PCORI Fees for Self-Insured Medical Plans

On July 1, 2026

Under the ACA, all medical plans are responsible for paying the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI or PCOR) fees to the IRS, based on the average number of plan participants in the reporting plan year. If the medical plan is insured, the insurance carrier pays the fee on behalf of the policyholder. If the medical plan […]

On June 24, 2026

A new federal court ruling came out of a 401(k) lawsuit, but the lesson is one every benefits broker should bring to their health and welfare clients. The case in one line: “Sometimes, even a good process produces disappointing results.”

On April 21, 2026

On April 14, 2026, the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), part of the U.S. Department of Labor, issued a memorandum outlining its updated enforcement priorities and guiding principles. These principles aim to ensure that the agency’s approach to enforcement remains “fair, balanced, responsive, and focused.” Notably, the agency is shifting its focus toward violations related […]

On April 7, 2026

On March 26, 2026, President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO) titled “Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors,” which will require all federal contracts and similar instruments to include a clause prohibiting federal contractors from engaging in racially discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities. The Trump administration also issued a fact sheet regarding the EO. […]

On March 31, 2026

Workplace wellness initiatives commonly use incentives or rewards to encourage healthier behaviors and reduce habits that may negatively affect employees’ well-being. When a wellness program is connected to a group health plan, it must follow the nondiscrimination requirements established under HIPAA. These rules permit employers to offer incentives, if the program adheres to specific conditions. […]

On March 25, 2026

As the year moves forward, employers sponsoring group health plans should review upcoming midyear compliance responsibilities. Various federal laws—including ERISA, COBRA, and the No Surprises Act—require certain reports and participant disclosures during the spring and summer. Staying on top of these obligations helps avoid penalties and ensures employees receive required information on time. Summary Plan […]

On February 10, 2026

Employers with self-insured medical plans (including health care FSAs, HRAs, and level funded arrangements) must update their HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) by February 16, 2026, to include additional protections for certain substance use disorder (SUD) records. For employers sponsoring fully insured medical plans, the insurers are responsible for updating the NPP. In 2024, federal regulators […]

On February 3, 2026

Federal attention on the pharmaceutical benefit manager (PBM) sector has increased markedly in recent weeks. On January 22, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) for fiscal year 2026. This wide-ranging funding legislation includes multiple healthcare provisions, among them sweeping reforms aimed at PBM operations. The Senate passed the bill […]

On January 27, 2026

As the new calendar year begins, employers that sponsor group health plans should take steps to stay ahead of key compliance obligations. Several federal reporting and disclosure requirements, mandated under laws such as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), must […]

On January 21, 2026

On January 15, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) released updated national enforcement initiatives for fiscal year 2026. These initiatives outline the areas EBSA will emphasize in its enforcement activities, with the goal of improving compliance with employee benefit plan requirements, curbing harmful practices, and reinforcing protections for plan participants and beneficiaries. […]

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PCORI Fees for Self-Insured Medical Plans

Process Beats Performance: What a 401(k) Win Means for Your Benefits Clients

EBSA Announces New Enforcement Priorities and Principles for Employee Benefit Plans

Executive Order Addresses DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors

Wellness Programs Compliance Overview

Midyear Compliance: Important Disclosure Deadlines for Group Health Plans

Take Action Now to Update HIPAA Notice

Federal Scrutiny of PBMS Intensifies

2026 Q1 Compliance Reminders

EBSA Announces FY 2026 Enforcement Priorities