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The JA Advisor – April 2020

IN THIS ISSUE

  • Group health plans that are subject to ERISA deadline is July 29
  • Report and Pay PCORI Fees (self-insured plans only, including HRAs) by July 31
  • How to Improve Communication in the Workplace
  • This Month’s Dish, featuring Sue Dukeman
  • Live Well, Work Well
    • Laughter May Be a Key in Fighting Workplace Stress
    • Are You Getting Enough Calcium?
    • Healthy Snacks to Satisfy Your Workday Hunger

COMPLIANCE CHECK

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 & RESOURCESSTAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THESE RESOURCESHOW TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION IN THE WORKPLACECommunication 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.”

IMPROVE COMMUNICATION IN THE WORKPLACEJAREN’S JA MAGICLive Well, Work Well

Laughter May Be a Key in Fighting Workplace Stress

Laughter really is the best medicine—for some things. You’ve heard the phrase before and, according to the Mayo Clinic, it holds some truth. While a good sense of humor can’t cure all, laughing and joking around can help reduce your stress, improve your mood and make it easier to connect with others.

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.

DOWNLOAD THE APRIL LWWW NEWSLETTERHOW DO EMPLOYERS PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 IN THE WORKPLACE?PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19Dish Featuring Sue DukemanTabuoli SaladIngredients

  • 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

  1. Wash the bulgur wheat and soak it overnight. Drain very well
  2. Very finely chop the vegetables, drain excess juice.
  3. Place the chopped vegetables, herbs and green onions in a mixing bowl or dish. Add the bulgur and season. Mix gently.
  4. Now add the lemon juice and olive oil and mix again.
  5. 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.

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