IRS raises annual 401(k) limits for 2015—One of 3 things you need to know this week in employee benefits

IRS allows additional $500 in 401(k) contributions for 2015

Need some help getting your foot in the door with retirement planning communication? Your job just got a little easier—$500 easier. The Internal Revenue Service announced last week retirement plan cost‑of‑living adjustments for 2015.

For defined contribution plans, like 401(k)s, employees may set aside $18,000 in 2015, an additional $500 over this year. Employees age 50 and over can defer an extra $500 next year in catch-up contributions as well—IRS limits for catch-up contributions in 2015 increased from $5,500 to $6,000.

Health, legal experts offer advice for employers concerned about Ebola

In recent weeks, several confirmed cases of Ebola in the United States have increased fears among Americans about their risks of contracting the virus. Although health officials continue to affirm that the risk to average individuals remains low, two experts recently spoke to Employee Benefit News about how to calm employee fears about Ebola and focus on general health, hygiene and prevention.

First, employers may want to tighten illness policies so that employees with a fever are required to stay home, the experts suggest. They may also want to re-examine travel protocols to avoid deploying expatriates to higher-risk countries, including those in West Africa.

What companies should avoid, however, is placing restrictions on employees traveling to and from West Africa only, like requiring them to stay home from work for extended periods or isolating them from colleagues. Such actions, the experts say, could trigger discrimination claims or civil rights violations.

In general, they advise employers to let calm rule the day. Said one: “It’s never helpful in these scenarios for people to just flip out.”

This week’s hidden gem: Must-attend event—NBCH annual conference

If you find yourself in the nation’s capital next week, the hottest industry ticket is the National Business Coalition on Health’s annual conference. The yearly gathering of benefits and business leaders features a packed agenda to discuss innovative strategies to improve health outcomes and lower costs through benefit design, enhanced care management, payment reform and reducing waste.

We’re delighted that this year’s program includes editorial director Kelley Butler to discuss the insights and analysis from the 2014 Inside Benefits Communication Survey, conducted jointly with NBCH.

Learn more and register here.