As the regulatory environment continues to shift in 2025, staying compliant with employee benefits rules—especially around mid-year election changes—has never been more critical. To help employers and plan sponsors navigate this evolving landscape, Accretive recently hosted a comprehensive webinar exploring the legal and operational complexities of employee-initiated benefit changes outside the traditional open enrollment window.
Tailored for HR professionals, benefits administrators, compliance officers, and brokers, the session delivered practical insights and actionable guidance on:
Key Topics and Takeaways
- Statutory Framework: Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code and HIPAA set limits on mid-year election changes. Employers must account for both federal and state rules, as state laws may supersede federal guidelines.
- Regulatory Developments: Federal and state regulations on benefit elections change frequently, so ongoing vigilance is necessary.
- Operational Guidance: Plan sponsors should use clear procedures and strong documentation to ensure compliance when handling employee requests.
This integrated approach emphasized the importance of both understanding the statutory and operational landscape and applying practical steps to ensure compliance with employee benefits regulations.
Your Presenter:
JD, CCEP – SVP, Chief Counsel, Employee Benefits Compliance, Accretive
Amy Blakeley Donovan is Senior Vice President, Chief Counsel, Employee Benefits Compliance for Accretive and is a primary source for legislative and regulatory research, analysis, and advocacy. Amy authors the firm’s briefings and position papers on emerging legislation, regulation and litigation and works with stakeholders at a state and national level to advocate on issues that impact Accretive companies and their clients. As a member of the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers (CIAB) Legal Counsel Working Group, she meets regularly with federal lawmakers, lobbyists and thought leaders to discuss national trends in health insurance issues.
