Insights

Modular construction has gained significant popularity in recent years as it offers a more timely, cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional construction methods. Modular construction involves building structures off-site in a controlled environment and then transporting the modules to the construction site where they are assembled and installed. While this construction method offers numerous benefits, such as increased worker safety and quality control, it also presents unique

On April 7, 2023, Insurance Department Commissioner McClain issued Bulletin 6-2023 regarding early prescription refills following the tornadoes on March 31, 2023, which caused severe destruction in the state. The bulletin is directed at all insurers transacting health insurance business in the state. The bulletin encourages insurers to assist covered state residents who lost medications due to the tornadoes to prevent further illness and injury that may result from an inability to fill their p

Beginning January 1, 2024, virtually all employers will be required to file ACA reporting Forms 1094-B/1095-B and 1094-C/1095-C electronically. On February 21, 2023, the IRS published final regulations to the Taxpayer First Act of 2019, significantly expanding the e-filing mandate for certain tax returns. Specifically, Forms 1094-B/1095-B and 1094-C/1095-C must be filed electronically if the total number of information returns (including Forms W-2 and 1099s) an employer files that year exceeds

CMS recently released the Prescription Drug Data Collection Reporting Instructions for the 2022 calendar year (the 2022 RxDC instructions). The 2022 RxDC instructions reflect numerous changes from the prior year's instructions. Under the CAA, Section 204, fully insured and self-insured group health plans and insurers are required to report certain prescription drug and healthcare spending data to CMS. The data must be submitted to CMS's Health Insurance Oversight System in specified files and

On March 22, 2023, Gov. Youngkin signed SB 1347/HB 2216 into law. The new law requires group health insurance policies to cover mobile crisis response services and stabilization services delivered in a residential crisis stabilization unit for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. These services must be covered to the extent they are covered in any other setting, regardless of any difference in billing codes. The mandate applies to policies issued or renewed in Virginia on and after

The ACA requires the DOL to provide Congress with an annual report regarding private-sector self-insured health benefits plans and financial information of employers that sponsor such plans. The DOL recently released the 2023 annual report based on 2020 Form 5500 filings, including the number of participants, benefits offered, funding arrangements and plan assets. Along with the annual report, the DOL released two detailed appendices to complement the report: Appendix A, which describes the abs

Following the US Supreme Court's lead, a trial court has changed its view as to whether a church-affiliated hospital's retirement plan qualifies as a 'church plan' under ERISA. Saint Peter's Healthcare System, Inc. (Saint Peter's) is a Roman Catholic Church-affiliated medical provider network headquartered in New Jersey. In May 2013, former employee Laurence Kaplan challenged Saint Peter's claim to ERISA's church plan exemption and alleged multiple statutory violations, including insufficient

The IRS recently released its Employee Plans Examination Process Guide, which provides a general explanation of the EP Examination process and provides resources for retirement plan compliance. The guide is divided into six sections: Section 1 - Overview of EP Examinations: Provides a general overview of the examination process from initial contact through conclusion, including a helpful flowchart showing the various steps in the examination process.  Section 2 - Initiation of an Exami

Recently, two healthcare bills were enacted into law. Act 316 (previously HB 1035) mandates that insurance policies cover screening for depression of birth mothers. Specifically, Act 316 requires a healthcare insurer that offers, issues, or renews a health benefit plan in the state to provide coverage for depression screening of a birth mother by a healthcare professional within the first six weeks of the mother giving birth on or after January 1, 2024. For this purpose, a healthcare insurer in