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?
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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.
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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.
Compliance Bulletin – OSHA COVID-19 ETS: Determining the Number of Employees
On Nov. 4, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a federal emergency temporary standard (ETS) to address the grave danger of COVID-19 infection in the workplace. Affected employers will be required to comply with most provisions of the ETS by Dec. 5, 2021, and with its testing requirements by Jan. 4, 2022. Affected employers include private employers with 100 or more employees (firmwide or companywide count).
The ETS provides specific guidance to help employers determine how many employees they have for the purpose of complying with the vaccination and testing standard. This Compliance Bulletin provides an overview of specific guidance offered for:
• Part-time employees;
• Independent contractors or subcontractors;
• Staffing agencies;
• Temporary and seasonal employees;
• Multiemployer worksites; and
• Outdoor employees.
Click here to learn more and download the latest Compliance Bulletin
Compliance Bulletin – COVID-19 Vaccine and Testing ETS Policy Requirements for Employers
On Nov. 4, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a federal emergency temporary standard (ETS) to address the grave danger of COVID-19 infection in the workplace. Affected employers will be required to comply with most provisions of the ETS by Dec. 6, 2021, and with its testing requirements by Jan. 4, 2022. Affected employers include private employers with 100 or more employees (firmwide or companywide count).
The ETS requires each covered employer to establish and implement a written mandatory vaccination policy unless the employer adopts an alternative policy requiring COVID-19 testing and face coverings for unvaccinated employees. To meet the definition of “mandatory vaccination policy,” the policy must require vaccination of all employees, including all new employees as soon as practicable, other than those employees for whom:
Click here to learn more and download the latest Compliance Bulletin
Compliance Bulletin – COVID-19 Testing for Employees Not Fully Vaccinated Under the ETS
On Nov. 4, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a federal emergency temporary standard (ETS) to address the grave danger of COVID-19 infection in the workplace. Affected employers will be required to comply with most provisions of the ETS by Dec. 6, 2021, and with its testing requirements by Jan. 4, 2022. Affected employers include private employers with 100 or more employees (firm- or company-wide count).
On Nov. 6, 2021, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a temporary stay effectively blocking enforcement of the ETS until a final decision is made.
The ETS creates new employer obligations with respect to employees who are not fully vaccinated, including a requirement to ensure unvaccinated employees are tested for COVID-19. While OSHA’s stated preference is for employers to implement written mandatory vaccination policies, the ETS also regulates procedures to protect workers who remain unvaccinated—regular testing, use of face coverings and removal of infected employees from the workplace.
Click here to learn more and download the latest Compliance Bulletin
Benefits Breakdown: Complex Health Benefits Can Hinder Employee Success
Health care is rarely straightforward for the average consumer. Many individuals need help making sense of their options both during open enrollment and when receiving health services. In fact, 8 out of 10 people said they faced challenges when receiving care, according to a recent study from Quantum Health.
According to the study, the vast majority of consumers have reported facing hurdles in the past two years when receiving care. These challenges include issues understanding coverage levels, locating providers and navigating the insurance claims process. Issues like these were compounded for individuals with chronic conditions—90% of whom said they faced additional challenges, such as making sense of diagnoses or test results.
Understanding Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement
Arrangements (ICHRAs)
HRAs reimburse employees for certain medical costs. Depending on the plan, such expenses may include doctor visits, medical procedures and prescriptions. An employee must be enrolled in their employer’s group health plan to qualify for an HRA.
ICHRAs are a bit different. These accounts can reimburse employees for certain medical expenses, insurance premiums or both. Whether an ICHRA will cover both premium and medical expenses is up to the employer.
Celebrating Holidays Safely During the Pandemic – Live Well, Work Well
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidelines for safely celebrating the upcoming holiday season. Because large indoor gatherings are common for the holidays, the best way to minimize COVID-19 risks and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible.
As we approach the second holiday season during the pandemic, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the CDC’s recommendations to plan safer gatherings.
How to Gather
The biggest difference between the holidays last year and the upcoming season is that COVID-19 vaccines are readily available in the United States. Additionally, there are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health. The CDC recommends the following to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this holiday season:
View and download the latest Live Well, Work Well newsletter
Legal Update – DOE Issues Resources on Student Mental Health and COVID-19
On Oct. 13, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) issued new resources aimed at helping schools and other educational institutions comply with federal civil rights laws that protect students with mental health disabilities. The new resources, which include a fact sheet and letter to educators, focus on issues specifically relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fact Sheet on Students at Risk of Self-Harm
The DOE’s new fact sheet, “Supporting and Protecting the Rights of Students at Risk of Self-Harm in the Era of COVID-19,” provides information about:
• What may prompt the DOE to investigate a school or institution for potential violations of civil rights laws relating to mental health;
• How to create an educational environment that is responsive to students with mental health disabilities; and
• How to obtain other resources for students, families and educators.
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.
