Legal Update: OSHA Proposes Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Standard
On Aug. 30, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register to protect workers from heat injury and illness. If finalized, the new standard would apply to all employers conducting indoor and outdoor work in all general industry, construction, maritime and agricultural sectors where OSHA has jurisdiction, subject to limited exceptions.
News Brief: Report Finds Weight Loss Drugs Key Driver of 2025 Health Care Cost Increase
A recent Business Group on Health (BGH) survey found that heightened interest and spending on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs is a major driver of rising health care costs in 2025. Americans’ interest in GLP-1 drugs is increasingly pressuring employers’ budgets. On average, GLP-1 treatment costs around $1,000 per individual each month. The medications were traditionally used to treat diabetes but are now in demand for weight loss. When considering covering weight loss drugs, many employers are concerned that they must be used for extended periods to be effective, requiring a long-term commitment.
An estimated 9% of the U.S. population could be on GLP-1s by2030, according to an analysis by investment bank J.P. Morgan.
Legal Update: 5th Circuit Strikes Down DOL’s Tip Credit Final Rule
On Aug. 23, 2024, in Restaurant Law Center v. U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S.Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit vacated the U.S. Department of Labor’s(DOL) 2021 final rule that updated tip credit regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This rule is known as the 80/20/30 rule.
Mental Health Minute (September)
Many Americans Remain Unfamiliar With 988
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline) was launched nationwide in July 2022. The three-digit dialing code replaced the original 1-800 number to make it easier to remember and access. Like
dialing 911 for medical emergencies, people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis can call or text 988 to connect with counselors who will listen, provide support and connect them to resources.
A High-fat Diet May Increase Anxiety
When feeling stressed, you may instinctively reach for junk food, which is often high in fat. However, a new study at the University of Colorado Boulder revealed that consuming high fat foods might actually worsen anxiety symptoms. Researchers believe this is happening due to the connection between gut bacteria and brain chemicals that regulate anxiety levels.
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.
