Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Fees (PCORI)
The Affordable Care Act imposes a fee on employers that sponsor certain self-insured health plans to help fund the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). PCORI fees support research to evaluate and compare health outcomes and the clinical effectiveness of certain medical treatments, services, procedures, and drugs.
- The fee must be reported once a year on the second-quarter Form 720.
- It must be paid by July 31 of the calendar year immediately following the last day of the plan year to which the fee applies.
The fee was originally effective for plan years ending on or after Oct. 1, 2012, and before Oct. 1, 2019. However, a 2019 continuing spending resolution reinstated PCORI fees for the 2020-2029 fiscal years.
As a result, specified health insurance policies and applicable self-insured health plans must continue to pay these fees through 2029.
The IRS has announced that the 2025 PCORI fee will be $3.47 per covered life, an increase of $0.25 from the previous year. This will apply to plan years ending on or after October 1, 2024, and before October 1, 2025.
The What Fee?
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) was established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and imposes a fee on insurers and self-insured and level-funded health plans to help fund the institute.
The fee—required to be reported only once per year during the second quarter on Form 720, Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return, and paid by the July 31 due date—is based on the average number of lives covered under the policy or plan.
Read more about the ACA and PCORI fee on the ACA: PCORI Fee page and in the following IRS resources:
- Affordable Care Tax Provisions for Employers
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Fee
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund Fee (IRC 4375, 4376, and 4377): Questions and Answers
If you have questions please reach out to a member of your Forsite Benefits Team.
6 (No Cost!) Ways to Recognize & Celebrate Employees in Your Workplace Wellness Program
When it comes to building a strong and engaging workplace wellness program, recognition goes a long way. Celebrating employees’ efforts doesn’t have to break the bank — in fact, some of the most meaningful moments come from simple, no-cost gestures. Motion Connected's team of engagement specialists, who work with hundreds of clients every year, shared their favorite no-cost ideas to recognize and celebrate employees. Here are some creative, effective ways you can incorporate into your wellness initiatives.
1. Capture the Moment(s) with Photos
One easy and powerful way to recognize employees is by taking photos during health observances and wellness activities. Whether it’s Wear Red Day for heart health or National Walking Day, snapping pictures of employees participating creates a sense of community and pride. Compile these moments into a photo collage and share them in an email, your company newsletter, or on bulletin boards. Employees love seeing their colleagues in action, and it fosters a greater connection to your program.
2. Celebrate Lifetime Achievements
Step tracking is a popular component of many wellness programs. Celebrate employees who reach significant milestones, such as 500,000 steps or 1 million steps, by recognizing their lifetime achievements. One standout example came from a factory client who printed milestone achievements onto paper cutouts of tennis shoes and displayed them outside the time clock area. Employees eagerly awaited their name to appear, creating friendly competition and motivation.
Another client featured employees’ names on a slide during company meetings when they reached a million steps. It created a fun surprise element and motivated others to keep moving toward their own goals.
3. Give Shout-Outs in Newsletters and Meetings
A simple yet impactful way to recognize wellness achievements is through shout-outs. Whether someone completes a major fitness goal, participates regularly in wellness challenges, or contributes to a health initiative, mention their name publicly. This could be in a company newsletter, an internal email, or at the start of a team meeting. Quick public recognition shows that you care and reinforces positive behaviors immediately.
4. Share Employee Testimonials
Employee testimonials are a double-win for recognition and promotion. Invite employees to share what wellness activities or habits have worked for them. Featuring their stories highlights their success while inspiring others to participate. Sharing these testimonials in newsletters, on intranet sites, or during meetings also builds a sense of community and gives a face to the program.
5. Leverage the Power of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
Creating excitement around wellness recognition fuels engagement. When employees see colleagues being celebrated, winning prizes, or getting shout-outs, they naturally start asking, “How do I get involved?” By consistently highlighting participation and achievements, you create a “buzz” that draws more people into the program.
Even something as simple as showcasing participant names, milestone boards, or success stories can spark curiosity and boost involvement. One of our specialists put it perfectly: “Choice may be the number one engagement strategy, but FOMO is a close second.”
6. Handcrafted Recognition Tools
Don’t underestimate the impact of simple, handmade recognitions. Whether it’s handmade certificates, fun posters, or custom signs celebrating achievements, these small gestures leave lasting impressions. A little creativity goes a long way, and the personal touch makes the recognition feel even more genuine.
Recognition doesn’t need a big budget — it just needs thoughtfulness. By celebrating your employees’ wellness achievements in small but meaningful ways, you build a culture of appreciation, motivation, and community. Start small, be consistent, and watch your program grow stronger with every moment of recognition.
Engaging Generation Z in the Workplace
Generation Z (Gen Z) accounts for a growing percentage of the global workforce. These individuals, born between 1997 and 2012, range from 13 to 28 years old, making up the current and next wave of young professionals.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that by 2030, Gen Z will constitute 30% of the workforce.
However, recent studies have found that much of Gen Z feels disengaged or disempowered in the workplace. Poor engagement can lead to decreased productivity, a negative impact on workplace culture and higher employee turnover.
Employers can engage Gen Z employees and improve attraction and retention rates among young workers by proactively responding to Gen Z’s wants and needs.
Here are strategies for employers to engage Gen Z in the workplace:
Make work meaningful. Gen Zers want their work to be meaningful and contribute to organizational success by employing their skill sets.
Utilize the latest technology. Generally, Gen Z workers have little patience for outdated systems. Additionally, up-to-date devices and systems tend to improve efficiency and productivity. Gen Z employees may even be eager to help your organization update and introduce new technologies.
Prioritize mental health. Organizations can make mental health resources readily available, train managers to be empathetic, and equip leaders to direct employees to the right resources.
Allow flexibility and autonomy. Gen Z seeks jobs that focus on employees as people, allowing them autonomy to work when and how they please.
Provide career development opportunities. Employers can remove stress and guesswork by providing career ladders that outline an employee’s potential path for growth.
[Free Campaign Resources] Celebrate Men's Health Month
June is Men’s Health Month, and we’re calling on every man to take the strongest step he can: schedule your annual check-up.
To help promote this message. you can Slack, Teams, or email using [this link].
Motion Connected's campaign page includes:
- A motivational video to drive action
- A Men's Health Preventative Power educational quiz
- Simple preventative care checklist
You can also print and display this poster and checklist with a QR code linking to the campaign in break rooms and men’s restrooms to drive more action.