Increase in 2017 Service Contract Act Health & Welfare Rate

The U.S. Department of Labor has released its annual memorandum regarding the rate for Service Contract Act (SCA) Health and Welfare Fringe Benefits. The new rate of $4.41 per hour... Read More

July 28, 2017
3 min read

Tax Treatment of Voluntary Fixed Indemnity Health Benefits

Last week, the IRS’s Office of Chief Counsel released a Memorandum announcing that benefits paid under a fixed indemnity health benefit program that is either funded by the employer, or... Read More

February 3, 2017
3 min read

2015 Rate Increase Announced for SCA Health and Welfare Fringe Benefits

The U.S. Department of Labor has released its annual memorandum noting a rate increase for Service Contract Act (SCA) Health and Welfare Fringe Benefits. The new rate is $4.27 per... Read More

July 10, 2015
2 min read

Department of Labor Releases Workplace Wellness Programs Research Report

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently published a report on Workplace Wellness Programs, an analysis of services offered, participation and incentives. Click here for the full report. The report focuses... Read More

May 6, 2015
2 min read

Key Provisions of IRS Final Play-or-Pay Regulations

Employee Designations Factors to Establish Full-Time Employee Status A new employee must be treated as a full-time employee for play-or-pay purposes if it is reasonable to assume that the employee... Read More

March 21, 2014
13 min read

New regulations on Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts

Effective January 18, 2013: New regulations on Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts The Department of Labor has announced that new regulations addressing the Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under... Read More

January 17, 2013
5 min read

IRS Announces Retirement Plan Limitations for 2013

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) for retirement plans and related limitations for the 2013 tax year. Several of the following limits have changed... Read More

November 12, 2012
2 min read

Guidance for Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) Rebates and Service Contract Act (SCA) Compliance

Government Service Administrators (GSA) is taking a proactive approach in assisting our clients in achieving compliance with the final interim rule released by the Department of Health and Human Services... Read More

October 1, 2012
7 min read

2012 Service Contract Act Health & Welfare Fringe Benefit Changes

Effective June 17, 2012, the Health & Welfare Fringe Benefit Rate issued under the McNamara-O’Hara Service Contract Act (SCA) increased to $3.71 per hour, as posted on the Wage Determinations... Read More

July 11, 2012
3 min read

Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) Rebates

A key provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) stipulates that insurance carriers must spend a cetain percentage – 85% on large groups and 80% on small... Read More

April 30, 2012
3 min read

New $2,500 Limit on FSA Contributions Beginning 2013

Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), health care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) will have a newly-imposed $2,500 maximum contribution limit effective January 1, 2013. Maximum contribution limits... Read More

April 4, 2012
3 min read