Federal Health & Welfare Updates

Dec 18, 2024

HHS Advocates for Enhanced HIPAA Audit Program

In a report issued last month, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) advocated for increased HIPAA audits and enforcement efforts from the Office for Civil Rights. Of particular concern for OIG was the recent increase in cyberattacks and the vulnerability of electronic information protected by HIPAA.

Dec 18, 2024

CRS Reports on HSA Qualified Medical Expenses

On November 15, 2024, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) published a report on HSA Qualified Medical Expenses. The report describes HSA-qualified medical expenses and legislative approaches to amend HSA-qualified medical expenses.

Nov 20, 2024

HHS Warns of Social Engineering Cyber Threats in HIPAA Newsletter

On October 25, 2024, the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) published its October 2024 OCR Cybersecurity Newsletter. The newsletter focuses on “social engineering,” which the OCR defines as “an attempt to trick someone into revealing information (e.g., a password) that can be used to attack systems or networks or taking an action (e.g., clicking a link, opening a document, etc.).”

Nov 20, 2024

IRS Reminds of Health FSA Benefits for Open Enrollment

On November 7, 2024, the IRS issued a reminder to employees with access to health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) through their employer on the advantages of using these arrangements to pay for medical expenses with tax-free dollars.

Nov 20, 2024

Benefit Plan Deadline Relief Announced for Those Affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton

On November 7, 2024, the DOL and IRS (the agencies) issued joint guidance providing an extension of various compliance deadlines for employee benefit plans, participants, beneficiaries, qualified beneficiaries, and claimants directly affected by Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Helene, or Hurricane Milton. In a separate announcement, Disaster Relief Notice 2024-01, the DOL provided additional relief for such plans and individuals.

Nov 6, 2024

DOL Issues New FAQs on Women’s Preventive Services

On October 21, 2024, the DOL updated its FAQs for the ACA and the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) by adding FAQ Part 68. These new FAQs concern issues relating to preventive services, including coverage of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and insurance coding practices, as well as coverage for a specific breast reconstruction technique. 

Nov 6, 2024

Fifth Circuit Upholds Certain No Surprises Act Provisions

On October 30, 2024, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (Fifth Circuit) reversed a district court’s decision to vacate certain regulations promulgated by three federal agencies: the DOL, HHS, and IRS (the agencies).

123468910Last

PPI Benefit Solutions does not provide legal or tax advice. Compliance, regulatory and related content is for general informational purposes and is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. You should consult an attorney or tax professional regarding the application or potential implications of laws, regulations or policies to your specific circumstances.

Never miss an issue.

Sign up to have it delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up