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.
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+.
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.
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.
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.
Federal Employee Benefits Changes Shape Private Sector Plans New federal employee benefit adjustments and retirement considerations offer insights for NY employers reviewing their own plan designs and compliance strategies in the evolving benefits landscape.
DOL Expands Self-Correction Program for Benefit Plan Errors The Department of Labor's expanded self-correction program allows plan administrators to fix ERISA violations voluntarily and reduce penalties. Learn how NY employers can use this compliance tool to address operational errors before enforcement action.