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Comply on the Fly

Below you’ll find past Comply on the Fly episodes with host Karen B, organized by topic, making it easy to find exactly what you need—whether it’s the latest regulation insights, solutions for common challenges, or quick tips. Each episode is under five minutes, tackling top questions and breaking down key compliance updates so you can stay informed without missing a beat.

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affordable care act

Affordable Care Act

Your go-to ACA resource—making complex regulations clear and actionable. Each episode covers mandates, affordability, and deadlines to help you avoid penalties, support employees, and keep your benefits program on track.

Understand the new ACA affordability percentage for 2025, now set at 9.02%. Discover how this change impacts large employers and get a quick overview of the safe harbor methods to ensure your health coverage stays compliant.

Learn about the 2024 PCORI Fees, which are due to the IRS on July 31st.

Learn about the Department of Labor’s updated guidance around Association Health Plans.

The ACA recommends the look-back method to track full-time employees, but what if the business is new or part of a larger group? Get IRS guidance on these scenarios, helping employers stay ahead of ALE requirements.

cobra

COBRA

Explore our COBRA episodes for clear, actionable guidance on eligibility, qualifying events, deadlines, and coverage options. Each episode helps you manage compliance, avoid penalties, and support employees through health coverage transitions with confidence.

Discover the basics of COBRA, whether you’re experienced or just curious, this episode breaks down key qualifying events and when COBRA should be offered.

Hear a unique case of an employee who carried coverage without compensation for two years. Understand the nuances of this situation, employers will gain a better understanding of the rules around offering COBRA coverage.

Health FSAs are considered group health plans and therefore you are required to offer COBRA upon the occurrence of a COBRA qualifying event, however the offer of COBRA can be limited for FSAs.

erisa

ERISA

Learn practical guidance on managing leave compliance. From eligibility and notice requirements to tracking and coordination, each episode helps you navigate the complexities of federal and state leave laws to support your employees and ensure compliance.

If you are a private sector employer, ERISA SPDs and the required 5500s are an important part of remaining compliant with your federal obligations and avoiding unnecessary fees. 

As a plan sponsor, you’re required to provide an SPD to employee benefit plan participants, detailing their rights and benefits. Listen in to better understand your obligations.

Understand the four ERISA voluntary plan safe harbor requirements and what employer plans sponsors are responsible for if those requirements are not met. 

Hear about the three approved delivery methods for ERISA required documents so employers can choose the most effective method for their employee population.

fmla

FMLA/State Leave

Learn practical guidance on managing leave compliance. From eligibility and notice requirements to tracking and coordination, each episode helps you navigate the complexities of federal and state leave laws to support your employees and ensure compliance.

Gain insights into various methods for collecting premiums from employees during FMLA periods, along with guidance on proper documentation.

There are instances where your organization’s 12-month FMLA period could reset on January 1st of the new year.

Understand how FMLA defines a serious health condition to help employers understand when employees qualify for leave.

HSA

HSA | FSA | HRA | Section 125

Explore our episodes on HSA, FSA, HRA, and Section 125 plans, packed with practical advice on eligibility, contribution limits, qualified expenses, and compliance. Learn how to help employees maximize tax-advantaged savings while optimizing your benefits offerings. Stay informed and make the most of these valuable tools!

The IRS issued the limits for 2025 on HSAs and the associated HDHPs. Understand the new contribution limits and compliance requirements that will impact your healthcare planning.

Discover the essentials of Section 125 plans and why a written plan document matters. Learn the key components, from benefit options to qualifying events, emphasizing IRS compliance to safeguard tax advantages.

Hear a situation where an employee is moving onto their spouse’s benefit plan during the spouse’s open enrollment period. There is particular focus on how to handle the employee’s Section 125 pre tax premium elections in a situation like this.

Learn about Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAPs), including the difference between Section 129 and Section 125 requirements, and what criteria qualifies an employee for a mid-year election change.

The information provided is a summary of laws and regulations relating to employee benefit plan compliance. This information should not be construed as legal advice. In all cases, employers should consult with their own legal counsel.

Meet your Host

Karen Breitnauer is a senior compliance attorney and director of employee benefits compliance at M3 Insurance. She is responsible for providing compliance information and guidance to clients through education and consultation. In her role she serves as the senior legal staff resource for public and private sector entities on specific compliance topics.

During the past decade, she has focused on the compliance efforts of M3 clients through group speaking engagements, creation proprietary educational materials, and individual client compliance reviews. During the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), she served as M3’s lead resource and an industry expert.

Karen Breitnauer

Karen Breitnauer

Director of Employee Benefits Compliance
Senior Compliance Attorney
Meet Karen