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For a growing number of employers, voluntary accident insurance plans may play a part in rounding out employee benefits packages to help employees pay for unexpected costs. Accidents can happen to anyone—and the reality is that accidents do happen. In fact, more than 80 million people in the United States seek medical treatment for injuries…

On April 2, 2021, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published Notice 2021-23 to provide guidance for employers claiming the employee retention credit (ERC) for the first two quarters of 2021. The ERC was originally created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), and has since been modified and extended by other…

On Feb. 12, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) withdrew two proposed rules it previously issued in January 2021 on wellness programs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA). Overview of the Proposed Rules The proposed rules were issued in response to a federal court decision vacating…

On Feb. 18, 2021, the IRS released Notice 2021-15 to clarify special rules for Section 125 plans, health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) and dependent care assistance programs (DCAPs). Special Rules for Health FSAs and DCAPs The Notice is intended to clarify the application of special rules for health FSAs and DCAPs under the Consolidated Appropriations…

The employee benefit landscape is constantly evolving, and business owners must keep pace. No longer is the traditional offering of basic medical and ancillary products providing employers with the competitive edge. In the battle to attract, retain and engage employees, data driven long-term strategic plans provide win/win opportunities for both employers and employees alike. A…

Each year, the Kaiser Family Foundation conducts a survey to examine employer-sponsored health benefits trends. This document summarizes the main points of the 2020 survey and suggests how they could affect employers. Health Insurance Premiums In 2020, the average premium rose by 4% for both single coverage and family coverage. The average premiums were $7,470…

“Frankly, I think education is the biggest thing we do,” says Jeff Eiserman, Certified Insurance Counselor working in Property and Casualty with Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance and Business Advisors. “People come to us because insurance is really complicated, and they need good expert advice.” One of the biggest costs for some employers is workers’ compensation. “On an…

Open enrollment following the COVID-19 pandemic will be unlike any other in recent memory. Many organizations are still trying to recover from extended closures and maintain safe working environments—open enrollment is the last thing on their minds. Yet, procrastinating on enrollment planning can actually cause more issues than it solves. This article explains what employers…