Resources

Clarifying Guidance for Health FSA and DCAP COVID-19 Relief

In February, the IRS released Notice 2021-15 in order to clarify the application of temporary special rules for health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) and dependent care…

DOL Will Allow Portions of the Tip Rule to Take Effect April 30

Important Dates December 30, 2020 – The DOL published its final rule on employee tips. The effective date was set for March 1, 2021. February 26,…

DOL Proposes to Rescind the FLSA Joint Employer Determination Rule

Important Dates March 16, 2020 – Joint employer rule became effective. September 8, 2020 – Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York…

IRS Issues Guidance on Employee Retention Credit for 2020

Important Information The ERC is equal to 50% of qualified wages paid, including qualified health plan expenses, up to $10,000 per employee in 2020. The…

American Rescue Plan Act: COBRA Subsidy Provisions

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law and provides a 100% subsidy of premiums for employer-sponsored group health insurance continued…

Wine Damage Claims: Why It Pays to Work with a Specialist Broker

Insurance claims are complicated – particularly when it comes to wine collections. In fact, wine claims can be quite a bit more complicated than other…

OSHA’s Safe and Sound Week Scheduled for August 9th through 15th

Each year, more than 3.6 million employees are seriously injured each year while at work. Additionally, more than 5,000 workers are killed on the job.…

Warning: Fatal Vehicle Crashes Up 24% in 2020

More than 42,060 people died in vehicle crashes in 2020 across the country. The National Safety Council (NSC) has released preliminary data showing vehicle fatalities in…

Federal Law Alerts – March 2021

Authored by ThinkHR 2019 and 2020 EEO-1 Reporting to Open at End of April 2021 On March 12, 2021, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEOC)…

Making the Case for Safety in NonProfits

Leveraging Accident Review Boards to Reduce Workers Compensation Claims. WHAT challenges do nonprofits face today? NonProfits have always fought the good fight – delivering on…

IRS Provides Two Additional Codes for ICHRAs Under Section 6056

On Feb. 2, 2021, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provided two additional codes from Code Series 1 that can be used for reporting offers of…

DOL Proposes New Effective Date for Independent Contractor Rule

In February, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) proposed delaying the effective date for the Independent Contractor final rule from…

FAQs Updated by IRS on Employer Tax Credits for FFCRA Leave

In January, the IRS updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) on tax credits available to employers for providing paid employee leave under the Families First Coronavirus…

Outbreak Period Expiration Looming, No New Guidance

Last year, federal agencies issued relief postponing various employee benefit plan deadlines during a defined “Outbreak Period” which will help participants, plans and service providers…

DOL’s January 2021 FLSA Opinion Letters

The U.S. Department of Labor issued nine opinion letters during January 2021 to clarify how the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) applies to various employment…

Data Security and Higher Education

Colleges and universities must uphold the value of the free exchange of ideas while keeping students’ private information secure and complying with state and federal…

Prejudgment Interest – What Does it Mean to Me?

By: Mike Madey, MBA, RPLU, MJ, Vice President / Business Insurance Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is reviewing a new bill which would allow for prejudgment…

Medicare Part D Disclosures due by March 1, 2021 for Calendar Year Plans

Employers with group health plans are required to complete an online disclosure form with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on an annual basis…

OSHA Update: Executive Order on Protecting Worker Health and Safety

On January 21, President Biden signed an executive order to protect worker health and safety. The order is specifically focused on COVID-19’s spread in America’s…

Fleet Telematics: Risks Associated with Improper Use

Technology has changed our world in many ways, but the unintended consequences of improperly using technology present a significant risk for companies, employees, and the…

How to Maintain the Value of Your Wine Collection

Most wines are consumed before they reach peak maturity and quality. But a growing number of serious enthusiasts are holding onto prized bottles for years…

DOL Increases Civil Penalty Amounts for 2021

Highlights Annual Updates – The DOL must adjust its civil penalty amounts for inflation each year. Possible Penalties – The DOL may assess these penalties on employers…

HHS Extends Transition Policy for Non-ACA Compliant Health Plans

All non-compliant plans renewed under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extended an existing transition policy on January 19, 2021, for certain health plans…

Proposed Rules Would Amend Requirements for Wellness Program Incentives

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued two proposed rules on Jan. 7, 2021, regarding wellness programs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and…