A Texas federal court just shook the foundation of HIPAA’s reproductive health privacy protections — but the Supreme Court may have the final word. In a sweeping decision, Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk vacated key provisions of the 2024 Reproductive Health Rule, stripping
Benefits Law Advisor
Insights on benefits counseling and litigation issues impacting employers nationwide
Benefits Law Advisor, published by Jackson Lewis P.C., focuses on employee benefits law and related regulatory updates. The blog covers topics such as retirement plan limits and adjustments, tax-advantaged savings accounts for children, employer reporting obligations for employee compensation, and recent IRS guidance affecting benefits administration. It also addresses compliance with new legislation impacting employee benefits, tax deductions related to tips and overtime pay, and practical considerations for plan sponsors and employers. The content is aimed at helping employers navigate evolving benefits laws, tax rules, and regulatory requirements affecting workplace benefit programs.
Latest from Benefits Law Advisor - Page 3
Is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act an Employee Benefits Crystal Ball?
Takeaways
- Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives attempt to deliver on President Trump’s campaign promises in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (BBB or the Act), which passed the House by a razor-thin margin of 215 in favor and
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New DOL/EBSA Opinion Letter Program Offers A Path to Clarity for Plan Sponsors
On June 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a significant expansion of its compliance assistance tools by launching an Opinion Letter Program across five key enforcement agencies, including the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA). This initiative aims…
Cryptocurrency in 401(k): A Balanced Approach Returns
Takeaway
- The 2025 CAR does not alter ERISA’s substantive fiduciary standards and considerations but eases the DOL’s previously hostile enforcement stance toward cryptocurrency and similar digital assets in 401(k) plans, restoring a “neutral” DOL enforcement approach. 401(k) plan fiduciaries must
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UPDATE – Departments issue nonenforcement policy statement!
Related Links
- A Bit of Mental Health Parity Relief for Employers Sponsoring Group Health Plans
- Departments’ Nonenforcement Policy
Article
On May 15, 2025, the Departments of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services issued their anticipated nonenforcement policy regarding the…
A Bit of Mental Health Parity Relief for Employers Sponsoring Group Health Plans
Takeaways
- Even though we have the promise of a non-enforcement policy applying to the 2025 and 2026 deadlines of at least some provisions of the 2024 Final Regulations, the 2013 Final Regulations, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, and other
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Not So Fast: DOL Releases Annual Funding Notice Guidance Just Before the Distribution Due Date
Takeaway
- Plan administrators should review their plan’s 2024 annual funding notice against the model notice and determine whether their plan’s 2024 annual funding notice is compliant. If not, plan administrators are expected to take corrective action.
Related Links
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National Employee Benefits Day: Reflecting on Our Favorite Holiday
Each year, National Employee Benefits Day offers a chance to reflect on the ever-changing landscape of employer-sponsored benefits. This year may be the most pivotal since the COVID-19 relief guidance of 2020. The landscape of employee benefits has seen significant…
Make America Healthy Again: New Executive Order Revisits Group Health Plan Price Transparency
Takeaways
- Employers who sponsor group health plans should review and revise, as needed, their consumer-facing pricing information for any compliance issues under the Executive Orders and applicable regulations.
Related Links
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The Guidance Has Arrived! More Information from the IRS on ACA Forms 1095-B and 1095-C
Takeaways
- Employers may post a notice on their website instead of automatically furnishing Forms 1095-B and 1095-C to all full-time employees. The first due date for such a notice is March 3 for 2024 forms, and the notice must remain
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