Happy Valentine’s Day from Precision Benefits Group
At Precision Benefits Group, we love helping employers protect what matters most—their people. This Valentine’s Day, we’re proud to support our clients with clarity, compliance, and care, so you can focus on your team while we handle the complexities of employee benefits.
The Great Healthcare Plan: Key Insights for Employers in 2026
The Great Healthcare Plan fact sheet was released on January 15, 2026, promising reforms to lower drug prices, reduce insurance premiums, and increase transparency in healthcare. While the proposals are promising, details are limited, and implementation will be complex. Employers—especially mid-market companies—should stay informed, evaluate potential impacts, and consider strategies like self-funding to maintain control and transparency over healthcare costs. Read our latest article written by our founding principal, Robert Deninno, to learn more.
IRS Guidance Expands HSA Eligibility Starting 2026
The IRS issued Notice 2026-5 outlining expanded HSA access under new federal law. Key changes include permanent pre-deductible telehealth coverage, HSA eligibility for qualifying direct primary care arrangements, and treating bronze and catastrophic ACA marketplace plans as HSA-compatible. The guidance clarifies contribution rules, reimbursement limits, and how these updates apply beginning in 2025 and 2026.
1095-B Tax Form Updates for Fully Insured Plans (2025 Tax Year)
Due to changes under the Paperwork Reduction Act, health insurers are no longer required to automatically mail Form 1095-B to members enrolled in fully insured medical plans. Instead, forms are available upon request or through digital access, depending on the carrier.
How major carriers are handling 1095-B forms:
- Independence Blue Cross (IBC): IBC will not automatically mail 1095-B forms to members enrolled in fully insured Pennsylvania plans. Members can securely view and print their form through the IBC member portal or request a paper copy by contacting Customer Service beginning January 31.
- Cigna Healthcare: Cigna has transitioned to electronic-only access for 1095-B forms for the 2025 tax year. Forms are available on demand through myCigna.com, with no automatic paper mailing. Members may request a mailed copy if needed.
This approach:
- Reduces redundancy
- Improves readability
- Makes carrier differences crystal clear
EBSA Sets Enforcement Priorities for FY 2026
The Department of Labor’s EBSA announced its fiscal year 2026 enforcement priorities, highlighting areas of increased oversight. Key focuses include cybersecurity threats, mental health and substance use disorder coverage, surprise medical billing compliance, protection of retirement benefits, fiduciary management of plan assets, and preventing fraud involving employee benefit plans.
Compliance Corner! 2026 ACA Reporting: What You Should Prepare For
Employers subject to ACA reporting must start preparing for early 2026 deadlines tied to 2025 coverage. Requirements include electronic IRS filing by March 31, 2026, individual notice obligations by March 2, and compliance with Sections 6055 and 6056. Large employers and self-insured plans face specific reporting, filing, and delivery standards.