COMPLIANCE CHECK
what you need to know
ERISA Compliance FAQs: Reporting and Disclosure Rules
Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), an SMM (Summary of Material Modification) must be provided when there is a material change in the terms of the plan or any change in the information required to be in the summary plan description (SPD).
As a general rule, the plan sponsor must provide the SMM within 210 days after the close of the plan year in which the change was adopted. A shorter deadline may apply in some circumstances, depending on the nature of the modification or change. If the change is a material reduction in group health plan benefits or services, the deadline for providing the SMM is 60 days after the change is adopted.
Employers should communicate plan changes to participants as soon as possible to help avoid benefit disputes. When plan changes will take effect at the beginning of the upcoming plan year, employers may decide to include the SMMs in their open enrollment materials, if applicable.
In addition, an updated SPD must be provided to participants at least every five years, if material modifications have been made during that period. If no material modifications have been made, an updated SPD must be provided at least every 10 years.
PCORI Fees (self-insured plans only, including HRAs)
Employers with self-insured health plans must pay an annual fee to fund the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). Self-insured health plans that are subject to PCORI fees include self-funded medical plans, as well as HRAs that are offered in conjunction with fully insured group medical plans. HRAs that are offered with self-insured group medical plans are not subject to separate PCORI fees if both the HRA and the self-insured medical plan have the same plan sponsor and the same plan year. Employers use IRS Form 720 to report and pay PCORI fees each year. These PCORI fees are due each year by the July 31 of the year following the last day of the plan year. The fees apply to plan years ending on or after Oct. 1, 2012, and before Oct. 1, 2029 (updated from Oct. 1, 2019 by a December 2019 federal law).
COVID-19 ("CORONAVIRUS") INFORMATION & RESOURCES
Employee education is one of the best lines of defense for the workplace. General preventive health practices, like washing hands, can safeguard workers even when they’re at home. Remind employees to keep up their hygiene and share their knowledge of coronavirus symptoms so they know what to look out for. Together, you and your employees can stay safe, healthy and productive. Speak with JA Benefits, LLC for more information on staying healthy in the workplace.
HOW TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION IN THE WORKPLACE
Bringing the knowledge of our in-house experts right to you...
Communication is key for the proper development of any organization. The way employers speak to their employees and clients not only affects those individual relationships but also guides the overall company culture. Jaren Hornbeak, a Benefits Advisor at JA Benefits, gives tips and strategies for successful and effective communication.
“You should also navigate the environment under which communication takes place,” Jaren explained. “Communication is usually not the same for everyone.”
Live Well, Work Well
Health and Wellness Tips for your work and life
Laughter May Be a Key in Fighting Workplace Stress
Are You Getting Enough Calcium?
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body. Consuming enough calcium is critical for keeping your bones and teeth strong and for maintaining the function of your nerves, heart, and muscles.
Healthy Snacks to Satisfy Your Workday Hunger
Snacking can be an important part of a healthy diet. Healthy snacks can provide midday energy boosts and fuel for exercising and can help decrease your hunger and the odds of overeating at mealtime.
HOW DO EMPLOYERS PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 IN THE WORKPLACE?
Taking precautions against the coronavirus is critical to reducing the spread of the virus, especially since there is no known vaccine for a human-contracted coronavirus. Employers should protect against coronaviruses much like they protect against the flu.
Tabuoli Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup extra fine bulgur wheat (Bob’s redmill preferred)
- 2-3 Firm tomatoes or 8 roma tomatoes, very finely chopped
- 2 cucumbers (seeds removed or use English cucumbers), very finely chopped
- 1 bunches parsley, part of the stems removed, washed and well-dried, very finely chopped
- 8 green onions, white and green parts, very finely chopped (or use 1 medium red onion)
- 4-6 oz crumbled feta cheese
- 2-3 T lemon juice
- 4-6 T extra virgin olive oil
- 1 t pepper
- ½ t coriander
Optional
- Kalamata olives
- fresh mint leaves, stems removed, very finely chopped
Directions
- Wash the bulgur wheat and soak it overnight. Drain very well
- Very finely chop the vegetables, drain excess juice.
- Place the chopped vegetables, herbs and green onions in a mixing bowl or dish. Add the bulgur and season. Mix gently.
- Now add the lemon juice and olive oil and mix again.
- For best results, cover the tabouli and refrigerate until ready to serve, at least a couple hours ahead.
Monthly compliance updates, expertise and health and wellness tips - courtesy of JA BENEFITS.
