The Daily Brief for Benefits Professionals
BenefitsWire
Health & Welfare Plans
July 3, 2026
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8 items · ~2 min read
In this issue
Regulatory Action and Guidance (5) · Health & Welfare Plans (2) · Litigation (1)
Regulatory Action and Guidance
5 items“By July 31, employers that sponsor self-funded medical plans must report and pay their PCORI fee. By July 31, employers that sponsor calendar-year employee benefit plans that are subject to ERISA must file a Form 5500 (unless an exception applies) or request an extension by filing a Form 5558.” MORE >>
Source: JD Supra
The IRS has scheduled a public hearing on proposed rules (REG-113229-25) that would raise the dollar thresholds triggering Form 1099 information reporting for trade or business payments and adjust related backup withholding requirements; benefits professionals should monitor changes that could affect reporting obligations for plan-related payments. MORE >>
Source: IRS
“Quick Hits For Maryland employers, the guidance provides a valuable window into how the MCCR evaluates employment-related discrimination claims.” MORE >>
Source: Ogletree Deakins
“In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the IRS is inviting comments on the information collection request outlined in this notice.” MORE >>
Source: IRS
[General Benefits]
Termination of Three Declarations Authorizing Emergency Use of Medical Devices During the COVID-19 PandemicHHS Secretary terminated three COVID-19 emergency use authorization declarations covering in vitro diagnostics, respiratory protective devices, and other medical devices, effective December 26, 2026, ending the legal basis for EUA-authorized COVID-related products that some employer health plans have covered. MORE >>
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Health & Welfare Plans
2 items“As we find ourselves in the new financial year, a number of the key financial thresholds relating to employees have changed. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage has increased by 6% to AU$26.” MORE >>
Source: JD Supra
[Regulatory Action and Guidance]
Fertility Benefits, Medical Marijuana, and Whistleblower Protections - Employment Law This Week®“The U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury have issued a proposed rule to allow employers to provide fertility coverage as a limited excepted benefit, exempt from the Affordable Care Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act's portability requirements.” MORE >>
Source: JD Supra
Litigation
1 item“Twenty-six states are seeking to overturn some of the regulation released by the CMS this month that outlined Medicaid work requirements. The CMS published its highly anticipated interim final earlier this month, just seven months ahead of the deadline for states to begin enforcing work requirements in Medicaid.” MORE >>
Source: Healthcare Dive