Benefits and HR Compliance Updates

Compliance News & Updates: March 4 , 2025 Issue

In our recent In Compliance Newsletter, we feature articles highlighting recent legislative changes and regulatory guidance for employer-sponsored benefit plans. Stay up-to-date on the always changing state of employee benefits compliance. Sign up for our Bi-Weekly In-Compliance Newsletter.

Acting NLRB General Counsel Rescinds Several Biden-era Memorandums

On Feb. 14, 2025, the Acting General Counsel (GC) of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a memorandum rescinding several policies issued by the previous NLRB GC, including memorandums addressing severance and noncompete agreements, captive audience bans and the rights of student-athletes under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The memorandum also restores prior guidance that delegated authority to authorize certain disclosures by the NLRA to the Division of Legal Counsel and indicates that the GC will issue new guidance to replace some rescinded memorandums. Read more>>

HHS Rescinds Guidance on Gender Affirming Care for Minors

On Feb. 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rescinded its guidance on gender-affirming care from March 2, 2022, effective immediately. HHS was directed to rescind this guidance by President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14187(“Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation”). According to HHS, the 2022 guidance no longer reflects its views, and the rescission is a significant step in aligning civil rights and health information privacy enforcement with the Trump Administration’s policies. ​​​​​Read more >>

IRA Changes to Medicare Part D May Impact Employee Plans

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) includes several cost-reduction provisions to Medicare Part D plans that are designed to help beneficiaries but may also impact employer-sponsored health plans. Read More >>

IRS Issues ACA Reporting Guidance on Providing Statements Upon Request.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) includes several cost-reduction provisions to Medicare Part D plans that are designed to help beneficiaries but may also impact employer-sponsored health plans. Read More>>

Benefits and HR State Updates

Michigan Legislature Passes Changes to Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Time

The Michigan Legislature has passed bills altering increases to minimum wage and paid sick time ordered by the Michigan Supreme Court last year. The bills were signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Feb. 21, 2025, the same date the court-ordered changes were to take effect. The amendments took effect immediately. Read more>>