July 2025 Compliance Recap
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SSG Compliance Advisor
July brought the Final Rules on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), enacted on July 4, 2025. The 2026 ACA affordability threshold has been released, affecting employer and employee contributions to group health plans.
Stay one step ahead with an easy-to-understand summary of these legislation highlights.
- The One Big Beautiful Bill Act Impact on Employee Benefits
- ACA Affordability Threshold Increased
- Question of the Month
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act Impact on Employee Benefits
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) introduces permanent changes to a range of employee benefits, creating a more stable and generous framework for employers and employees.
HDHPs and HSAs
- Telehealth Services: High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) can now permanently cover telehealth before deductibles are met (effective for 2025 plan years).
- Direct Primary Care: Beginning in 2026, fixed-fee primary care arrangements (≤$150/month for individuals) are compatible with health savings accounts (HSAs) and eligible as medical expenses. Primary care services do not include procedures that require general anesthesia, prescription drugs (other than vaccines), or lab services not typically administered in an ambulatory primary care setting.
- Expanded HDHP Eligibility: Bronze and catastrophic ACA Exchange plans will qualify as HDHPs (effective in 2026).
DCAP Limit Raised
- The annual exclusion for dependent care assistance plans (DCAPs) rises to $7,500 (not inflation-adjusted).
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