Week of March 28th 2025 - SSG Insights

EEOC and DOJ Issue Guidance on DEI-related Discrimination
On March 19, 2025, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice issued joint guidance on illegal and discriminatory diversity, equity and inclusion practices. The EEOC also issued frequently asked questions regarding DEI-related discrimination. The guidance provides some clarity as to the agencies’ position on what may constitute illegal DEI and offers steps employees may take to report violations.
2025 RxDC Reporting Deadline
The RxDC requirement applies to all employer-sponsored health plans and health insurance providers in both the individual and group markets. The RxDC data is reported annually to the DOL, the Department of the Treasury, and HHS. The ongoing deadline for the annual report is June 1 for the “reference year,” which is the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year in which the RxDC is due.
2025 Penalties for Health & Welfare Plans
In January, the Department of Labor (DOL) published the inflation-adjusted penalties for ERISA violations in 2025. This SSG Compliance Advisor summarizes the new penalty amounts and reminds employers of filing deadlines to avoid incurring penalties.
APRIL WEBINAR: Section 125 Plans, Qualifying Events, and Special Enrollment Periods
Attend this month's webinar to learn how the IRS regulates employee benefit contribution levels and the timing and choice of enrollment elections.