Plan’s Dialysis Carve-Out Withstands HIPAA Nondiscrimination Challenge
A federal trial court has issued what could be the final decision in a long-running dispute between a large dialysis …
What Are Our Company’s Obligations to a Former Employee Receiving COBRA Coverage Who Has Been Called to Active Duty in the Uniformed Services?
QUESTION: A former employee who left our company a year ago has been receiving COBRA coverage under our major medical …
Can a Qualified Educational Assistance Program Be Used to Repay Employees’ Student Loans?
QUESTION: Many of our company’s employees have student loans. Could we help them repay those loans using a qualified educational …
HHS Issues Updated Model Notices of Privacy Practices and Announces Part 2 Enforcement Program
Model Notices of Privacy Practices; Office for Civil Rights Announces Civil Enforcement Program for Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient …
Are There Transparency Requirements for Provider Directories?
QUESTION: We’ve heard that our group health plan’s provider directories are subject to federal transparency requirements. What are they? ANSWER: A group …
Must a Plan Provide Extended COBRA Coverage Because of a Spouse’s Disability?
QUESTION: A recently terminated employee has elected COBRA for himself, his spouse, and his children. He notified us within a …
What Is an Eligible Rollover Distribution?
QUESTION: Our company sponsors a 401(k) plan. As we review the plan’s rollover procedures, we want to confirm our understanding …
Understanding OBBB Enhancements to Employer Leave and Childcare Credits
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) permanently enhanced employer credits for paid family and medical leave and employer-provided childcare. …
Why Should Our Company Offer Adoption Assistance Benefits When the Code Already Provides a Tax Credit?
QUESTION: An employee has asked us to consider adding an adoption assistance benefit. There is also a tax credit for …
IRS Issues Updated Rollover Notices for Retirement Plan Distributions
IRS Notice 2026-13 (Jan. 15, 2026) Available at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-26-13.pdf The IRS has updated its safe harbor explanations for eligible rollover …