Alcohol Awareness Month
Learn more and take action
Consuming too much of anything is bad for you, but alcohol is among the worst. Over-indulging in alcohol increases your risk for injuries, disease and even some types of cancer. That’s why it’s so important to practice responsible drinking habits.
With this in mind, consider the following tips:
- Set a reasonable drinking limit for yourself when enjoying a night out, and encourage friends to do the same.
- Talk to your doctor about your drinking habits, and discuss potential long-term effects.
- Always have a designated driver or a plan for safely traveling when out drinking (e.g., taxi).
- Know your limits and don’t exceed them.
Practicing responsible drinking now will help you keep the good times rolling years down the road. Visit www.samhsa.gov to learn more about substance dependency and where to find help limiting your alcohol consumption.
Take action: View and download the latest National Health Observance newsletter – PDF
Prioritize Your Sleep, Properly Cleaning Your Earbuds + More – Live Well, Work Well
Making Every Bite Count
The foods and beverages you consume have a significant impact on your health. In fact, 60% of adults have one or more diet-related chronic diseases.
The newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020-2025) offers science-based nutrition advice to develop healthy eating habits and reduce chronic disease risk. For the first time, this edition provides recommendations by life stage, from birth through older adulthood.
Prioritize Your Sleep
Sleep is just as important as nutrition and exercise to help you function at your best. But when you’re juggling work, kids and everyday life, a good night’s sleep may seem unattainable. In fact, 35% of people feel they don’t get enough sleep.
Adults need seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. In honor of World Sleep Day on March 19, consider the following tips to prioritize your sleep:
Properly Cleaning Your Earbuds
Listen up! Earbud use can lead to health issues such as excessive earwax, ear pain, ringing in the ears or infections. Dirt, debris and sweat can build up over time, so it’s important to clean earbuds after each use. Cleaning can also maintain sound quality and extend the life of your earbuds.
View and download the latest Live Well, Work Well newsletter
Benefits Breakdown – March 2021
Understanding Prescription Drug Pricing Trends
In 2019, the United States spent nearly $370 billion on prescription drugs, keeping trend with significant increases year over year. Although prescription drug spending has historically been a small proportion of national health care costs compared to hospital and physician services, it has grown rapidly in recent years—comprising about 10% of national health care spending.
3 Voluntary Benefits Trends to Watch in 2021
Voluntary benefits have always been great tools for rounding off employee benefits offerings. And that value isn’t lost on employers—at least 50% offer some sort of voluntary benefits, according to an Alera Group report. Employers can expect to see voluntary benefits grow in these three key areas in 2021:
- Expanded offerings such as eldercare and critical illness insurance
- A focus on financial wellness, including budget counseling and financial planning
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Learn more and take action
Colorectal cancer can affect everyone, regardless of race, age or gender. It’s one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and it’s especially dangerous for those ages 50 and older. Luckily, regular screenings can help prevent the majority of cases. The problem is that many people don’t get screened or don’t know what to look for.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer include a change in bowel habits, such as frequent diarrhea and constipation, continuing abdominal cramps, bloating and gas, and rectal bleeding found in stool. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to be screened right away.
Take action: View and download the latest National Health Observance newsletter – PDF
HR Brief – March 2021
Topics include
OSHA Issues Prevention Guidance on COVID-19 in the Workplace
Recently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued guidance on mitigating and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The guidance is intended to inform employers and workers in settings outside of health care of the risks of being exposed to or contracting COVID-19 at work. This guidance is meant to help employers and workers determine appropriate COVID-19 control measures for the workplace.
3 Recruiting Trends to Watch in 2021
Recruiting has never been simple, and the COVID-19 pandemic is complicating matters even more. In this rapidly changing landscape, employers need to adapt if they want to attract and retain quality talent.
To better prepare for this rapidly changing landscape, the following are some recruiting practice trends employers should monitor in 2021.
American Heart Month
Learn more and take action
Your heart is one of the hardest-working muscles in your body, but all that work can take a toll. Not treating your body right can quickly lead to serious heart issues, like heart disease. In fact, heart disease is one of the leading killers in the United States, accounting for 1 in 4 deaths annually.
Luckily, it doesn’t take much to help your ticker. You can prevent heart disease by making healthy choices like eating balanced meals, exercising, quitting smoking and visiting your doctor regularly. As a precaution, you should also know the signs of a heart attack, which include:
- Chest or upper-body discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or cold sweats
Speak with your doctor to discuss a heart-healthy regimen for you. For more information, visit www.heart.org.
Take action: View and download the latest National Health Observance newsletter – PDF
HR Brief – February 2021
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EEOC Issues FAQs on Mandatory Vaccinations for COVID- 19
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently added nine new answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) to its existing guidance on how employers should comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other fair employment laws while also observing all applicable emergency workplace safety guidelines during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Driving HR Efficiencies With Technology
Improving workplace efficiency is about helping employees work smarter, not harder.
Consolidated Appropriations Act: Employee Benefit Provisions
Enacted on Dec. 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) includes a $900 billion coronavirus relief package that provides funding to individuals and businesses.
The CAA also includes benefits and tax provisions affecting employers, group health plan sponsors, health benefits brokers and health insurance issuers. Some provisions are currently effective, while others begin on future dates.
ACA Reporting Deadlines in 2021
Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting under Section 6055 and Section 6056 for the 2020 calendar year is due in early 2021.
For more information about these items, read our Benefits Buzz newsletter, and contact Evolution of Benefits today.
Non-grandfathered Plans Must Cover COVID-19 Vaccine Without Cost-sharing Beginning in 2021
Non-grandfathered Plans Must Cover COVID-19 Vaccine Without Cost-sharing Beginning in 2021
On Dec. 11, 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Pfizer Inc.’s COVID-19 vaccine. This EUA allowed distribution of the vaccine to begin immediately in the United States.
The day after the FDA approved the vaccine, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended use of the vaccine for individuals 16 years of age and older. The ACIP recommendation triggers the requirement for non-grandfathered group health plans and health insurance issuers to cover the vaccine without cost sharing under the Affordable Care Act’s preventive care requirements.
Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), coverage of the vaccine must be provided within 15 business days after the recommendation is made.
There is some uncertainty regarding the timing, but it is widely understood that coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine must begin no later than Jan. 1, 2021.
Plans and carriers may choose to cover the vaccine before this date. Grandfathered plans may also choose to cover the vaccine, and could be required to do so under state law or pursuant to the terms of an insurance policy.
For more information, contact Evolution of Benefits today.
HR Brief – January 2021
Topics include
Encouraging Employees to Use Telehealth Services
As COVID-19 cases continue to surge across the country amid flu season, telehealth services offer access to quick, convenient and affordable care. In 2020, there was a significant increase nationally in telehealth utilization. Now, many providers and hospitals are encouraging patients to utilize telehealth services instead of coming to the office or hospital for non-life-threatening care.
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Employee Skills for the Post-pandemic Workplace
The post-pandemic workplace will require employers to rethink how to prioritize and develop necessary skill sets. In response, organizations should embrace a dynamic approach to reskilling talent in order to shift vital employee skills and help develop skills as they become relevant and necessary. Consider pursuing and supporting the following proficiencies for potential and current employees:
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.
