Every day, more than 1 million people become victims of cyber crime, according to a study by Symantec, a computer security software company. Businesses, both large and small, are increasingly reliant on the Internet for daily operations, creating attractive and potentially lucrative targets for cyber criminals. With such heavy use of and reliance on computers … Continued
While the amount of danger from winter weather varies across the country, nearly all Americans, regardless of where they live, are likely to face some type of severe winter weather at some point in their lives. Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow … Continued
According to a Gallup study, approximately half of American adults own a smartphone. With the continuing popularity of personal devices, it should come as little surprise that employees are using their smartphones in conjunction with their job responsibilities. Various studies indicate that somewhere between one-third and one-half of employees use personal devices for work. As … Continued
Employers have been surprised to hear that certain employee pay-all voluntary plans are subject to the new ACA employer W-2 reporting requirement, specifically individual hospital indemnity and specified illness policies that are 100% paid by the employee through salary reduction (pre-tax) contributions. Our discussions with customers about the new ACA W-2 requirement often lead us … Continued
The DOL, HHS and Treasury in a collaborative effort have issued final regulations and new FAQ guidance for the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA). The final regulations include clarifications that were issued back in 2010, add new clarifications, and extend the regulations into the individual market. The MHPAEA regulations apply … Continued
The WC (workers’ compensation) insurance system is a no-fault method of paying workers for medical expenses and wage losses due to on-the-job injuries. While the majority of WC claims are truthful, the National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that billions of dollars of false claims are submitted each year. To help you detect possible WC fraud, … Continued
Workers exposed to extremely cold conditions are at risk of serious health problems, including hypothermia, frostbite, dehydration and muscle injuries. Frigid temperatures can also cause additional pain for those who suffer from arthritis and rheumatism. To prevent injuries and illness as a result of winter weather, it’s important to learn about the causes, symptoms and … Continued
On February 23, 2013, HHS issued a final rule on Essential Health Benefits that addressed the Affordable Care Act’s cost-sharing limits for health plans. The limits apply to group health coverage as well as individual coverage sold in the private market and in the Exchange marketplace. Health Plans Impacted by the New Regulations Non-grandfathered … Continued
The introduction of final wellness regulations will cause many employers to step back and reevaluate their wellness initiatives. The modified definitions for “participatory” and “health-contingent” along with the significant change to the “reasonable alternative standard” for health-contingent programs, will influence how wellness initiatives are designed and implemented. These regulatory changes, along with the IRS proposed … Continued
The Affordable Care Act provides that individual and small group premium rates charged by insurers, both inside and outside the Exchange, may vary with respect to a limited number of factors. We have known for quite awhile that insurers selling to individuals and small businesses will no longer be able to take health status or … Continued
