All News & Updates
Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage
October 5, 2025 – While employers are not required to offer creditable prescription drug coverage, they are required to determine whether their coverage is creditable or non-creditable and communicate that status to eligible individuals. Learn more about how to determine creditable coverage, disclose the status to participants, and meet CMS reporting requirements.
Gag Clause Attestations
October 5, 2026 – Gag clause compliance remains an important annual obligation for employer-sponsored health plans. Learn which plans are affected, who can complete the attestation, and the steps employers should take before the December 31 deadline.
Clarification for DCAP Nondiscrimination Rules
October 5, 2026 – Proposed IRS guidance clarifies key DCAP nondiscrimination requirements and introduces a more workable approach to the 55% average benefits test. Read more to see how the changes could affect your plan.
Trump Account Contribution Programs
October 5, 2026 – The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created a new employer-sponsored benefit opportunity that allows tax-favored contributions to Trump Accounts for employees and their dependents. Learn how these new programs work, key compliance requirements, and what employers should consider before implementation.
Third Quarter Benefit News Highlights
October 5, 2026 – Stay up to date on the latest benefits developments, including proposed electronic disclosure rules, mental health parity enforcement guidance, updated compliance notices, and growing ICHRA adoption trends. Read more for the highlights.
North Risk Partners Named a 2026 Mployer Top Consultant
September 23, 2026 – North Risk Partners’ Plymouth and St. Cloud offices named 2026 Mployer’s Top Employee Benefits Consultant.
#Celebrating Exceptionalism: All-Company Meeting on Tour Award Winners
At our All-Company Meetings on Tour, we had the opportunity to recognize outstanding employees from each region who make a difference across our organization every day.
Tony Ciro and The Coverage Partners Join North Risk Partners
July 1, 2026 – Tony Ciro and The Coverage Partners of Hastings, MN, have joined North Risk Partners, one of the largest independent insurance brokers and risk advisory firms in the Midwest
Second Quarter Benefit News Highlights
July 21, 2026 – This quarter’s benefits news highlights several important developments impacting employer-sponsored health and welfare plans, including new Medicare creditable coverage rules, increased HIPAA enforcement activity, updated employer mandate penalties, and evolving guidance on fertility benefits. Read more to stay informed and prepared.
Individual Coverage HRAs (ICHRAs)
July 21, 2026 – ICHRAs offer employers a flexible alternative to traditional group health plans by reimbursing employees for individual health insurance and medical expenses. Read more to understand how ICHRAs work, when they may be a good fit, and the key compliance requirements employers need to consider.
Form 5500s for Health & Welfare Plans
July 21, 2026 – Form 5500 filing requirements are a key part of ERISA compliance for employer-sponsored health and welfare plans. Read more to understand which plans must file, important deadlines, and how proper plan structure can help simplify reporting and avoid penalties.
Nebraska Enacts New Mini-WARN Act
July 13, 2026 – The Nebraska Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (Mini-WARN Act) takes effect on July 18, 2026, and requires certain employers to provide advance notice before qualifying business closings or mass layoffs.
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