An HSA, or Health Savings Account, is available to individuals enrolled in high deductible health plans (HDHPs). Traditionally, HSAs are a popular type of tax-exempt medical savings account. Allocated HSA funds can be used to pay for expenses covered under an HDHP plan until their deductible has been met; or …
The $1.9 trillion relief bill, known as the American Rescue Plan, was signed by President Biden on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Additional information surrounding Emergency Paid Leave and Health Insurance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is included in the bill and outlined below. Emergency Paid LeaveSigned into law on …
The constant influx of information and everchanging compliance updates surrounding the coronavirus pandemic can be overwhelming, making it strenuous to comprehend how up-to-date guidance and coverage affects one’s organization and employees. In response, the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury have issued Frequently Asked …
Previously issued in January 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has withdrawn two proposed rules regarding wellness programs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). Upon President Joe Biden’s inauguration, held on January 20, 2021, the president issued a regulatory freeze memorandum …
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released a notice intended to clarify the application of temporary special rules for health flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and dependent care assistant program (DCAP) accounts under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA). Health FSAs and DCAPs are accounts individuals can make pre-tax contributions to, …
On February 26, 2021, the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) issued Disaster Relief Notice 2021-01, which provides continuing relief for certain employee benefit plan deadlines and disregards the COVID-19 Outbreak Period. The relief will primarily be of benefit to employee benefit plans, plan participants and beneficiaries, …
No new guidance has been released to extend the relief issued last year to postpone various employee benefit plan deadlines during the defined “Outbreak Period.” The Outbreak Period began on March 1, 2020, and lasts until 60 days after the announced end of the National Emergency. By law, however, it …
With COVID-19 exacerbating the mental health crisis employees were experiencing even before the pandemic, Prudential Group Insurance saw a need for change and partnered with NeuroFlow to expand their mental health benefits for employees on disability leave. NeuroFlow, a digital behavioral health integration platform in the form of a mobile …
In accordance with the recent executive order signed by President Biden regarding strengthening Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have announced that the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for the Health Insurance Marketplace has officially begun. While millions of people throughout the …
Employers have consistently been pushed to adjust their benefits to accommodate employees’ mental health, caregiving, financial and well-being needs, which have been exacerbated due to the pandemic. According to a survey by Wellable, the majority of employers plan to keep social distancing and sanitary measures prevalent in their workplace post-pandemic. …
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding legislation that extended and amended tax relief to certain small and mid-sized employers under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The paid sick and family leave tax credits, which previously were available only until the end …
President Joe Biden recently signed two executive actions aiming to strengthen Americans’ access to affordable healthcare and expand enrollment opportunities. It is one of Biden’s first several moves toward delivering on his campaign’s promise to bolster the landmark health reform law that he formerly advocated for as Vice President. The …
On the day of his inauguration and transition into the White house, President Biden signed an executive order requiring all federal agencies to ensure rules and regulations prohibit workplace discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation, expanding protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. The order codifies …
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% …
