An EAP Market Update

We’ve seen interesting changes in the employee assistance program (EAP) market over the past couple years. Most importantly, a federal regulatory rule clarification was released on December 24, 2013, confirming that EAPs are exempted from counting as excess employee benefits under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PPACA). As long as the EAP meets four specific criteria (see below). This is important because employers can continue to offer EAPs in addition to an employer-sponsored health plan without exceeding the maximum health benefit value provisions of PPACA and triggering additional taxable income for employees. This rule . . .