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Agencies Provide Relief for Group Plans and Donation Programs Affected by Hurricanes/Wildfires | JRW Associates, Inc., a Raleigh Benefit Advisory Firm

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a news release to recognize that plan participants and beneficiaries may encounter problems due to Hurricane Maria and the California Wildfires. The DOL advises plan fiduciaries to make reasonable accommodations to prevent workers’ loss of benefits and to take steps to minimize the possibility of individuals losing benefits because of … Continued

IRS Updates Guidance on Play-or-Pay Penalty Assessments | JRW Associates, Inc., a Raleigh Benefit Advisory Firm

Beginning in 2015, to comply with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), “large” employers must offer their full-time employees health coverage, or pay one of two employer shared responsibility / play-or-pay penalties. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) determines the penalty each calendar year after employees have filed their federal tax returns. In November … Continued

Top 3 Frequently Asked Questions about Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements | JRW Associates, Inc., a Raleigh Benefit Advisory Firm

On December 13, 2016, President Obama signed the 21st Century Cures Act (Cures Act) into law. The Cures Act provides a method for certain small employers to reimburse individual health coverage premiums up to a dollar limit through HRAs called “Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements” (QSE HRAs). The provision went into effect on January 1, 2017. On October … Continued

2017 Health Plan Survey Shows Sharp Rise in Group Healthcare Premiums | JRW Associates, Inc., a Raleigh Benefit Advisory Firm

I’m happy to report that this year’s UBA Health Plan survey achieved a milestone. For the first time, we surpassed 20,000 health plans entered—20,099 health plans to be exact, which were sponsored by 11,221 employers. What we were able to determine from all this data was that a tumultuous Presidential election likely encouraged many employers … Continued

The Risk of Being Uninsured (and the Hidden Bargain in Addressing It Now) | JRW Associates, Inc., a Raleigh Benefit Advisory Firm

With all the expenses of everyday living, it’s tempting to think of insurance as just another cost. What’s harder to see is the potential cost of not buying insurance—or what’s known as “self-insuring”—and the hidden bargain of coverage. The Important vs. the Urgent We’ve all experienced it: the tendency to stay focused on putting out … Continued

The COBRA Payment Process | JRW Associates, Inc., a Raleigh Benefit Advisory Firm

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) allows qualified beneficiaries who lose health benefits due to a qualifying event to continue group health benefits. The COBRA payment process is subject to various rules in terms of grace periods, notification, premium payment methods, and treatment of insignificant shortfalls. Grace Periods The initial premium payment … Continued

Strategic benefits communication: Five key steps to success this open enrollment season | JRW Associates, Inc., a Raleigh Benefit Advisory Firm

In previous posts, I have talked about several aspects of strategic benefits communication. Now it’s time to put those strategies into action. As we approach enrollment season, let’s look at five key steps to ensuring this year’s open enrollment is successful for you and your employees. 1. Determine your key objectives What do employees need … Continued

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