Final Rules under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act

Final Rules under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act

On Sept. 9, 2024, the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor (DOL), and the Treasury (IRS) (collectively, the Departments) released new final rules implementing the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The final rule updates the way the Departments determine whether health plans treat mental health and substance use disorder […]

Employee Benefits Compliance Recap | August 2024

In August, the FTC ban on non-compete agreements was struck down by a court stating that the FTC did not have the power to implement the ban and its application was too broad. The FDA approved new and updated COVID-19 vaccines for adults and children as part of the preventive care mandate for group health […]

Medicare Part D graphic

Upcoming Changes for HDHP Plan Sponsors under Medicare Part D

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) made changes to Medicare Part D to enhance benefits and enrollee cost savings, which may significantly impact whether employer sponsored prescription drug benefits continue to qualify as creditable coverage under Medicare Part D. Creditable coverage means that the employer’s prescription drug coverage is at least as good as Medicare Part D coverage. Employer Action Items Contact your carrier, TPA, […]

Time to Cultivate Wellbeing

Join us for an in-person discussion! Employers benefit when they support employees with their overall wellbeing.Join us as we explore evidence-based practices that can do just that. Together,we will share how your workforce can take small steps that will add up tobig enhancements in their lives, and can help increase engagement,productivity and overall satisfaction. Speaker: […]

DOL Announces 2024 Penalties for Health & Welfare Plan Compliance Errors

Since 2015, federal agencies have been required to annually review the laws and regulations they enforce to adjust applicable penalties for inflation. These adjustments, or so the theory goes, provide higher incentives for plan sponsors to ensure their benefit plans and programs remain compliant. Specifically, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) must adjust penalties under […]

Join Our Hands-On Strategy Workshop

Creating Tailored Strategies: Insights for Driving Growth and Achieving Goals Key Benefits: Who Should Attend: Lisa HendersonFounder and Managing ConsultantEmpowering People Leaders With 25 years as a Business Leader and HR Executive leading companies through transformations, Lisa partners with people leaders, teams and organizations to increase effectiveness and engagement that drives results. During her corporate […]

Employee Spotlight: Raquel Hoenie

Relational Advisors is proud to announce Raquel Hoenie, Benefit Analyst, as the newest member of our team!  Raquel comes to us with years of experience in employee benefits administration – welcome Raquel! 1.  What is your favorite color? My favorite color is purple, although it tends to shift with thechanging seasons. 2.  What’s your favorite food? […]

IRS Significantly Decreases 2024 ACA Affordability to 8.39%

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently released Revenue Procedure 2023-29, reducing the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) affordability percentage to 8.39% for plan years beginning in 2024, down from 9.12% in 2023 (which was further decreased from 9.61% in 2022). What is the Affordability Percentage? The affordability percentage is the maximum rate of the employee’s household […]

WEBINAR: Medicare Decoded: Your Seasonal Guide to Optimal Healthcare

This time of year is particularly crucial for Medicare beneficiaries, as the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) approaches. Understanding the latest updates, coverage options, and potential changes is essential to make informed decisions regarding healthcare needs. This webinar is designed to provide valuable insights and clarity to anyone navigating the complexities of Medicare. Speaker: Jason StevensCEOStevens […]