Benefit Buzz - February 2025

Learn more about PCORI Fee Adjustments and the new Mental Health Parity Requirements. PCORI FEE AMOUNT ADJUSTED FOR 2025 The IRS recently issued Notice 2024-83 to increase the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee amount for plan years ending on or after Oct. 1, 2024, and before Oct. 1, 2025. The updated PCORI fee amount is $3.47 multiplied by the average number of lives covered under the plan. For plan years that ended on or after Oct. 1, 2023, and before Oct. 1, 2024, the PCORI fee amount is $3.22 multiplied by the average number of lives covered under the plan. The PCORI fee is imposed on health insurance issuers and self-insured plan sponsors to fund comparative effectiveness research. It applies through the plan or policy year ending before Oct. 1, 2029. PCORI fees are reported and paid annually on IRS Form 720 (Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return). These fees are due each year by July 31 of the year following the last day of the plan year. For plan years ending in 2024, the PCORI fee is due by July 31, 2025. Employers with self insured health plans should have reported and paid PCORI fees for 2023 by July 31, 2024. The PCORI fees are calculated based on the average number of covered lives under the plan or policy. This generally includes employees and their enrolled spouses and dependents unless the plan is a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) or health flexible spending account (FSA). Final rules outline a number of alternatives for issuers and plan sponsors to determine the average number of covered lives. NEW MENTAL HEALTH PARITY REQUIREMENTS TAKE EFFECT IN 2025 In September 2024, federal agencies released a final rule to strengthen the requirements of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The final rule is designed to help ensure individuals do not face greater restrictions to obtaining mental health and substance use disorder (MH/SUD) benefits than they would face for medical/surgical (M/S) benefits. Significantly, the final rule adds protections against more restrictive nonquantitative treatment limitations (NQTLs), such as network composition, out-of-network reimbursement rates and prior authorization requirements. For example, the final rule requires group health plans and health insurance issuers to collect and evaluate data related to the NQTLs they place on MH/SUD care and make changes if the data shows they are providing insufficient access. The final rule generally applies for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2025; however, certain key requirements, such as the NQTL data evaluation requirements, apply for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2026. The final rule also establishes minimum standards for developing comparative analyses to assess whether an NQTL, as written and in operation, complies with MHPAEA’s requirements. Plans and issuers that cover both M/S benefits and MH/SUD benefits and impose NQTLs on MH/SUD benefits must perform and document a comparative analysis of the design and application of each applicable NQTL. In many cases, issuers and third-party administrators will help prepare comparative analyses for employer sponsored health plans. However, the final rule requires the comparative analyses for ERISA-covered plans to also include a plan fiduciary’s certification that they have engaged in a prudent process and monitored their service providers. Provided to you by MFC Benefits, LLC © 2025 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved Download the PDF copy here. Link: http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://content.zywave.com/file/b6f7a224-b3a3-4409-a8f2-953f0994d66a/Benefits%20Buzz%20Newsletter%20January%202024.docx Link: http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://content.zywave.com/file/b6f7a224-b3a3-4409-a8f2-953f0994d66a/Benefits%20Buzz%20Newsletter%20January%202024.docx

Learn more about mindfulness, daylight savings time, and 2 key aging points. FALL INTO MINDFULNESS The changing seasons can help you prioritize your physical, emotional and mental health by presenting the opportunity to start new routines or cut out unhealthy habits. Autumn is a great time to embrace the concept of mindfulness, the practice of being fully present in the moment. Mindfulness can help people embrace seasonal transitions and make space for new experiences and personal growth. Making the Most of the Season Fall is a season of transition, making it a good time for building resilience and practicing mindfulness. Trees shed their leaves, and the days grow shorter; this natural process may mirror personal lives, where change is inevitable. Consider the following ways to work with the energy of fall to amplify your mindfulness practice: • Start each day with an intention . People often set goals and intentions seasonally, making fall the perfect time to refocus your time and energy. Setting intentions can help align your values with your purpose. • Keep a gratitude journal . Make a daily habit of noting what you’re grateful for during the fall. Reflecting on these moments of gratitude can help you appreciate the season more deeply. • Practice meditation . Take a moment each day to meditate and practice deep, mindful breathing. This exercise can help you stay grounded and calm during the busyness of the season. • Take a nature walk . Take hikes or leisurely walks through parks, forests or your neighborhood to soak in the beauty of fall. Instead of listening to music or a podcast, try a “quiet walk” and leave your phone at home, or set the volume to silent so you can stay focused on the experience. • Go photo walking . Alternatively, take your phone or camera along during a nature walk to capture the season’s sights. Not only will you get movement in, but you can also unleash your creativity and connect with your surroundings. • Cook a seasonal recipe . Savor the seasonal flavors and cook a delicious homemade meal or bake a sweet treat. Fall flavors (e.g., apple, pumpkin, maple, ginger, cinnamon and sage) can add a comforting touch to your cooking. Like with any exercise, regular practice builds mindfulness, so find ways to incorporate mindful activities or insert them into an existing daily or weekly routine. Contact a doctor for more information on improving your mindfulness. DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME Most of the United States shifts between standard and daylight saving time (DST) each year in an effort to “save” natural light. Clocks will get set one hour back on Sunday, Nov. 3. Although you may be excited about gaining another hour in your day, DST can wreak havoc on your physical and cognitive health for several days, weeks or even months. The disruption of DST can negatively impact your health. Your internal clock regulates critical processes, including the immune system. Interruptions to the circadian rhythm, your body’s 24-hour biological cycle that regulates wake and sleep, can also impair your focus and judgment. In fact, research revealed that fatal traffic accidents increased by 6% in the week following DST. Fortunately, there are ways to increase your odds of a smooth DST transition. While you may be tempted to use the extra hour to indulge in various activities, health experts recommend using that time for sleep. To help make the DST transition easier, consider going to bed 15-20 minutes early in the days beforehand to help your body get used to the difference. If you have specific health concerns, talk to your doctor. Helping Your Body Adjust to the Time Change If your state follows DST, consider these tips to protect your circadian rhythm: exercise in the morning, prioritize daylight exposure, keep a regular sleep routine, and remove sleep disturbances. STUDY REVEALS 2 KEY AGING POINTS The body undergoes numerous changes—externally and internally—as people age. While it’s traditionally believed that humans age gradually, research from the Stanford University School of Medicine revealed that people age in two significant “bursts” during their lives. Researchers found that humans undergo major changes in their bodies’ molecules and microorganisms around ages 44 and 60. These changes potentially impact several aspects of a person’s health. For those in their 40s, researchers found significant molecular changes related to alcohol, caffeine and lipid metabolism; cardiovascular disease; and skin and muscle. At 60, the largest molecule changes were associated with cardiovascular disease, immune regulation, kidney function, carbohydrate and caffeine metabolism, and skin and muscle. The study recommended lifestyle changes, such as exercising more and drinking less alcohol, when people near these key aging points in their 40s and 60s. Talk to your doctor to learn more. 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. © 2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved. Download the PDF copy here.

Learn more about the final forms and instructions for 2024 ACA Reporting and the IRS releases Health FSA limits for 2025. FINAL FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR 2024 ACA REPORTING NOW AVAILABLE The IRS has released final 2024 forms and instructions for reporting under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6055 and 6056: • 2024 Forms 1094-B and 1095-B (and instructions) can be used by providers of minimum essential coverage— including self-insured plan sponsors that are not applicable large employers (ALEs)—to report under Section 6055. • 2024 Forms 1094-C and 1095-C (and instructions) can be used by ALEs to report under Section 6056, as well as for combined Section 6055 and 6056 reporting by ALEs who sponsor self-insured plans. No major changes were made to the final forms and instructions for 2024 reporting. As a reminder, the electronic filing threshold for returns required to be filed on or after Jan. 1, 2024, is 10 or more returns (originally, the threshold was 250 or more returns). This requirement applies in the aggregate to certain information returns. Accordingly, a reporting entity may be required to file fewer than 10 of the applicable Form 1094 and 1095 but still have an electronic filing obligation based on other kinds of information returns filed (e.g., Forms W-2 and 1099). Employers should become familiar with the forms and instructions for 2024 calendar year reporting and prepare to promptly furnish individual statements and file returns. Individual statements for 2024 must be furnished by March 3, 2025 . Electronic IRS returns for 2024 must be filed by March 31, 2025 . IRS RELEASES HEALTH FSA LIMITS FOR 2025 On Oct. 22, 2024, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2024-40 (Rev. Proc. 24-40), which includes the inflation-adjusted limits for 2025 for health flexible spending accounts (FSAs). For plan years beginning in 2025, the adjusted dollar limit on employees’ pre-tax contributions to health FSAs increases to $3,300. This is a $100 increase from the 2024 health FSA limit of $3,200. As background, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) imposes a dollar limit on employees’ salary reduction contributions to health FSAs. This limit started at $2,500 for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2013, and has been adjusted for inflation for subsequent plan years. Employers should ensure their health FSAs will not allow employees to make pre-tax contributions over $3,300 for the 2025 plan year. Also, employers should confirm their health FSA contribution limit is included in the plan’s documents and communicate it to employees at enrollment time. In addition, as an exception to the use-or-lose rule, employers with health FSAs may allow employees to carry over a certain amount of funds remaining at the end of a plan year to reimburse eligible expenses incurred in the plan year immediately following. The maximum carryover amount is adjusted annually for inflation. For 2025, Rev. Proc. 24-40 increases the maximum carryover limit to $660 (from $640 for 2024). Provided to you by MFC Benefits, LLC © 2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved Download the PDF copy here. Link: http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://content.zywave.com/file/b6f7a224-b3a3-4409-a8f2-953f0994d66a/Benefits%20Buzz%20Newsletter%20January%202024.docx Link: http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://content.zywave.com/file/b6f7a224-b3a3-4409-a8f2-953f0994d66a/Benefits%20Buzz%20Newsletter%20January%202024.docx

Learn more about this year's flu season, the power of breathwork, and how to plan for a stress-free holiday season. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THIS YEAR'S FLU SEASON In the United States, influenza (flu) season lasts from October through May, with peak flu activity between December and March. What's more, flu season in the Southern Hemisphere often indicates what's to come in the United States. Data revealed that the 2024 flu season in the Southern Hemisphere was similar to previous flu seasons. With the potential for this year's flu season to be severe in the United States, vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the flu, especially severe disease and hospitalization. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the flu caused between 9 million and 41 million illnesses annually between 2010 and 2023. How to Stay Healthy The flu can cause serious complications for people of any age, but children and older adults are especially vulnerable. To help keep your household healthy this flu season, consider these tips: - Get the flu vaccine. Being vaccinated against the flu is your best chance of preventing the illness. The CDC recommends that anyone aged 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. - Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay away from others when you feel unwell. Because flu, cold and COVID-19 symptoms are similar, doctors say it's best to get tested to know what you have. - Wash your hands often using soap and warm water to protect against germs. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. - Cover your mouth and nose. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, and dispose of tissues immediately. - Get seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night to boost your immune system. - Exercise regularly to strengthen your body and make it more resilient against infections, including the flu. - Stay hydrated and eat a nutritious diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Experts recommend getting vaccinated against the flu by the end of October, so don't delay getting your shot. Contact your doctor today to learn more about vaccines. THE POWER OF BREATHWORK Breathwork, an ancient practice now embraced in modern wellness, benefits physical and mental health. By consciously altering your breathing patterns, you can: - Reduce stress. You'll activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing chronic stress. - Enhance focus. Slow, deep breathing can improve your concentration and emotional resilience. - Boost overall health. Breathwork positively impacts physical health, emotional well-being and sleep quality. Taking a few intentional breaths can make a difference, so try the techniques below. COMMON BREATHING TECHNIQUES - Equal breathing: inhale and exhale for the same amount of time, such as breathing in for four seconds and out for four. - Box breathing: mirroring the shape of a box, inhale for a count of four, hold for four, exhale for four and hold for four. - Deep breathing: for the 4-7-8 technique, breathe in for a count of four seconds, hold for seven and breathe out for eight. START PLANNING NOW FOR A STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY SEASON While the holiday season often brings joy, it can also cause stress for many individuals. Top holiday stressors include budgeting, managing multiple commitments and finding the perfect gifts. Fortunately, getting organized and planning what you can do ahead of time can help reduce your holiday stress. Consider these tips: - Write down any known commitments . Are you hosting a holiday dinner? Does your child's school have a seasonal concert? Make a list of your commitments will help you plan your time accordingly and avoid double-booking yourself. - Create your budget now . If you're stressed about how your holiday spending will impact you after the season ends, you're not alone. Set and stick to a realistic budget. Remember that a gift's sentiment is more important than the cost. - Start shopping early. Sometimes, you can get great deals on presents before the holiday season hits. Also, you can avoid the scenario (and stress) of not being able to get the gift you want because it's sold out. 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. © 2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved. Download the PDF copy here.

Learn more about the ACA's Pay-or-Play Affordability Percentage Increases for 2025 and the Mental Health Parity Law. ACA'S PAY-OR-PLAY AFFORDABILITY PERCENTAGE INCREASES FOR 2025 On Sept. 6, 2024, the IRS released the affordability percentage threshold for 2025 plan years under the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) pay-or-play rules. These rules require ALEs to offer affordable, minimum-value health coverage to their full-time employees (and dependents) or risk paying a penalty. For plan years beginning in 2025, employer-sponsored coverage will be considered affordable under the ACA's pay-or-play rules if the employee's required contribution for self-only coverage does not exceed 9.02% of their household income for the year. This is an increase from the affordability percentage for 2024 plan years (8.39%). Due to this increase, applicable large employers (ALEs) may have more flexibility when setting employee contribution levels for the 2025 plan year. The ACA's affordability test applies only to the portion of the annual premiums for self-only coverage and does not include any additional cost for family coverage. Also, if an employer offers multiple health coverage options, the affordability test applies to the lowest-cost option that provides minimum value. Because an employer generally will not know an employee's household income, the IRS has provided three optional safe harbors that ALEs may use to determine affordability based on information that is available to them: the Form W-2 safe harbor, the rate of pay safe harbor and the federal poverty level safe harbor. FINAL RULE STRENGTHENS MENTAL HEALTH PARITY LAW On Sept. 9, 2024, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (Departments) released a final rule to strengthen the requirements of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The final rule is designed to ensure that individuals do not face greater restrictions to obtaining mental health and substance use disorder (MH/SUD) benefits than they would face for medical/surgical benefits. The final rule adds protections against more restrictive nonquantitative treatment limitations (NQTLs), such as preauthorization requirements and network composition standards. For example, the final rule requires group health plans and health insurance issuers to collect and evaluate data related to the NQTLs they place on MH/SUD care and make changes if the data shows they are providing insufficient access. The final rule also establishes minimum standards for developing comparative analyses to assess whether NQTLs comply with MHPAEA's requirements. In most cases, employers rely on issuers and third-party vendors to prepare comparative analyses for their health plans. However, the final rule requires the comparative analyses for health plans covered by ERISA to include a fiduciary's certification that they have engaged in a prudent process and monitored their service providers. The final rule generally applies for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2025; however, certain key requirements, such as NQTL data requirements, apply for plan years beginning on or after Jan.1, 2026. Provided to you by MFC Benefits, LLC © 2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved Download the PDF copy here. Link: http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://content.zywave.com/file/b6f7a224-b3a3-4409-a8f2-953f0994d66a/Benefits%20Buzz%20Newsletter%20January%202024.docx Link: http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://content.zywave.com/file/b6f7a224-b3a3-4409-a8f2-953f0994d66a/Benefits%20Buzz%20Newsletter%20January%202024.docx

Learn more about cholesterol, knowing if you are prepared for a natural disaster, and the mental health crisis hotline. CHOLESTEROL AND YOU Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood that your body needs to build cells; however, too much can pose a problem. Cholesterol travels through the blood on proteins called lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins: 1. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as bad cholesterol , makes up most of your body's cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. 2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as good cholesterol , absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver to be flushed from the body. More than 40% of U.S. adults with high cholesterol don't know they have it, according to a study published in JAMA Cardiology. High cholesterol usually has no symptoms, so the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that adults age 20 or older have their cholesterol checked every four to six years. Bad cholesterol can be elevated by age, family history, certain health conditions (e.g., Type 2 diabetes and obesity) and lifestyle factors. While you can't control all those risk factors, you can take steps to lower your risk for high cholesterol with the following lifestyle changes: - Eat a heart-healthy, balanced diet. Saturated and trans fats can increase your cholesterol, so focus on monounsaturated fats (e.g., olive oil, nuts, and avocados) and polyunsaturated fats (e.g., salmon, herring and margarine). Also, limit red meat, fried foods, processed meats and baked goods. - Exercise regularly. The AHA recommends individuals get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week. Adding resistance exercises to your routine at least twice a week can further help. - Avoid or quit smoking. Smoking tobacco increases LDL cholesterol, decreases HDL cholesterol and can result in cholesterol buildup in one's arteries. - Limit alcohol use. If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. For men, typically means up to 2 drinks per day, and for women, 1 drink per day. - Maintain a weight that is healthy for you. Having excess weight or obesity can increase your risk of developing high cholesterol levels. A doctor can help determine a sustainable weight management plan. The only way to know whether you have high cholesterol is to check your levels. Visit your doctor for a cholesterol screening and to discuss lifestyle risks. ARE YOU PREPPED FOR A DISASTER? Disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes can strike with little to no warning. September is National Preparedness Month, making it a good time for you and your household to make a plan if you need to evacuate your home or get trapped inside for days. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends discussing the following questions when creating an emergency plan: - How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings? - What is my shelter plan? - What is my evacuation route? - What is my household communication plan? - Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit? You'll also need to consider your household's specific needs, make an emergency plan and practice it with your family members. These tips pertain to your home, but remember that emergencies can happen anywhere. Visit FEMA's website, Ready.gov, to learn more about preparing for emergencies at home, at work and on the road. Emergency Supply Kit Checklist - Water - Nonperishable food - Flashlight - Whistle - Dust mask - Local maps - Manual can opener - Battery-powered radio - First-aid kit - Pet supplies DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE 988 MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS HOTLINE The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) was launched nationwide in July 2022. Like dialing 911 for medical emergencies, people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis can call and text 988 to connect with counselors who will listen, provide support and connect them to resources. Since 988's launch, counselors have answered over 10 million calls, texts, and chats. Despite the volume, a new poll revealed that only 23% of Americans are at least somewhat familiar with 988. 988 provides immediate and accessible care to anyone experiencing mental health-related distress, including thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or other emotional struggles. It's vital to continue spreading the word about 988. People can also call if they are worried about a loved one who may need immediate support. 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. © 2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved. Download the PDF copy here.

Learn more about the DOL Updates and the deadline to receive MLR rebates. DOL UPDATES MODEL EMPLOYER CHIP NOTICE The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has released a new model employer Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) notice with information that is current as of July 31,2024. The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) imposes an annual notice requirement on employers who maintain group health plans in states that provide premium assistance subsidies under a Medicaid plan or a CHIP plan. An employer can choose to provide the notice on their own or concurrent with the furnishing of: - Materials notifying the employee of health plan eligibility - Open enrollment materials - The summary plan description An employer is subject to this annual notice requirement if their group health plan covers participants who reside in a state that provides a premium assistance subsidy, regardless of the employer's location. The DOL's model notice, which employers may use for this disclosure, is updated periodically to reflect changes in the states that offer premium assistance subsidies. The DOL's model employer CHIP notice includes information that is current as of July 31, 2024. Employers could also choose to prepare their own notices or modify the model notice. Employers should be sure to include at least the minimum relevant state contact information for any employee residing in a state with premium assistance. DEADLINE FOR EMPLOYERS TO RECEIVE MLR REBATES IS APPROACHING Employers with insured group health plans may soon receive a medical loss ration (MLR) rebate from their health insurance issuers. Issuers who did not meet the applicable MLR percentage for 2023 must provide rebates to plan sponsors by Sept 30, 2024 . These rebates may be in the form of a premium credit or a lump-sum payment. The MLR rules require issuers to disclose how much they spend on health care and how much they spend on administrative costs, such as salaries and marketing. If an issuer spends less than 80% (85% in the large group market) of premium dollars on medical care and efforts to improve the quality of care, they must refund the portion of the premium that exceeds this limit. Issuers who issue rebates must provide plan sponsors and participants with a notice explaining the rebate and how it was calculated. Employers who receive MLR rebates should consider their options for using the rebate. Any rebate amount that qualifies as a plan asset under ERISA must be used for the exclusive benefit of the plan's participants and beneficiaries. In general, employers should use the rebate within three months of receiving it to avoid ERISA's trust requirement. In addition, employers who receive MLR rebates should be prepared to answer questions from employees about the rebate and how it is being allocated. Provided to you by MFC Benefits, LLC © 2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved Download the PDF copy here. Link: http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://content.zywave.com/file/b6f7a224-b3a3-4409-a8f2-953f0994d66a/Benefits%20Buzz%20Newsletter%20January%202024.docx Link: http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://content.zywave.com/file/b6f7a224-b3a3-4409-a8f2-953f0994d66a/Benefits%20Buzz%20Newsletter%20January%202024.docx

Learn more about the health benefits of camping, the increase of drowning rates and if you are up to date on your immunizations. THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF CAMPING Millions of Americans enjoy camping each year, especially as temperatures rise and days get longer in the summer. Moreover, interest among noncampers has been growing steadily for years. According to a 2024 report by camping platform Dyrt, more than 20 million Americans have gone camping for the first time since 2021, including 5.5 million first-time campers just in 2023. Dyrt revealed that nearly 2 out of 3 Americans say they are somewhat interested in camping in the next three years. Camping has seen a resurgence in popularity as more people seek ways to unplug from their daily routines and reconnect with nature. Beyond the scenic views and adventures, camping offers the following wellness benefits that can significantly enhance your physical and mental health: Increased physical activity - camping naturally encourages movement. Activities such as hiking, setting up camp or gathering firewood provide a full-body workout. Boosted immune system - fresh air improves respiratory function and boosts the immune system. Sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health and immune support. Better sleep - natural light regulates the body's circadian rhythm, which can help reset sleep patterns. This can lead to deeper, restorative sleep so you wake up feeling refreshed. Reduced stress - the calming effect of natural surroundings helps lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Enhanced mood - exposure to green spaces and natural light can improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Being outdoors can also trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood enhancers. Elevated mental clarity - camping provides an opportunity to disconnect from technology and daily distractions, allowing for mindfulness. Heightened creativity - immersing yourself in nature can stimulate creativity and encourage problem-solving. Whether you're a seasoned camping pro or an eager newcomer, its a good idea to review camping safety before heading outdoors. Also, always strive to leave things better than you found them so others can enjoy the beauty of nature as you have. DROWNING RATES ON THE RISE After two decades of decline, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that accidental drowning rates are increasing in the United States. According to the latest data, more than 4,500 people died due to drowning each year from 2020-2022, which is 500 more individuals per year compared to 2019. Drowning has long been the leading cause of death for preschool-age children. However, it's important to note that roughly 15% of adults - 40 million people - don't know how to swim, and more than half of adults have never taken a swimming lesson. The new CDC study found that, in general, many Americans lack the skills they need to stay safe in the water. Regardless of age, it's important to learn basic swimming and water safety skills. Check out the infographic below for water safety tips to help prevent drowning. Water Safety Tips: learn how to swim, wear life jackets when boating and swimming, avoid alcohol during water activities, know how to perform CPR, and supervise children around water. ARE YOU UP TO DATE ON YOUR IMMUNIZATIONS? August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month to promote the importance of immunizations at all life stages. Vaccination protects against severe illnesses and complications of vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, polio, hepatitis, meningococcal meningitis and COVID-19. Vaccinations are so vital that the CDC offers immunization schedules to help you understand if you or others are up to date on shots: Infants and children (birth to age 6) Preteens and teens (ages 7-18) Adults (ages 19 and older) Pregnant women (before, during and after pregnancy) Talk to your doctor for more information on vaccines or to learn more about which ones you may need. 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. © 2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved. Download the PDF copy here.

Learn more about the 5th Circuit Requires Health Plans to Continue Providing Free Preventive Care and Draft Forms for 2024 ACA Reporting Released 5TH CIRCUIT REQUIRES HEALTH PLANS TO CONTINUE PROVIDING FREE PREVENTIVE CARE The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that a key component of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) preventive care mandate is unconstitutional. However, in a decision it referred to as a “mixed bag,” the 5th Circuit limited its ruling to the plaintiffs in the case, a small group of individuals and businesses from Texas. The ACA requires non-grandfathered health plans and issuers to cover a set of recommended preventive services without imposing cost-sharing requirements, such as deductibles, copayments or coinsurance, when the services are provided by in-network providers. Court Decisions In March 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas struck down a key component of the ACA’s preventive care mandate as unconstitutional and issued a nationwide injunction against its enforcement. This decision involved a wide range of preventive care services, such as cancer screenings and medications for chronic diseases. The 5th Circuit put the District Court’s decision on hold pending its ruling, which means health plans and issuers have been required to fully comply with the ACA’s preventive care mandate without interruption. Impact of 5th Circuit Ruling Health plans and issuers must continue to cover the full range of recommended preventive care items and services without cost sharing. Only the plaintiffs in the case are exempt from a portion of the ACA’s preventive care mandate. However, the future of the ACA’s free preventive care mandate remains uncertain. Employers should continue to watch for developments on this issue, as it is likely that the 5th Circuit's decision will be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. DRAFT FORMS FOR 2024 ACA REPORTING RELEASED The IRS has released draft 2024 forms for reporting under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6055 and 6056. Draft instructions for these forms have not yet been released. • The 2024 draft Forms 1094-B and 1095-B are draft versions of the forms used by providers of minimum essential coverage, including self-insured plan sponsors that are not applicable large employers (ALEs), to report under Section 6055. • The 2024 draft Forms 1094-C and 1095-C are draft versions of forms ALEs use to report under Section 6056 and for combined Section 6055 and 6056 reporting by ALEs who sponsor self insured plans. No major substantive changes were made to the draft forms for 2024 reporting. However, certain changes may be made once these forms are finalized or when draft or final instructions are released. Reporting Deadlines Individual statements for 2024 are due 30 days from Jan. 31, 2025. Because the deadline falls on a weekend, the individual statements must be furnished by the next business day, which is March 3, 2025. An alternative method of furnishing Form 1095-B is available. Electronic IRS returns for 2024 must be filed by March 31, 2025. Provided to you by MFC Benefits, LLC © 2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved Download the PDF copy here. Link: http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://content.zywave.com/file/b6f7a224-b3a3-4409-a8f2-953f0994d66a/Benefits%20Buzz%20Newsletter%20January%202024.docx Link: http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://content.zywave.com/file/b6f7a224-b3a3-4409-a8f2-953f0994d66a/Benefits%20Buzz%20Newsletter%20January%202024.docx