HSB Blog

IRS Pressing Forward with ACA Penalties

November 06, 2017

Yesterday, the IRS reiterated that employers violating the ACA can expect penalty letters in late 2017 and also updated that portion of its website dedicated to the Employers’ ACA obligations here. The update explains the form of notices employers can expect to receive as a result of IRS penalties pursuant to the ACA.

More ACA: President Trump’s Termination of Cost-Sharing Reduction Payments

October 17, 2017

Late Thursday evening after President Trump issued an Executive Order earlier in the day directing various administrative agencies to take suggested actions for the hope of reducing the cost of health insurance, discussed here, the Trump Administration announced it would terminate cost-sharing reduction (“CSR”) payments based upon guidance to the Administration by the Department of Justice indicating that there is no federal appropriation for the CSR payments.

Travel Ban & DACA Updates

October 16, 2017

In a one page opinion, the United States Supreme Court remanded one of the two “travel ban” cases pending SCOTUS review. 

Can the President Nullify the Affordable Care Act by Issuing Executive Orders?

October 13, 2017

President Trump issued an Executive Order yesterday which purports to suggest three avenues for offering health insurance at a decreased cost to small employers and consumers for the overall goal of reducing healthcare costs on the grounds that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has limited consumer choice resulting in an increase in healthcare insurance cost. The Order charges various administrative agencies to act within 60 days.

Court's Ruling Requiring the EEOC to Reconsider Its "Wellness" Regulations

August 30, 2017

The ruling in the AARP v. EEOC case may be detrimental to employers and their healthcare plans because the EEOC may either reduce the percentage of its allowable inducement (or penalty) below 30% of the employee cost for participation in any employer-sponsored “wellness” program to be considered voluntary or possibly return to its former position that any reward or penalty renders participation involuntary.

Something good for employers in the American Health Care Act

March 27, 2017

The Affordable Care Act’s current proposed replacement does not include an employer mandate and abolishing the employer mandate is a good thing proposed in the American Health Care Act and the Patient Freedom Act before it.

President Trump's First Official Action Regarding the Affordable Care Act

January 31, 2017

President Trump issued the Executive Order on January 20, 2017, one of his very first actions upon taking the oath of office.

U.S. Supreme Court Issues Decision on DACA

July 05, 2016

Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 4-4 decision in United States v. Texas, a case challenging the expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA).

Mistaken Identity?

September 28, 2015

A valuable and long-term employee has confidentially revealed to you that he or she is not who he or she claimed to be when originally hired. Since 2012, this scenario is occurring more frequently in part as a result of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA program.

U.S. Supreme Court Upholds IRS PPACA Rule Regarding Subsidies

June 25, 2015

In a 6-3 ruling issued June 25th, the U.S. Supreme Court rendered its opinion in the case of King v. Burwell (slip op. June 25, 2015).