January HR Brief
DOL Proposes Revisions to the Fluctuating Workweek Overtime Method
In November 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published a proposed rule to update the “fluctuating workweek” method for calculating employee overtime wages under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The fluctuating workweek method provides employers a cost-saving option to compensate employees who are not exempt from the act’s overtime wage payment requirements.
January Benefits Buzz
Recently, the Departments of Labor (DOL) and Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an updated template and related materials for the summary of benefits and coverage (SBC). These materials are required to be used for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2021. This means that the updated template must be used for the 2021 plan year’s open enrollment period.
On Friday, Nov. 15, 2019, the Trump administration released its final rule regarding hospital price transparency. This final rule will take effect Jan. 1, 2021, a year later than originally proposed.
Complete Your Mandatory Sexual Harassment Training With EOB
In August of 2019 Governor JB Pritzker signed a measure mandating annual sexual harassment training for all businesses in IL no matter their number of employees.
This training will have to be completed once per year & every year by each employee. There will even be a separate program for bars and restaurants designed specifically for their environment.
We have two solutions for your team –
View and download our flyer about online and group trainings to satisfy this mandatory requirement
Live Well, Work Well
With so many social gatherings during this time, it can be difficult to avoid treating yourself when you’re offered good food and drinks. Whether you’re dieting or just trying to maintain your healthy lifestyle, fear not—you can survive the holidays and wake up on Jan. 1 without feeling remorse or guilt. Consider the following tips:
December Benefits Buzz
FSA Contribution and Other Benefits Limits Rise for 2020, DOL Proposes New Method for Electronic Delivery of Retirement Plan Disclosures
In addition to the FSA contribution limits, the IRS announced increases for transportation benefits and adoption services. Qualified transportation benefit limits (for parking or transit passes) increased to $270 for 2020. Maximum employer subsidies for qualified adoption expenses rose to $14,300, up $220. Other adoption-related limits increased as well. Learn more in the December Benefits Buzz newsletter:
The Benefit of Benefits
Remaining competitive in the hunt for the right job candidates who will propel your business to success is a struggle.
Benefits packages offer value to your employees and help you boost productivity and retention in a cost-effective manner. Here are a few of the advantages of offering employee benefits as part of your compensation package.
November Benefits Buzz
Summary of the 2019 Employer Health Benefits Annual Survey
Each year, the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research & Educational Trust conduct a survey to examine employer-sponsored health benefit trends. This article summarizes some of its main points. Request a full summary from Evolution of Benefits for more details. Read more for Plan Enrollment Trends:
October HR Brief
Hold on to Talent With “Stay Conversations”
Some people think employment is all about the money, but they’re wrong. For many, it’s about development and growth. In fact, Gallup cites “lack of development and career growth” as the number one reason employees leave their workplace.
How can you ensure you’re offering suitable opportunities to keep your employees happy? “Stay conversations” are a good way to start.
October Benefits Buzz
Deadline Approaching: Medicare Part D Notices Are Due Before Oct. 15
Each year, Medicare Part D requires group health plan sponsors to disclose to individuals who are eligible for Medicare Part D and to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) whether the health plan’s prescription drug coverage is creditable. Plan sponsors must provide the annual disclosure notice to Medicare-eligible individuals before Oct. 15, 2019.
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.
