Mental Health Minute (August)
Zoning Out
“Zoning out” is a mild and common form of dissociation. Nearly everyone does it from time to time. Zoning out can serve as a coping mechanism when you are bored, tired, distracted, stressed, anxious or dealing with a difficulty in life.
Social Media
More individuals are using technology and social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, to self-diagnose mental health conditions. While awareness and understanding of mental health issues are important, certain exposure to information on these platforms can be harmful. Getting an accurate diagnosis is key to mental health treatment and recovery.
Legal Update: Effective Date of DOL’s Retirement Security Rule Put On Hold
On July 25, 2024, a federal U.S. District Court in Texas stayed the effective date of the Department of Labor’s (DOL) final retirement security rule and certain amendments to class prohibited transaction exemptions (PTEs) until further order of the court. The final rule and PTE amendments were generally scheduled to take effect on Sept. 23, 2024.
Compliance Overview – 2025 Open Enrollment Checklist
To get ready for open enrollment, employers who sponsor group health plans should be aware of compliance changes affecting the design and administration of their health plans for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2025. These changes include limits that are adjusted for inflation each year, such as the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) affordability percentage and cost-sharing limits for high deductible health plans (HDHPs). Employers should review their health plan’s design to confirm that it has been updated, as necessary, for these changes.
Benefits Buzz – 5th Circuit Requires Health Plans to Continue Providing Free Preventive Care
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that a key component of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) preventive care mandate is unconstitutional. However, in a decision it referred to as a “mixed bag,” the 5th Circuit limited its ruling to the plaintiffs in the case, a small group of individuals and businesses from Texas.
The ACA requires non-grandfathered health plans and issuers to cover a set of recommended preventive services without imposing cost-sharing requirements, such as deductibles, copayments or coinsurance, when the services are provided by in-network providers.
Live Well, Work Well – The Health Benefits of Camping (August)
Millions of Americans enjoy camping each year, especially as temperatures rise and days get longer in the summer. Moreover,interest among non-campers has been growing steadily for years. According to a 2024 report by camping platform Dyrt, more than 20 million Americans have gone camping for the first time since 2021, including 5.5 million first-time campers just in 2023.
Dyrt revealed that nearly 2 out of 3 Americans say they are somewhat interested incamping in the next three years.
View and download the latest Live Well, Work Well newsletter
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.
