January 5, 2023
Feds Extend Prescription Drug Filing Deadline, Announce Relaxed Enforcement
The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (collectively, the Departments) last week issued an FAQ that relieved filing entities from the December 27, 2022, deadline for providing certain information. The Departments understood many plans and carriers faced ...
January 4, 2023
Continuing Appropriations Act Extends HDHP Relief for Telehealth Services
President Biden last week signed the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2023 (CAA 23) to provide funding for the federal government through the current fiscal year. But employers also should know there were some critical benefits-related provisions tucked into CAA 23. Though many of the benefits ...
January 3, 2023
Dear HR Manager from Money Talks
Dear HR Manager, I am delivering 2023 compensation updates to my team. In the past, I sent an email with the results and an offer to meet if they had any questions. Many seemed disappointed with their increase or needed clarification about the outcome. This year, I want to be more prepared. ...
December 13, 2022
Workplace Culture | How to Laugh More at Work
While there is no rule book for building an employee-centric culture, there is proof to show that sharing a laugh at work can help your team feel that they are included and belong. Research shows that humor lightens the mood in stressful situations, makes people want to be around you, and ...
December 9, 2022
Compliance Recap | November 2022
In November, the IRS released revised guidance to address the so-called “family glitch,” permitting employers to allow mid-year election changes when someone related to a plan participant is eligible to elect a qualified health plan on the Marketplace. This is also a good ...
December 7, 2022
Advocacy in Action | Auditing Claims and Facilitating Refunds
A member contacted his Patient Advocate to request an audit of his eye surgery claims. He felt he might have paid the doctors too much. The Patient Advocate reviewed the bills and EOB’s and discovered that the member had definitely overpaid the surgeon by over $800. The Patient Advocate ...
December 6, 2022
Workplace Culture | Use Coaching to GROW Your Employees
Coaching is a conversational tool used to motivate and develop employees. And while managers do not need a certification to coach employees, it is helpful to use a model to structure coaching conversations. One of the most popular frameworks today is called the GROW model, which was developed ...
November 29, 2022
Dear HR Manager from Whiplash
Dear HR Manager, I am having a difficult time making a hiring decision. One of the top applicants is a “boomerang” candidate who left our company six months ago. They are a strong candidate, know the team, and have the requisite skills for the job. But part of me wonders if they will stay. ...
November 23, 2022
IRS Revises Guidance to Allow Expanded Mid-Year Cafeteria Plan Election Changes
The IRS recently released revised guidance to permit employers to amend their cafeteria plans to allow mid-year election changes when an individual related to a plan participant is eligible to elect a qualified health plan on the Marketplace due to either a special enrollment period or during ...
November 15, 2022
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | The Power and Purpose of Interest Groups
Employee Resource Groups, otherwise known as ERGs, are voluntary interest groups led by employees. ERGs are organized around a common theme and support a more inclusive workplace. HR practitioners often play a crucial role in working with employees to get ERGs off the ground. Your company may ...
