Resources

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…

IRS Issues Final Rule on Pay or Play and Nondiscrimination Rules for ICHRAs

Since 2020, employers have been able to help employees pay for individual health insurance by offering individual coverage HRAs (ICHRAs). A final rule establishing ICHRAS was published…

EEOC Issues Opinion Letter on ICHRAs and the ADEA

A Jan. 7, 2021 opinion letter from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) addresses employer contributions to Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) and…

HHS Issues Proposed Changes to the HIPAA Privacy Rule

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a proposed rule on Dec. 10, 2020, which would make certain changes to the Health Insurance Portability…

DOL Issues Final Rule on FLSA Independent Contractor Status

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule on Jan. 6, 2021, which clarifies how to determine whether a worker is an employee who…

Top Questions Contractors Should Ask Before Applying for a Stretch Bond

Contractors put a lot of thought into whether or not they can accept projects beyond their normal size, geographical region, and scope. These jobs have…

DOL Issues New Q&As About FFCRA Leave Requirements

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued two additional Q&As regarding employee leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Q&As 104 and 105…

DOL Issues Guidance on Electronic Posting of Labor Law Notices

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued Field Assistance Bulletin 2020-7 on Dec. 29, 2020, which addresses when the DOL will consider electronic posting by employers…

DOL to Accept Telemedicine as In-Person Visit for FMLA Purposes

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published Field Assistance Bulletin 2020-8 on Dec. 29, 2020, which will provide enforcement guidance regarding the use of telemedicine when…

Upcoming ACA Reporting Deadlines

Affordable Care Act (ACA) recently announced that reporting under Section 6055 and Section 6056 for the 2020 calendar year is due in early 2021. Specifically,…

Individual Mandate – Vermont

Beginning in 2020, Vermont imposes a state individual mandate that requires individuals in Vermont to maintain acceptable health coverage. The Vermont law largely mirrors the…

Individual Mandate – Rhode Island

On July 5, 2019, Rhode Island enacted a state individual mandate as part of its 2020 budget legislation. This new law requires individuals in Rhode…

Individual Mandate – California

Beginning in 2020, California imposes a state individual mandate that requires individuals in California to maintain acceptable health coverage or pay a penalty. The California…

Individual Mandate – New Jersey

On May 30, 2018, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed the New Jersey Health Insurance Market Preservation Act into law as a measure to stabilize…

Individual Health Insurance Mandate -District of Columbia

The District of Columbia (D.C.) Individual Taxpayer Health Insurance Responsibility Requirement requires individuals residing in D.C. to maintain acceptable health coverage or pay a penalty.…

Health Care Reform – Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Health Care Reform Act (Act) was enacted in April 2006 to provide nearly universal health care coverage for Massachusetts residents. To carry out…

The Importance of Biometric Screenings & Wellness Programs in the Midst of a Pandemic

Biometric screenings have always been an important component to an overall wellness program and they are even more crucial in the midst of a pandemic.…