Few business owners or HR pros would argue that open enrollment isn’t one of the most challenging times of the year, even under normal circumstances. This year, COVID-19 has led to millions working from home, making it challenging to hold face-to-face meetings or town hall sessions to launch your annual benefits programs. But you can […]
Your employees are the heart and soul of your business, and they mean a lot to you. Keeping them happy, motivated, and fulfilled is a top priority – and their benefits package is a big part of your strategy. But above and beyond this being an attractive perk, you need to be crystal clear on […]
With school and summer activity schedules greatly altered as the country continues to reopen while dealing with coronavirus, the DOL issued two FABs on June 26 to clarify issues relevant to the pandemic’s effects on employees and the workplace. The new FABs address: FAB 2020-3: When a physically closed school is considered “in session” relative […]
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has created an online tool to help workers determine whether they qualify for paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The tool poses questions to help employees assess whether their employers are subject to the paid leave provisions of the FFCRA. Then, for employees whose employers are covered by the […]
Due to the changing landscape related to COVID-19, and employees’ needs related to their benefits, the IRS has recently made a change to the Section 125 rules regarding the ability to make mid-year benefit changes. In summary, the guidance states: Plans may allow employee mid-year health election changes (that would otherwise be irrevocable) for: Employees […]
All group health and welfare benefit plans subject to COBRA must now disregard the period from March 1, 2020 until 60 days after the announced end of the National Emergency (the “Outbreak Period”) for all plan participants, beneficiaries, qualified beneficiaries or claimants when determining deadlines for COBRA. The multiple COBRA deadlines that have been extended […]
On April 3, 2020, as part of the 2021 budget process, NY State passed legislation requiring all employers in NY to provide sick leave for employees. For most employers, the mandatory sick leave will be paid. Employees must begin accruing sick leave as of September 30, 2020 and are eligible to begin taking the time […]
On March 14, 2020 the United States House of Representatives passed sweeping legislation known as the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to address the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. The proposed legislation would, among other things, provide for an expansion of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), as well as include provisions for employer-mandated paid […]
The Department of Labor (DOL) has released updated versions of its model COBRA General Notice and model COBRA Election Notice, both with an expiration date of Jan. 31, 2023. As a reminder, these notices are required to be provided as follows: Plan administrators must provide covered individuals with a general notice within 90 days after their group health plan coverage begins. […]
The Notice and Proof of Claim for Disability Benefits(Form DB-450) has been updated to include a question on collection of other unemployment insurance benefits during the period for which disability benefits are being claimed. Use of version 1/20 of the form became effective March 1, 2020. Employers will want to download an updated version of […]
