Insights

To prepare for the 2022 PFML program, the WA Employment Security Department recently updated the following resources for employers: Mandatory poster: Employers need to replace the 2021 workplace poster with the new poster in breakrooms or share it with employees electronically. Premium calculator: The calculator can be used to verify the amount an employer needs to remit the PFML premiums to the state. Employer toolkit: The guide describes how to calculate premiums, how to report for Paid Leav

On December 8, 2021, the Department of Insurance issued Company Bulletin 2021-13, providing supplemental guidance on statute 215 IL ILCS 134/30(d) and its applicability to high deductible health plans (HDHPs). Under federal law, counting the amount of any discount, voucher, coupon or the like for prescription drugs toward a participant's deductible generally makes that participant ineligible to contribute to an HSA unless such payments are for preventive care as recognized by the IRS. In contra

Kentucky is one of several states that enacted a law to require the amount of a drug manufacturer's financial assistance (e.g., coupon, discounts, or vouchers) to count toward an enrollee's cost-sharing, such as an out-of-pocket maximum, deductible and copay. The law's implementation date is January 1, 2022, and it intends to prohibit 'copay accumulator programs' in an effort to protect consumers. Copay accumulator programs are sometimes implemented by insurers and PBMs in order to exclude pre

Give the gift of a memorable, engaging employee experience to your people this Holiday season. Learn how to optimize your HR technology systems and tools.

Going on a trip? Protect your investment with travel insurance. Travel insurance reimburses a policyholder if they become sick or injured while away from home, as well as additional coverage protecting personal items such as luggage. Coverage often includes: Medical evacuation Trip cancellation Lost or damaged baggage Trip interruption Yet while you do have coverage for these events, it is not blanket, all-inclusive coverage. In fact, it is as important to understand what your travel insuranc

Do you know what your jewelry is worth? Be it your engagement ring from 1998 or the heirloom bracelet you just received from your grandmother; your jewelry could be worth more - in some cases, much more - than the value you placed on it when it was first insured. And while most policies adjust the cost by 1-5% for inflation, those increases may fall well short of the value of replacing or compensating for the actual value of your item. Especially now, with supply chain issues driving up the cos

A variety of winter weather conditions - including snow, slush, ice and sleet-can create hazards on the road. In fact, the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that crashes stemming from these conditions result in 116,800 injuries and 1,300 fatalities each year. As such, employees who must get behind the wheel during winter-whether it's to make a delivery, transport materials or travel to the job site-should take additional precautions to stay safe. If you find yourself driving in advers

As a reminder, if an employer has at least one employee who resides primarily in New Jersey for at least 15 days in any month, the employer is subject to file Form(s) 1095 with the New Jersey Division of Taxation in the subsequent year annually. The current 2021 tax year's filing is due on March 31, 2022. Employers are permitted to provide copies of Forms 1095-C (or B) that are prepared for the AIRS to meet NJ's reporting requirements. For fully insured plans, if their insurers are filing their

An estimated 10% of employee fatalities stem from chemical exposure each year. Storing or handling chemicals in the workplace puts all employees at risk. Workers like you could experience serious injuries (or even fatalities) in the event of a chemical spill, leak or explosion on the job. With this in mind, it's crucial to take steps to minimize chemical exposures in the workplace and understand how to safely respond if a chemical incident does occur. Chemical Spill Prevention Practices The mai