Resources

Sewer Backup Coverage and Prevention Tips

A sewer backup issue in your home can lead to serious consequences—including clogged pipes, contaminated water, fire hazards and property damage caused by sewage buildup…

The Importance of Service Line Coverage

There are a lot of property risks to keep in mind if you’re a homeowner. But have you thought about the ones that might be…

How the DOL’s New Overtime Rule Could Affect Employee Benefits

A recent U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) final rule increases the salary thresholds used to decide whether executive, administrative and professional (EAP) employees are exempt…

Annual PCORI Payments Due by July 31, 2024

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires health insurance issuers and self-insured plan sponsors to remit Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute fees (PCORI fees). The fees are…

Illinois Releases Final Rules for Paid Leave for All Workers Act

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has released its final rules for the state’s Paid Leave for All Workers Act (the Act), which took effect…

DOL Releases Gag Clause Attestation Resources for 2024

On May 24, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released various resources to assist health plans and health insurance issuers in annually submitting their…

New HIPAA Rule Will Require Changes to Privacy Notices

On April 26, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a final rule that strengthens the HIPAA Privacy Rule by prohibiting…

DOL Publishes Guidance on AI-related Wage and Hour Risks

On April 29, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) published Field Assistance Bulletin (FAB) No. 2024-1 on the utilization…

AI – a Bigger Opportunity or Threat?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology that simulates human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. These processes include learning, reasoning, and self-correction. Specific…

Enhancing Workforce Well-Being: Key Insights from The Horton Group’s Webinar on Wellness and Population Health

Wellness and population health programs are pivotal in boosting employee engagement, productivity, and retention, which are more important than ever in today’s evolving workplace dynamics.

Applicability Timeline for Section 1557 Final Rule

Action Steps The final rule is likely to trigger additional lawsuits. As a result, plan administrators and issuers should monitor all legal developments in consultation…

Compliance Overview: FAQs on Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Final Rule

Action Steps The final rule will likely trigger additional lawsuits. As a result, plan administrators and issuers should monitor all legal developments in consultation with…

Overview of the EEOC’s Guidance on Workplace Harassment

Highlights On April 29, 2024, the EEOC published final guidance on harassment in the workplace. The new guidance clarifies the EEOC’s positions on the application…

IRS Releases Excepted Benefit HRA Limit for 2025

The IRS has announced the inflation-adjusted limit for excepted benefit health reimbursement arrangements (EBHRAs) for plan years starting on or after January 1, 2025.

FTC Addresses Garden Leave Under the New Noncompete Rule

The new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule banning noncompetition agreements between employers and employees raises the issue of garden leave and when it is acceptable…

How to Plan for the FTC’s Noncompete Ban

On April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted to issue a final rule that would prevent employers from enforcing or entering into noncompete…

Key Trends in Illinois Workers’ Compensation: Rising Indemnity Benefits and the Impact on Experience Mod

A recent study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) reveals key trends in indemnity benefits and medical payments in Illinois for 2022. The findings…

Four Reasons for Private Equity Firms to Consider a Captive Insurance Program

Despite some initial reluctance, there are compelling reasons for private equity firms to seriously consider integrating captive insurance programs into their risk management arsenal.

Reminder: Submit RxDC Reports Before June 1, 2024

Every year, group health plans and health insurance issuers are obligated to furnish comprehensive data regarding prescription drug and healthcare expenditures to the federal authorities.…

Understanding EPLI in Mergers and Acquisitions

In today’s corporate landscape, Employment Practice Liability Insurance (EPLI) plays a crucial role in safeguarding businesses against various risks associated with employment-related claims.

Answering FAQ’s About the DOL’s Final Overtime Rule

Important Dates July 1, 2024: The salary level for white-collar employees will increase to $844 per week and $132,964 per year for HCEs. January 1,…

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee Adjusted for 2024

The IRS has released Notice 2023-70, announcing a rise in the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee for plan years concluding between October 1, 2023,…

FTC Issues Final Rule Banning Noncompete Agreements

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted on April 23, 2024, to announce a final rule that would ban noncompete agreements in virtually all employment relationships.

The DOL’s New Overtime Rule Amends FLSA White-Collar Exemptions

Important Dates July 1, 2024: The standard salary level for white-collar employees will increase to $844 per week for EAP employees and $132,964 per year…