Comply on the Fly

Understanding HIPAA

A key HIPAA compliance deadline is coming: self-funded plan sponsors must update their Notice of Privacy Practices by February 16, 2026.In this episode of Comply on the Fly, understand what that deadline means for employers who sponsor self-funded health plans, including self-funded medical or dental plans, HRAs and ICHRAs, and medical FSAs. Karen breaks down when employers are responsible for providing a Notice of Privacy Practices, how often it must be distributed, and what new disclosures are required under updated 42 CFR Part 2 rules related to substance use disorder records.
Understand what’s changing, where compliance gaps often exist, and how to update notices before the deadline—without unnecessary complexity.
 

Benefits Buyer's Remorse: Compliance Reality Check

Ever have employees come to you in January already regretting their benefit elections?In this episode of Comply on the Fly, Karen breaks down the very real phenomenon of benefits buyer’s remorse—when employees realize that low premiums can mean higher out-of-pocket costs and suddenly want a do-over. From Section 125 qualifying events (and what doesn’t count) to mid-year plan changes, self-funded vs. fully insured flexibility, and why “I don’t like this plan” isn’t a compliance strategy, this episode explains what employers can—and can’t—do once coverage is in effect. A timely reminder that strong open enrollment education can prevent a lot of January regret.
____________________
Please note: This podcast and the contents herein do not constitute legal advice. Seek the advice of counsel for any benefit compliance related implementation guidance or strategy.

Avoiding Common Missteps in 2025 ACA Reporting

ACA reporting hasn’t gotten simpler—it’s gotten quieter and more nuanced. Between changes to how 1095-Cs are distributed, increased reliance on accurate measurement methods, and growing complexity in hybrid plan designs, small missteps now carry bigger consequences. This latest Comply on the Fly episode focuses on the judgment calls employers are actually making in 2025—not just the deadlines—so you can avoid avoidable errors and reduce last-minute stress.
Karen also unpacks one of the most misunderstood updates: the shift away from automatically distributing 1095-Cs—and what “clear, conspicuous, and accessible” really means when employees request their forms.
If ACA reporting feels more complex each year, this episode explains why—and how a proactive approach throughout the year can make compliance far less painful when deadlines hit.
____________________
Please note: This podcast and the contents herein do not constitute legal advice. Seek the advice of counsel for any benefit compliance related implementation guidance or strategy.

Minnesota Paid Leave FAQs

Since Minnesota first announced its Paid Leave program, Comply on the Fly has been sharing resources to help employers prepare. In this episode, Karen B and Compliance Attorney Alex O’Connor tackle the most common questions coming in as we approach the 2026 go-live date.
They cover how PTO, vacation, sick leave, and short-term disability interact with the new benefits, what employers need to know about “topping off,” private plan exception timelines, required notices, and how Minnesota Paid Leave coordinates with FMLA.
If you’re looking for quick, practical answers and clarity on what’s surfaced most often so far, this episode is a must-listen.

Annual Gag Clause Attestation Requirements

In this episode of Comply on the Fly, host Karen B. breaks down the annual Gag Clause Attestation requirement due by December 31 and the latest guidance from federal departments.
Understand how new FAQs clarify what counts as a prohibited gag clause—from downstream agreements and discretionary disclosures to limits on data access—and what plan sponsors should do if such clauses exist in their contracts.
Tune in for a concise, practical overview to help your organization stay compliant and avoid enforcement risks.
____________________
Please note: This podcast and the contents herein do not constitute legal advice. Seek the advice of counsel for any benefit compliance related implementation guidance or strategy.

2026 FSA Limits

The IRS has announced new FSA contribution limits for 2026, and they’re climbing again. In COTF episode, host Karen Breitnauer walks through what’s changing, including updates to the health FSA contribution cap, reminders on dependent care FSAs, and what employers should do next.
Staying current on these annual limits helps ensure your organization’s benefit offerings remain both compliant and compelling heading into 2026.

2025 Open Enrollment Reminders

In this episode of Comply on the Fly, host Karen Breithnauer shares key reminders for employers during open enrollment, including required notices like HIPAA, CHIPRA, and Medicare Part D. It’s a quick, must-listen for HR professionals, benefits administrators, and compliance leads looking to avoid costly oversights. In under five minutes, Karen breaks down the most important federal compliance tasks into a clear checklist, complete with practical timing reminders and updates to affordability thresholds.
 
____________________
Please note: This podcast and the contents herein do not constitute legal advice. Seek the advice of counsel for any benefit compliance related implementation guidance or strategy.

Minnesota Paid Leave

Minnesota’s new paid family and medical leave law takes effect January 1, 2026. If you have employees in the state, you’ll need to act. This COTF episode features M3’s Alex O’Connor, to  break down what employers need to know: compliance options, premium costs, deadlines, and how to prepare your team.
 
Please note: This podcast and the contents herein do not constitute legal advice. Seek the advice of counsel for any benefit compliance related implementation guidance or strategy.

2025 Part D Creditable Coverage

In this episode of Comply on the Fly, host Karen B. dives into an annual compliance requirement: Medicare Part D creditable coverage notices. Employers that sponsor health plans must tell Medicare eligible participants whether their prescription drug coverage is creditable, meaning it is as good as or better than Medicare Part D.
This notice helps participants avoid late enrollment penalties and must be provided each year by October 15.
_____________________________________________________________________
Please note: This podcast and the contents herein do not constitute legal advice. Seek the advice of counsel for any benefit compliance related implementation guidance or strategy.

COTF: 2026 ACA Out-of-Pocket Limits

Did you catch the update? HHS (the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) raised the 2026 ACA out-of-pocket maximums. What does that mean for your group health plan, and your employees? Comply on the Fly has the quick compliance insight you need to stay ahead of 2026 requirements.