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Beginning in 2023, group health plans and health insurance issuers must make an internet-based price comparison tool available to participants. The purpose of this tool is to provide consumers with real-time estimates of their cost-sharing liability from different providers for covered items and services, including prescription drugs, so they can shop and compare prices before…

Aiming to improve transparency around illegal conduct in the workplace, the U.S. Congress has enacted a new law, the Speak Out Act, that renders certain nondisclosure and nondisparagement agreements unenforceable. President Joe Biden signed the Speak Out Act into law on Dec. 7, 2022. Contract Enforcement Prohibition In general, the Speak Out Act prohibits courts…

Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain traction in the U.S. auto market. Last year, Americans bought nearly 450,000 EVs—an 83% jump over 2020. With many federal and state governments pushing for lower CO2 roadway emissions, EV demand is expected to soar during the next decade. This has commercial fleet owners wondering what a world without…

Today’s remote and hybrid workplaces rely on virtual communication and collaboration. While these arrangements remove much day-to-day interaction, fortunately, technology can enhance relationships and enable meaningful conversations. As employers navigate and compete in the “Great Reshuffle,” intelligent and flexible technology can help rehumanize work. For example, a software could measure and improve workplace culture, help…

Most people experience several bouts of influenza—also known as the seasonal flu—throughout their lifetime. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even otherwise healthy people can get sick enough to require hospitalization from the flu. Seasonal Flu 101 The flu is an infection of the respiratory tract that is caused by the…

On Nov. 8, 2022, Missouri voters approved Amendment 3, Marijuana Legalization Initiative, which legalizes recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and older in the state. The new law goes into effect on Dec. 8, 2022. Employer Impact Amendment 3 does not prevent employers from enforcing drug-free workplace policies or disciplining or firing employees for using…

On Nov. 22, 2022, the Biden administration announced it would extend the repayment freeze on federal student loans while its debt relief plan remains blocked in the courts. The loan payment pause is now extended until after June or when the administration is able to move forward with its plan. Federal student loan payments were…

Although some organizations may cut jobs or reduce hiring as economic growth slows, some are paying higher employee wages to keep and win top talent. More than ever, compensation is top of mind for employers and employees alike. Today, workers can demand higher pay and better benefits as many employers face a worker shortage and…

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently released its September Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary. The month’s reported number of job openings increased by 437,000 to 10.7 million, surpassing what economists had forecasted. The September report follows several months of record-high job openings and quit rates. September’s increase in more than 400,000 job…

On Oct. 26, 2022, the U.S Department of Labor (DOL) announced it would extend the comment period for its proposed independent contractor rule after pressure from business groups and lawmakers regarding the original timeline. Originally, the DOL provided 45 days for public comment. Stakeholders will now have until Dec. 13, 2022, to comment. Business groups…