On April 18, 2022, the federal judge for the Middle District of Florida claimed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) exceeded its authority by enforcing the national mask mandate. As a result, the mask requirement was invalidated for public transportation. The Biden administration is currently reviewing the judge’s …
A health savings account (HSA) is used to assist the account holder in saving money to be spent on eligible medical expenses. To be eligible for an HSA, an employee must be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) with a minimum deductible amount of $1,400 for an individual and …
Your Primary Care Physician (PCP) is the provider you will typically visit for non-emergency, routine checkups, so it is important to choose a PCP that meets your health care needs. To find the best PCP for you, consider the following: What kind of physician do you require? The first step …
A proposed rule was released by the IRS on April 5, 2022, to change the existing eligibility standards for the premium tax credit (PTC). The PTC is available to eligible individuals who purchased health insurance through the Exchange. However, the PTC is not available to employees with affordable, minimum value …
SHRM’s 2019 Employee Benefits Survey found that 64% of employers provide wellness information and resources. With health care costs continuously increasing, employers and employees strive to save money. A wellness program is an attractive solution as it has the potential to reduce health care costs and boost workplace satisfaction. Wellness …
Life insurance is a popular employer-provided benefit that employees, especially those whose incomes support family members, can enroll in. Enrolling in life insurance allows the insured’s designated beneficiary to collect the financial benefit after the employee is deceased. Employers should consider offering term life insurance whether it be basic (100% …
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extended an existing transition policy indefinitely for health plans that do not comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This extension applies to policy years beginning after October 1, 2022. Until the HHS announces that the coverage must come into compliance with …
Life can be unpredictable which is why many employers offer voluntary benefits including accident insurance. When an accidental injury occurs, accident insurance provides financial protection for covered employees. Some plans include accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) as an add-on to accident insurance; however, it is typically offered as a separate …
President Biden announced the COVID-19 National Emergency will extend beyond March 1, 2022. It is important to note the public health emergency is different from the national emergency. The public health emergency was recently renewed on January 16, 2022 and extends for 90 days. The extension of the National Emergency …
Massachusetts’ COVID-19 emergency paid sick leave program expired March 15, 2022. This law required employers to provide up to 40 hours of paid sick leave for certain COVID-19-related reasons. In late February, the Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance alerted employers that reimbursements for the program were reaching their …
The Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor released an initiative with a focus on federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) compliance. The announcement of the initiative stated the division will ensure employers comply with federal labor laws using “vigorous enforcement.” More education and outreach will …
March 8 marked International Women’s Day, and this year’s IWD theme, #BreakTheBias, highlights the need to remove stereotypes against women in the workplace. Gender diversity improves the workplace for all—a McKinsey study found that for every 10% increase in gender diversity, company earnings before taxes and interest rose by 3.5%. …
Mask-wearing recommendations have been loosened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Currently, with 70% of the nation residing in low- or medium-risk counties, only individuals in high-risk areas are recommended to wear masks in indoor settings. COVID-19 Community Levels can be used to determine the risk level …
President Biden gave the State of the Union (SOTU) address on March 1, 2022. In his speech, he covered international affairs and domestic matters affecting the workplace. Drug Costs Insulin currently costs hundreds of dollars per month with Biden proposing a $35 per month cap on insulin prices. Similarly, it …
Over the years, the spotlight on mental health has gotten brighter and brighter. Employers have become more well-versed and now understand the importance of recognizing employees’ mental health as it affects their well-being and productivity. Due to the pandemic and the Great Resignation, the workplace has seen an increased need …
