After more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, new guidance has been released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), easing or ending several recommendations. The CDC claims that the vast majority of the U.S. population has gained some COVID-19 protection through previous infection, vaccination, or a …
Revenue Procedure (Rev. Proc.) 2022-34 was released on August 1, 2022, by the IRS. This documents the contribution percentages for 2023 in order to determine the affordability of an employer’s plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Shared responsibility, or pay or play rules, require applicable large employers (ALEs) to …
The Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury Departments issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) in relation to the contraceptive coverage mandate under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Non-grandfathered plans, under the ACA, are required to cover specific women’s preventative health services without cost …
Gen Z is now the largest group entering the workforce, and their health care desires differ from previous generations. For perspective, there are approximately 65 million American Gen Zers, those born between 1997 and 2012. By 2030, they will account for 30% of the workforce. As this generation begins their …
As an employer choosing which health plan to offer, many considerations must be taken. In a perfect world, an employer chooses a plan that keeps costs down but also fits employees’ needs, boosting overall satisfaction and retainment. However, finding that perfect combination isn’t always easy when there are so many …
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) requires health insurance brokers and consultants to disclose any compensation they may receive for service referrals to ERISA-covered group health plan sponsors. All types of health insurance plans are affected by the CCA. These plans include individual and family plans, small and large group …
The Great Resignation and the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of employee perks and benefits. In especially trying times, employees fixated on health, financial security, and the work-life balance. Employees who found these areas lacking left their workplaces in favor of those with better wages and benefits. According to a …
July is Healthy Vision Month, a time to spread awareness and advocate for healthy vision. Eye health directly impacts your performance and safety at home and in the workplace. Vision insurance is one of the more popular voluntary benefits offered by employers. Preventative health, through routine eye exams, is an …
On July 16th, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number will transfer to ‘988’ in an effort to make support more readily available in moments of crisis. Currently, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S. and is the second leading cause of death for people aged 10 …
With such a high inflation rate, consumer goods and employee benefits have experienced a notable price increase. Employee Benefit Research Institute conducted a survey and confirmed one-third of U.S. employees saw an increase in their health costs within the past year. However, there are ways employers can mitigate benefits costs …
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency authorization for select COVID-19 vaccines. Pfizer’s vaccine for children aged six months to five years old and Moderna’s vaccine for children aged six months to six years old have been approved. Shortly after the FDA’s authorization, the Center for Disease Control …
In a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade on Friday, June 24. This ruling revokes the constitutional right to an abortion, which was originally passed in 1973. Five of the six conservative justices voted to overturn Roe while the three liberal judges along with Chief Justice John …
With gas prices on the rise, commuter benefits are becoming increasingly popular. Through employers, commuter benefits allow employees to use tax-free dollars on commuting expenses, saving employees money on annual taxes. Qualified expenses may include: Parking costs – parking on or near the business premises. It could also include parking …
As COVID-19 locked down the country, telehealth rapidly gained popularity, especially for behavioral and mental health services. Unlike most doctor visits, mental health visits typically do not require face-to-face meetings. Visits can be conducted via video or even audio calls, though many physicians prefer video calls in order to read …
History The celebration of Juneteenth can be traced back to the late 1800s. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed all slaves in the United States, but it wasn’t until over two years later that the news reached enslaved African Americans in Texas. Union …
