Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Kellie Thomas
Melissa Kurtzman, Melissa Ostrower and Kellie Thomas Comment on the Expansion of the Employee Benefits Practice in Philadelphia
Melissa Kurtzman, Melissa Ostrower and Kellie Thomas comment on Kurtzman’s move to Jackson Lewis and the expansion of the firm’s employee benefits capabilities in "Employee Benefits Atty Joins Jackson Lewis in Philadelphia," published by Law360. Subscription may be required to view article
Oh, Baby! Fertility Benefits Remain A Focus For Employers And Regulators
Jackson Lewis P.C. are most popular: within Energy and Natural Resources topic(s) with Senior Company Executives and HR The Departments of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services (Departments) issued a proposed rule that could significantly reshape how employers offer fertility benefits. The proposal would give employers another pathway to offer fertility benefits without embedding those benefits directly in the employer’s major medical plan.
Oh, Baby! Fertility Benefits Remain a Focus for Employers and Regulators
The Departments of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services (Departments) issued a proposed rule that could significantly reshape how employers offer fertility benefits. The proposal would give employers another pathway to offer fertility benefits without embedding those benefits directly in the employer’s major medical plan.
IRS Guidance Section 127 Education Assistance Programs: 2024 vs. 2026
In April 2026, the IRS released updated FAQ (FS-2026-10) that supersedes the prior 2024 FAQ (FS-2024-22) addressing Section 127 educational assistance programs. While the core statutory framework remains largely unchanged, the updated guidance reflects both amendments made by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and additional IRS clarifications that may influence how employers evaluate plan design and administration going forward.
IRS Guidance Section 127 Education Assistance Programs: 2024 vs. 2026
Melissa Ostrower’s articles from Jackson Lewis P.C. are most popular: with readers working within the Aerospace & Defence industries Jackson Lewis P.C. are most popular: within Energy and Natural Resources topic(s) In April 2026, the IRS released updated FAQ (FS-2026-10) that supersedes the prior 2024 FAQ (FS-2024-22) addressing Section 127 educational assistance programs.
National Employee Benefits Day – a Reflection on What to Expect This Year
Each April, National Employee Benefits Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the rapidly shifting landscape of employer‑sponsored benefits. From implementing new tax laws, a flurry of executive orders with implications for both retirement and welfare plans, updated agency guidance, increased litigation and enforcement activity, and updates to longstanding requirements, plan fiduciaries have a great deal to manage as they work to stay current.
HIPAA Notices Of Privacy Practices: A February 2026 Deadline Employers Should Not Miss
Jackson Lewis P.C. are most popular: within Energy and Natural Resources and Criminal Law topic(s) HIPAA compliance requirements continue to evolve, and recent court decisions have understandably drawn significant attention. Last summer, we examined these developments in our Workplace Privacy Report article, analyzing how a Texas federal district court decision affected the HIPAA Reproductive Health Privacy Rule and why a subsequent Supreme Court decision may change that outcome.
HIPAA Notices of Privacy Practices: A February 2026 Deadline Employers Should Not Miss
HIPAA compliance requirements continue to evolve, and recent court decisions have understandably drawn significant attention. Last summer, we examined these developments in our Workplace Privacy Report article, analyzing how a Texas federal district court decision affected the HIPAA Reproductive Health Privacy Rule and why a subsequent Supreme Court decision may change that outcome.
HIPAA Notices of Privacy Practices: A February 2026 Deadline Employers Should Not Miss | JD Supra
HIPAA compliance requirements continue to evolve, and recent court decisions have understandably drawn significant attention. Last summer, we examined these developments in our Workplace Privacy Report article, analyzing how a Texas federal district court decision affected the HIPAA Reproductive Health Privacy Rule and why a subsequent Supreme Court decision may change that outcome.
The New Year And The OBBBA! What To Expect…
Jackson Lewis P.C. are most popular: within Energy and Natural Resources and Criminal Law topic(s) Our Employee Benefits attorneys offer insights into the tax and benefits aspects of the OBBBA that employers should focus on in 2026. We review key employer obligations and planning considerations for 2026, highlighting where temporary transition relief applied in 2025 and should not be mistaken for lasting flexibility.
OBBBA In 2026: Immediate Action Required For Employers
Jackson Lewis P.C. are most popular: within Energy and Natural Resources and Criminal Law topic(s) The IRS ended 2025 transition relief so payroll systems, reporting workflows and workforce policies should be fully operational in 2026 for information returns, benefit plan operation, immigration compliance pressure, and workforce policy impacts.
The New Year and the OBBBA! What to Expect…
Our Employee Benefits attorneys offer insights into the tax and benefits aspects of the OBBA that employers should focus on in 2026. We review key employer obligations and planning considerations for 2026, highlighting where temporary transition relief applied in 2025 and should not be mistaken for lasting flexibility.
OBBBA in 2026: Immediate Action Required for Employers
The IRS ended 2025 transition relief so payroll systems, reporting workflows and workforce policies should be fully operational in 2026 for information returns, benefit plan operation, immigration compliance pressure, and workforce policy impacts. • Immigration and benefits compliance costs rise in 2026, driven by new OBBBA mandated immigration fees, heightened worksite enforcement expectations and benefit plan updates.
New Tax-Advantaged Savings Accounts for Children- Trump Accounts Expected to Go Live in 2026
Legal Disclaimer You are responsible for reading, understanding, and agreeing to the National Law Review's (NLR’s) and the National Law Forum LLC's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy before using the National Law Review website. The National Law Review is a free-to-use, no-log-in database of legal and business articles. The content and links on www.NatLawReview.com are intended for general information purposes only.
New Tax-Advantaged Savings Accounts For Children: Trump Accounts Expected To Go Live In 2026
JL Jackson Lewis P.C. More Focused on employment and labor law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C.’s 1,100+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business.
New Tax-Advantaged Savings Accounts for Children: Trump Accounts Expected to Go Live in 2026
Takeaways A provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act created “Trump Accounts,” a new type of individual retirement account (IRA) for children. Starting in 2026, a Trump Account may be opened for any child who is a U.S. citizen, has a Social Security number, and who will still be under age 18 by the end of the calendar year. Related Links IRS and Treasury Guidance Final regulations are not yet available, but Notice 2025-68 summarizes how Trump Accounts will work.
New Tax-Advantaged Savings Accounts for Children: Trump Accounts Expected to Go Live in 2026 | JD Supra
[co-author: Sasha Rousseau]* Takeaways A provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act created “Trump Accounts,” a new type of individual retirement account (IRA) for children. Starting in 2026, a Trump Account may be opened for any child who is a U.S. citizen, has a Social Security number, and who will still be under age 18 by the end of the calendar year. Related Links IRS and Treasury Guidance Final regulations are not yet available, but Notice 2025-68 summarizes how Trump Accounts will work.
Live From Workplace Horizons 2025: How To Be A Multistate Employer - One Size Does Not Fit All (Podcast)
Welcome to a special edition of We get work®, recorded live from Workplace Horizons 2025 in New York City, Jackson Lewis' annual Labor and Employment Law Conference. Over 500 representatives from 260 companies gathered together to share valuable insights and best practices on workplace law issues impacting their business today. Here's your personal invitation to get the insights from the conference, delivered directly to you.
National Employee Benefits Day: Reflecting On Our Favorite Holiday
President Trump's First 100 Days: Impact on Employers America First Investment Policy (executive order) Make America Healthy Again: New Executive Order Revisits Group Health Plan Price Transparency Exciting Update: Self-Correction for Delinquent Contributions Now Possible Under the DOL's VFCP Employers Who Administer PFML Programs Get Much-Needed Guidance from IRS ERISA Litigation Advisor Arkansas Insurance Department Pharmacy Benefit Manager Regulation Program Florida Office of Insurance...
National Employee Benefits Day: Reflecting on Our Favorite Holiday | JD Supra
April 3, 2025 To embed, copy and paste the code into your website or blog: Related links President Trump’s First 100 Days: Impact on Employers America First Investment Policy (executive order) Make America Healthy Again: New Executive Order Revisits Group Health Plan Price Transparency Exciting Update: Self-Correction for Delinquent Contributions Now Possible Under the DOL’s VFCP Employers Who Administer PFML Programs Get Much-Needed Guidance from IRS ERISA Litigation Advisor Arkansas...
National Employee Benefits Day: Reflecting on Our Favorite Holiday
Each year, National Employee Benefits Day offers a chance to reflect on the ever-changing landscape of employer-sponsored benefits. This year may be the most pivotal since the COVID-19 relief guidance of 2020. The landscape of employee benefits has seen significant changes, particularly in areas such as health and welfare plan administration, compliance with mental health parity, and transparency in coverage. For a comprehensive understanding, read the full article.
The Guidance Has Arrived! More Information From The IRS On ACA Forms 1095-B And 1095-C
JL Jackson Lewis P.C. More Focused on employment and labor law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C.’s 1,000+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business.
The Guidance Has Arrived! More Information from the IRS on ACA Forms 1095-B and 1095-C | JD Supra
Takeaways Employers may post a notice on their website instead of automatically furnishing Forms 1095-B and 1095-C to all full-time employees. The first due date for such a notice is March 3 for 2024 forms, and the notice must remain accessible until October 15.
The Guidance Has Arrived! More Information from the IRS on ACA Forms 1095-B and 1095-C
Skip to main content February 28, 2025 Volume XV, Number 59 Legal Analysis. Expertly Written. Quickly Found. Trending News The Guidance Has Arrived! More Information from the IRS on ACA Forms 1095-B and 1095-C Print Mail Download />i Facebook Twitter Linkedin Pinterest Reddit Facebook Messenger Email Digg Print X Buffer Flipboard Employers may post a notice on their website instead of automatically furnishing Forms 1095-B and 1095-C to all full-time employees.
The Guidance Has Arrived! More Information from the IRS on ACA Forms 1095-B and 1095-C
Takeaways Employers may post a notice on their website instead of automatically furnishing Forms 1095-B and 1095-C to all full-time employees. The first due date for such a notice is March 3 for 2024 forms, and the notice must remain accessible until October 15.
Health And Welfare Plans: Recent Topics In Year-End Compliance
As we bid farewell to 2024 and look ahead to the new year, we reflect on the many evolving compliance obligations that health and welfare plan sponsors tackle each year. Although this list is by no means exhaustive, it highlights four items and associated deadlines that have recently emerged on the health and welfare scene. Plan sponsors should review their routine compliance checklists and update as necessary to ensure a smooth transition into 2025.
Affordable Care Act Reporting Changes: Good News For Plan Sponsors
JL Jackson Lewis P.C. More Focused on employment and labor law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C.’s 1,000+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business.
Health and Welfare Plans: Recent Topics in Year-End Compliance | JD Supra
As we bid farewell to 2024 and look ahead to the new year, we reflect on the many evolving compliance obligations that health and welfare plan sponsors tackle each year. Although this list is by no means exhaustive, it highlights four items and associated deadlines that have recently emerged on the health and welfare scene. Plan sponsors should review their routine compliance checklists and update as necessary to ensure a smooth transition into 2025.
Affordable Care Act Reporting Changes: Good News for Plan Sponsors | JD Supra
Congress recently passed the Employer Reporting Improvement Act and the Paperwork Burden Reduction Act (the Acts), which are now awaiting President Biden’s signature. The Acts, among other things, introduce several significant changes to the reporting and enforcement rules of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Health Plan Hygiene Part 2: ERISA Fiduciaries - That May Mean You!
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) regulates most private employee benefit retirement and welfare plans. This statute's purview is vast; it governs employer-sponsored defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans and an array of welfare plans. Under ERISA, a plan fiduciary is an entity that exercises authority or control over the management or disposition of plan assets. Within the ERISA context, "fiduciary" is a functional title rather than a job title.
Health Plan Hygiene Part 2: ERISA Fiduciaries – That May Mean You! | JD Supra
[co-author: Sasha Rousseau] The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) regulates most private employee benefit retirement and welfare plans. This statute’s purview is vast; it governs employer-sponsored defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans and an array of welfare plans. Under ERISA, a plan fiduciary is an entity that exercises authority or control over the management or disposition of plan assets.
Health Plan Hygiene Part 2: ERISA Fiduciaries – That May Mean You!
Skip to main content July 24, 2024 Volume XIV, Number 206 Legal Analysis. Expertly Written. Quickly Found. Trending News Health Plan Hygiene Part 2: ERISA Fiduciaries – That May Mean You! Print Mail Download />i Facebook Twitter Linkedin Pinterest Reddit Facebook Messenger Email Digg Print X Buffer Flipboard The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) regulates most private employee benefit retirement and welfare plans.
Use Of Plan Forfeitures Not The Slam Dunk It Used To Be
A recent rash of class action lawsuits in California claim that using forfeitures to reduce future employer contributions to tax-qualified retirement plans runs afoul of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). These cases have continued to advance despite their central claim seeming to contradict long-standing Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance for the permitted use of plan forfeitures.
California Lawsuits on Forfeitures Under Employee Retirement Inco
A recent rash of class action lawsuits in California claim that using forfeitures to reduce future employer contributions to tax-qualified retirement plans runs afoul of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). These cases have continued to advance despite their central claim seeming to contradict long-standing Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance for the permitted use of plan forfeitures.
Use of Plan Forfeitures Not the Slam Dunk It Used to Be
A recent rash of class action lawsuits in California claim that using forfeitures to reduce future employer contributions to tax-qualified retirement plans runs afoul of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). These cases have continued to advance despite their central claim seeming to contradict long-standing Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance for the permitted use of plan forfeitures.
The Year Ahead 2024: Employee Benefits (Podcast)
Alitia Faccone: Welcome to We get work" and The Year Ahead 2024 podcast series. Covering workplace issues from both subject matter and industry perspectives, the 19 episodes in our series provide both big picture trends and detailed tactics that can help employers achieve their workplace ideal, while remaining real about regulations, compliance challenges, and more in 2024.
The Year Ahead 2024: Employee Benefits
Click here to listen to the audio Transcript Alitia Faccone: Welcome to We get work™ and The Year Ahead 2024 podcast series. Covering workplace issues from both subject matter and industry perspectives, the 19 episodes in our series provide both big picture trends and detailed tactics that can help employers achieve their workplace ideal, while remaining real about regulations, compliance challenges, and more in 2024.
The Meaning Behind The Song: Seven Shades of Blue by Beth Nielsen Chapman
The Meaning Behind The Song: Seven Shades of Blue by Beth Nielsen Chapman Beth Nielsen Chapman is an American singer and songwriter known for her heartfelt and thought-provoking lyrics. One of her most profound songs is “Seven Shades of Blue,” and the meaning behind it has captivated many listeners. The song was first released in 1997 on her album, “Sand and Water.” It tells the story of a relationship that has ended, and the heartache that comes with it.
The Meaning Behind The Song: Somewhere Far Beyond by Blind Guardian
The Meaning Behind The Song: Somewhere Far Beyond by Blind Guardian Blind Guardian is a German metal band that was formed in 1984. The band is known for their heavy use of fantasy and mythology in their lyrics, and their song “Somewhere Far Beyond” is no exception. The song was released in 1992 as the title track of the band’s fourth album. Table of Contents Toggle The meaning behind “Somewhere Far Beyond” is multifaceted but centers on the idea of a quest for knowledge and truth.
The Meaning Behind The Song: Still by Elvis Costello
The Meaning Behind The Song: Still by Elvis Costello Elvis Costello is a renowned British musician, singer and songwriter who has produced various hit songs throughout his career. One such song that stands out is “Still,” which has created a lot of buzz among his fans worldwide. This song is a perfect example of his incredible songwriting abilities, as it captures the essence of love and how it can overcome all challenges.
The Meaning Behind The Song: How Soon Is Now? [12" Version] by The Smiths
The Meaning Behind The Song: How Soon Is Now? [12″ Version] by The Smiths The Smiths’ hit song “How Soon Is Now?” has been touted as one of the band’s most recognizable songs, despite the fact that it didn’t chart when it was released as a single in 1985. Despite this, it has remained a cult classic, appearing in various films, TV series, and commercials.
Retailers Increasing Benefits to Improve Mental Health
High-stress, demanding retail positions where constant customer demands are front and center can leave employees feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, resulting in lower productivity and higher turnover for employers. Increasing societal awareness of mental health issues, and a general push by employees to recognize their lives outside of the workplace, has fueled a growing call for retail employers to respond to the evolving workforce needs.
Retail Industry: Mental Health, Other Benefits Trends
High-stress, demanding retail positions where constant customer demands are front and center can leave employees feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, resulting in lower productivity and higher turnover for employers. Increasing societal awareness of mental health issues, and a general push by employees to recognize their lives outside of the workplace, has fueled a growing call for retail employers to respond to the evolving workforce needs.
Retail Industry: Mental Health, Other Benefits Trends | JD Supra
High-stress, demanding retail positions where constant customer demands are front and center can leave employees feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, resulting in lower productivity and higher turnover for employers. Increasing societal awareness of mental health issues, and a general push by employees to recognize their lives outside of the workplace, has fueled a growing call for retail employers to respond to the evolving workforce needs.
Retail Industry: Mental Health, Other Benefits Trends
High-stress, demanding retail positions where constant customer demands are front and center can leave employees feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, resulting in lower productivity and higher turnover for employers. Increasing societal awareness of mental health issues, and a general push by employees to recognize their lives outside of the workplace, has fueled a growing call for retail employers to respond to the evolving workforce needs.
Live from CCC2023 Ep. 5: Talk Around the CCC Roundtable - Issues Facing Hospitality and Retail Companies and Immigration in the International Context
Click here to listen to the audio Welcome and thank you for joining us for this special edition of We Get Work, live from Jackson Lewis’ Corporate Counsel Conference, CCC2023, at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach resort in Orange County, California. What follows are high level conversations on conference programs and why they were important topics to present now.
ESG: Considerations for Retirement Investments
Click here to listen to the audio The Biden Administration’s prudence in selecting plan investments and exercising shareholder rights rule allows plan fiduciaries to consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors when selecting retirement plan investments. As anticipated in the podcast, President Biden vetoed the legislation blocking his administration’s rule regarding ESG and employer-sponsored retirement plan investments.
SECURE 2.0 Series Part 5: A Little More SECURE-ity – Emergency Savings in Your 401(k)
Employees, especially those far from retirement, are sometimes hesitant to put money into their employer’s 401(k) plan, knowing that their money won’t be available to them if unexpected expenses arise. Congress and the Biden administration, recognizing the long-term benefit of incentivizing retirement savings, included two new means for plan participants to access emergency funds in the new “SECURE 2.0” legislation, which was signed into law at the end of last year.
SECURE 2.0 Series Part 5: A Little More SECURE-ity - Emergency Savings in Your 401(k)
Employees, especially those far from retirement, are sometimes hesitant to put money into their employer’s 401(k) plan, knowing that their money won’t be available to them if unexpected expenses arise. Congress and the Biden administration, recognizing the long-term benefit of incentivizing retirement savings, included two new means for plan participants to access emergency funds in the new “SECURE 2.0” legislation, which was signed into law at the end of last year.
‘Tis the Season… to Consider ESG Investments in Your 401(k) Plan | JD Supra
We recently summarized the regulatory back and forth of the past few years relating to environmental, social, and corporate governance (“ESG”) factors and their impact on ERISA retirement plans and the fiduciaries that oversee them.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Kellie
Contact Kellie, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack