Top 9 Most Popular Blog Posts That Rocked Employee Benefits in 2019

With 2020 around the corner, we’re excited to continue pushing the envelope when it comes to fresh thinking, innovation and relevant content to help drive your employee benefits strategy forward.

Before diving into the new year, let’s take a second to revisit your favorite Fresh Thinking blog posts of the year.

1. HSA Requirements for Adult Dependents

   Kim Adams, Senior Account Manager

   July 5: By offering your employees high deductible health plans (HDHP) with a health savings account (HSA) and thanks to healthcare reform, they can cover their adult child on their plan. Ensure your employees understand the nuances of these plans with the addition of their adult children so your business can remain compliant. Healthcare reform legislation passed in 2010 allows adult children up to age 26 to be covered by their parents’ health plans, including high-deductible plans. Click here to read more...

2. Employee Leave: Clarifying STD, FMLA and ADA

   Annette Bechtold, SVP, Regulatory Affairs and Reform Initiatives

   July 1: In addition to the federal requirements under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), many states, and even many localities and municipalities, have enacted employee leave laws. Due to the various leave requirements, employers may have a hard time understanding how different leaves coordinate with each other and how wage replacement benefits fit into the equation. Click here to read more...

3. Affordable Care Act (ACA) — Limits, Fees and Penalties Through 2019

   Annette Bechtold, SVP, Regulatory Affairs and Reform Initiatives

   November 11: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) contains a number of limits and penalties that apply to employers. These include the following provisions: Employer Shared Responsibility (Employer Mandate). Click here to read more...

4. Can an Employer Offer Different Benefits to Different Groups of Employees?

   Erica Cordova, VP, Legal Counsel

   July 31: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) prohibits group health plans and group health insurance issuers from discriminating against individuals with regard to eligibility, premiums, or coverage based upon a health status-related factor. Click here to read more...

5. The Skinny on Minimum Essential Coverage Plans: Are They Right for You?

   OneDigital Better Benefits

   October 21: Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) plans or “skinny plans” may not be new, but they’re making news. In fact, 16 percent of large employers intend to offer one in 2015. These limited protection coverage plans have both pros and cons. How do you know if a MEC plan could be an option for you? MEC plans generally cover preventive and wellness-related tests and treatments. Click here to read more...

6. Health Insurance Requirements for Employers With Interns & Temporary Workers

   Erica Cordova, VP, Legal Counsel

   April 6: Businesses that employ interns or other temporary workers may question whether they are obligated to offer health insurance to these employees. The answer to this question may depend on a number of factors, including whether the intern or temporary work is paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, and whether the employer is an applicable large employer under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Click here to read more...

7. Affordable Care Act (ACA) Reporting Cheat Sheet: Reporting Made Easy

   Erica Cordova, VP, Legal Counsel

   December 21: Affordable Care Act (ACA) Reporting Requirements – FAQ. How do I know whether to complete the B forms or C forms? All applicable large employers (ALE) must file Forms 1094-C and 1095-C with the IRS and furnish a copy of the 1095-C to all full-time employees. The insurance carrier for a fully insured plan must complete Forms 1094-B and 1095-B. Click here to read more...

8. 6 Employee Benefits Trends to Watch in 2019

   Kristen Duke, VP of Client Services

   December 2018: The health insurance landscape is changing and being aware of and embracing employee benefits solutions in 2019 is essential for employers to stay competitive. In 2018, advances in technology allowed us to change the entire healthcare experience for members. What began as the migration to electronic medical records and online member portals for insurance information has morphed into fully functioning virtual experience for healthcare. Members interact with a physician virtually for treatment of many common illnesses and conditions without leaving their homes. This digitization means that you can see transparent pricing and outcomes associated with facilities and services. Click here to read more...

9. What Are Your Requirements for Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage?

   Annette Bechtold, SVP, Regulatory Affairs and Reform Initiatives

   September 6: As an employer, you are required to send the Medicare Part D Disclosure to eligible employees informing them about whether the prescription drug coverage offered is "creditable" by October 15, 2019. Read through the Frequently Asked Questions below for more information on the disclosure requirements. Click here to read more...

Fresh thinking is the fabric of OneDigital. Across the country, our employee benefits, HR consulting and compliance experts and advisors are constantly in search of new and better ways to design and manage health and benefits programs to work better for the business leaders and employees we serve. Never miss an update in 2020 by visiting OneDigital's Fresh Thinking Blog.