Federal Employment Law Update – December 2016 | Virginia Employee Benefits

President Obama Signs 21st Century Cures Act into Law On December 13, 2016, President Obama signed the 21st Century Cures Act (H.R. 6) into law. The law allows certain small businesses to use qualified small business health reimbursement accounts (HRAs) without Affordable Care Act (ACA) related penalties. Certain limits to the accounts would apply, including … Continued

Officials Provide New ACA Guidance in FAQ #35 | Virginia Employee Benefits

On December 20, 2016, federal officials released FAQs About Affordable Care Act Implementation Part 35 (FAQ #35) in an ongoing series of informal guidance regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This FAQ addresses several topics: Special enrollment rules. Preventive services. Qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangements. A summary of the key points from FAQ #35 … Continued

Transitional Reinsurance (TRP) Contribution Form Due November 15 | VA Employee Benefits

On October 3, 2016, federal officials posted the 2016 Transitional Reinsurance Program Annual Enrollment Contributions Form that health insurers and self-funded plan sponsors (employers) will use to make required payments under the Transitional Reinsurance Program (TRP). The 2016 report is due no later than November 15, 2016. Background The Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibits insurers … Continued

Health Plan PCORI Fees Are Due August 1 | Virginia Employee Benefits

Do you offer coverage to your employees through a self-insured group health plan? Do you sponsor a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA)? If so, do you know whether your plan or HRA is subject to the annual Patient-Centered Research Outcomes Institute (PCORI) fee? This article answers frequently-asked questions about the PCORI fee, which plans are affected, … Continued