May 2, 2022

The IRS has issued Revenue Procedure 2022-24, providing inflation-adjusted Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution amounts for calendar year 2023.  

March 30, 2022

Health Savings Account (HSA) owners can choose to name their spouse, adult children, other individuals, or a trust as their beneficiary. If no beneficiary is named, the HSA will be distributed to the estate. Careful consideration should be made when choosing a beneficiary as there are different tax implications depending on who is listed, or not listed, as the beneficiary of the HSA.

March 30, 2022

There are many advantages to bringing back former employees, but applicable large employers need to follow the Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules when determining when to offer benefits. The key to this is determining whether the employee should be treated as a “new hire” or a “continuing employee.” This determination will tell the employer whether to offer benefits right away or if the designated waiting period applies.

March 30, 2022

During this time when unprecedented numbers of employees are changing jobs, employers need creative ways to enhance their benefits programs to increase employee satisfaction and attract new talent. Lowering the employee’s medical deductible by offering a post-deductible health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) is one way to do that.

March 30, 2022

Group health plans and health insurance issuers must provide benefits for certain items and services related to testing for the detection and diagnosis of COVID-19, including over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests. Effective January 15, 2022, these services must be provided without imposing cost-sharing requirements, prior authorization, or other medical management requirements.

March 30, 2022

As the United States anticipates the illusive end of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is cause to be continually mindful of ongoing regulatory guidance and changes. Although legislative activity including new laws and regulations is not near the level seen in the early months of the pandemic, it is important to understand what is temporary, what is renewed, and what is the new standard.

March 30, 2022

In late December 2021, the IRS issued Notice 2022-04, providing the updated rate for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (“PCORI”) fees for plan years that end on or after October 1, 2021, and before October 1, 2022.

March 16, 2022

On March 15, 2022, President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022. Included in the bill is a provision that temporarily reinstates health savings account relief, which allows high deductible health plans (HDHPs) to waive the deductible for telehealth and other remote care services, regardless of the plan year and without causing plan participants to lose HSA eligibility.

December 13, 2021

After 12/31/2021, Chard Snyder will no longer be including ARPA supplemental forms with the General COBRA Election Notice. Effective 1/1/2022, it will be the Plan Sponsor’s responsibility to notify Chard Snyder in the event of a Qualifying Event for an eligible Qualified Beneficiary where ARPA paperwork should be included.  As of 1/1/2022, this information will NOT be included for any Qualified Beneficiary unless directed by the Plan Sponsor.

December 13, 2021

Employers sponsoring health and welfare plans have needed to respond to a myriad of legislative and regulatory changes throughout 2020 and 2021 arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and related laws and regulations. With the end of the year fast approaching, it is necessary to be aware of several important deadlines and considerations, and for employers to work with their claims administrators to take necessary actions.