No matter how hard you try to avoid them, the unexpected is inevitable. In fact, more than 80 million individuals in the United States seek medical treatment for injuries each year and 43 million go directly to the emergency room. Whether it is a sports injury, a car accident, or …
Throughout the pandemic we have seen a rise in those struggling with acute symptoms of mental health disorders. A recent 2020 report from Mental Health America estimated that 47 million Americans now struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — an increase of 4 million …
Since the beginning of the pandemic, remote work environments have become more prevalent across a wide range of industries. As employees made the transition, some may have found it challenging to maintain attentiveness and high levels of productivity. More specifically, working parents have been tasked with finding new ways to …
As the spring season rolls around, the Biden administration has been busy administering updated guidelines regarding COVID-19 accessibility, eligibility, and timelines. Below we have outlined the administration’s most recent announcements, as well as relaxed restrictions and an update on clinical trials surrounding vaccination of children under age 18. Vaccine Eligibility …
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 …
Previously issued in January 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has withdrawn two proposed rules regarding wellness programs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).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, …
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 Biden administration has told the Supreme Court to uphold the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  In a letter to the Supreme Court, Deputy Solicitor General Edwin Kneedler clarified that the current U.S. Department of Justice views the ACA as constitutional. “Following the change in administration, the Department of Justice …
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 …
