News Brief – CDC Recommends Shorter COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine
On Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reduced its recommended periods for COVID-19 isolation (confirmed COVID-19 infection) and quarantine (potential COVID-19 exposure).
Asymptomatic individuals infected with COVID-19 have been told to isolate for five days from the day they test positive—down from the original 10. After, they should wear a mask when around others for an additional five days.
The CDC’s new quarantine guidance was similarly updated. People who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second vaccine dose (or more than two months after getting the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) and not yet boosted should avoid others for five days after COVID-19 exposure. Then, they should diligently wear a mask for an additional five days afterward.
“Prevention is our best option: get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial and high community transmission, and take a test before you gather.” -CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, in a statement
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News Brief – COVID-19 Was Third Leading Cause of Death in the U.S. in 2020
On Wednesday
In 2020, a total of over 3.3 million resident deaths were registered across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This total from 2020—the first year of the coronavirus pandemic—marked the highest annual total of deaths the nation has ever recorded, with fatalities from COVID-19 contributing a significant number.
Notably, COVID-19 became the third leading cause of these deaths, accounting for around 350,000 deaths, according to the CDC.
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News Brief – FDA Authorizes Pfizer COVID-19 Treatment Pill
On Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued emergency use authorization for an antiviral pill intended to help treat COVID-19 cases.
Paxlovid, manufactured by Pfizer, is the first antiviral COVID-19 pill authorized for at-home use. According to the FDA, individuals ages 12 and up—weighing at least 88 pounds—should take the prescription-only pill as soon as they are diagnosed with COVID-19 and “within five days of symptom onset.”
The intention is to take the pill before getting sick enough to require hospitalization.
According to data released by Pfizer, Paxlovid treatment cut the risk of hospitalization or death by 88% among high-risk unvaccinated individuals when administered a few days after seeing symptoms.
“Today’s authorization introduces the first treatment for COVID-19 that is in the form of a pill that is taken orally—a major step forward in the fight against this global pandemic.”
Patrizia Cavazzoni, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
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Live Well, Work Well – Understanding the Omicron Variant
A new variant of coronavirus is prompting renewed concern regarding the pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) named the new variant “Omicron.” Omicron is labeled a “variant of concern,” the agency’s serious category for tracking. Such a designation is reserved for dangerous variants that may be more transmissible or virulent or could decrease the effectiveness of vaccines or treatments.
The Emergence of Omicron
- How easily does Omicron spread?
- Will Omicron cause more severe illness?
- Will vaccines work against Omicron?
- Will treatments work against Omicron?
Tools to Fight Omicron
- Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging.
- Masks offer protection against all variants of COVID-19.
- Tests can tell you if you are currently infected with COVID-19.
View and download the latest Live Well, Work Well newsletter
Compliance Bulletin – Proposed Rule Would Extend ACA Reporting Furnishing Deadlines
On Nov. 22, 2021, the IRS released a proposed rule that would extend the annual furnishing deadlines for Sections 6055 and 6056 reporting under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This proposed rule would essentially make permanent the furnishing deadline extension that has been provided for each prior year of ACA reporting. Specifically, the proposed rule would:
- Extend the due date for furnishing statements to individuals under Sections 6055 and 6056 by 30 days from Jan. 31 each year; and
- Provide additional penalty relief related to furnishing statements to individuals under Section 6055 for every year in which the individual mandate penalty is zero. Under this relief, employers would generally only have to provide Form 1095-B to covered individuals upon request.
Click here to learn more and download the latest Compliance Bulletin
What to Know About Omicron—the New Coronavirus Variant
A new variant of coronavirus initially detected in South Africa is prompting renewed concern regarding the pandemic. On Nov. 26, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) named the new variant “Omicron.” Omicron was labeled a “variant of concern,” the agency’s most serious category for tracking. Such a designation is reserved for dangerous variants that may be more transmissible or virulent or could decrease the effectiveness of vaccines or treatments.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that Omicron has yet to be detected in the United States. However, Omicron has been detected in numerous countries, including Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Britain, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, South Africa, and Switzerland. Several countries, including the United States, have already restricted travel while waiting for health experts to learn more about the potentially dangerous variant.
“This is the most concerning variant we’ve seen since Delta. It’s going to take a really high bar for something to take over for Delta, and we don’t know whether this is going to do it.”
Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute
For more information:
Understanding the Flu Season and COVID-19 – Live Well, Work Well
This year’s influenza (flu) season is expected to be active amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Flu season usually begins in October and peaks between December and February. As we’re amid the second flu season during the pandemic, it’s even more important for you to take precautions to prevent both the flu and COVID-19 from spreading.
This article features frequently asked questions (FAQs) prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about the seasonal flu and COVID-19.
- What is the difference between the flu and COVID-19?
- Will there be the flu along with COVID-19 in the fall and winter?
- Can I have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time?
- If I get sick with the flu, am I at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19?
- Because symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are similar, how will I know if I have the flu or COVID-19?
- Is there a test that can detect both the flu and COVID-19?
- Will a flu vaccine protect me against COVID-19?
- Does a flu vaccination increase my risk of getting COVID-19?
- I think I may have the flu. Is it safe for me to visit my health care professional when COVID-19 is spreading in my community?
View and download the latest Live Well, Work Well newsletter
Tips for Healthy Holiday Travel During a Pandemic – Live Well, Work Well
As the holidays approach and COVID-19 vaccination eligibility expand to younger children, many Americans may be making plans to travel. According to Tripadvisor, 55% of Americans plan to travel this winter, which is a 5% increase from those who traveled last winter. Not surprisingly, the most popular travel dates are the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Additionally, the majority of Americans planning to travel this winter will remain stateside.
If you’re planning to hit the road or the skies this holiday season, there are some general tips to keep you safe while traveling:
- Get vaccinated.
- Stay domestic.
- Take a road trip.
- Check travel restrictions.
- Manage your stress levels.
- Keep up with COVID-19 safety precautions.
- Pack the pandemic essentials.
View and download the latest Live Well, Work Well newsletter
Celebrating Holidays Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic – Live Well, Work Well
Holiday traditions are important for many families, and we’re about to enter the second holiday season during the pandemic. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidelines for safely celebrating this year’s holiday season. The CDC’s top advice is for eligible Americans to get the COVID-19 vaccine before gathering and traveling for the holidays.
More than three-quarters of eligible Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to CDC data.
View and download the latest Live Well, Work Well newsletter
New Rule Requires Reporting of Medical and Prescription Drug Costs
On Nov. 17, 2021, federal agencies released an interim final rule requiring health plans and issuers to report information regarding the cost of prescription drugs and certain medical expenses. This rule is a continuation of the Biden administration’s efforts to promote greater transparency in health care spending.
Overview of the Interim Final Rule
However, benefits are only powerful retention tools if employees see value in the offerings. Many
employees expect some perks and arrangements made necessary during the pandemic, such as
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- General information regarding the plan or coverage;
- Enrollment and premium information;
- Total health care spending by enrollees versus employers and issuers;
- The 50 most frequently dispensed brand prescription drugs, the 50 costliest prescription drugs by total annual spending and the 50 prescription drugs with the greatest increase in expenditures from the previous year;
- Prescription drug rebates, fees, and other compensation paid to the plan or issuer; and
- The impact of prescription drug rebates, fees, and other compensation on premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Employee Benefit Plan Limits for 2022
For plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2022, some benefits limits have increased.
For more information, download this newsletter, and contact Evolution of Benefits today.
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.
