National Nutrition Month (March)
The latest dietary guidelines for Americans emphasize balance; it’s not all or nothing. As such, eating right doesn’t need to be complicated. Healthy eating starts with nutritional food choices, which include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and dairy. A balanced diet also leaves room for personal preferences.
American Heart Month (February)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for every 1 out of 5 deaths. Cardiovascular disease and the conditions that lead to it can happen at any age. Some types of heart disease include arrhythmia, heart failure, heart attack and stroke.
Benefits Buzz – Congress Extends Telehealth Relief for HDHPs
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (CAA) extends the ability of high deductible health plans (HDHPs) to provide benefits for telehealth or other remote care services before plan deductibles have been met without jeopardizing health savings account (HSA) eligibility. This extension applies for plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2022, and before Jan. 1, 2025.
Background
In general, telehealth programs that provide free or reduced-cost medical benefits before the HDHP deductible is satisfied are disqualifying coverage for purposes of HSA eligibility. However, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) allowed HDHPs to provide benefits for telehealth or other remote care services before plan deductibles were met, effective for plan years beginning before Jan. 1, 2022.
HR Brief – How HR Can Help Organizations Become Recession-proof
In 2023, it’s critical for employers to consider how to prepare for economic uncertainty and build resilient, prepared organizations. Here are strategies HR teams can use to help prepare for and minimize the impact of a recession on their organizations.
Prioritize Employee Engagement
Employee engagement and experience can be vital leading up to and during a recession. HR teams have found success in increasing engagement by listening to employees and addressing their concerns. In addition, tools and platforms—such as social media, professional networks, and recognition and reward programs—can provide organizations with new ways to strengthen employee engagement. Such measures can help maintain morale and employee productivity.
Live Well, Work Well – The Art of Waking Up Refreshed (February)
Some people wake up ready to take on the day, while others may need more time or a cup of coffee to start their day. Regardless of which camp you’re in, there’s an art and a science to waking up refreshed in the morning. Unfortunately, many fall short when it comes to getting enough sleep.
So, what’s the trick to waking up refreshed? First and foremost, getting enough quality sleep each night is a critical first step. Sleep experts recommend that adults get at least seven to nine hours of sleep nightly. Additionally, consider these tips to improve the quality of your shuteye and improve your chances of waking up energized:
View and download the latest Live Well, Work Well newsletter
Thyroid Awareness Month (January)
More than 12% of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime, according to the American Thyroid Association. Your thyroid has an important job within your body. It’s in charge of releasing and controlling hormones that regulate your metabolism, growth and many other vital bodily functions.
View and download the Thyroid Awareness of the Month Information
HR Brief – The Trendiest Benefits for 2023
There’s no denying that employees’ needs have changed over the past few years, and many workers are paying more attention to their benefits and wondering how to stretch their dollars further. Employers will want to offer benefits to meet evolving worker needs shaped by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation.
This article highlights benefits that are likely to be popular in 2023.
Voluntary Benefits
A rising number of organizations recognize that voluntary benefits are advantageous to employees and their families—and many come at no cost to the employer. Examples of trending benefits include hospital indemnity, disability, accident, life and pet insurance.
Benefits Buzz – IRS Finalizes Deadline Extension for Furnishing ACA Statements
On Dec. 12, 2022, the IRS released a final rule that extends the annual furnishing deadlines for Sections 6055 and 6056 reporting under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This rule finalizes guidance that was proposed by the IRS in December 2021 with minor clarifications. Specifically, the rule:
Finalizes the 30-day automatic extension to the due date for furnishing statements to individuals under Sections 6055 and 6056.
Confirms the availability of an alternate method for furnishing statements to individuals under Section 6055 for every year in which the individual mandate penalty is zero.
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.
