January 24, 2023
DOL Announces 2023 Penalties for Health & Welfare Plan Compliance Errors
Since 2015, federal agencies have been required to annually review the laws and regulations they enforce to adjust applicable penalties for inflation. These adjustments, or so the theory goes, provide higher incentives for plan sponsors to ensure their benefit plans and programs remain ...
January 18, 2023
Advocacy in Action | Reprocessed Claims Assistance
A member contacted Purple Card because she had received another bill from her medical provider for charges dating back to a year prior. The member sent a copy of the bill and asked her Patient Advocate to check and see why the provider was still sending her a bill. The Patient Advocate checked ...
January 17, 2023
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Unique Ways to Celebrate Black Heritage
February is Black History Month in the U.S. Celebrating heritage months at work lets employees know they are seen, and visibility is essential for an inclusive workspace. Look at how your organization commemorates Black History Month to raise awareness of your employees’ heritage. Try these ...
January 10, 2023
Workplace Culture | Why Best Friends Have Benefits at Work
You likely remember your first work friend. They showed you the ropes and helped you navigate office politics. Today, research shows that work best friends are not just nice to have, but also play an essential role in employee engagement and retention. Fostering a buddy-friendly environment can ...
January 6, 2023
Compliance Recap | December 2022
US Department of Labor Releases Informational Copies of 2022 Form 5500 Series Annual Return and Report Informational copies of the 2022 Form 5500, Form 5500-SF, and their related instructions were released by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration, the IRS, and ...
January 6, 2023
IRS Grants Permanent 30-Day Extension to Providing Individual ACA Statements
‘Tis the season for applicable large employers (ALEs) to scramble to meet their Affordable Care Act (ACA) obligation to provide full-time employees with individual statements that provide group health coverage information required to be filed with the IRS on Form 1095-C. Although the ACA ...
January 5, 2023
Feds Extend Prescription Drug Filing Deadline, Announce Relaxed Enforcement
The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (collectively, the Departments) last week issued an FAQ that relieved filing entities from the December 27, 2022, deadline for providing certain information. The Departments understood many plans and carriers faced ...
January 4, 2023
Continuing Appropriations Act Extends HDHP Relief for Telehealth Services
President Biden last week signed the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2023 (CAA 23) to provide funding for the federal government through the current fiscal year. But employers also should know there were some critical benefits-related provisions tucked into CAA 23. Though many of the benefits ...
January 3, 2023
Dear HR Manager from Money Talks
Dear HR Manager, I am delivering 2023 compensation updates to my team. In the past, I sent an email with the results and an offer to meet if they had any questions. Many seemed disappointed with their increase or needed clarification about the outcome. This year, I want to be more prepared. ...
December 13, 2022
Workplace Culture | How to Laugh More at Work
While there is no rule book for building an employee-centric culture, there is proof to show that sharing a laugh at work can help your team feel that they are included and belong. Research shows that humor lightens the mood in stressful situations, makes people want to be around you, and ...
