Mastering Health Reform’s Taxation and Reporting Issues for Employers

Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the federal health care reform law, employers can no longer take a wait-and-see approach toward implementation. You need to be prepared for your next steps in complying with this massive law.

To help you understand your obligations as an employer, we’re offering a two-part series on two major implementation concerns for employers – taxation and reporting under health care reform.

September 20th: Taxation Under Health Reform: What Employers Need to Know

For many employers, confusion abounds over the numerous taxation issues under health reform. Not only must you understand and manage today’s taxation concerns, but also you must be prepared for future changes, such as the excise tax on high-cost plans.

In this 90-minute webinar, Stacy Barrow of Proskauer Rose, LLP will delve into the top taxation concerns under health reform and answer your questions during the live Q&A portion of the webinar.

You’ll Learn:

• Top concerns regarding the expansion of nondiscrimination testing rules under Code Section 105(h) to insured health plans.
• The impact of various health spending account changes, such as annual caps on health flexible spending account contributions, limits to medical expense reimbursement of over-the-counter drugs and increased excise tax on nonqualified distributions from health savings accounts and Archer MSAs.
• A road map in preparing for the excise tax on high-cost plans (the Cadillac tax).
• How the taxation of retiree drug subsidies (Medicare Part D) may affect the future of retiree health coverage.
• Tips on the health insurance tax credit for small employers.

 

September 27th: Tackling the Top Reporting Concerns Under Health Reform: A Guide for Employers

If your reporting obligations under health reform have been on hold, you don’t have much time left to comply. Employers must understand reporting requirements and deadlines and be ready to take action.

In this 90-minute webinar, Stacy Barrow of Proskauer Rose, LLP will demystify employers’ reporting obligations under health care reform and answer your reporting questions during the live Q&A portion of the webinar.

You’ll Learn:

• Understanding the expansive requirements of the Summary of Benefits and Coverage.
• How to coordinate the SBC rules with ERISA's other disclosure rules for summary plan descriptions, etc.
• Crucial steps to take when reporting the value of group health plan coverage on W-2 Forms.
• Internal claims and appeals requirements: The new procedures, timetables and notices employers must abide by.
• How to coordinate reform's claims and appeals rules with ERISA's other claims and appeal procedures.
• Preparing for the employer notice on the availability of health insurance exchange coverage.

Who Should Attend Both Webinars:

• Anyone involved in plan administration
• Employee Benefits Professionals
• Insurance Companies with ASO business
• Plan Administrators
• Third-party Administrators (TPAs)
• Corporate Counsel
• Health Plan Actuaries

Stacy Barrow
Stacy Barrow is an associate in the Boston office of Proskauer Rose.  He is a member of his firm’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Group and its Health Care Reform Task Force. He uses a practical, business-focused approach to counsel his clients on complex employee benefits and executive compensation matters.
 
Stacy has extensive technical knowledge and experience designing and implementing qualified retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and equity and incentive programs that meet the numerous and intricate requirements of applicable federal and state law.
 
Stacy’s prior experience includes work as a compliance officer for an international insurance brokerage and risk management firm, and as an actuarial analyst for a Big 4 public accounting firm. Stacy’s past experience informs his legal approach of providing practical, business-minded advice to his clients.
 
Stacy has spoken to business groups across the country on all matters relating to employee benefits, including national health care reform. He also has published numerous articles on employee benefits and national health care reform matters.