September 9, 2022
Compliance Recap | August 2022
August was a busy month, with employers buzzing about transparency, reporting, and more. As we wrap up the summer season of the 2022 benefits compliance calendar, be mindful of these important issues. 2023 ACA Facts and Figures The Affordable Care Act (ACA) imposes an employer shared ...
September 6, 2022
Dear HR Manager from At a Loss for Words
Dear HR Manager, My direct report recently applied for a senior-level position. He was excited about the opportunity and threw himself into preparing for interviews. There were a lot of strong candidates, and one of them was selected for the position. My direct report is a talented member of ...
September 5, 2022
Important 2023 ACA Reminders for Applicable Large Employers
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes numerous requirements for applicable large employers (ALEs) to meet to maintain compliant group health plans. Many of these requirements change annually, so we provide you this overview of the key facts and figures to keep in mind for 2023. Affordability ...
August 29, 2022
Departments Issue Final Rules to Clarify Dispute Resolution and Transparency under No Surprises Act
On August 19, the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury (the Departments) released final rules regarding the No Surprises Act provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. The rules address the No Surprises Act’s required independent dispute ...
August 29, 2022
Health Plan Disclosure Requirements for Prescription Drugs
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) transparency-in-coverage (TiC) rules and provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA), group health plan sponsors must both disclose and report detailed information regarding a plan’s prescription drug coverage and costs. There is significant ...
August 15, 2022
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Reorganizing Your Hiring Process to Avoid Groupthink
Humans have an innate drive to “fit in,” and it shows up in all shapes and sizes. The cognitive bias, groupthink, is influenced by the desire to conform and may result in a poor or irrational group decision. Subconsciously, individuals may be swayed by popular opinion or status and fear others ...
August 12, 2022
Compliance Recap | June & July 2022
The summer has seen a flurry of compliance-related activity, most notably the landmark decision issued by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade. As we move into the second half of the 2022 employee benefits compliance calendar, there are a number of important issues to note. SCOTUS ...
August 9, 2022
Workplace Culture | Bringing Purpose to Your People
Your individual purpose is a driving force that brings value to your life. It may influence your decisions and motivate you in certain situations. McKinsey research shows that 70% of employees believe their jobs express their individual purpose. This is good news because employees with a clear ...
August 2, 2022
Dear HR Manager from Work-Life Balance Advocate
Dear HR Manager My team worked overtime during the pandemic to meet production goals and did not complain about the extra hours. However, now that we are back to “normal,” I noticed that a few of them will respond to emails outside of business hours and stay late at the office. I worry they ...
July 27, 2022
HHS Issues Proposed Rules under ACA Section 1557 to Clarify Scope of Discrimination Protections
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a proposed rule (Proposed Rule) implementing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, and disability in certain health programs and ...
