With all of the energy being spent on the Affordable Care Act, it is possible that some rules and requirements slip through the cracks. It is as important as ever to make sure employers sponsoring group health plans continue to satisfy all plan obligations.
In a recent case, the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Tennessee imposed a penalty of $61,380 against a plan sponsor for failure to furnish a copy of a plan document after repeated requests for the document by the participant/plaintiff, plus an additional $12,760 for failure to provide a copy of a life insurance policy when requested [Harris-Frye v. United of Omaha Life Ins. Co., No. 1:14-cv-72 (E.D. Tenn. Sept. 21, 2015)]. This case is a good reminder of the importance of complying with all standards applicable to welfare and retirement benefit plans subject to ERISA, as well as the Affordable Care Act.
Click Here To find out moreHHS has updated its model Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) materials to help covered entities and business associates comply with the Part 2 related NPP requirements that became enforceable on February 16, 2026.
02/26/2026
Many federal laws create mandates that may apply to your group health plan.
12/18/2025
The IRS has announced that it intends to issue proposed regulations regarding Trump Accounts (TAs)
12/11/2025
QUESTION: We are reviewing the SPD procedures for our ERISA health and welfare plans and need some guidance. Who must receive SPDs for these plans?
12/02/2025
QUESTION: We understand there is a small employer exception to COBRA for employers with fewer than 20 employees. What employees should we count for purposes of this exception?
12/02/2025