The OSHA vaccine rule requires covered employers to implement a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy or a test-out policy. On November 4, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released its Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) rule, which … Read More
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.
NEWLY RELEASED: The Current Insurance Report 2022, Issue 1! Now a triannual publication, you’ll get actionable employee benefits trends & strategies even quicker!
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Overcoming Challenges for a Smooth Open Enrollment
A smooth open enrollment can help reduce employee confusion and questions throughout the year. Here’s our advice to achieve it. As Corporate Synergies’ plan administrator, I can relate with the HR departments of our clients. One of the biggest topics … Read More
Vaccine Incentives and Other Fall 2021 Compliance Impacts
Expect fall 2021 compliance impacts in the areas of benefits strategy, workplace policy, and vaccine incentives. Recent pandemic-related developments, including those before the Biden Administration’s announcement of a federal vaccination mandate for private sector employers, have had (and will continue … Read More
4 Tips for Managing Open Enrollment During Disruptions
Flexibility and communication can help employers and employees avoid issues when conducting open enrollment during disruptions, like COVID-19. Managing all the moving parts of open enrollment is a complex process at the best of times. Rely on your trusted partners … Read More
Employers may Implement COVID-19 Vaccine Premium Incentives
Employers and plan sponsors considering a COVID-19 vaccine premium incentive should examine the potential risks, cost savings and administrative hurdles. On October 4, the U.S. Departments of Labor, Treasury and Health and Human Services issued FAQ guidance confirming the permissibility … Read More
3 Questions You Must Ask Before Signing Your First Stop-Loss Insurance Contract
Stop-loss insurance contracts offer important protection for self-funded employers—but employers must ensure they’re providing the right coverage. Responsibly transitioning to self-funded health insurance can provide cash flow flexibility for some employers—and they are taking the plunge. In 2018, 38.7% of … Read More
Our Take: Undiagnosed Hypertension Remains Worldwide Risk, Study Shows
Undiagnosed hypertension can lurk until it leads to a serious health problem and high-cost claims. Employers can help employees screen for these conditions. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart disease and is … Read More
Healthcare Consumerism and Price Transparency Tools: Are Your Employees Equipped?
As price transparency tools become more accessible, employers need to ensure that they are also educating employees in healthcare consumerism. Several states and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid have implemented healthcare price transparency measures to help address the unsustainable … Read More
Dollars, Data & Design: Self-funding Benefits
Your organization may be able to harness more self-funding benefits than you realize. If an employer hasn’t incorporated a self-funded feasibility analysis into their strategy this year, they may be missing the boat. If your organization wants to be proactive … Read More
Agencies Delay Transparency Rules for Healthcare Pricing
These delayed transparency rules will give employers and insurers more time to prepare, and some rules are pending further regulations. On August 20, 2021, the U.S Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Treasury (the “Agencies”) announced a … Read More
3 Health Insurance Takeaways from Biden’s Executive Order on Competition
Biden’s Executive Order on competition offers a glimpse of healthcare policy to come and potential rules employers should keep an eye on. The Biden Administration issued a sweeping Executive Order on “Promoting Competition in the American Economy” last month. This … Read More
Our Take: National Nonprofit Day Recognizes Orgs’ Unique Needs
National Nonprofit Day reflects the history of tax-exempt organizations, but many are now worried about their future. The pandemic impacted all organizations, but it especially exacerbated existing issues concerning many nonprofit organizations. Many are now trying to maintain their mission … Read More
Latest COBRA Subsidy Guidance May Prompt Filing Amendments
Employers and plans sponsors have already spent several months reviewing and implementing these rules. See what the latest COBRA subsidy guidance changes. The IRS recently issued guidance clarifying the rules for how employers can claim the tax credit for the … Read More
Our Take: Vaccination Mandates are Reverberating through Employers
Momentum for employer vaccination mandates is increasing. The federal government and Silicon Valley companies are among the latest to act. Some of the largest public and private employers, including the federal government, the nation’s largest employer, have announced upcoming requirements … Read More
Effective Employee Benefits for Nonprofits Begin with Culture
Your employee benefits package is an extension of your nonprofit organization’s mission and values. What would you say if I asked you to name the most important aspect of your nonprofit organization’s benefit plan that starts with “C”? Did “cost,” … Read More