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On Oct. 11, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it is extending  updated flexibilities for Form I-9 due to the continued safety precautions related to COVID-19 until July 31, 2023. Background Federal law requires every employer that recruits, refers for a fee or hires an individual for employment in the United States…

On Aug. 19, 2022, federal agencies released a final rule and FAQs regarding the ban on surprise medical billing and other health care transparency requirements. Final Rule on Surprise Medical Billing The final rule implements certain disclosure requirements related to information that health plans and issuers must share about the qualifying payment amount. It also…

The employee onboarding process is crucial for retaining employees after the first 90 days. During the first three months at a job, about 1 in 3 workers would leave it without having another job lined up, according to recruiting firm Jobvite. However, an effective onboarding process can help employees be excited and engaged, which helps…

Attack surfaces refer to the total possible entry points (also known as attack vectors) for unauthorized access into any system. The recent increase in remote and hybrid work combined with the shift to the cloud and widespread implementation of software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications have made attack surfaces increasingly large, complex and difficult to defend against cyberattacks.As…

Open enrollment will be here before you know it—and, once again, it’ll likely be different from previous COVID-19 pandemic-era enrollment seasons. Fortunately for remote employees, many organizations are already offering online or virtual open enrollment. This year, employers and workers are faced with short- and long-term effects of COVID-19, rising health care costs and record-high…

Whether it’s a stroll in the park or a bike ride through the woods, being outdoors can positively impact your well-being. There are numerous ways nature can boost your mood and overall health. Here are a handful of those benefits: Improved Sleep Schedule Your body naturally wants to follow a sleep schedule—called a circadian rhythm—meaning…

Unfortunately, some people who test positive for COVID-19 can experience long-term effects from their infection, known as “long COVID-19.” The effects of long COVID-19 can vary; individuals may experience mild symptoms or suffer near-debilitating health concerns. Long COVID-19 has impacted both employees and their employers. Specifically, some employees have not been able to work at…

On Sept. 23, 2022, the FMCSA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) and requested comments on whether it should amend the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to require every commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operating in interstate commerce to be equipped with electronic identification (ID). This electronic ID would be capable of wirelessly…

Each year, Medicare Part D requires group health plan sponsors to disclose whether the health plan’s prescription drug coverage is creditable to individuals eligible for Medicare Part D and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  Plan sponsors must provide the annual disclosure notice to Medicare-eligible individuals before Oct. 15, 2022—the start date of…

You have many choices when it comes to selecting a health insurance plan, which can make the process feel overwhelming. Keep reading to explore some of the major health plans and their key characteristics. Points of Differentiation Between Health Plans Whether you're required to have a primary care provider (PCP) Whether you're required to obtain…