News

On Jan. 10, 2023, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) proposed regulations that would reduce monthly payments for certain federal student loan borrowers. The agency’s proposal overhauls one of the four existing income-driven repayment (IDR) plans—also known as the Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE) plan—that aims to make student loan payments more manageable, especially…

On Dec. 2, 2022, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a bulletin providing guidance on how the HIPAA Privacy, Security and Breach Notification Rules (HIPAA Rules) apply when covered entities and business associates (regulated entities) use online tracking technologies. These technologies collect and analyze information about how internet users interact with a…

On Dec. 12, 2022, the IRS released a final rule that extends the annual furnishing deadlines for Sections 6055 and 6056 reporting under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This rule finalizes guidance that was proposed by the IRS in December 2021 with minor clarifications. Specifically, the rule: The due date for filing forms with the…

Over the past few years, the COVID-19 pandemic, international crises and natural disasters have greatly changed the economy and how businesses operate. As 2023 begins, evolving insurance underwriting trends will likely affect many types of organizations, including houses of worship. The following are five insurance trends regarding houses of worship that are likely to be…

Small businesses and self-employed people saw fewer cyberattacks and data breaches over the previous 12 months. Still, significant risks remain for this corner of the economy, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center’s (ITRC) 2022 Business Impact Report. ITRC recently surveyed 450 people who led small businesses or were self-employed about their experiences with cybercrime.…

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…