

The Senate recently passed the 21st Century Cures Act ("Act"). The House had passed it the week before.  The President is expected to sign it in the next few days. 

This Act contains provisions for "Qualified Small Business Health Reimbursement Arrangements" ("HRA"). This new HRA would allow eligible small employers to offer a health reimbursement arrangement funded solely by the employer that would reimburse employees for qualified medical expenses including health insurance premiums.  

Upcoming Webinar Reviewing New Overtime Rules for "White Collar" Employees

Please join Larry Grudzien legal consultant to Better Business Planning for a free webinar on Novemebr 17th. at 1:00 pm (Central Time).

This webinar will focus on reviewing the coming changes, and how to address potential issues before the rule becomes effective.

PCORI Fee to Increase

In Notice 2016-64, IRS increased the patient-centered outcomes research Institute (PCORI) fee for a health plan or policy years ending on or after October 1, 2016

OSHA Regulatory Update

While significant focus has been paid to the new amendments and the obligations of covered employers to come into compliance with the electronic reporting requirements, there have been several developments at OSHA that are much less talked about and that apply to all employers. Specifically, OSHA has articulated new expectations and requirements with regard to employer policies that relate to reporting workplace injuries and illnesses.