On February 23, 2023, in Hayes v. Prudential Insurance Company of America, the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit found that courts cannot extend plan deadlines for converting group life insurance coverage to individual coverage, even where extraordinary circumstances prevented an individual from meeting the deadline. The court’s conclusion was grounded in ERISA’s cornerstone principle to adhere to the plan terms.

The IRS has released updated versions of Publications 502 and 503 for the 2022 tax year. Publication 502 describes medical expenses taxpayers can deduct on the 2022 federal tax returns, while Publication 503 explains the requirements necessary for taxpayers to claim the dependent care tax credit for child and dependent care expenses.

On January 26, 2023, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit released an opinion that expands upon its previously released memorandum disposition reversing a district court’s judgment that United Behavioral Health (UBH) wrongfully denied benefits to plaintiffs by using overly restrictive criteria for administering claims for treatment of mental health and substance abuse disorders.

On January 19, 2023, the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) issued updates to the National Medical Support Notice (NMSN) and the instructions for the form. OCSE is the federal government agency that oversees the national child support program. It maintains the NMSN, which is the official form child support agencies send to employers to ensure that children receive healthcare coverage when available and required as part of a child support order.

On February 21, 2023, the IRS published final regulations ( T.D.9972), significantly expanding the electronic filing mandate for various returns, including Forms 1094 and 1095-C, 1099-series and Forms W-2 beginning in 2024. The final regulations reflect changes made by the Taxpayer First Act of 2019 to increase electronic filing requirements. The reason for the delayed application date to 2024 is to give sufficient time for impacted filers and vendors to prepare for an increase in electronic filing.

On February 23, 2023, the DOL, HHS and IRS (the departments) released FAQs regarding implementing certain transparency requirements under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA, 2021). Specifically, the guidance addresses the annual attestation of compliance with the CAA, 2021 prohibition against gag clauses.

On February 9, 2023, the DOL issued Field Assistance Bulletin (FAB) 2023-1 to provide guidance to internal staff regarding remote workers. Among other items, the FAB addresses FMLA eligibility when employees telework or work away from an employer’s facility.

On February 9, 2023, the DOL released an opinion letter regarding whether the FMLA entitles an employee to reduce their workday hours indefinitely due to a chronic serious health condition. The letter also explains that FMLA leave is in addition to and distinct from employee protections provided under other laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The IRS recently released the updated Publication 969: Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans for use in preparing 2022 tax returns. This publication provides basic information about Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs), Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), such as eligibility requirements, contribution limits and distribution rules.

On January 23, 2023, in Erban v. Tufts Medical Center Physicians Organization, et al., the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts found that employers and human resources personnel, when acting as plan fiduciaries, have an affirmative obligation to not make any harmful omissions in communications with participants and beneficiaries regarding options to continue life insurance coverage.