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 …
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 …
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 …
After months of diligent work to develop a vaccine for the novel coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has approved a COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. The news succeeds recent data which indicated the COVID-19 vaccine candidate’s early results of 90% effective in the 43,000 participants involved. …
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently issued a letter stating that employees may apply unused commuter transit benefit amounts to parking benefits in certain circumstances. The letter was presented in response to a question from an employee who, due to COVID-19, opted to drive to work instead of using public …
With three in four professionals now working from home, employees have and continue to adapt to new work environments. From transforming bedrooms into offices to converting breakfast nooks to workspaces, employees may be finding themselves with less space and time for their health and overall well-being. Fitness and well-being offerings …
With compounding layers of difficulty caused by the pandemic and the uncertainty that lies ahead, employers and employees are experiencing a great deal of worry and distress both at home and in the workplace. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have advised people not to travel for the …
From payments to policies, to prescriptions and rising healthcare costs, the outcome of the 2020 presidential election will influence the future of the U.S. healthcare system. As we approach the 2020 presidential election, healthcare is definitely top of mind for Americans. According to a recent poll by the Kaiser Family …
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, employers have and will continue to face adjustments to accommodate their employees’ needs. For instance, employees are increasingly aware of their healthcare coverage and the need to make the right elections to benefit their own physical, mental and financial well-being and that of their family …
We are thrilled to announce that you can now find Creative Benefits, Inc. on YouTube and Instagram! Through our YouTube channel, we aim to feature the talented and hardworking individuals behind Creative Benefits, Inc. and exemplify how each team member aligns their day to day responsibilities with our core values …
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, employees’ ability to adapt and quickly recover from challenges continues to be tested in countless ways. Employees who have low resilience are more likely to have lower satisfaction at work, feelings of low self-worth, low self-esteem, and lower professional ambition and performance. If feelings …
