Form W-2 Reporting of Group Health Plan Coverage
February 1, 2012 | SBA
On January 3, 2012, the IRS updated its guidance on the new health reform Form W-2 reporting requirement for employer-sponsored group health plan coverage. The new guidance appears in Notice 2012-09, and supersedes the W-2 reporting guidance issued last year in Notice 2011-28. This memorandum summarizes Notice 2012-09.

IRS clarifies Form W-2 Reporting Requirements for Employer-Sponsored Group Health Plan Coverage
January 4, 2012 | IRS
The IRS released new guidance on the health reform Form W-2 reporting requirements for employer-sponsored group health plan coverage. Last March, the IRS issued Notice 2011-28 discussing the W-2 reporting requirements in 31 questions and answers (Q&As). Notice 2012-9 supersedes the previous guidance and makes additional changes - the IRS clarified six of their previous Q&As and added eight new Q&As. Consequently, Notice 2012-9 now has 39 Q&As and becomes the most current guidance on the Form W-2 reporting requirements.

Preliminary Guidance on Essential Health Benefits
December 16, 2011 | HHS
HHS released preliminary guidance on Essential Health Benefits (EHB) - the benefits that must be covered by non-grandfathered health plans offered in the individual and small group markets both inside and outside the Exchanges. The guidance addresses only covered services - it doesn't address cost-sharing or the calculation of actuarial value. HHS notes that they intend to "release guidance on calculating actuarial value and the provision of minimum value by employer-sponsored coverage in the near future."

ERRP Coming to an End
December 9, 2011 | HHS
Based on the rate at which ERRP funds are being disbursed and the remaining amount of the $5 billion in appropriated funding, CMS will reject any claim list submitted in support of an ERRP reimbursement request that includes one or more claims with an incurred date of January 1, 2012 or later.