The U.S. Senate recently passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes provisions aimed at addressing climate change, reducing the high costs of prescription drugs and lowering the deficit by approximately $300 billion. The $750 billion spending bill passed through the budget reconciliation process, meaning all 50 Democrats and one tie-breaker vote from Vice President Kamala [...]
On July 28, 2022, the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Treasury (Departments) jointly issued a new set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the contraceptive coverage mandate under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Background The ACA requires non-grandfathered health plans to cover certain women’s preventive health services without cost [...]
Total Compensation Statements and Today’s Talent Challenges Pay stubs typically show an employee’s salary, bonuses, taxes and other deductions, but many benefits employers provide employees may not appear. While some absent benefits may be obvious, others may be overlooked or are easily forgotten by employees. A total compensation statement provides employees with a broader understanding [...]
On July 25, 2022, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a proposed rule that would revise existing regulations for the Section 1557 nondiscrimination protections under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The proposed rule is intended to solidify protections against discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity. ACA [...]
On Aug. 1, 2022, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure (Rev. Proc.) 2022-34 to index the contribution percentages in 2023 for determining the affordability of an employer’s plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For plan years beginning in 2023, employer-sponsored coverage will be considered affordable if the employee’s required contribution for self-only coverage does not [...]
Proposed Overtime Rule Expected in October 2022 In its spring regulatory agenda, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced its plans to issue a proposed overtime rule in October 2022. According to the agency’s regulatory agenda, this proposed rule is expected to address how to implement the exemption of executive, administrative and professional employees from [...]
Recently, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine issued a Consensus Study Report using data the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) collected from information private employers and federal contractors provided in the EEO-1 form. The EEOC is entrusted to enforce federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Here are some key findings from the study, [...]
A common misstep in attracting or recruiting talent is setting narrow restrictions on who to interview or where talent is sourced. Often, highly talented job candidates are overlooked due to inexperience. Employers have an opportunity to expand their recruiting reach by pursuing entry-level candidates at universities, colleges and trade schools, but it comes down to [...]
On July 12, 2022, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued updated guidance on whether and when employers may test their employees for COVID-19. While the previous guidance generally allowed employers to require testing for all employees entering a workplace, the new guidance requires an individualized assessment of current circumstances. Background The Americans with Disabilities [...]
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released draft 2022 forms for reporting under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Sections 6055 and 6056. Draft instructions for these forms have not yet been released. 2022 draft Forms 1094-B and 1095-B are draft versions of forms that will be used by providers of minimum essential coverage (MEC), including self-insured plan [...]
