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Federal Enforcement Targets Benefits Cybersecurity

The Department of Labor shifted its 2026 enforcement priorities to target cybersecurity vulnerabilities, mental health access barriers, and surprise billing in employer benefits plans.

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Health Insurance Penalties Jump to $3,340 Per Employee

The IRS hiked ACA employer mandate penalties 25% for 2026. Companies with 50+ employees now face $3,340 per worker if they don't provide coverage. One mistake could cost $500,000+.

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NY Paid Family Leave Benefits Jump to $1,228 Weekly

New York's maximum Paid Family Leave benefit increased to $1,228.53 per week in January—but many Long Island employers still struggle with PFL compliance basics. Plus: minimum wage hits $17/hour and overtime thresholds climb.

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New HSA Rules Create Hidden Tax Traps for Long Island SMBs

Recent IRS changes expand HSA eligibility but create compliance headaches. Bronze ACA plans now qualify, and HSA funds can pay direct primary care fees - but new rules mean new ways to get penalized if you're not careful.

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Making Your Ancillary Benefits Actually Worth the Cost

You're paying for vision, dental, and life insurance your employees barely use. New 2026 data shows 40% of ancillary benefits go unused at small companies - that's money with zero ROI on retention or recruitment.

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Ancillary Benefits: Why Employees Don't Use What You Buy

Many Long Island employers pay for vision, dental, and life insurance benefits their employees never use. When staff don't understand their coverage, your benefits investment generates zero ROI in retention or recruiting.

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HSA Rules Just Got Better for Long Island Employers

New federal guidance expands HSA eligibility to ACA Bronze plans and allows tax-free Direct Primary Care payments. Plus higher contribution limits mean bigger tax deductions for your business in 2026.

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Why Vision Benefits Often Go Unused at Small Companies

Many small business employees skip their annual eye exams despite having vision coverage. Here's how Long Island employers can boost utilization and maximize their investment in ancillary benefits.

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College Grad Hiring Drops as Small Firms Face Training Costs

Small businesses are 30% more likely to skip hiring recent college graduates in 2026 due to high training demands. With job openings at their lowest since 2020, employers are rethinking entry-level strategies.

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CHOICE Act Could Change Small Business Health Benefits

New federal legislation would codify health reimbursement accounts and exempt small businesses from certain restrictions, but Long Island employers should understand the tradeoffs before abandoning group coverage.

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DOL Shifts From Litigation to Guidance for Small Business

The Department of Labor is moving away from lengthy enforcement battles toward providing compliance assistance through amicus briefs and guidance. This employer-friendly shift could reduce litigation risks for Long Island businesses with benefits plans.

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DOL Backs Employers in 401(k) Forfeiture Lawsuits

The Department of Labor filed court briefs defending small business 401(k) sponsors against forfeiture allocation lawsuits, clarifying that standard plan decisions aren't fiduciary violations.

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DOL Ends Years-Long Investigations, Offers More Help

The Department of Labor pledges to replace "regulation by litigation" with compliance assistance. Long Island employers can now expect guidance over enforcement actions for ERISA violations.

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NY Construction Workers Gain Paid Family Leave Access

Starting January 2027, New York construction workers moving between union employers can qualify for Paid Family Leave benefits. Long Island contractors face new compliance challenges.