As October comes to a close, the final stretch of 2026 is well underway. With holiday displays already appearing in stores and planning for the new year taking shape, our team is actively preparing for the opportunities, challenges, and regulatory developments that 2027 may bring.
At the time of this publication, the IRS has not yet released the annual inflation-adjusted limits for tax provisions applicable to plan years beginning January 1, 2027, including Health Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs), FSA carryover limits, Dependent Care FSAs, and Qualified Transportation Benefits.
These updates are expected soon, and we will continue to monitor developments and share information as it becomes available.
In the meantime, employers may wish to use the current year's limits for planning purposes where applicable and coordinate with their Account Management team as renewal discussions and open enrollment preparations continue.
Compliance Reminders
Although there is still time to prepare, the deadline will arrive sooner than expected. Gag Clause Attestations are due December 31, 2026.
As a reminder, the Gag Clause Attestation is designed to promote transparency between health plans and insurance carriers. This annual compliance requirement confirms that provider contracts do not contain clauses that restrict the disclosure of pricing or quality information, thereby supporting informed decision-making for plan participants.
Employers and plan sponsors are required to submit this attestation annually to ensure compliance with the transparency standards. If you are uncertain about the attestation process or whether your carrier will submit on your behalf, please contact your account manager for guidance.
Current National Headlines in the News With HR and Employee Benefits topics regularly in the news, staying current on what’s really important can often be challenging. For the most current listing of those articles, read the October 6 Acrisure Weekly Digest.
Upcoming Training Reminders
Acrisure’s De-Riskathon
This virtual event will be held from October 27 – 29, 2026. This three-day event is packed with practical insights and expert guidance on emerging risks and business challenges. Participants can build their own agenda by selecting from nine expert-led sessions covering topics such as:
- Safety and risk management
- Regulatory compliance
- Leadership development
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Operational performance
Choose the sessions that align most closely with your organization's needs and priorities.
This event is a part of Acrisure’s continued education series and free of charge. Registration is required so be sure to sign up in advance.
AI and Compensation: How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping Compensation
On November 19th, from 2PM – 3PM ET, Acrisure will be holding “AI and Compensation: How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping Compensation.” This training webinar is a open to all VLCT members and free of charge.
Artificial Intelligence is changing how companies approach compensation strategies, management and administration. This webinar will explore some of the ways AI can influence compensation management, both directly and indirectly, as well as the opportunities, challenges and considerations that may arise.
This event is a part of Acrisure’s continued education series and free of charge. Registration is required so be sure to sign up in advance.
Compliance Disclaimer: This communication is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Employers should consult with legal counsel or other appropriate professionals regarding their specific compliance obligations.