Rewards Policy Insider

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2025-08, April 18, 2025

In this issue:

1. DOL Provides Guidance on SECURE 2.0 Changes to the Pension Plan Annual Funding Notice
2. Update on Pension Risk Transfer Lawsuits
3. District Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against Group Health Plan Fiduciary Based on its Use of a PBM

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2025-07, April 4, 2025

In this issue:

1. Supreme Court Set to Hear Oral Arguments in Case Challenging Constitutionality of ACA Preventive Services Mandate
2. Wave of Litigation Targets Tobacco Surcharges in Wellness Programs
3. Trump Administration Issues Executive Order on Increasing Price Transparency Efforts

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2025-06, March 21, 2025

In this issue:

1. IRS Issues Guidance on ACA Reporting Relief
2. Agencies Release Updated FAQs on Gag Clause Prohibition
3. Maryland Proposes Delay of State Paid Leave Program

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2025-05, March 7, 2025

In this issue:

1. DOL Issues Final Amendments to its Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program
2. Appeals Court Expands the Scope of FMLA Leave to Cover In Loco Parentis Relationships Involving Adult Siblings
3. FAQs on Social Security Fairness Act Now Available

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2025-04, February 21, 2025

In this issue:

1. District Court Rules that 401(k) Plan Fiduciaries Violated ERISA in ESG Investment Case
2. Federal District Court Partially Dismisses ERISA Claims Based on Plan’s Use of PBM
3. IRS Proposes Regulations on SECURE 2.0 Roth Catch-up Rules

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2025-03, February 7, 2025

In this issue:

1. IRS Issues Proposed Regulations to Implement ARPA Changes to Code Section 162(m) Cap on Deductible Compensation
2. IRS Provides Guidance on Tax Issues Related to State-Mandated Paid Family and Medical Leave Programs, But Not on those of Private Insured Programs
3. IRS Delays Proposed Effective Date for Some Rules in Proposed RMD Regulations

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2025-02, January 24, 2025

In this issue:

1. HHS Proposes Updates to HIPAA Security Rule for First Time in Over a Decade
2. Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Significant ERISA Prohibited Transaction Case
3. IRS Releases Proposed Regulations on SECURE 2.0's Automatic Enrollment Requirements

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2025-03, February 7, 2025

In this issue:

1. IRS Issues Proposed Regulations to Implement ARPA Changes to Code Section 162(m) Cap on Deductible Compensation
2. IRS Provides Guidance on Tax Issues Related to State-Mandated Paid Family and Medical Leave Programs, But Not on those of Private Insured Programs
3. IRS Delays Proposed Effective Date for Some Rules in Proposed RMD Regulations

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2025-02, January 24, 2025

In this issue:

1. HHS Proposes Updates to HIPAA Security Rule for First Time in Over a Decade
2. Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Significant ERISA Prohibited Transaction Case
3. IRS Releases Proposed Regulations on SECURE 2.0's Automatic Enrollment Requirements

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2025-01, January 10, 2025

In this issue:

1. HSA/HDHP Telehealth Safe Harbor Expires After Congress Fails to Pass Extension
2. Congress Enacts ACA Reporting Relief
3. PBGC Alerts Pension Plan Sponsors to Accelerated Premium Filing Deadline for 2025 Plan Years

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-25, December 13, 2024

In this issue:

1. Agencies Announce Employee Benefit Plan Relief in Light of Recent Hurricanes
2. COMPLIANCE REMINDER: Group Health Plan “Gag Clause” Attestation Due by December 31, 2024
3. Paid Sick Leave Laws Approved by Voters in Three States
4. Before Turning to Next Year, the 118th Congress Still has Work to do

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-24, December 2, 2024

In this issue:

1. Agencies Release FAQs Addressing Plans and Issuers’ Coverage of PrEP and Reconstructive Surgery
2. IRS Ruling Addresses Treatment of Retiree Medical Account Benefits
3. Proposed Regulations Would Require First-Dollar Coverage of Over-the-Counter Contraceptives Obtained Without a Prescription

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-23, November 15, 2024

In this issue:

1. IRS Releases Guidance on SECURE 2.0 Retirement Plan Overpayment Provision
2. IRS Publishes Inflation-Adjusted Retirement Plan Limits
3. IRS Publishes Inflation-Adjusted Health and Welfare Plan Limits

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-22, November 1, 2024

In this issue:

1. IRS Publishes New Guidance on Long-Term, Part-Time Employees
2. What Employers Need to Know About the Final Mental Health Parity Rules – Part 2
3. Pharmacy Benefit Managers in the Spotlight: State and Federal Updates on PBMs

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-21, October 18, 2024

In this issue:

1. What Employers Need to Know About the Final Mental Health Parity Rules – Part I
2. 11th Circuit to Rehear Case About Health Plan Coverage of Gender-Affirming Care
3. New Court Rulings Upend Abortion Laws in North Dakota and Georgia

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-20, October 4, 2024

In this issue:

1. DOL Updates Cybersecurity Guidance to Confirm Applicability to Health and Welfare Plans
2. HHS Publishes Model Attestation for Uses and Disclosures of PHI Potentially Related to Reproductive Health Care
3. Compliance Reminder: October 14th is Last Day for Group Health Plans to Provide Part D Creditable Coverage Notice

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-19, September 20, 2024

In this issue:

1. New Guidance Provides Clarity on SECURE 2.0’s Student Loan Matching Contribution Rules
2. Final Mental Health Parity Regulations Will Start to Take Effect for 2025 Plan Years
3. IRS Ruling Permits New Plan Design Allowing Employees a Choice to Allocate Employer Contributions Among 401(k), HSA, HRA, and Educational Assistance Program

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-18, September 6, 2024

In this issue:

1. CMS Announces Results of First Round of Drug Price Negotiations for Medicare Part D
2. RMD Regulations in Practice: What Employers Need to Know
3. Appeals Court Rules Health Insurer Not Required to Cover Autism Treatment Under MHPAEA

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-17, August 23, 2024

In this issue:

1. Court Invalidates FTC’s Non-Compete Rule
2. DOL’s Fiduciary Rule on Pause Following Court Rulings
3. Democratic and Republican Parties’ 2024 Platforms Highlight Health and Retirement Priorities

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-16, August 9, 2024

In this issue:

1. IRS Releases Long-Awaited Final RMD Regulations
2. Federal and State Policymakers Continue to Focus on PBMs
3. Final Mental Health Parity Regulations Coming Soon

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-15, July 26, 2024

In this issue:

1. Supreme Court Eliminates Chevron Deference: What Does That Mean for Employee Benefits Regulations?
2. State Law Update: Developments in Mandatory Retirement Programs and Paid Leave
3. Abortion Litigation Roundup: New Court Decisions Shape State and Federal Abortion Policy

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-14, July 12, 2024

In this issue:

1. Federal Trade Commission Bans Non-Compete Agreements
2. IRS Issues FAQs on Educational Assistance Programs
3. IRS Releases Guidance on SECURE 2.0 Plan Distribution Options

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-13, June 28, 2024

In this issue:

1. HHS Updates HIPAA Privacy Rule to Address Issues Relating to Reproductive Health Care
2. PBGC Finalizes Changes to Defined Benefit Valuation Assumptions and Methods
3. Minnesota Amends Paid Family Leave and Earned Sick and Safe Time Laws

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-12, June 14, 2024

In this issue:

1. Department of Labor’s Recently Finalized Fiduciary Rule Already Faces A Barrage of Challenges
2. Two Federal Courts Rule Health Plans Improperly Excluded Coverage for Gender Affirming Treatment
3. Louisiana Enacts Law Classifying Abortion Medications as Controlled Substances

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-11, May 31, 2024

In this issue:

1. EEOC Finalizes Regulation Implementing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
2. IRS Issues Inflation-Adjusted Health Savings Accounts Limits for 2025
3. Department of Labor Proposes Retirement Plans Voluntarily Provide Information to Build Upcoming Lost and Found Database

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-10, May 17, 2024

In this issue:

1. Department of Labor Releases Highly Anticipated Final Fiduciary Rule
2. IRS FAQs Answer Questions about Tax Treatment of Employer Provided Work-Life Referral Services
3. IRS Extends Relief Relating to Proposed RMD Regulations

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-09, May 3, 2024

In this issue:

1. Department of Labor Finalizes Amendments to Rules for Qualified Professional Asset Managers
2. Agencies Plan to Change Rules for Classifying Prescription Drugs as Essential Health Benefits
3. Court Rulings Shake Up Abortion Restrictions in Florida and Arizona

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-08, April 19, 2024

In this issue:

1. Pension Risk Transfers Targeted by Wave of Class Action Lawsuits
2. Final Rules Omit Most Proposed Changes to Tax and Other Rules for Hospital Indemnity and Critical Illness Plans
3. Report Finds that Many States Fail to Comply with Medicaid Managed Care Mental Health Parity Requirements

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-07, April 5, 2024

In this issue:

1. Administration’s Proposed FY25 Budget Includes Employee Benefits Proposals
2. Mandatory State-Run Retirement Programs Continue to Gain Momentum
3. District Court Rules that a Religious Trade Group’s Members Cannot be Required to Cover Gender-Affirming Health Care Treatment

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-06, March 22, 2024

In this issue:

1. District Court Ruling Opens the Door for Challenges Against Companies with ESG Initiatives
2. IRS Warns Against Using FSA, HRA, and HSA Funds to Pay Nutrition, Wellness, and General Health Expenses
3. IRS Announces Continuation of Pre-Examination Pilot Program

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-05, March 8, 2024

In this issue:

1. Class Action Lawsuit Accuses Employer of Failing to Negotiate Lower Prescription Drug Prices
2. States Attorneys General Call on Congress to Enact PBM Reform
3. IRS Releases Updated ACA Employer Shared Responsibility Penalties for 2025

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-04, February 23, 2024

In this issue:

1. Treasury and IRS Finalize Regulations on Present Value for Defined Benefit Plans
2. Agencies Issue Request for Information on Retirement Plan Reporting and Disclosure
3. Upcoming Health Plan-Related Compliance Deadlines

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-03, February 9, 2024

In this issue:

1. Department of Labor Releases Proposed Regulations on SECURE 2.0 Automatic Portability Transactions
2. Agencies Issue Initial Guidance on SECURE 2.0 Emergency Savings Accounts
3. Agencies Announce New Therapeutic Equivalence Standard for Contraceptive Coverage Mandate

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-02, January 26, 2024

In this issue:

1. DOL Issues Final Rule on Worker Classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act
2. First-Ever HHS Settlement for HIPAA-Related Phishing Cyber-Attack Serves as Reminder of HIPAA Rules
3. Supreme Court to Weigh in on Abortion Again in FDA Approval of “Abortion Pill”

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2024-01, January 12, 2024

In this issue:

1. IRS Releases “Grab Bag” Guidance on SECURE 2.0 Issues
2. Department of Labor Revs Up Fiduciary Rule Efforts in a Bid to Quickly Finalize the Proposal
3. Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act Now in Effect

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-25, December 15, 2023

In this issue:

1. California to Require Leave for Employees Experiencing Reproductive Loss
2. Second Circuit Adds its Voice to Circuit Split Regarding to What Gives Rise to a Prohibited Transaction
3. IRS Issues Proposed Regulations on Long-Term Part-Time Employee Eligibility Rules

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-24, December 1, 2023

In this issue:

1. COMPLIANCE REMINDER: Gag Clause Attestation Due by December 31, 2023
2. Abortion Law Roundup: Recent Developments in Ohio, Texas, and Georgia
3. IRS Issues Inflation-Adjusted Health and Welfare Limits for 2024

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-23, November 17, 2023

In this issue:

1. DOL Releases Highly Anticipated “Fiduciary Rule” Proposal
2. IRS Releases Package of Updated Guidance on Defined Benefit Plan Mortality Table Rules
3. Pension De-Risking Remains a Hot Topic as DOL Develops Report to Congress on Standards for Selecting an Annuity Provider

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-22, November 3, 2023

In this issue:

1. DOL Releases Opinion Addressing Plan Sponsor’s Diversity Program for Investment Managers
2. ESG Roundup: Republicans Introduce Bills Targeting ESG Investing; DOL Wins Surprise Victory in Texas Court Case
3. IRS Issues Updated Retirement Plan Limits for 2024

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-21, October 20, 2023

In this issue:

1. PBGC Announces One-time Waiver of 4010 Filing Requirement
2. Agencies Will No Longer Defer Enforcement of Requirement to Post Machine Readable Prescription Drug File
3. ACA Affordability Threshold Shrinks to 8.39% for 2024

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-20, October 6, 2023

In this issue:

1. District Court Sides with Department of Labor in Fight over Cryptocurrency Guidance
2. Student Loan Repayments to Resume in October
3. House Leaders Introduce Bill to Enhance Group Health Plan Transparency and Lower Employer Costs

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-19, September 26, 2023

In this issue:

1. IRS Delays SECURE 2.0 Roth Catch-Up Contribution Requirement
2. 10th Circuit Rules Administrator Improperly Denied Claim for Residential Treatment Services
3. Compliance Reminder: Group Health Plans Must Provide Part D Creditable Coverage Notice Before October 15

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-18, September 8, 2023

In this issue:

1. EEOC Releases Proposed Rules to Implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
2. ERISA Preempts Parts of Oklahoma PBM Law, Eighth Circuit Rules
3. Ninth Circuit Takes Broad View of What Gives Rise to a Prohibited Transaction

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-17, August 25, 2023

In this issue:

1. DOL Requests Comments on SECURE 2.0’s Reporting and Disclosure Provisions
2. Circuit Court Decision Provides Reminder that ACA Does Not Require Plans to Cover All Emergency Services
3. GAO Report Recommends Ways to Improve 403(b) Plan Participant Outcomes

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-16, August 11, 2023

In this issue:

1. IRS Announces Guidance Providing RMD Relief
2. Agencies Issue Proposed Mental Health Parity Regulations
3. House Committees Report Telehealth Bills

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-15, July 28, 2023

In this issue:

1. IRS Proposes to “Clarify” Tax Treatment of Hospital Indemnity and Specified Disease Coverages
2. SECURE 2.0 Update – Where does Guidance on 2.0 Stand?
3. Changes Coming to Connecticut Paid Leave; New York City Considering Additional Leave for any Reason

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-14, July 14, 2023

In this issue:

1. IRS Announces End to Special Pandemic Rule for HSA Compatible HDHPs
2. IRS Provides Guidance on Income and Employment Tax Treatment of Fixed-Indemnity Wellness Plan
3. IRS Proposes Changes to the Corporate Bond Yield Curve Methodology for Defined Benefit Plans

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-13, June 30, 2023

In this issue:

1. Amidst Ongoing Activity in the Courts, A New DOL “Fiduciary Rule” Is in the Works
2. Ninth Circuit Rules Disability Insurer was ERISA Fiduciary in Connection with Erroneous Benefit Calculation
3. Recent HHS Settlements Serve as Reminder of HIPAA Requirements

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-12, June 16, 2023

In this issue:

1. IRS Releases Guidance on SECURE 2.0’s Expansion of Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS)
2. DOL Provides Guidance on When Holidays Do and Don’t Count as FMLA Leave
3. Minnesota Enacts Paid Family and Medical Leave Law

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-11, June 2, 2023

In this issue:

1. IRS Announces Inflation-Adjusted HSA Limits for 2024
2. Pharmacy Benefit Managers Receiving Scrutiny from Both Congress and the States
3. Bipartisan Group Introduces 403(b) Investment Expansion Bill

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-10, May 19, 2023

In this issue:

1. Divide Among State Abortion Laws Widens as New Laws Pass in Florida and North Dakota
2. Agencies Can Resume Full Enforcement of ACA Preventive Services Mandate
3. IRS Issues Reminder that All Health FSA Claims Must be Substantiated

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-09, May 5, 2023

In this issue:

1. Circuit Court Case May Open Door to More ERISA Litigation
2. Supreme Court Confirms Access to Abortion Pills While Courts Sort Out Legal Challenges
3. Growing Number of States are Developing and Launching Retirement Programs

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-08, April 21, 2023

In this issue:

1. IRS Announces Annual Penalty Increase for Noncompliance with the Affordable Care Act’s Employer Mandate
2. Agencies Issue Guidance on End of COVID-19 Emergencies
3. IRS Releases Guidance on Treatment of Nonfungible Tokens as Collectibles

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-07, April 7, 2023

In this issue:

1. District Court Issues Nationwide Injunction Barring Enforcement of Portion of ACA Preventive Services Mandate
2. IRS Explains Rules for Reimbursing Nutrition and Wellness Expenses by HSAs, HRAs, and Health FSAs
3. Abortion News Roundup: Post-Roe, State Legislatures, Officials, and Courts Test New Restrictions on Medication Abortions District Court

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-06, March 24, 2023

In this issue:

1. Agencies Issue Guidance on Group Health Plan “Gag Clause” Ban
2. DOL Releases Final Revisions to Form 5500
3. IRS Proposes Updated Rules on Forfeitures in Retirement Plans

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-05, March 10, 2023

In this issue:

1. District Court Strikes Down DOL Guidance on Fiduciary Rollover Recommendations
2. DOL Issues Guidance on Applying FLSA and FMLA to Telework
3. Employee with Serious Chronic Health Condition Can Use FMLA to Work Reduced Daily Schedule, According to DOL

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-04, February 24, 2023

In this issue:

1. SECURE 2.0 Analysis: PBGC Variable-Rate Premiums
2. Agencies Propose Changes to Religious and Moral Exceptions to Contraceptive Coverage Mandate
3. Debate over ESG Investing by Retirement Plans Heats Up

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-03, February 10, 2023

In this issue:

1. Department of Labor Proposes Updates to its Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program
2. HHS Extends COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Again, But the End May be Near
3. State Paid Leave Update: Vermont – and Likely Illinois – Join Growing List of States Enacting Paid Leave Legislation

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-02, January 27, 2023

In this issue:

1. IRS Proposes Allowing Permanent Remote Witnessing and Notarization for Spousal Consent
2. IRS Permanently Provides Automatic 30-day Extension of Deadline to Furnish 1095-C to Individuals
3. District Court Holds that Health Plan’s Exclusion of Gender Affirming Care Violates the ACA

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2023-01, January 13, 2023

In this issue:

1. “SECURE 2.0” Retirement Legislation Signed Into Law
2. Omnibus Bill Includes Health & Welfare Provisions, Too
3. Agencies Extend Prescription Drug Data Collection Deadline

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-25, December 16, 2022

In this issue:

1. Efforts Still Underway to Pass SECURE 2.0 Legislation Before Year’s End
2. DOL Releases Long-Awaited Final ESG Rule
3. IRS Announces Inflation-Adjusted PCORI Fee
4. Senate Overwhelmingly Approves Resolution to End COVID-19 National Emergency

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-24, December 2, 2022

In this issue:

1. Outlook for New Abortion Restrictions 2023
2. SEC Revives “Hard Close” Proposal
3. IRS Extends Determination Letter Program to Individually Designed 403(b) Plans

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-23, November 18, 2022

In this issue:

1. HHS Extends COVID-19 Public Health Emergency for Another 90 Days
2. ESG Investing by Retirement Plans Remains a Contentious Issue
3. IRS Provides RMD Relief for 2021 and 2022

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-22, November 4, 2022

In this issue:

1. Department of Labor Issues Long-Anticipated Independent Contractor Proposal
2. Treasury Issues Final Rule to Change the Affordability Calculation for Employee’s Family Members
3. IRS Issues Updated Employee Benefit Plan Limits for 2023

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-21, October 21, 2022

In this issue:

1. IRS Extends Additional Plan Amendment Deadlines
2. Regular FSA Grace Period and Carryover Rules Return in 2023
3. Bill That Would Prohibit Arbitration Clauses in ERISA Plans Passes the House

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-20, October 7, 2022

In this issue:

1. Proposed Retirement Reform Legislation Also Affects Defined Benefit Plans
2. Compliance Reminder: Group Health Plans Must Provide Part D Creditable Coverage Notice before October 15
3. 7th Circuit Decision Affords DOL Broad Investigative Authority Into ERISA Violations, Including Cybersecurity Breaches

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-19, September 23, 2022

In this issue:

1. Agencies Issue Guidance on Employer Obligations Relating to Posting Machine Readable Files Under Transparency in Coverage Final Rule
2. Fourth Circuit Rules Gender Dysphoria is a Protected Disability Under the ADA
3. Fifth Circuit Finds Department of Labor Advisory Opinion is Subject to Judicial Review

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-18, September 9, 2022

In this issue:

1. Agencies Issue Reminder about ACA Contraceptive Coverage Requirements, Express Concerns about Noncompliance
2. Landscape of State-Run Retirement Programs Continues to Develop and Expand
3. Alabama Implements New Unpaid Family Leave Law

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-17, August 26, 2022

In this issue:

1. IRS Announces 3-Year Extension of SECURE Act Amendment Deadline
2. Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) Affordability Threshold Shrinks to 9.12% for 2023
3. Department of Labor Publishes Proposed Amendments to Prohibited Transaction Exemption for Qualified Professional Asset Managers

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-16, August 12, 2022

In this issue:

1. Inflation Reduction Act Includes Health Provisions
2. HHS Clarifies HIPAA Privacy Rule Requirements Relating to Disclosures of PHI Involving Reproductive Health
3. COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Extended Again

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-15, July 29, 2022

In this issue:

1. Employer Travel Benefits for Abortion Access: Plan Design Considerations
2. EEOC Finds that Employer Violated GINA by Collecting Employees’ Family Members’ COVID-19 Test Results
3. Discouraging Employee from Taking FMLA Leave Can be Unlawful Interference, 7th Circuit Rules

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-14, July 15, 2022

In this issue:

1. Senate Finance Committee Pushes Retirement Reform Closer to Enactment
2. IRS Announces New Pre-Examination Compliance Pilot Program for Retirement Plans
3. Supreme Court Roundup: Court Releases Decisions with Implications for Health Plans

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-13, June 30, 2022

In this issue:

1. Employer Options After Supreme Court’s Dobbs Ruling
2. IRS Proposes Updated Mortality Assumptions for Calculating Minimum Funding Obligations and Lump Sum Distributions
3. DOL Releases Fact Sheet and FAQs on FMLA Leave for Mental Health Conditions

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-12, June 17, 2022

In this issue:

1. Implementation Deadline Approaches for First Part of Transparency in Coverage Regulation
2. Limited Final Revisions to Form 5500 Released
3. Delaware Enacts Paid Family and Medical Leave Law

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-11, June 3, 2022

In this issue:

1. IRS Provides Another 6-Month Extension of Remote Notarization for Spousal Consent
2. House Committee Approves Bill that would Expose ERISA Plans to More Litigation
3. Senators Write Letter Scrutinizing 401(k) Investments in Bitcoin

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-10, May 20, 2022

In this issue:

1. IRS Announces Inflation-Adjusted HSA Limits for 2023
2. Virginia Passes Law Allowing Employers to Purchase Family Leave Insurance
3. Senators Introduce Bill Addressing Incidental Plan Expenses

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-9, May 6, 2022

In this issue:

1. COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Extended Again
2. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Issues Additional Guidance on Transparency in Coverage Implementation
3. Maryland Enacts Paid Family and Medical Leave Law

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-8, April 22, 2022

In this issue:

1. House Passes Bipartisan Retirement Bill, SECURE 2.0
2. IRS Proposes Changes to ACA Affordability and Minimum Value Rules for Premium Tax Credit Purposes
3. House Approves Bill to Cap Cost-Sharing for Certain Insulin Products

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-7, April 8, 2022

In this issue:

1. Exercise “Extreme Care” Before Offering Cryptocurrency as a 401(k) Plan Investment Option, DOL Warns
2. Department of Labor Issues Request For Information on Climate-Related Financial Risk
3. Supreme Court Declines to Hear ERISA Preemption Challenge to CalSavers State-Run Auto-IRA Program

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-6, March 25, 2022

In this issue:

1. Texas District Court Invalidates Part of Surprise Billing Rules
2. Treasury and IRS Publish Much Anticipated RMD Proposed Regulations
3. Bill Introduced to Require Automatic Reenrollment for Automatic Contribution Arrangements

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-5, March 11, 2022

In this issue:

1. Omnibus Appropriations Bill Includes Provision to Reinstate Temporary Special HDHP Exception for Telehealth Services
2. President Extends COVID National Emergency, Continuing COVID-Related Extensions of Certain Employee Benefit Time Limits
3. Fifth Circuit Reverses District Court’s Refusal to Temporarily Enjoin Employer’s COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate for Certain Employees

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-4, February 25, 2022

In this issue:

1. New Lawsuits Challenge DOL Fiduciary Rule
2. Texas District Court Finds that Providers Can Bring Suit to Enforce COVID-19 Test Coverage Requirement
3. DOL Supplements Guidance on Covering Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-3, February 11, 2022

In this issue:

1. OSHA Withdraws COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Mandate for Private Employers
2. Supreme Court Issues Ruling in “Excessive Fee” Case
3. Agencies Report on Shortcomings in Mental Health Parity Compliance to Congress

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-2, January 28, 2022

In this issue:

1. New Group Health Plan Requirements Now in Effect
2. Build Back Better Act Hits Roadblock
3. Special HDHP Exception for Telehealth Services Expires

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2022-1, January 14, 2022

In this issue:

1. Supreme Court Blocks OSHA Vaccine Mandate
2. New York City Implements Private Employer Vaccine Mandate
3. Plans Must Cover Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-24, December 17, 2021

In this issue:

1. Federal Courts Delaying Vaccine Requirements for Employers
2. IRS Proposes Permanent Deadline Extensions for Certain ACA Reporting Requirements
3. Final Infrastructure Bill Extends Interest Rate Smoothing Relief for Pension Plans

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-23, December 3, 2021

In this issue:

1. Agencies Issue More COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance
2. IRS Issues Updated Employee Benefit Plan Limits for 2022
3. PBGC Releases Annual Report

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-22, November 19, 2021

In this issue:

1. OSHA Suspends Implementation of COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate Pursuant to Court Order
2. House Version of Build Back Better Act Includes Universal Paid Leave
3. EEOC Issues Guidance on Religious Objections to COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-21, November 5, 2021

In this issue:

1. DOL Issues Proposed ESG Rules for ERISA Fiduciaries
2. OSHA Issues COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard
3. PBGC Announces Premium Rates for 2022

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-20, October 22, 2021

In this issue:

1. Agencies Issue “Surprise Billing” Rules, Part II
2. HHS Answers Questions about Employer Vaccine Requirements and HIPAA Privacy Rule
3. IRS Issues Guidance on COBRA Premium Payment Deadlines

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-19, October 8, 2021

In this issue:

1. IRS Issues Priority Guidance Plan
2. Agencies Propose Changes to Form 5500
3. Reconciliation Bill would Cap Defined Contribution Account Balances for Some, Further Limit Deductibility of Executive Compensation

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-18, September 24, 2021

In this issue:

1. Key House Committee Approves Universal Paid Leave Bill
2. COBRA Premium Subsidy Coming to an End
3. Biden Administration Announces Requirements for Employers to Mandate COVID Vaccines

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-17, September 10, 2021

In this issue:

1. Agencies Delay Enforcement of Certain New Group Health Plan Requirements
2. Employer Incentives for Employees to be Vaccinated May Implicate HIPAA Nondiscrimination Rules
3. GAO Issues Report on 401(k) Fees, Including Recommendations for Regulatory Changes

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-16, August 27, 2021

In this issue:

1. Applying Surprise Billing Rules to Air Ambulance Services
2. Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Includes Employment and Benefits-Related Revenue Provisions
3. Compliance Reminder: Group Health Plans Must Provide Part D Creditable Coverage Notice by October 15

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-15, August 13, 2021

In this issue:

1. IRS Provides Guidance on American Rescue Plan Funding Relief
2. IRS Issues More COBRA Premium Subsidy Guidance
3. DOL Publishes Implementing FAQs for New Lifetime Income Disclosure Requirement

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-14, July 30, 2021

In this issue:

1. Applying Surprise Billing Rules to Non-emergency Services
2. IRS Issues Updated Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System
3. IRS Extends Relief for Leave-Based Donation Programs

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-13, July 16, 2021

In this issue:

1. IRS Extends Relief from Physical Presence Requirement for at Least One More Year
2. Agencies Issue Part 1 of “Surprise Billing” Rules
3. PBGC Implements Special Financial Assistance Program for Troubled Multiemployer Plans

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-12, June 30, 2021

In this issue:

1. Supreme Court Rejects Latest Legal Challenge to the Affordable Care Act
2. Treasury and Labor Departments Issue Regulatory Agendas
3. ERISA Claims Administrators May Have to Provide Audio Recordings of Telephone Conversations with Participants Upon Request

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-11, June 18, 2021

In this issue:

1. IRS Issues COBRA Premium Subsidy Guidance – Part II
2. IRS Announces Inflation-Adjusted Health Savings Account (HSA) Limits for 2022
3. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Updates Guidance on Employers Offering Incentives for Employees to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-10, June 4, 2021

In this issue:

1. IRS Issues COBRA Premium Subsidy Guidance
2. Iconic Retirement Policy Duo Introduce Major New Retirement Bill
3. IRS Guidance on Special $10,500 Annual Limit for Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) in 2021

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-9, May 21, 2021

In this issue:

1. Department of Labor Withdraws Independent Contractor Rule
2. Ways and Means Committee Chairman Neal Unveils Universal Paid Leave Proposal
3. IRS Issues Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Temporary Partial Termination Relief

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-8, May 7, 2021

In this issue:

1. Guidance on CAA Mental Health Parity Reporting Requirement
2. IRS Publishes “Fact Sheet” on Tax Credit for Certain Employers that Provide Paid Leave for Receiving and Recovering from COVID-19 Vaccinations
3. New Retirement Legislation on the Move in Congress

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-7, April 23, 2021

In this issue:

1. DOL Issues FAQs, Model Notices Relating to COBRA Premium Subsidy
2. Health FSAs, HRAs, and HSAs Can Pay for Certain PPE, IRS Announces
3. DOL Issues Cybersecurity Guidance for ERISA Plan Sponsors, Fiduciaries, and Others

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-6, April 9, 2021

In this issue:

1. State Individual Mandates Include Employer Reporting Requirements
2. Questions and Answers on the New COBRA Premium Subsidy
3. Do Employers Have to Offer Paid Leave for Employees to Get the COVID Vaccine?

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-5, March 26, 2021

In this issue:

1. DOL Announces Non-Enforcement Policy for Trump-Era ESG Investments and Proxy Voting by Employee Benefit Plans Rules
2. Updated Guidance on Mandatory Coverage for COVID-19 Testing and Vaccines
3. Summary of “Surprise Billing” Ban in CAA

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-4, March 12, 2021

In this issue:

1. American Rescue Plan Act Includes Funding Relief, COBRA Premium Subsidy, and Other Employment
2. Provisions DOL Extends and Clarifies COVID-Related Suspensions of COBRA and Other Employee Benefit Timelines
3. IRS Issues Guidance on FSA Flexibility Provisions in CAA

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-3, February 26, 2021

In this issue:

1. “Surprise Billing” Reform and Other Group Health Plan Provisions in CAA, 2021
2. New Stimulus Bill Includes Employee Benefit-Related Provisions
3. Certain Plan Periods and Timeframes, Suspended for the Last Year, Might Start Running Again in March

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-2, February 12, 2021

In this issue:

1. Tri-Agencies Issue Transparency in Coverage Rules for Group Health Plans
2. Department of Labor Issues Missing Participants Guidance for ERISA Fiduciaries
3. CAA Includes New Mental Health Parity Reporting Requirement

Rewards Policy Insider: Issue 2021-1, January 29, 2021

In this issue:

1. Temporary Flexibility for Health and Dependent Care FSAs
2. New Transparency Rules for Group Health Plans
3. House Democrats Introduce Pension Funding Relief Bill