Understanding Voluntary Benefits

You know the importance of having health care coverage and a 401(k), but are you taking advantage of all the benefits your organization offers? Voluntary benefits are additional benefit options offered through the company. Unlike traditional benefits like health coverage, employees are responsible for paying most or all of the cost of these voluntary options.

What’s the Advantage? 

You may wonder–if you’re responsible to pay, then why elect any voluntary benefits? There are several advantages.

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FMLA Administration Outsourcing

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that allows eligible employees to take unpaid leave for a variety of personal circumstances. Due to the numerous regulations and complexities of the FMLA, administering FMLA leave can be a daunting task for many HR departments. In an effort to make FMLA administration more accurate and efficient, many employers have opted to outsource their leave programs to outside vendors.

Why Do Companies Outsource FMLA Administration? 

Federal vs. New York family and medical leave laws – Part 4

The federal Family and Medical Leave Act provides eligible employees of covered employers with unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons.

In addition to the federal FMLA, New York has laws regarding pregnancy leave, adoptive parents leave, blood donation leave, bone marrow donation leave, military spouse leave and paid family leave (effective Jan. 1, 2018).

The comparison chart below concludes our review of federal vs. New York family and medical leave laws. This chart reviews leave requests, certification requirements, as well as other laws.

Federal vs. New York family and medical leave laws – Part 3

The federal Family and Medical Leave Act provides eligible employees of covered employers with unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons.

In addition to the federal FMLA, New York has laws regarding pregnancy leave, adoptive parents leave, blood donation leave, bone marrow donation leave, military spouse leave and paid family leave (effective Jan. 1, 2018).

The comparison chart below continues our review of federal vs. New York family and medical leave laws regarding an intermittent leave, reinstatement rights and the maintenance of health benefits during leave.

Federal vs. New York family and medical leave laws – Part 2

The federal Family and Medical Leave Act provides eligible employees of covered employers with unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons.

In addition to the federal FMLA, New York has laws regarding pregnancy leave, adoptive parents leave, blood donation leave, bone marrow donation leave, military spouse leave and paid family leave (effective Jan. 1, 2018).

The comparison chart below continues our review of federal vs. New York family and medical leave laws regarding the type of leave and criteria for a serious health condition/serious injury or illness.

Federal vs. New York family and medical leave laws – Part 1

The federal Family and Medical Leave Act provides eligible employees of covered employers with unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons. For example, under the FMLA, eligible employees may take leave for their own serious health conditions, for the serious health conditions of family members, to bond with newborns or newly adopted children or for certain military family reasons.

In addition to providing eligible employees with an entitlement to leave, the FMLA requires that employers maintain employees’ health benefits during leave and restore employees to their same or equivalent job positions after leave ends. The FMLA also sets requirements for notices, by both the employee and the employer, and provides employers with the right to require certification of the need for FMLA leave in certain circumstances.

In addition to the federal FMLA, New York has laws regarding pregnancy leave, adoptive parents leave, blood donation leave, bone marrow donation leave, military spouse leave and paid family leave (effective Jan. 1, 2018). Review the comparison chart below to learn more regarding the types of employers covered, employees eligible and leave amount.

2019 ACA compliance overview — Employer shared responsibility rules

The Affordable Care Act has made significant changes to group health plans since it was enacted in 2010. Many of these key reforms became effective in 2014 and 2015, including health plan design changes, increased wellness program incentives and employer shared responsibility penalties.

Changes to some ACA requirements, such as increased dollar limits, take effect in 2019 for employers sponsoring group health plans. To prepare for 2019, employers should review upcoming requirements and develop a compliance strategy.

This article provides an overview of the employer shared responsibility rules.

2019 ACA compliance overview — SBC and HIPAA

The Affordable Care Act has made significant changes to group health plans since it was enacted in 2010. Many of these key reforms became effective in 2014 and 2015, including health plan design changes, increased wellness program incentives and employer shared responsibility penalties.

Changes to some ACA requirements, such as increased dollar limits, take effect in 2019 for employers sponsoring group health plans. To prepare for 2019, employers should review upcoming requirements and develop a compliance strategy.

This article provides an overview of requirements for Summary of Benefits and Coverage and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act certification documents.

2019 ACA compliance overview — Cost-sharing limits

The Affordable Care Act has made significant changes to group health plans since it was enacted in 2010. Many of these key reforms became effective in 2014 and 2015, including health plan design changes, increased wellness program incentives and employer shared responsibility penalties.

Changes to some ACA requirements, such as increased dollar limits, take effect in 2019 for employers sponsoring group health plans. To prepare for 2019, employers should review upcoming requirements and develop a compliance strategy.

This article provides an overview of cost-sharing limits applicable to non-grandfathered plans.

2019 ACA compliance overview — Plan design changes

The Affordable Care Act has made significant changes to group health plans since it was enacted in 2010. Many of these key reforms became effective in 2014 and 2015, including health plan design changes, increased wellness program incentives and employer shared responsibility penalties.

Changes to some ACA requirements, such as increased dollar limits, take effect in 2019 for employers sponsoring group health plans. To prepare for 2019, employers should review upcoming requirements and develop a compliance strategy.

This article provides an overview of plan design changes for grandfathered plans and an update on FSA contributions.

7 questions employees should ask about Paid Family Leave

1. If I started my continuous leave in 2018 and it extends into 2019, am I eligible for the benefits at the 2019 rate and an extra two weeks?

You get the benefit rate and number of weeks in effect on the first day of your leave.

2. If I started my intermittent leave in 2018 and it extends into 2019, am I eligible for the benefits at the 2019 rate and an extra two weeks?

You get the benefit rate and number of weeks in effect on the first day of a period of leave. When more than three months passes between days of Paid Family Leave, your next day or period of Paid Family Leave is considered a new claim under the law. This means you will need to file a new Request for Paid Family Leave and that you may be eligible for the increased benefits available should this day or period of Paid Family Leave begin in 2019.

3. I had a new baby in the fall of 2018. Can still take Paid Family Leave in 2019 to get the enhanced benefits?

Yes, you can take Paid Family Leave for bonding with a new child at any time within the first 12 months of the child’s birth, adoption or foster care placement, provided that you remain an eligible, covered employee.


To read all 7 question and answers, click here for a downloadable version. Questions and answers can also be found on paidfamilyleave.ny.gov.

If you have any questions, or would like to begin talking to an employee benefits consultant, please get in touch by email or by calling (855) 882-9177.

4 Key Benefits of a Strong Financial Wellness Program

Financial wellness is an increasingly popular topic, but there is no consensus about the value of financial wellness programs in the workplace. While clear advantages and perceived value have been identified, several obstacles remain.

In Assessing the Merits and Challenges of Financial Wellness, SBS evaluates whether financial wellness programs are a wise choice and welcome addition to the traditional employee benefits package.

To read more about the key themes that emerged from the financial wellness research, download Assessing the Merits and Challenges of Financial Wellness.

Why is Financial Wellness Important to Plan Sponsors?

When designed properly, financial wellness programs can help employers enhance their benefits packages and realize significant cost savings by helping employees retire on time, be more productive, and enjoy better health.

Taxability of Disability Benefits

Many employers provide disability benefits to their employees as part of a comprehensive employee benefits package. Disability benefits replace a percentage of pre-disability income if an employee is unable to work due to illness or injury for a specified period of time. Employers may offer short-term disability coverage, long-term disability coverage, or integrate both short- and long-term disability coverage.

Group disability benefits can be structured in a number of ways. The taxability of these benefits generally depends on how the premiums for the coverage are paid. For example, if an employer and its employees split the cost of premiums for disability coverage, and the employees’ premiums are paid on a pre-tax basis through a cafeteria plan, the disability benefits are fully taxable to employees.

This Compliance Overview answers common questions regarding the taxability of disability benefits.

Key Retirement and Employee Benefits Compliance Reminders for December

Due December 1st

• Deadline for participant notices, including safe harbor notice, QDIA notice, automatic contribution arrangement notice.

Due December 15th 

• Extended deadline for distributing Summary Annual Report to participants.

Due December 31st

• Corrective distributions for failed ADP/ACP test for 2016 (10% excise tax applies).
• QNEC contributions due for failed ADP/ACP test for 2016.
• RMDs due (except for first time qualifying participants).
• Last day to adopt discretionary plan amendments.
• Deadline to convert or remove safe harbor status for 2018 plan year.

Download the full 2017 Retirement and Employee Benefits Compliance Calendar.

If you have any questions or would like to begin talking to an advisor, please get in touch by calling (855) 882-9177 or e-mail us at sbs@hanys.org.

Key Retirement and Employee Benefits Compliance Reminders for November

Due November 15th 

• Contributing entities making two reinsurance fee payments for 2016 must remit the second contribution payment. 

Download the full 2017 Retirement and Employee Benefits Compliance Calendar.

If you have any questions or would like to begin talking to an advisor, please get in touch by calling (855) 882-9177 or e-mail us at sbs@hanys.org.

Key Retirement and Employee Benefits Compliance Reminders for October

Due October 14th 

• Creditable Coverage Disclosure notices due to all Part D eligible individuals who are covered under, or apply for, the plan’s prescription drug coverage.

Due October 15th

• Deadline for adopting a retroactive adjustment to correct 410(b) coverage or 401(a)(4) nondiscrimination failure for 2016.
• Deadline for the distribution of Creditable Coverage Notices to employees and dependents that are enrolled in a group health plan that are eligible for Medicare 

Due October 16th 

• Extended deadline for filing Form 5500.

Download the full 2017 Retirement and Employee Benefits Compliance Calendar.

If you have any questions or would like to begin talking to an advisor, please get in touch by calling (855) 882-9177 or e-mail us at sbs@hanys.org.

Key Retirement and Employee Benefits Compliance Reminders for September

Due September 15th

• Extended due date for filing corporate tax returns and deductibility of contributions.

Due September 30th 

• Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) rebates due for the 2014 reporting year and beyond.
• Summary Annual Report due to participants, assuming filing of Form 5500 was not extended.

Download the full 2017 Retirement and Employee Benefits Compliance Calendar.

If you have any questions or would like to begin talking to an advisor, please get in touch by calling (855) 882-9177 or e-mail us at sbs@hanys.org.

Key Retirement and Employee Benefits Compliance Reminders for July

Due July 29th

• Summary of Material Modification (SMM) for amendments adopted in 2016.

Due July 31st 

• Form 5500 due (without extension)
• Form 5558 due for automatic extension to October 16 for filing Form 5500.
• Form 5330 due to report and pay excise tax on prohibited transactions and nondeductible contributions made in 2016.
• Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fees and Form 720 due. 

Download the full 2017 Retirement and Employee Benefits Compliance Calendar.

If you have any questions or would like to begin talking to an advisor, please get in touch by calling (855) 882-9177 or e-mail us at sbs@hanys.org.

Key Retirement and Employee Benefits Compliance Reminders for June

Due June 30th

• Corrective distributions for failed actual contribution percentage (ACP)/actual deferral percentage (ADP) test without 10% excise tax penalty for plans with EACA.

Download the full 2017 Retirement and Employee Benefits Compliance Calendar.

If you have any questions or would like to begin talking to an advisor, please get in touch by calling (855) 882-9177 or e-mail us at sbs@hanys.org.

Key Retirement and Employee Benefits Compliance Reminders for April

Due April 1st

• Required minimum distributions (RMD) for first time qualifying participants, including 5% owners.

Due April 17th 

• Deadline for corrective distributions for 402(g) excess contributions.

Download the full 2017 Retirement and Employee Benefits Compliance Calendar.

If you have any questions or would like to begin talking to an advisor, please get in touch by calling (855) 882-9177 or e-mail us at sbs@hanys.org.