At the start of the pandemic, much about COVID-19 was unknown: how to treat the virus, when would a vaccine be developed, and the costs of effectively treating the virus. Previously, insurers waived the costs of specified COVID-19 related services (i.e., emergency room copayments, testing charges, and hospital stay deductibles). However, …
Due to the pandemic, many people were forced to transition to a remote work style. As part of this transition, new technologies were introduced at record pace. Learning new technology can be difficult, especially when multiple platforms are being utilized. Working remotely also disrupted the elusive work-life balance so many …
Creative Benefits, Inc. recently placed #10 on Philadelphia Business Journal’s Women-Owned Business list ranked by 2020 revenue. The list contains contact information along with locations and the number of employees for 75 firms. In April 2020, Creative Benefits received The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Certification of a Women’s Business Enterprise. The certification …
What is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Many employers offer their team the opportunity to enroll in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). FSAs allow employees to put away pre-tax dollars to spend on eligible healthcare products and services. However, when an employee puts money into their FSA, they must use …
Open enrollment is the only time employees can enroll in a health insurance plan or make changes to their current benefit elections, unless a specified life event occurs (marriage, childbirth, etc.). If an employee misses their opportunity to participate in open enrollment, they will have to wait until the following …
The 2020-2021 flu season was unexpectedly mild. This can be attributed to the efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Wearing face masks, washing hands, reducing in-person interactions, and increasing indoor ventilation was meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus; however, it also curbed the spread of the flu. …
On September 7th, 2021, the IRS issued Notice 2021-53 which provided guidance for employers on how to report sick and family leave wages for leave taken under the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA). Employers who claim tax credits for leave wages under relevant legislation need to report qualified 2021 …
Creative Benefits, Inc. recently placed #11 on Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2021 Employee Benefit Consultants Firms Ranked by Number of Employee Benefit Professionals List. The list contains contact information along with locations and the number of employees for 25 firms. This is the second time Creative Benefits, Inc. has been featured by a Philadelphia-based publication. In April 2020, the Philadelphia Inquirer awarded Creative …
Annually, Medicare Part D requires group health plan sponsors to disclose to those eligible for Medicare Part D and to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) whether the health plan’s prescription drug coverage is creditable. The start date of the annual enrollment period for Medicare Part D is …
Effective September 6th, three federal unemployment programs have officially expired. These programs include Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC). Through Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, gig workers and freelancers, who were usually not eligible for unemployment, received up to 79 weeks of unemployment …
Kingston, PA— August 23, 2021 — Creative Benefits, Inc. proudly announces and welcomes Gertrude C. McGowan, Esq. as a Benefits Consultant. In this capacity, Gert will serve as a strategic partner guiding clients through the procurement and implementation of their benefits package using their short- and long-term objectives as a …
On August 16, 2021, the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor and the Treasury (collectively, the Departments) issued a frequently asked question (FAQ) regarding enforcement of the contraceptive coverage mandate under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Contraceptive Mandate The ACA requires non-grandfathered health plans to cover certain …
Financial concerns are one of the largest causes of stress among employees, and the current pandemic has only exacerbated the need for benefits that help employees navigate the daily stressors in their lives. We’ve seen financial wellness programs gaining traction across a multitude of industries as employers realize the importance …
When employees are well informed about their benefits, they are more inclined to make smart decisions that protect their health and financial well-being. Furthermore, educating employees about the value and range of their benefits can cultivate trust and confidence with their employer, which can have a positive impact on recruitment …
The COVID-19 pandemic has and continues to force many organizations to adapt and reimagine their service offerings to prioritize the health and safety of their employees. Since in-person visits to the doctor were put on hold in 2020, telehealth saw an increase in popularity. This allowed employees and their families …
