IRS Updates Form 720: PCORI Fee Deadline July 31, 2026
The IRS released an updated Form 720 on July 7, 2026, which self-funded and level-funded plan sponsors must use to report covered lives and pay PCORI fees by July 31, 2026. Fees range from $3.47 to $3.84 per covered life depending on plan year end date. Sponsors who filed the withdrawn June 26 version should consult legal counsel. HRAs and similar self-funded arrangements are also subject to the fee. Fully insured plan sponsors are not required to file, as carriers handle that obligation directly.
IRS Releases 2027 HSA, HDHP, and HRA Contribution Limits
The IRS released updated 2027 contribution and cost-sharing limits for several employer-sponsored benefit accounts. HSA limits rise to $4,500 for self-only and $9,000 for family coverage. HDHP minimum deductibles increase to $1,750 and $3,500 respectively, with higher out-of-pocket maximums. The excepted benefit HRA employer contribution cap increases to $2,250. Direct Primary Care Service Arrangement monthly fee maximums are confirmed at $150 for individuals and $300 for families.
DOL Employee Benefit Plan Penalties Hold Steady in 2026
The DOL announced that civil monetary penalties for employee benefit plan violations will remain unchanged in 2026. The pause stems from a government shutdown that prevented the collection of October 2025 CPI-U data, which is normally used to calculate annual inflation adjustments. Key penalties, including the $2,739 daily ERISA Form 5500 fine, are unaffected. Employers should anticipate potential catch-up increases in 2027 and continue meeting all compliance obligations.
AI in Healthcare: Managing Liability and Coverage Risk
AI is now embedded across healthcare operations, from diagnostics to claims management, yet most existing malpractice policies were not designed with algorithmic decision-making in mind. When an AI tool causes harm, liability among providers, hospitals, and software vendors remains legally unclear. Insurers are beginning to ask pointed questions about AI governance during renewals. Healthcare organizations should audit vendor contracts, document AI use, and establish formal oversight committees now.
Massachusetts Health Plan Coverage: What Employers Need
Massachusetts requires most residents to maintain Minimum Creditable Coverage (MCC) or face a state tax penalty. For 2027, out-of-pocket maximums increase to $12,000 for self-only and $24,000 for family coverage. Employers with Massachusetts residents must confirm MCC compliance, ensure Form 1099-HC is distributed by January 31, and complete HIRD reporting through MassTaxConnect by December 15. Multistate employers should coordinate with their carriers or TPAs to satisfy all state requirements.
Ransomware in 2026: What Corporate Leaders Must Know
Ransomware attacks rose 132% in early 2025 and have grown more sophisticated, with threat actors now combining encryption, data theft, and direct stakeholder pressure to force faster payments. Extortion-only attacks are also on the rise, leaving minimal forensic evidence. Directors and officers face mounting regulatory and litigation exposure, as demonstrated by recent SEC enforcement actions. Leaders should prioritize incident response planning, multifactor authentication, and offline data backups.
