Resources

IRS Issues Guidance on Taxability of DCAP Benefits

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released guidance on May 10, 2021, on the taxability of dependent care assistance programs (DCAPs) for 2021 and 2022, clarifying that…

OSHA Refers to CDC Guidance for Vaccinated Individuals

On May 18, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced reviewing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for fully vaccinated…

Guidance by IRS on American Rescue Plan’s COBRA Subsidy

The IRS issued Notice 2021-31, a guidance document on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) subsidy for continuation health coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget…

HHS Issues New Interpretation of Discrimination Based On Sex Under Section 1557 of the ACA

HIGHLIGHTS Bostock Ruling: Employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Sexual Orientation Defined: A person’s sexual…

New Interpretation Announced on Section 1557 Sex Discrimination by HHS

On May 10, 2021, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a notice announcing, effective immediately, interpretation and enforcement of the prohibitions on…

Remainder of Standards Finalized in Recently Published 2022 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters

HIGHLIGHTS Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The ACA’s out-of-pocket maximum limit will increase to $8,700 (self-only coverage) and $17,400 (family coverage) for 2022. Affordability Percentage: The required contribution percentage…

DOL Rescinds Independent Contractor Final Rule

IMPORTANT DATES Jan. 7, 2021 – Trump Administration published final rule on independent contractor classification. Jan. 20, 2021- President Biden issued regulatory freeze on recently adopted…

Quick Tips on Reporting and Paying the PCORI Fees

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund fee is a fee on issuers of specified health insurance policies and plan sponsors of applicable self-insured health plans…

8 Essentials of a Best-in-Class Fleet Safety Program

By Jason Jeran, Risk Control with Amerisure As the economy improves and businesses expand, there are more vehicles on the road covering more miles. This is…

Is My Wine Collection Covered by My Homeowner’s Insurance?

In recent years, as a growing number of Americans have become interested in wine, the number of collectors buying rare and valuable bottles has grown…

Bulk Tank Installation – Eyes Wide Open

Bulk tanks have been a part of the welding and gas business for a very long time, and they’re not going anywhere any time soon.…

The Importance of Communicating With Employees During Workers’ Compensation Claims

It is important for employers to make their employees feel appreciated and to invest in their well-being. Oftentimes, employees who face work-related injuries or illness…

IRA, HSA Contributions and File Forms 1040 Extension Made from IRS

Important Dates April 15, 2021 – Original due date for Form 1040 series returns. Current deadline for estimated tax payments. May 17, 2021 – Extended deadline for…

Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Guidance Issued by the IRS

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. For…

IRS FAQs focusing on Premium Tax Credit Changes resulting from the APRA

Highlights What is the premium tax credit (PTC)? How do taxpayers know that APTC was paid for their coverage? What happens if you already filed…

DOL Releases FAQs About American Rescue Plan’s COBRA Subsidy

Highlights Coverage is Retroactive: Individuals may start their subsidized coverage April 1, 2021, even if they make their election at a later date. Violations Subject to…

DOL Releases FAQs, Model Notices for COBRA Subsidy in the ARPA

Important dates: March 11, 2021: ARPA signed into law April 1, 2021: ARPA subsidy for COBRA premiums began. Sept. 30, 2021: ARPA subsidy for COBRA premiums expire.…

IRS Releases New Employer Resources on FFCRA Leave Tax Credits

HIGHLIGHTS The ARPA extended tax credits for FFCRA paid leave voluntarily provided by employers through Sept. 30, 2021. The tax credits cover costs related to…

Consolidated Appropriations Act and Mental Health Parity FAQs

HIGHLIGHTS The FAQs address the following: When plans and issuers must make their NQTL comparative analyses available What information plans and issuers must make available…

The Case for Critical Illness Insurance and Why Everyone Should Have It

Critical Illness insurance might very well be the most important type of coverage you’ve never heard of. It isn’t nearly as old a concept as life…

Virtual Wellness Programs for Employers

For many, virtual work happened overnight. While some enjoy it, others miss the hustle and bustle of being in the office. As it’s still unknown…

What Is and Isn’t Covered by a Wine Collection Insurance Policy?

Consumer interest in wine has risen sharply across the last decade and a half. Along with it has come a wave of new collectors whose…

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,…