March Benefits Buzz
- Supreme Court Declines to Expedite ACA Case
The lower court’s ruling is expected to ultimately be appealed to the Supreme Court, and a final decision is not expected to be made until that time. It is likely that any ruling eliminating the ACA will be stayed pending appeal.
- HHS Increases Civil Penalties for HIPAA Violations
HHS is required to adjust these penalties for inflation each year to improve their effectiveness and maintain their deterrent effect. The new penalty amounts are effective for penalties assessed on or after Jan. 17, 2020.
2020 HIPAA Civil Penalties
HHS may assess civil penalties when it discovers a HIPAA violation. The penalty amount depends on the facts involved.
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. It affects all races and genders, but it’s especially threatening for those ages 50 and older. The good news is that regular screenings can help prevent the majority of cases. Unfortunately, many people don’t get screened or don’t know what to look for.
February Benefits Buzz
- Cadillac Tax and Other Key ACA Taxes Repealed
- PCORI Fees Extended for 10 Years
February HR Brief
DOL Updates Regular Rate of Pay Rules
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), announced a new final rule that clarifies how to calculate an employee’s regular wage rate under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The final rule became effective on Jan. 15, 2020.
Calculating the regular rate is an essential first step when determining an employee’s overtime compensation.
A New Year, a New Form W-4
The IRS released an updated version of its Form W-4, also known as the “Employee’s Withholding Certificate.”
February – Live Well, Work Well
It’s American Heart Month: What You Need to Know About Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States, causing about 647,000 deaths annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heart disease is also an extremely expensive disease—costing the United States about $207 billion annually in health care, medications and lost productivity.
American Heart Month, organized by the American Heart Association (AHA), is designed to raise awareness about heart disease and how people can prevent it. Here are tips that may help prevent heart disease:
View and download the February 2020 Live Well Work Well newsletter
February National Health Observance
American Heart Month
Your heart is one of your hardest working muscles, but all that work can take a toll. Not treating your body right can quickly lead to serious heart issues. In fact, heart disease accounts for 1 in 4 deaths in the United States.
Luckily, it doesn’t take much to help your ticker. This American Heart Month, make time for your heart and consider implementing some life changes. You can prevent heart disease by making healthy choices like eating balanced meals, exercising, quitting smoking and visiting your doctor regularly. Remember that making these changes could save your life!
View and Download the February National Health Observance Newsletter
January National Health Observance
Cervical Health Awareness Month
Cervical cancer and HPV, a common infection that can lead to cervical cancer, are serious concerns, especially for young people who are sexually active. Estimates say 70% of men and women will come into contact with HPV during their lifetimes. Since HPV causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer, this is alarming. Currently, nearly 80 million Americans are living with HPV.
View and Download the January National Health Observance Newsletter
January – Live Well, Work Well
Don’t Fall Into This New Year’s Resolution Trap
Historically, one of the top New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight. Unfortunately, many people look to fad diets and weight loss products to achieve their goals quickly. While fad diets may prove effective initially, research shows that many people don’t find long-term success with these types of diets.
This Superfood May Help Prevent Diabetes
View and download the January 2020 Live Well Work Well newsletter
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.
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.
