http://www.infinisource.net/News-Channels.aspx Infinisource News & Review Highlights - RSS Channels 10 On Monday, November 17, 2008, the Department of Labor (DOL) will publish the Final FMLA Regulations in the Federal Register. These regulations provide authoritative guidance on a wide range of FMLA topics and take effect on or about January 16, 2009. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081114-1.aspx 14 November 2008 This much is clear about Michelle’s Law, which was enacted in October 2008: the new federal law requires employer health plans to continue coverage for employees’ dependent children who are college students when they take a certified medically necessary leave of absence. The law allows up to one year of coverage during this leave. The law takes effect for plan years beginning on or after October 9, 2009. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081106-1.aspx 06 November 2008 The definition of a dependent may seem to be a moving target over the past four years, with numerous laws, regulations and other guidance providing greater “clarity”. In October, the definition received another slight alteration from a new law called the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act (Adoptions Act). http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081106-2.aspx 06 November 2008 In October, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2008-66 and News Release 2008-118, which make cost-of-living adjustments for various employer-sponsored benefit plans. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081106-3.aspx 06 November 2008 Legal fees, mileage and infant formula were three types of expenses that IRS recently reviewed to determine whether they were qualified expenses for medical care. Such expenses are tax deductible (in some cases) and are reimbursable from a Health FSA or a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081106-4.aspx 06 November 2008 Due to the high cost of gasoline in recent months, part of the emergency economic stabilization legislation that was signed by President Bush on October 3, 2008, included a new bicycle commuting fringe benefit, which amends the transportation plan portion of Internal Revenue Code Section 132(f). http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081106-5.aspx 06 November 2008 In today’s economic times, employers are challenged with finding ways to offset rising health care costs and still enhance their benefit plans without passing costs on to their employees. Many of them are choosing a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) as a way to do this. An FSA is a tax saving strategy for both employers and employees. It allows employees to fund eligible medical and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. It lowers employees’ taxable income and increases their take home pay. Employers benefit from the payroll tax savings which in many cases can easily cover the administrative costs. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081106-8.aspx 06 November 2008 The following provides insurance agents/brokers, employers and benefits professionals a checklist of key upcoming dates and deadlines related to health benefits. This does not constitute all of the deadlines applicable to employers and some deadlines may be different based on variations in plan year or plan design. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081106-9.aspx 06 November 2008 Here is a free, fun and intriguing way to test your knowledge. Each edition of the News & Review will include a test on topics such as FMLA, COBRA, FSA, HRA, HSA along with others various topics. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081106-10.aspx 06 November 2008 The end of the year brings a busy time for many employers. Benefit decisions, open enrollment and year-end parties to plan. Employers offering group health plan coverage with a prescription drug benefit need to put on their "to-do" list to notify all Medicare participants before November 15 (of each year) whether coverage constitutes "creditable prescription drug coverage." http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081014-1.aspx 14 October 2008 Each year in the fall, the IRS lets employers know about the major projects it will be working on during the next fiscal year. Many of these projects for the fiscal year starting on October 1, 2008, will affect health benefits. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081014-2.aspx 14 October 2008 In late September, the IRS posted Notice 2008-82, which provides guidance for a "qualified reservist distribution" (QRD) of some or all of the unused balance in a Health FSA. QRDs are a creation of the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax (HEART) Act that was enacted earlier in 2008. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081014-3.aspx 14 October 2008 The Americans with Disabilities Act received a makeover in late September when the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) was signed into law. This is the first major expansion of the ADA since it was first enacted in 1990. Given the fact that it was passed by unanimous consent in the Senate and on a quick voice vote in the House, it is a wonder that it took 18 years to accomplish. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081014-4.aspx 14 October 2008 As the end of the year approaches, enrollment season creates a critical deadline for Infinisource clients with FSA services. A communication has been sent to clients regarding January 2009 plan renewal. Additionally, a DVD with open enrollment presentations is being mailed to all FSA clients. This is key information for employers to allow for a smooth transition into the next plan year. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081014-5.aspx 14 October 2008 COBRA is a deadline-driven law. One exception to applicable deadlines that courts have carved out over the years is when qualified beneficiaries have a period of mental or physical incapacity. An employer recently learned that truth the hard way. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081014-8.aspx 14 October 2008 Sherlock Holmes accomplished great feats of detective work in his day. A court recently concluded that employers do not have to go to similar lengths in determining whether an employee’s sickness constitutes a serious health condition that would trigger FMLA leave. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081014-9.aspx 14 October 2008 San Francisco’s Health Care Security Ordinance (HCSO) has been in litigation since before its January 1, 2008, effective date. On September 30, 2008, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) does not preempt the HCSO. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081014-10.aspx 14 October 2008 The following provides insurance agents/brokers, employers and benefits professionals a checklist of key upcoming dates and deadlines related to health benefits. This does not constitute all of the deadlines applicable to employers and some deadlines may be different based on variations in plan year or plan design. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081014-11.aspx 14 October 2008 On Thursday, October 9, 2008, President Bush signed into law H.R. 2851, known as Michelle’s Law. This law requires employer health plans to continue coverage for employees’ dependent children who are college students and need a medically necessary leave of absence. This law applies to both fully insured and self-insured medical plans. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081014-12.aspx 14 October 2008 Under recently issued guidance from the IRS, employers can amend their Health FSAs to allow qualified distributions from the accounts of employees who are called to active duty. These cash-outs of account balances can be determined in several ways. Which of the following was is not permissible? http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20081014-13.aspx 14 October 2008 More employers may want to consider transportation plans, based on two recent developments and the continuing high cost of gasoline. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080916-1.aspx 16 September 2008 Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) rules and Medicare Part D notices are two ongoing obligations for group health plans, and in August the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provided information that will shape plan administration. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080916-2.aspx 16 September 2008 An employer has many COBRA disclosure requirements to many parties, including qualified beneficiaries and plan administrators. One party that is often overlooked is the health care provider. An employer recently learned the hard way that health care provider disclosures are very important. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080916-3.aspx 16 September 2008 A store known for keeping costs around a dollar was hit hard with an FMLA verdict for retaliation. In the end, Dollar General’s wrongful employment termination cost $73,942.68 – more than just a dollar for this “dollar” convenience store. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080916-4.aspx 16 September 2008 In mid-August, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2008-48, which provides additional guidance on when a child of divorced parents or parents living apart will be considered a dependent of both parents for benefits purposes. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080916-7.aspx 16 September 2008 Every year the American Bar Association's Joint Committee on Employee Benefits (ABA JCEB) has meetings with various federal agencies on the gray areas of benefit laws. This year's guidance provides some insights to employers and insurance professionals alike. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080916-8.aspx 16 September 2008 Deciding which administrator is right to handle your client’s payroll can be challenging. Make the wrong decision and they risk losing time, money and productivity. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080916-9.aspx 16 September 2008 The following provides insurance agents/brokers, employers and benefits professionals a checklist of key upcoming dates and deadlines related to health benefits. This does not constitute all of the deadlines applicable to employers and some deadlines may be different based on variations in plan year or plan design. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080916-10.aspx 16 September 2008 After getting married to a same-sex partner in a state that recognizes same-sex marriages, an employee wants to add the same-sex spouse to the employer's group health plan, which makes coverage available to domestic partners. May the employee pay for the additional coverage on a pre-tax basis? http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080916-11.aspx 16 September 2008 The IRS has had a busy summer clarifying HSA rules. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080812-1.aspx 12 August 2008 The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced in July that a Seattle hospice and home care provider agreed to pay a $100,000 fine for HIPAA privacy and security violations. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080812-2.aspx 12 August 2008 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued revised Medicare Part D notices of creditable and non-creditable coverage for employers who offer prescription drug coverage. Creditable coverage is drug coverage that is at least as good as the standard Medicare Part D benefit. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080812-3.aspx 12 August 2008 Medicare entitlement is one of the difficult areas in COBRA administration. It can be a qualifying event, a second event that extends coverage and a terminating event. As one employer recently learned, Medicare entitlement can also be a source of confusion. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080812-4.aspx 12 August 2008 The Employer's Council on Flexible Compensation (ECFC) has awarded Infinisource employee Marisha Taylor, Broker Premium Only Plan (POP) Specialist, the designation of Certified in Flexible Compensation Instructor (CFCI). http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080812-7.aspx 12 August 2008 In early July, New Jersey enacted Senate Bill 1557, which, among other things, allows the child of an employee to retain coverage through their parent’s group health insurance plan until age 31. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080812-8.aspx 12 August 2008 As the end of summer nears, some are thinking of one last trip to the beach. Another group, agents and brokers, are perhaps forgoing time in the sun to review health plans for clients that will soon be requesting new rates for open enrollment season. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080812-9.aspx 12 August 2008 The following provides insurance agents/brokers, employers and benefits professionals a checklist of key upcoming dates and deadlines related to health benefits. This does not constitute all of the deadlines applicable to employers and some deadlines may be different based on variations in plan year or plan design. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080812-10.aspx 12 August 2008 Under recently proposed regulations from the IRS, which of the following employer contributions to HSAs is NOT permissible? http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080812-11.aspx 12 August 2008 In late June, Notice 2008-59 provided employers with needed clarification on many issues relating to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). The IRS Notice takes immediate effect and could spark an increase in HSA-related activity as benefit planning begins in earnest for 2009. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080715-1.aspx 15 July 2008 In early July, the IRS issued final regulations relating to custody rules for dependent children of divorced or separated parents or parents who live apart. These regulations are found in §1.52-4 of the Treasury Regulations. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080715-2.aspx 15 July 2008 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued revised Medicare Part D notices of creditable and non-creditable coverage for employers who offer prescription drug coverage. Creditable coverage is drug coverage that is at least as good as the standard Medicare Part D benefit. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080715-3.aspx 15 July 2008 The increasingly high cost of fuel has not escaped the notice of the IRS. In Announcement 2008-63, the IRS indicated that, effective July 1, 2008, the business and medical mileage rates are increased through the end of 2008. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080715-4.aspx 15 July 2008 Infinisource, Inc., a nationally recognized expert in compliance and benefit solutions, announces the addition of five individuals to its team of talented professionals. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080715-5.aspx 15 July 2008 Infinisource spent time speaking with Human Resource Professionals in Chicago and brokers in San Diego during this years SHRM and NAHU conferences. Each conference was highly educational and provided opportunities to network with existing clients and partners. Infinisource values the relationships they have with brokers and clients, and values spending time discussing their needs and future opportunities in the benefits arena. Throughout the remainder of the year, Infinisource will be attending various regional conferences with a focus on Wellness and Consumer Driven Healthcare. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080715-6.aspx 15 July 2008 With health care premiums rising at double digit rates, many employers have been forced to reduce benefits, shift more cost to employees or drop coverage completely. Employers rely on agents and brokers to identify ways to control these costs. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080715-7.aspx 15 July 2008 The following provides insurance agents/brokers, employers and benefits professionals a checklist of key upcoming dates and deadlines related to health benefits. This does not constitute all of the deadlines applicable to employers and some deadlines may be different based on variations in plan year or plan design. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080715-10.aspx 15 July 2008 The IRS recently increased the mileage rate for medical-related transportation expenses from $0.19 per mile to $0.27 per mile for the remainder of 2008. Which of the following other transportation expenses can be reimbursed under a Health FSA, HRA or HSA? http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080715-11.aspx 15 July 2008 On Wednesday, June 25, 2008, the IRS published Notice 2008-59, which clarifies many of the rules for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). This long-awaited guidance focuses on major aspects of HSA administration, including eligibility, high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), contributions, distributions and prohibited transactions. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080625-1.aspx 25 Jun 2008 Infinisource, Inc., a nationally recognized expert in compliance and benefit solutions, has announced the acquisition of Priority Pay of Laguna Hills, CA, a real time Internet payroll processing company. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080610-1.aspx 10 Jun 2008 In early June, the IRS issued two notices that provide guidance on the rules for contributions to and rollovers into Health Savings Accounts. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080610-2.aspx 10 Jun 2008 Two federal agencies recently released information on 2009 thresholds related to group health benefits. Benefits and insurance professionals can look on these announcements as a reminder that it is never too early to start planning for 2009. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080610-3.aspx 10 Jun 2008 In early June, Elite Wellness, Infinisource's wellness partner, announced that it is changing its name to Viverae (pronounced viv-AIR-a). Even though the name has changed, Elite and Infinisource are still focused on delivering effective and affordable services that help employers and employees understand how to live a healthier life today and avoid health problems tomorrow. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080610-4.aspx 10 Jun 2008 An employer offers a high-deductible health plan that starts on October 1 every year. What approach should the plan take regarding the legal requirements related to the annual minimum deductible and out-of-pocket maximums, which are based on a calendar year? http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080610-12.aspx 10 Jun 2008 Between them, California and Michigan represent about one-sixth of the population of the United States, so when something new originates from both states, it could very well signal a trend for the other 48 states. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080610-5.aspx 10 Jun 2008 In another attempt to help those called to active military duty, Congress passed House Bill 6081, better known as the HEART Act, with overwhelming bipartisan support. As of this writing, President Bush was expected to sign the law. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080610-6.aspx 10 Jun 2008 A Nevada employer thought it had its benefit responsibilities all taken care of. It hired a third party administrator (TPA) to manage its health administration, including communication of eligibility information to the carrier. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080610-9.aspx 10 Jun 2008 Millions of employees use FMLA each year, and the law provides them with many rights that can be asserted in a lawsuit. This puts employers in the hot seat, often without clear guidance to steer them through the FMLA maze. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080610-10.aspx 10 Jun 2008 The following provides insurance agents/brokers, employers and benefits professionals a checklist of key upcoming dates and deadlines related to health benefits. This does not constitute all of the deadlines applicable to employers and some deadlines may be different based on variations in plan year or plan design. http://www.infinisource.net/Infinisource/News_Review_Articles/news_review20080610-11.aspx 10 Jun 2008