As we move into 2026, benefits compliance remains a moving target. From Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting deadlines to evolving federal transparency requirements, plan sponsors need to stay informed to avoid penalties and prepare for what’s next.
This benefit brief bulletin highlights the most important regulatory updates, including ACA reporting guidance, CMS proposals impacting account-based plans and new developments in health plan price transparency.
ACA reporting under Sections 6055 and 6056 for the 2025 calendar year is due in early 2026. This ACA bulletin outlines the deadlines for ACA reporting for the 2025 calendar year. Also, access this ACA cheat sheet to get the major deadlines and penalties that apply for 2025 calendar year reporting.
CMS released a proposed rule that would exempt account-based plans such as health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), health flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) from creditable coverage disclosure requirements.
On Dec. 19, the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury released a proposed rule to improve price transparency disclosure requirements for non-grandfathered group health plans and health insurance issuers.
With multiple compliance changes on the horizon, early awareness is key. Whether you’re preparing for ACA reporting, tracking CMS rulemaking or evaluating how new transparency requirements may affect your health plan, these updates provide a practical snapshot of what matters now and what to watch in 2026. Be sure to review the linked resources for deeper guidance and next steps as regulations continue to evolve.