Platinum Benefits Team

On May 10, 2021, HHS announced that it will interpret and enforce Section 1557’s prohibition on discrimination on the basis of sex to include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Click on the link below to learn more https://tinyurl.com/ye89vw9l/

The COVID-19 pandemic Public Health Emergency, scheduled to expire on April 21, 2021, has been renewed again. Click below to learn more. https://tinyurl.com/ygpzzr9r/

The Department of Labor issued FAQs regarding implementation of the 2021 COBRA premium assistance, as well as model notices. https://tinyurl.com/yk5gbt2p/

A COBRA subsidy is included in early drafts of the proposed fiscal year 2021 budget reconciliation package. If finalized, the COBRA subsidy would apply to workers who have lost group coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic due to involuntary termination or reduction in hours of employment. https://tinyurl.com/yavqnrwv/

Today, the Departments of Labor and the Treasury issued guidance addressing the COVID-19 Outbreak Period. Unexpectedly, they have taken the interpretation that these benefit plan deadline extensions generally apply on an individual-by-individual basis. https://lnkd.in/eW6BFYd

The IRS recently announced that the adjusted applicable dollar amount used to determine the PCOR fee for plan years ending on or after October 1, 2020 and before October 1, 2021 is $2.66 https://tinyurl.com/y46dck2v/

Interim final regulations amending regulations regarding coverage of preventive health services to implement Section 3203 of the CARES Act were recently issued. https://tinyurl.com/y3bwzqff/

The Secretary of Health and Human Services recently announced the administration will renew the Public Health Emergency. This will extend the period for an additional 90 days and as a result, numerous temporary benefit plan changes will remain in effect. https://lnkd.in/eG_TX4e

A little more than a month after a federal district court vacated four provisions in the FFCRA temporary regulations, the DOL has responded by reaffirming two of those provisions (along with its detailed reasoning for doing so) and revising the other two provisions. The DOL also updated its FFCRA FAQs to reflect these clarifications. http://tinyurl.com/y4g99qnh/

Employers sponsoring a group health plan with prescription drug benefits are required to notify their Medicare-eligible participants and beneficiaries as to whether the drug coverage provided under the plan is creditable or non-creditable. Avoid higher premiums and Stay informed! http://tinyurl.com/yxavajcm/

The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division added three new FAQs to clarify when benefits are available under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act as the school year begins. https://lnkd.in/ePX6-fR