IRS Releases Long-Awaited COBRA Subsidy Guidance
Late in the afternoon of May 18, 2021, the IRS released its long-awaited guidance on the COBRA...
The Birch Blog
———Department of Labor Issues New Cybersecurity Guidance
On April 14, 2021, the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) of the U.S. Department...
Updated Guidance regarding HSA Limits, DCAPs & Transgender Rights
2022 Health Savings Account and Health Reimbursement Arrangement Limits The Internal Revenue...
More Generous Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account Maximum Limit
One intention of The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is to provide financial support for...
Legislative Updates – May 11, 2021
Alabama Safety Precautions On May 3, 2021, Gov. Kay Ivey announced that the State’s COVID-19...
CMS Provides COBRA Subsidy “Fix” & Announces New OOP Maximum Limits
On May 5, 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published new regulations...
RECENT POSTS
Legislative Updates – July 6th, 2021
Alaska City of Nome On June 28, 2021, the Common Council voted to extend its emergency ordinance through September 30, 2021. Arizona Safety Precautions On July 2, 2021, Gov. Doug Ducey rescinded twenty-five COVID-19 pandemic related executive orders....
EEO-1 Portal Opens End of April/EEO has Extended The Deadline
Beginning April 26, 2021, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will open its EEO-1 portal for three months for 2019 and 2020 reporting. EEO-1s must be submitted by covered employers, annually, and must disclose information including the...
Legislative Updates – June 29, 2021
Alaska Native Corporations On June 25, 2021, the US Supreme Court ruled that Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) are eligible to receive CARES ACT funds that were directed to Native American Tribes only. Arkansas Firearms Effective July 30,...
Supreme Court Rules Against Challenge To The Affordable Care Act
On Thursday, June 17th, the Supreme Court of the United States upheld the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) in a 7-2 ruling. In California v. Texas, the original plaintiffs argued that the reduction of the individual mandate penalty to $0.00...
Legislative Updates – June 15, 2021
Arkansas Seller Exemption Effective July 30, 2021, Direct Sellers (individuals engaged in a trade or business that sells consumer products in the home, delivers newspapers) are exempt from wage and hour laws, workers compensation law and unemployment insurance....