Amid a recent rise in COVID-19 infections, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced that free COVID-19 tests will once again be available. Beginning Sept. 25, 2023, U.S. households may place orders to receive four free rapid test kits. Visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)’s consumer advice webpage for further information…
Each year, Medicare Part D requires group health plan sponsors to disclose to individuals who are eligible for Medicare Part D and to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) whether the health plan’s prescription drug coverage is creditable. Plan sponsors must provide the annual disclosure notice to Medicare-eligible individuals before Oct. 15, 2023—the…
The Department of Labor (DOL), through its Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), has released a new model Employer CHIP Notice with information current as of July 31, 2023. As a reminder, the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) imposes an annual notice requirement on employers that maintain group health plans in states…
On Aug. 23, 2023, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2023-29 to index the contribution percentage in 2024 for determining the affordability of an employer’s plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For plan years beginning in 2024, employer-sponsored coverage will be considered affordable under the ACA’s pay or play rules if the employee’s required contribution…
Welcoming a newborn into your family is a joyous occasion. It also comes with significant responsibilities, such as ensuring your infant’s health and properly using your health care benefits. Securing health insurance for your newborn is a crucial step toward making sure they receive the medical treatment they need, safeguarding their health, and providing you…
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline) was launched nationwide last summer, and mental health experts report that it’s made help more accessible for Americans. Like dialing 911 for medical emergencies, people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis can call or text 988 to connect with counselors who will listen, provide support and connect…
The IRS has released draft 2023 forms for reporting under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6055 and 6056. Draft instructions for these forms have not yet been released. No major substantive changes were made to the draft forms for 2023 reporting. However, certain changes may be made once these forms are finalized or when draft or…
Self-care can be defined as activities done intentionally to positively impact mental, physical and emotional well-being. Self-care has a direct correlation to mental health. Different self-care techniques can help create healthy coping mechanisms toward unavoidable stressors in everyday life. In turn, practicing these techniques can soothe negative symptoms of mental illness or simply help you…
Many people describe sun-tanned skin as a “healthy glow,” but it’s not exactly the truth. There is no such thing as a healthy tan. Sun Damage Any type of suntan is the result of sun damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Other types of sun damage include wrinkles, age spots,…
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires health insurance issuers and self-insured plan sponsors to pay Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute fees (PCORI fees). The fees are reported and paid annually using IRS Form 720, the Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return. Form 720 and full payment of the PCORI fees are due by July 31 of each…