ACA Compliance Overview – HHS’ FAQs on Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Final Rule
Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in certain health programs and activities. Section 1557 has been in effect since its enactment in 2010, with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Civil Rights (OCR) enforcing the provision.
This Compliance Overview provides HHS’ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the final rule, which becomes effective July 5, 2024.
Click here to learn more and download the latest ACA Compliance Bulletin.
News Brief: U.S. Employers Added 175,000 Jobs in April, Well Below Expectations
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently released its April Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary. The report found that the economy added 175,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in April, well below the Dow Jones 240,000 estimate. To put this in perspective, the economy has added an average of 242,000 new positions a month over the past 12 months.
“This is the jobs report the Fed would have scripted.”
Seema Shah, chief global strategist, Principal Asset Management
Benefits and Me: What are Speciality Drug Benefits?
Specialty drugs, also known as specialty pharmaceuticals, are some of the most expensive prescriptions you can buy—costing up to $2,000 or more per month. Unfortunately, they may also be the only option for many people with complex and untreatable conditions. Specialty drugs are expensive prescription medications used to treat chronic, complex conditions. Individuals who have cancer, multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis might be prescribed a specialty drug. Special handling, such as refrigeration and supervised injections, is often required for these medications, contributing to the high costs.
Compliance Bulletin – HSA/HDHP Limits Will Increase for 2025
On May 9, 2024, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2024-25 to provide the inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs) for 2025. The IRS is required to publish these limits by June 1 of each year.
Employers sponsoring HDHPs should review their plan’s cost-sharing limits (i.e., the minimum deductible amount and maximum out-of-pocket expense limit) when preparing for the plan year beginning in 2025.
Legal Update: DOL Issues Guidance on AI-Related Wage and Hour Risks
On April 29, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) published Field Assistance Bulletin (FAB) No. 2024-1 on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace.
The FAB follows a statement released by the White House announcing key AI-related actions following President Joe Biden’s executive order issued on Oct. 30, 2023, on establishing standards for AI safety and security.
Live Well, Work Well – Emotional Self-regulation Strategies for Everyday Life
Emotional self-regulation, or emotion regulation, refers to the ability to remain aware of your emotions, understand why you’re feeling a certain way, and manage those feelings in a healthy and constructive manner.
View and download the latest Live Well, Work Well newsletter
Compliance Bulletin – Preparing for the FTC’s Noncompete Ban
On April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted to issue a final rule that would prohibit employers from entering into or enforcing noncompete clauses with most employees. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on May 7,2024, and is scheduled to take effect 120 days after such date on Sept. 4, 2024.
Think Well, Be Well: Daily Habits to Boost Mental Health
While therapy and medication certainly play vital roles in mental health management and treatment, integrating certain habits into your routine can also significantly contribute to your overall mental wellness.
10 Mental-Health Boosting Habits
Mental health plays a huge role in your overall health and wellbeing. It affects everything, including how you think, feel and act, and helps determine how you make healthy choices and cope with stress. Because it’s such a crucial component of your wellness, focusing on maintaining or improving your mental health is important.
Mental Health Minute (May)
Spring isn’t just for cleaning out your closet. It’s also a great time to refresh your mind. It’s important to check in on yourself regularly; a routine refresh can help you reduce stress and feel in control.
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.
