This year, we have focused on our physical health by protecting ourselves and others from the spread of COVID-19. In light of today’s climate, it is also critically important to prioritize the state of our mental health and overall well-being. Throughout the month of December and into 2021, keeping a …
President Joe Biden recently outlined his American Rescue Plan for economic relief from the coronavirus — citing the need for a more robust vaccination plan, as well as additional direct payments to American families to aid in the recovery effort of the U.S. economy. “The very health of our nation …
In 2020, we focused on our physical health by protecting ourselves and others from the spread of COVID-19. In doing so, we have also realized the importance of simultaneously prioritizing our mental health and well-being. Prior to the pandemic, 5% of employees reported they experienced impaired mental health. Now, 18% …
To maintain their deterrent effect each year, the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, requires the Department to annually adjust its civil monetary penalty levels for inflation no later than January 15th. The Department of Labor (DOL) has released its 2021 inflation-adjusted civil monetary penalties that may be …
In Philadelphia, diabetes rates are higher than national and state levels, high blood pressure levels exceed both national and state benchmarks, and the rate of obesity is higher than national levels. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these circumstances, making it essential to inform and motivate individuals on how they can …
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a proposed rule that would make certain changes to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule. The proposed changes are intended to: Support individuals’ engagement in their care; Remove barriers to coordinated care; and Reduce regulatory burdens …
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently issued two proposed rules regarding wellness programs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA). The proposed rules address what level of incentives employers may lawfully offer to encourage employee participation in wellness programs that require …
Effective and consistent communication has always been key to maintaining healthy relationships and one’s mental health. Throughout the pandemic, a multitude of caregivers and family members have had to self-isolate, leaving older adults without essential human contact and care. Papa, an on-demand assistance service that pairs older adults and families …
Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting deadlines are approaching soon under Section 6055 and Section 6056 for the 2020 calendar year. Reporting entities must: File returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by March 1, 2021. If filing electronically, the deadline to file returns is March 31, 2021; and Furnish statements …
As of January 6th 2021, there are two vaccines — the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and the Moderna vaccine — that have received approval for emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration. Inevitably, information from multiple sources about each vaccine is being spread across different mediums, making it essential …
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has published its proposed Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2022. The proposed rule describes benefit and payment parameters under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that would be applied to the 2022 benefit year. The rule also implements a limited number …
The U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have issued final regulations regarding the deduction for qualified transportation fringe (QTF) expenses. The regulations became effective upon publication and replaced proposed regulations and interim guidance provided in IRS Notice 2018-99. Key issues addressed by the final regulations include: If an …
On December 18th 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the second vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19. FDA scientists found the Moderna vaccine to be “safe and efficacious,” prompting the FDA’s determination that the Moderna vaccine has met the statutory criteria …
On December 12, 2020, an independent panel of scientific advisors — the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — approved recommended use of Pfizer Inc.’s COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 16 years of age and older. A day later, Pfizer began shipping …
Included in the Stimulus Package passed by Congress on December 21, 2020 are changes pertaining to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Dependent Care Accounts (DCA). The package is expected to be signed into law by President Trump. We have outlined notable changes below for your review, which include but are …
On December 21, 2020, Congress passed an emergency stimulus package designed to deliver approximately $900 billion in COVID-19-related aid. The bill has been sent to President Trump, and he is expected to sign it into law. Notably, the bill provides funding for unemployment benefits, small businesses, direct economic payments to …
