Resources

Federal Officials Clarify FAQ’s on Contraceptive Coverage Requirements

The Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Treasury (Departments) jointly distributed a new set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding…

2023 ACA Affordability Decreases to 9.12%

The IRS issued Revenue Procedure (Rev. Proc.) 2022-34 to index the contribution percentages in 2023 for determining the affordability of an employer’s plan under the…

Affordable Care Act Pay or Play Penalties Will Go Up for 2023

On Aug. 16, 2022, the IRS updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the employer shared responsibility (pay or play) rules under the Affordable Care…

Inflation Reduction Act Contains a Number of Health Reforms

On Aug. 16, 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, aimed primarily at fighting inflation and reducing carbon emissions. It also…

Court Overturns No Surprises Act Dispute Resolution Rules for Air Ambulance Services

Important Dates Dec. 27, 2020: The CAA was signed into law. Sept. 30, 2021: Federal agencies issued an interim final rule on the federal IDR process. Feb.…

Federal Guidance Released: Nondiscrimination in Telehealth

Highlights The ADA may require providers to make reasonable changes to their policies, practices or procedures regarding telehealth services to avoid discriminating on the basis…

Why Builders Risk Insurance is Important

While being involved in the construction process for a new building or structure is exciting, it also carries numerous risks. After all, a wide range…

Why Your Safety Plan Should Address Drug Usage in the Workplace

By: Chris Pfieffer; Team Manager of Horton Safety Consultants The positive drug test rate for U.S. workers has reached its highest level in the last 20 years.…

The Unknowns of the Master Program

As a real estate owner, it is crucial to have a comprehensive and well-structured insurance policy in place to safeguard your valuable assets and investments.…

U.S. Supreme Court Confirms States Can Be Sued as Employers by Private Individuals Under USERRA

The U.S. Supreme Court recently confirmed that states can be sued as employers by private individuals under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act…

It’s Time to Prioritize Women’s Safety in the Workplace – Especially in These Three Areas

By: Chris Pfeiffer; Team Manager of Horton Safety Consultants Many female workers have expressed concerns about their physical and mental safety in the workplace. A National…

7th Circuit: Employer Interference Without Denial of Leave Can Violate FMLA

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in Ziccarelli v. Dart that an employer can violate the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)…

Section 1557 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a proposed rule that would revise existing regulations for Section 1557 nondiscrimination protections under the Affordable…

Reproductive Health Care has New HIPAA Privacy Guidance

The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which allows states to regulate and prohibit abortion has resulted in new guidance…

IRS Releases 2022 Draft Forms for ACA Reporting

IMPORTANT DATES Feb. 28, 2023: Paper IRS returns for 2022 must be filed by Feb. 28, 2023. March 2, 2023: Due to a proposed rule permanently extending…

Three-Digit Mental Health Crisis Dialing Code Launched July 16

On July 16, 2022, Lifeline launched a three-digit dialing code, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, for mental health emergencies. Similar to dialing 911 for…

Agencies Highlight Contraceptive Mandate Compliance Concerns

The Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury (Departments) issued a letter directing group health plan sponsors and issuers to…

DOL Update on Health Care Transparency and No Surprises Act Requirements

Group health plans and health insurance issuers are subject to many new requirements designed to increase health care transparency and protect consumers against surprise medical…

Employer Coverage of Travel Costs for Abortion Care

A number of employers announced that they would reimburse travel expenses for employees who must go out of state to obtain a legal abortion following…

Kohl’s Left Out in the Cold by Snow Removal Subcontractor’s Additional Insured Endorsement

By Melanie FItzgibbons, Risk Transfer Consultant at The Horton Group This month’s case focuses on a lawsuit filed by State Auto Property & Casualty Insurance Co.…

Increased OSHA Budget Can Lead to Increased OSHA Inspections – How Can You Prepare?

By: Chris Pfeiffer; Team Manager of Horton Safety Consultants The Biden Administration has requested to raise the budget of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)…

Inspecting Home Hail Damage

Numerous summer storms possess the capacity to generate hail, which has the potential to wreak havoc on your residence. The degree of damage inflicted may…

GAWDA Safety Committee Update

What are we working on… Sample Safety Practices we are currently reviewing for updates Vehicular Accident Incident Considerations Earthquake Emergency Preparedness Tornado Emergency Preparedness Contractor…

Drive Down OSHA Compliance Risk

When OSHA changed its injury reporting requirements in January of 2015, employers were required to report the occurrence of all amputations within 48 hours of…