Consolidated Appropriations Act: Employee Benefit Provisions
Enacted on Dec. 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) includes a $900 billion coronavirus relief package that provides funding to individuals and businesses.
The CAA also includes benefits and tax provisions affecting employers, group health plan sponsors, health benefits brokers and health insurance issuers. Some provisions are currently effective, while others begin on future dates.
ACA Reporting Deadlines in 2021
Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting under Section 6055 and Section 6056 for the 2020 calendar year is due in early 2021.
For more information about these items, read our Benefits Buzz newsletter, and contact Evolution of Benefits today.
Non-grandfathered Plans Must Cover COVID-19 Vaccine Without Cost-sharing Beginning in 2021
Non-grandfathered Plans Must Cover COVID-19 Vaccine Without Cost-sharing Beginning in 2021
On Dec. 11, 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Pfizer Inc.’s COVID-19 vaccine. This EUA allowed distribution of the vaccine to begin immediately in the United States.
The day after the FDA approved the vaccine, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended use of the vaccine for individuals 16 years of age and older. The ACIP recommendation triggers the requirement for non-grandfathered group health plans and health insurance issuers to cover the vaccine without cost sharing under the Affordable Care Act’s preventive care requirements.
Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), coverage of the vaccine must be provided within 15 business days after the recommendation is made.
There is some uncertainty regarding the timing, but it is widely understood that coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine must begin no later than Jan. 1, 2021.
Plans and carriers may choose to cover the vaccine before this date. Grandfathered plans may also choose to cover the vaccine, and could be required to do so under state law or pursuant to the terms of an insurance policy.
For more information, contact Evolution of Benefits today.
HR Brief – January 2021
Topics include
Encouraging Employees to Use Telehealth Services
As COVID-19 cases continue to surge across the country amid flu season, telehealth services offer access to quick, convenient and affordable care. In 2020, there was a significant increase nationally in telehealth utilization. Now, many providers and hospitals are encouraging patients to utilize telehealth services instead of coming to the office or hospital for non-life-threatening care.
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Employee Skills for the Post-pandemic Workplace
The post-pandemic workplace will require employers to rethink how to prioritize and develop necessary skill sets. In response, organizations should embrace a dynamic approach to reskilling talent in order to shift vital employee skills and help develop skills as they become relevant and necessary. Consider pursuing and supporting the following proficiencies for potential and current employees:
Five Ways to Start Your Year Off Right + More – Live Well, Work Well
Five Ways to Start Your Year Off Right!
2020 has likely given you time to reflect and think about what you’d like to change about your lifestyle. This is a good time to make positive life changes and strive for an overall healthier self. Consider the following five tips to start the new year off right:
- Check in on your mental health. Mental health is just as important as physical health in building a healthy lifestyle. Reach out to a professional if you need help.
- Be social. Isolating during the COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t have to mean loneliness. Reconnect with others virtually or while practicing social distancing.
- Get regular checkups. Stay up to date on your annual physicals and necessary health tests. Screenings can help identify health issues to be addressed.
- Drink more water. Consuming sugary drinks, like juice or soda, can cause liver damage, premature aging and anxiety. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as well.
- Count nutrients, not calories. Focus on improving the overall quality of your diet and not getting hung up on calories. Achieve this by adding more fiber, protein and probiotics to your diet.
Kick Stress Eating to the Curb
As the COVID-19 pandemic and winter season continue, you may be fighting the urge to eat your feelings. Although stress eating may be soothing at first, you likely won’t feel better in the end. Consuming excess calories in one sitting can cause fatigue, bloating, stomach discomfort and weight gain over time. Consider the following ways to cope with stress eating:
Don’t Forget, It’s National Blood Donor Month
Winter is one of the most difficult times of the year to collect enough blood products and donations to meet patient needs. That’s why National Blood Donor Month is celebrated every January. This month, resolve to be a blood donor and consider the following health benefits of donating blood regularly:
View and download the latest Live Well, Work Well newsletter
HR Brief – December 2020
Topics include
Supporting Employees’ Financial Well-being During the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Workplace Virtual Holiday Parties
There are a variety of ways that leaders can recognize employees this holiday season, and employers should consider which initiatives are appropriate for their workplace. For additional employee engagement resources, contact Evolution of Benefits today.
Live Well Work Well Newsletter – Celebrating Holidays Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic
‘Tis the season for holiday planning. Yet, gatherings of families and friends, crowded parties and travel may put Americans at an increased risk for COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you carefully consider the spread risk of in-person holiday celebrations.
View and download the latest Live Well, Work Well newsletter
HR Brief – November 2020
OSHA Clarifies COVID-19 Reporting Requirements
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Preventing Workplace Gossip During a Crisis
Live Well Work Well Newsletter – Flu Season is here
The arrival of the fall and winter months signals many things, including flu season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity peaks between December and February. It’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both spread this fall and winter.
Many symptoms of the common cold, the flu and COVID-19 are similar, so learn how to differentiate between them on the next page.
View and download the latest Live Well, Work Well newsletter
HR Compliance Bulletin 2020 State Minimum Wage Rates
The current federal minimum wage rate is $7.25 per hour. However, many states have adopted minimum wage rates higher than the federal rate. When the state rate and the federal rate are different, employers must pay their employees the higher rate.
SBA Issues New FAQs for Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness
Employers that received loans through the Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness should review these FAQs carefully as they submit their applications for forgiveness of these loans. PPP loans will be fully forgiven if the funds were used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities.
Click here to view and download our latest HR Compliance Bulletin
Client and Employee Resources
The more your employees understand your benefit plans the more they become educated, empowered consumers. The programs you provide will also gain an enhanced value.
As your strategic partners in employee benefits, we can provide multiple avenues of ongoing support, including:
- Employee Meetings (English and Spanish)
- Webcasts
- Payroll Stuffers
- Poster Campaigns
- Newsletters
Carrier Directories
E-Verify is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. Click the image below to begin.
