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Learn more about federal agencies proposing rules on offering fertility benefits and IRS releases pay-or-play penalties for 2027. FEDERAL AGENCIES PROPOSE RULES ON OFFERING FERTILITY BENEFITS On May 13, 2026, the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (the Departments) issued a proposed rule that would create a new category of limited excepted benefits that employers can use to offer fertility benefits. The proposed rule builds on Executive Order 14216 and the Departments’ October 2025 guidance, which clarified that employers may offer fertility benefits through three existing excepted benefit pathways: a fully insured independent, noncoordinated excepted benefit policy; an excepted benefit HRA; and an employee assistance program offering coaching and navigator services. The proposed rule would establish a new category of limited excepted benefits for fertility benefits . The new category would apply restrictions like those already in place for other limited excepted benefits, with the following main requirements: • Substantially all benefits must be for the diagnosis, mitigation or treatment of infertility or related reproductive health conditions; • Benefits are capped at a combined lifetime maximum of $120,000 for the participant and their beneficiaries, indexed for inflation for plan years beginning after 2027; • The benefits must be provided under a separate policy or otherwise not be an integral part of the plan maintained by the same plan sponsor; and • The plan or insurance issuer must provide a written notice to participants and beneficiaries that clearly describes the coverage, including its benefits and limitations, how to access in‑network providers and how to submit claims. This notice must be provided at the first opportunity to enroll, annually thereafter, and upon request. If finalized, the proposed changes would apply for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2027 . However, the Departments have asked for feedback on whether the proposed changes should be applicable sooner to allow plan sponsors and issuers flexibility to offer this benefit immediately after the changes are finalized. IRS RELEASES PAY-OR-PLAY PENALTIES FOR 2027 On May 4, 2026, the IRS released updated penalty amounts for 2027 related to the employer shared responsibility (“pay-or-play”) rules under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA requires applicable large employers (ALEs) to offer affordable, minimum-value (MV) health coverage to their full-time employees (FTEs) or potentially pay a penalty to the IRS. Depending on the circumstances, one of two penalties may apply under the pay-or-play rules, the 4980H(a) penalty or the 4980H(b) penalty, as follows: Under Section 4980H(a), an ALE will be subject to a penalty if it does not offer coverage to substantially all FTEs and any one of its FTEs receives a subsidy for purchasing individual health coverage through an Exchange. This monthly penalty is equal to the ALE’s number of FTEs (minus 30) multiplied by one-twelfth of $2,000 (as adjusted) for any applicable month. For 2027, the penalty increases to $ 3,780 (up from $3,340 for 2026); and Under Section 4980H(b), ALEs that offer coverage to substantially all FTEs may still be subject to a penalty if at least one FTE obtains a subsidy through an Exchange because the ALE did not offer coverage to all FTEs, or the ALE’s coverage is unaffordable or does not provide MV. The monthly penalty assessed on an ALE for each FTE who receives a subsidy is one-twelfth of $3,000 (as adjusted) for any applicable month. For 2027, the penalty increases to $ 5,670 (up from $5,010 for 2026). However, the total penalty for an ALE is limited to the 4980H(a) penalty amount. Provided to you by MFC Benefits, LLC © 2026 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved Download the PDF copy here.
Learn more about breaking down mental health stigma, the EWG releases the 2026 Dirty Dozen list, and spring cleaning your routine. BREAKING DOWN MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA May is Mental Health Month, a national health observance dedicated to shedding light on mental health conditions and fostering understanding and support for those experiencing them. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), more than 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year. Despite the prevalence of illnesses and increasing recognition of mental health as a critical component of overall well-being, stigma remains a significant barrier to receiving treatment and support. The fear of judgment and discrimination often prevents individuals from seeking help. NAMI reports that roughly half (52%) of adults with a mental illness go without treatment. It’s imperative to raise awareness and educate others about mental health to combat stigma and create a more compassionate and supportive society. Stigma grows in silence, so here are some tips for helping break the silence: • Educate yourself and others . Understanding the complexity of mental illness, including substance use disorders, can help dispel misconceptions. Take the time to learn about mental health conditions, symptoms and treatments. • Talk openly . Break the silence surrounding mental health by initiating open and honest conversations with friends, family and colleagues. Sharing personal experiences or listening without judgment can help create a safe space for others. • Choose words carefully . Avoid stigmatizing words and use person-first language, emphasizing the individual rather than their condition. • Encourage equal treatment of physical and mental health conditions . Mental illness is a medical condition, so it should be treated like any other medical condition. • Speak up . If you suspect someone is struggling, send them messages of support or help them get on the path to treatment. By taking proactive steps to reduce mental health stigma and break down barriers, you can help create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to seek help. EWG RELEASES THE 2026 DIRTY DOZEN LIST Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases the Dirty Dozen, ranking pesticide residue levels based on produce samples taken by federal agencies. Nearly 100% of all conventional fresh produce sampled this year tested positive for potentially harmful pesticides, with Dirty Dozen items accounting for 96% of those samples. Here’s the 2026 Dirty Dozen list: 1. Spinach 2. Kale, collard and mustard greens 3. Strawberries 4. Grapes 5. Nectarines 6. Peaches 7. Cherries 8. Apples 9. Blackberries 10. Pears 11. Potatoes 12. Blueberries The EWG also publishes the Clean Fifteen list. Pineapples, sweet corn and avocados continue to top the list. Nearly 60% of the Clean Fifteen produce had no detectable pesticide residues. Whether organic or not, all properly handled fresh produce is considered safe to eat. The EWG stresses that the benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables outweigh the risk of pesticide exposure. Do your best to get your daily dose of healthy produce while still being an informed shopper. If you’re still uneasy about pesticides after scrubbing your produce, frozen or canned versions can be a great alternative. Ultimately, it comes down to what works best for your household and budget. SPRING CLEAN YOUR ROUTINE Spring isn’t just for cleaning out your closet. It’s also a great time to refresh your mind and body. It’s important to check in on yourself regularly; a routine refresh can help you avoid illness, reduce stress and feel in control. Consider the following ways to freshen up your daily routine this spring: • Assess your current routine. The first step in spring cleaning your routine is to take stock of your current habits and activities. Are there tasks or commitments that no longer serve you? Are there areas where you feel overwhelmed or stressed? • Declutter your home. No clothing, equipment or other belongings are off-limits, so get rid of items you don’t use anymore . • Create space for self-care. Pr ioritize self-care activities or take a few moments each day to relax and recharge. • Reset your recipes with seasonal produce. Spring produce includes vegetables such as asparagus, artichokes, radishes, rhubarb and peas, as well as fruits like strawberries. Inseason produce is picked at the peak of its freshness and nutritional value and is packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that boost the immune system. • Establish healthy habits . For example, you could commit to a regular sleep schedule or incorporate more movement into your day. Start spring cleaning your routine today to create one that supports your mental health and enables you to thrive in spring and beyond. This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. Readers should contact a health professional for appropriate advice. © 2026 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved. Download the PDF copy here.
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