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ACA Final Regulations – 2019 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters
The following information was provided by our partner Cigna On 4/9/18, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued final regulations and related guidance on Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions including Essential Health Benefits (EHBs), out-of-pocket (OOP) maximums, and Marketplace updates and reforms. These regulations, generally effective for plans and plan years beginning on and End excerpt
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Comparative Effectiveness Research Fee (CERF) in 2018
The ACA imposes an annual fee called the Comparative Effectiveness Research Fee (CERF) on insurers and plan sponsors of self-insured coverage. 2018 CERF Payments are due on 7/31/18.
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HSA Update to Contraceptive Equity Act in Maryland
On 3/5/18 the IRS issued Notice 2018-12, providing transition relief on the issue of male sterilization and HSA accounts. In the notice, the IRS states that: Male Sterilization is NOT preventative care Male Sterilization must include cost sharing payments such as deductibles/co-pays HDHP Policies that mandate payments for male sterilization without cost sharing are NOT End excerpt
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IRS Lowers HSA Limit Due to New Tax Law
IRS Lowers 2018 Family HSA Contribution Limit by $50 The IRS has recalculated the HSA limit due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that passed in late 2017. The 2018 contribution limit for health savings accounts (HSAs) will be $6,850—not $6,900. On 3/5/18 the IRS clarified that: HSAs Annual tax-deductible contribution limit for tax year End excerpt
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Maryland Sick and Safe Leave Guidance: Frequently Asked Questions
The following information was received from the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation Maryland Healthy Working Families Act (House Bill 1) Guidance: Frequently Asked Questions small.business@maryland.gov On February 11, 2018, the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act went into effect. Since being established only a month ago, the Office of Small Business Regulatory Assistance has End excerpt
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Spending Bill Tax and Fee Delays Include “Cadillac Tax” and Health Insurance Industry Fee
Attached to the 1/22/18 short term spending bill passed by Congress are delays of three taxes under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and a six-year extension of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
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Maryland Paid Sick Leave Takes Effect February 11, 2018
The Maryland Earned Sick and Safe Leave (ESS) law will go into effect on February 11, 2018 unless the General Assembly acts to delay its implementation. Here are the basic details: Employers with 15 or more employees in Maryland must provide up to five (5) days of paid sick leave per year. Employers with 14 or fewer employees must grant End excerpt
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Important Notice: Maryland-based employers who renewed or began health coverage 1/1/18
In 2016, Maryland passed a Contraceptive Equity Act requiring commercial health insurance plans to provide coverage for male sterilization service without a co-payment, co-insurance or deductible.
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New York Paid Family Leave Effective January 1, 2018
Effective January 1, 2018, all employees working in New York will be covered by the state’s temporary disability insurance law which provides eligible employees with paid, job protected leave of absence
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Harassment Allegations in the Workplace – Is Your Company Protected?
Given the recent wave of sexual harassment allegations, it is more important now than ever for employers to examine their own policies and practices. As an employer, you have a legal obligation to ensure that your workplace is free from harassment and discrimination. In order to avoid liability you must be able to prove that End excerpt
