Employee Benefit Compliance: 2025 Closeout and 2026 Setup

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The source provides employers with a comprehensive year-end compliance checklist for managing employee benefit plans, separating tasks into mandatory requirements for the close of 2025 and necessary preparations for 2026. Immediate obligations include ensuring the submission of the gag clause attestation, conducting required nondiscrimination testing, and reminding employees about the rules governing unused flexible spending account (FSA) balances. To prepare for the new year, employers are instructed to update employee communications and address ACA affordability standards for Applicable Large Employers (ALEs). A significant component involves adjusting internal systems to reflect updated employee benefit plan limits for 2026, which detail changes to contributions for retirement plans, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and qualified transportation benefits. Finally, the checklist outlines the necessity of preparing for ACA reporting regarding 2025 coverage, with required forms due to the IRS in early 2026

AI Self-Diagnosis Mistakes to Avoid

The document provides a cautionary guide on the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) for health-related information, emphasizing that these tools are not a substitute for professional medical care. It primarily focuses on the significant risks of using AI for self-diagnosis, noting that AI lacks the ability to consider complete medical history, understand symptomatic nuances, or perform physical exams, which can lead to misinterpretations and inaccurate suggestions. The text also outlines several beneficial uses for AI in health, such as improving health literacy by explaining complex terms and guiding users toward reputable public health sources for general information. Crucially, the source details specific mistakes to avoid, including relying on AI for mental health support, using it to self-prescribe treatments, or consulting it during medical emergencies. Ultimately, the guide advises readers to always consult a licensed health care provider for diagnoses, treatment, and personalized medical advice.