IRS Reduces HSA Limit for Family Coverage for 2018

Matt PfeiffenbergerLarge Group Benefits (100+), News

The IRS issued a new revenue procedure regarding health savings account (HSA) limits. The new tax laws had a provision in it which was not formally enacted until just recently. The new revenue procedure now puts the change into effect. Basically the ruling reduces the HSA family maximum contribution for 2018 from $6,900 to $6,850 retroactive to January 1, 2018. Employers with HSAs will need to check to see if employees elected the $6,900 maximum for 2018, and in effect cut that back to $6,850. The new $6,850 max is a combination of any employee and employer contributions into the employee’s HSA for 2018. You can read more about the change below. Questons can be directed to Matt Pfeiffenberger, Vice President, …

Farm Bureau Calls for Clarity on Exemptions for Agricultural Haulers

Courtney MeyerAgribusiness

While again urging the Department of Transportation to grant agricultural haulers a waiver and limited exemption from the electronic logging device mandate, Farm Bureau in recent comments responded to the department’s efforts to provide clarity to the 150-air mile agricultural commodity exemption and the hours of service regulations. Read about the 150-air mile agricultural commodity exemption here>>>

Accidental Deaths In Pennsylvania Rise 15% in One Year, Driven By Opioid Overdose

Denise GillinNews

The National Safety Council’s Stop Everyday Killers campaign is a powerful tribute to the lives lost to opioids. Pittsburgh – According to National Safety Council analysis of federal data, 1,086 more Pennsylvanians died accidentally in 2016, an increase of 15% over 2015, and 78% of those deaths were caused by opioid overdose. In response to the epidemic – recently declared a statewide disaster emergency by Gov. Tom Wolf – the Council made Pittsburgh its first stop on a nationwide tour of the NSC exhibit, Prescribed to Death: A Memorial to the Victims of the Opioid Crisis. Read more >>> Everyone has a story of how addiction has touched their life. That is why Murray Associates chose to partner with Compass …

Construction Braces For Trump’s New Aluminum, Steel Tariffs

Denise GillinConstruction, News

Article by Kim Slowey for “ConstructionDive” High-rises, large residential multifamily projects and infrastructure projects are major buyers of steel and aluminum. Construction companies are likely to begin bracing for a wave of cost increases and the possibility of having to decide whether certain developments are now too expensive to build. Read the article >>>