EEOC Extends EEO-1 Deadline for 2019 and 2020 Data to Oct. 25
Oct. 25, 2021
New deadline for employers subject to EEO-1 reporting to submit 2019 and 2020 workforce data.
March 31, 2022
Deadline for submission of EEO-1 data from 2021.
Affordability Percentages Will Decrease for 2022
For plan years beginning in 2022, the ACA’s affordability contribution percentages are decreased significantly to:
• 9.61% under the pay or play rules
• 9.61% under the premium tax credit eligibility rules
• 8.09% under an exemption from the individual mandate
Click here to learn more and download the latest ACA Compliance Bulletin.
Family-building Benefits
Some employers recognize modern family-building options by offering expanded and inclusive benefits. Such benefits can provide you peace of mind as employers show their emotional and/or financial support for your decision to build a family. This article highlights common family-building benefits and tips to understand them better.
Family-building Benefits Overview
Family-building benefits are becoming increasingly popular since they inclusively support the complex ways individuals and couples build their families. Benefits may cover options including fertility drugs, medical treatments and procedures, surrogacy and adoption.
Learn More and download the latest Know Your Benefits Newsletter
Protecting Employees From Coronavirus Delta Variant
This article provides guidance to help employers outline a strategy against Delta and its spread in the workplace.
Understand the Risks.
The Delta variant causes a more debilitating form of COVID-19. That’s because individuals infected with Delta house a thousand times more virus than someone infected with the original strain of coronavirus. More virus means more severe disease and more efficient transmission.
According to health experts, Delta transmission rates are especially concerning; some reports show it is potentially as contagious as chickenpox. That means a greater amount of the virus can be spread to more people faster than at the pandemic’s onset. This is due in part to Delta being transmissible even among the fully vaccinated, in some cases.
Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Fully Approved by FDA
Authorizing the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is expected to open the floodgates for employers considering their own vaccine requirements. Many colleges, hospitals, corporations and even the federal government have announced tentative plans to require proof of vaccination as a condition of employment. United Airlines, for example, recently announced they will require vaccine proof among their employees. Other businesses are using vaccine cards to verify whether patrons need to wear face masks.
It is unclear how many organizations will require vaccination among employees in the near future, but employers should continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. We will be sure to keep you up to date on any new developments.
For more information:
Supreme Court Blocks Biden’s Eviction Moratorium
Renters no longer have federal protections provided by the eviction moratorium. However, many states currently have eviction moratoriums in place. Individuals should check for updates from local officials for more information.
We will keep you informed of any noteworthy updates.
For more information:
5 Strategies for Reducing Health Benefits Costs in 2022
For the past two decades, health costs have increased each year. This happens for a variety of reasons, such as inflation or, say, a global pandemic. With that in mind, employers can bank on prices going up in 2022.
According to a PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report, medical costs are projected to increase 6.5% in 2022. This is about average for the past decade; although, it is slightly lower than the 7% increase projected this year (as more spending goes toward the COVID-19 pandemic).
Yet, 6.5% is still a considerable increase, especially when so many budgets have been reallocated or slashed due to the pandemic. That’s why employers must think both strategically and creatively about how they can lower their health benefits expenses in 2022.
This article includes five ways to help reduce spending without compromising benefits quality.
Reach out to Evolution of Benefits for all your employee communication needs, including enrollment guides, video messaging, presentations and more.
Learn more and take action – view the full newsletter below.
President Biden to Mandate COVID-19 Vaccine for Federal Employees and Large Employers
The federal employee mandate will apply to executive branch employees and members of the armed services, among others. Applicable federal employees will not be provided the option for weekly testing in lieu of vaccination.
The OSHA emergency rule—which is expected in the coming weeks—could affect as many as 80 million Americans. It will reportedly require large employers to provide their workers with paid time off to get vaccinated and recover from any vaccination-related side effects (e.g., chills). Companies that fail to comply may be subject to up to $14,000 in fines per employee.
Additionally, COVID-19 vaccinations will be required for more than 17 million health care workers at hospitals and other facilities that receive Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement.
What’s Next?
This hardline stance on vaccines is a stark contrast to the hands-off approach taken by most employers earlier in the year. However, as Delta continues to cause upticks in hospitalizations and deaths throughout the country, employers will need to ramp up efforts to protect their organizations.
Health experts and business leaders agree that vaccination is the most effective way to limit the spread of Delta and maintain uninterrupted operations. Employers should expect the Biden Administration to continue to take measures to increase vaccination rates.
For more information:
Open Enrollment During the Pandemic
Why Starting Open Enrollment Early In 2021 Is More Important Than Ever
Reports suggest that employees who put off job searches during the pandemic are likely to
resume them in earnest this fall, leading to a “turnover tsunami.” Employers should recognize that
they have a significant opportunity to retain employees if they begin open enrollment efforts early
in 2021. Revamping benefits offerings can help demonstrate to employees they are valued and
convince top performers seeking new jobs to remain.
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
telecommuting, to remain. Therefore, employers must tailor their offerings to include such
benefits.
Employers will also need to spread the word about their open enrollment and available offerings.
Countless surveys show that employees want more help understanding their options. These
results mean an open enrollment communication plan needs to start early, provide ample
educational resources and have multiple channels. Reach out today for help enhancing benefits
offerings and getting the word out to employees.
4 Lessons Learned From Open Enrollment During the Pandemic
There’s no denying that 2020’s open enrollment season was unprecedented. This article discusses
key takeaways from last year’s enrollment to help prepare for the 2021 season.
For more information, download this newsletter, and contact Evolution of Benefits today.
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
Nearly 20% of American youth (13.7 million children) between the ages of 2 and 19 are considered
obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As a result, public health officials
have declared childhood obesity a national epidemic.
That’s because overweight children are at a much greater risk for health problems now and in the future
than children who are within a healthy weight range. And pretending the issue doesn’t exist only hurts
children more. In fact, the longer a child remains overweight, the greater their risk for developing
serious long-term health problems, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Fortunately, childhood obesity can be prevented and reduced through healthy eating and regular
physical activity. Prevention is easier and more effective when parents promote healthy eating and
exercise habits at an early age, and incorporate them into their family’s lifestyle.
Take action: View and download the latest National Health Observance newsletter – PDF
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.
