January 17, 2023
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Unique Ways to Celebrate Black Heritage
February is Black History Month in the U.S. Celebrating heritage months at work lets employees know they are seen, and visibility is essential for an inclusive workspace. Look at how your organization commemorates Black History Month to raise awareness of your employees’ heritage. Try these ...
January 10, 2023
Workplace Culture | Why Best Friends Have Benefits at Work
You likely remember your first work friend. They showed you the ropes and helped you navigate office politics. Today, research shows that work best friends are not just nice to have, but also play an essential role in employee engagement and retention. Fostering a buddy-friendly environment can ...
January 6, 2023
Compliance Recap | December 2022
US Department of Labor Releases Informational Copies of 2022 Form 5500 Series Annual Return and Report Informational copies of the 2022 Form 5500, Form 5500-SF, and their related instructions were released by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration, the IRS, and ...
January 6, 2023
IRS Grants Permanent 30-Day Extension to Providing Individual ACA Statements
‘Tis the season for applicable large employers (ALEs) to scramble to meet their Affordable Care Act (ACA) obligation to provide full-time employees with individual statements that provide group health coverage information required to be filed with the IRS on Form 1095-C. Although the ACA ...
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 ...
