The Knowledge Center
Our health & welfare experts write articles, host webinars, launch videos and get interviewed by employee benefits, insurance, business and national media. It's award-winning insurance journalism which can be found here weekly.
Our Take: FSA-Eligible COVID-19 PPE Offers Employers a Benefits Touchpoint
The addition of COVID-19 PPE to HSA- and FSA-eligible items presents a way to remind employees about their tax-advantaged health funds. The IRS recently expanded eligible reimbursable medical expenses to include COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE). These expenses now qualify … Read More
Our Take: New Study Highlights the Importance of Benefits Literacy
A new study suggests the importance of benefits literacy in helping employees make informed healthcare choices. The rise in apps and benefits technology platforms offer consumers more access to data, increased price transparency and presumably more control. Patients shopping around … Read More
CMS Explains COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Cost Sharing and Coverage
Guidance clarifies insurers’ obligations regarding testing and vaccine cost sharing. As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout expands and testing remains essential, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid’s (CMS) recent guidance goes even further to eliminate cost-related roadblocks. The guidance applies to … Read More
American Rescue Plan Act Requirements Include Updated COBRA Notices
Along with much-needed relief, employers should note COBRA changes and necessary notices in the American Rescue Plan Act requirements. The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, signed by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, includes much-needed relief … Read More
DOL Issues Guidance on “Outbreak Period” Extension Rules
New Outbreak Period extension guidance clarifies that the one-year pause on certain compliance deadlines is to be assessed individually. On February 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (DOL) issued guidance clarifying the “Outbreak Period” extension … Read More
IRS Guidance Clarifies FSA Rules
IRS releases FSA rules guidance to clarify provisions in last year’s Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Since the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) in December 2020, employers and administrators have been working to interpret the new flexible spending … Read More
Beyond the 3 Pillars of Effective Employee Wellness Programs
One of our experts reevaluates what makes effective employee wellness programs and shares how to keep them engaging and enduring. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently found more than half of US worksites have programs focusing on physical … Read More
INFOGRAPHIC: 3 Tips to Establish—or Reestablish—Mental Health Benefits
With established mental health benefits, employees will feel more comfortable and confident using their mental health benefits while the employer can gauge what works best. Learn how to establish mental health benefits: 3 Steps to Getting Mental Health Benefits … Read More
5 Likely Impacts of the Biden Administration on Benefits
Our compliance experts review the possible impacts of the Biden administration on benefits that they’re watching. As the U.S. presidency transitions to a new administration, we’ve identified 5 likely impacts of the Biden administration on benefits programs: The Affordable Care … Read More
Our Take: Encouraging Employee Routine Care during COVID-19
Employers should encourage employee routine care during COVID-19 to help prevent future costs and health concerns. Among reports of pandemic-strained medical resources and calls to stay home, the importance of routine and preventative care can be lost. The U.S. Centers … Read More
3 Tips for Taking Mental Health & Well-being Benefits to the Next Level
As mental healthcare coverage becomes more accessible and more desired, learn how to take your mental health and well-being benefits to the next level. By now, we’re all aware of the importance of mental health benefits—and for good reason. According … Read More
Top 3 COVID-19 Benefits Compliance Considerations
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced waves of new regulation. Make sure you – and your employees – understand these top COVID-19 benefits compliance considerations. The complex patchwork of federal, state and local regulation for employee benefits and workplace safety during … Read More
Post-Pandemic Employee Benefits Will Require Big Picture Thinking
As we acclimate to our new normal post-pandemic, employee benefits must be considered as part of a long-term, strategic mindset. By now, we’ve all said and heard the sentiment a million different ways: The outbreak of the novel coronavirus has … Read More
Our Take: Amplifying the Call for Flu Shots during COVID-19
Flu shots during COVID-19 can lead to fewer flu cases, fewer sick days and more resources for COVID-19 patients. The annual flu shot refrain continues, though welcomed COVID-19 vaccine updates seem to drown it out. While some may hesitate to … Read More