EMPLOYEE BENEFITS NEWS

NEWS

All the information you need to stay up-to-date and compliant.

Ascela is your key to insider industry knowledge, carrier updates and legislative changes. Get all the latest news important to your business in one convenient location.

6 days ago

Breaking News | IRS Releases Additional ARPA Guidance

Following enactment of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) addressed issues with respect to COBRA...

Jul 13

New FAQs Available to Aid Families & Small Business Under the American Rescue Plan

Information for Enhanced 2021 Child and Dependent Care Tax Credits and Updated Paid Sick and Family Leave Credits for Q2 and Q3 of 2021 ...

Jul 8

National Prohibition on Surprise Billing Effective January 1

On Thursday, July 1, 2021, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued interim final rules governing the prohibition on surprise billing...

Jul 7

2021 Q2 Legislative Review

Critical legislative information for employers, including COVID-19-related updates. For details and information, we encourage you to...

Jun 30

Midyear Legislative and Compliance Update Webinar on 7/21

ARE YOU UP-TO-DATE ON LEGISLATIVE CHANGES AFFECTING YOUR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS? With 2021 already halfway through and the continually...

Jun 21

No Surprises Act Requires Employers to Act

What: The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, requires group health plans to furnish, upon request, a disclosure referred to as an...

Jun 21

Supreme Court Ruling Leaves Affordable Care Act in Place

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate, holding that Texas and other states did not...

Jun 17

DOL’s Top Enforcement Priority | Mental Health Parity & Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) Requirements

Overview The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (CAA) was enacted on December 27, 2020. The CAA says that as of February 10, 2021,...

Jun 12

Updated Guidance on Workplace Vaccine Requirements

On May 28, 2021, the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) updated its guidance related to COVID-19 vaccines. By way of...

Jun 8

PCORI Fee Amount Adjusted for 2021 | Due August 2, 2021

The Fee is $2.66 per Covered Life for Plan Years Ending in 2021

May 26

[WEBINAR ON 6/16] MLR Rebates and PCORI Fees

This webinar will cover MLR rebates, ways an employer can distribute MLR rebates, PCORI fees, how they are calculated and who pays the fee.

May 19

IRS Issues Additional ARPA Guidance and FAQs

The IRS issues additional ARPA guidance and FAQs.

May 12

The American Rescue Plan Act | COBRA & State Continuation Subsidy Guide

This document is meant to provide employers with a guide on how to respond to the new COBRA and State Continuation (mini-COBRA) requirements

May 7

ERISA Compliance 101: Form 5500 Filings | Webinar on 5/19

Are you required to file a Health and Welfare Form 5500? Most plan sponsors are familiar with the Form 5500 filing requirements for a...

Apr 22

Carrier Update | Blue Cross Blue Shield Class Action Antitrust Lawsuit / Settlement

It has come to Ascela’s attention that Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has issued notification to employers and employees regarding an...

Apr 8

The Department of Labor Has Released COBRA Premium Subsidy Model Notices

On April 7, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released various documents pertaining to the COBRA premium assistance provisions...

Apr 7

American Rescue Plan Act Update & Impacts on COBRA Administration

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) was signed into law. ARPA establishes a 100% COBRA premium subsidy for...

Apr 5

2021 Q1 Legislative Review