Each year, just as the leaves turn to the fiery shades of autumn, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announces how much more “green” will be available during the coming year under various employee benefit programs.

September was a relatively quiet month in the compliance space as employers continue the ramp-up to open enrollment.

August was a busy month, with employers buzzing about transparency, reporting, and more. As we wrap up the summer season of the 2022 benefits compliance calendar, be mindful of these important issues.

The summer has seen a flurry of compliance-related activity, most notably the landmark decision issued by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade. As we move into the second half of the 2022 employee benefits compliance calendar, there are a number of important issues to note.

The month of May again brought relatively little major employee benefit compliance guidance from federal agencies. However, there was plenty of activity in the courts to provide useful insight into steps employer plan sponsors can take to safeguard against benefits litigation.

After several very quiet months this year, April saw renewed compliance activity. The IRS provided guidance on transportation fringe benefits unused due to COVID-19 workplace changes and announced inflation-adjusted amounts for HSAs and HRAs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced Medicare Part D rates and the parameters and thresholds for qualified retiree prescription drug coverage. The Department of the Treasury and the IRS issued a proposed rule to base Marketplace premium tax credit (PTC) eligibility on the cost of family health insurance coverage rather than individual coverage to fix the “family glitch” related to PTC eligibility.