News
The latest insurance articles, insight, and news from Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors.
Inflation’s Impact on 2023 Open Enrollment
September 20, 2022
Many employees are currently feeling financially strained because of inflation. With open enrollment fast approaching, inflation could impact the choices employees make when it comes to their benefits. Employees are likely considering which benefits matter the most and how to optimize the money they spend on those offerings. As a result, this year’s open enrollment…
Read MoreDOE Provides More Information on Student Loan Forgiveness Plan, Issues FAQ
September 11, 2022
On Aug. 24, 2022, the Biden-Harris administration announced a student debt relief plan that provides a one-time student loan debt cancellation targeted at low- and middle-income families. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) will provide up to $10,000 in debt relief for non-Pell Grant recipients and up to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients, according to…
Read MoreFDA Authorizes COVID-19 Boosters Targeting Omicron Variants
September 6, 2022
On Aug. 31, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized updated COVID-19 booster shots from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech that target the dominant BA.4 and highly contagious BA.5 coronavirus Omicron subvariants. Both modified vaccines still target the original coronavirus strain. The FDA authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech modified booster for people age 12 and older and the…
Read MorePreventing Repetitive Motion Injuries
August 31, 2022
While repetitive motion injuries (RMIs) are common among athletes, these injuries can occur in the workplace. Also known as repetitive stress injuries or cumulative trauma disorders, RMIs impact a broad range of occupations, including jobs that require heavy lifting and stationary office roles. RMIs occur when continuous physical stress from daily tasks damages nerves, tendons…
Read MoreExpanding the Talent Pool With University and College Recruitment Strategies
August 28, 2022
A common misstep in attracting or recruiting talent is setting narrow restrictions on who to interview or where talent is sourced. Often, highly talented job candidates are overlooked due to inexperience. Employers have an opportunity to expand their recruiting reach by pursuing entry-level candidates at universities, colleges and trade schools, but it comes down to…
Read MoreFinal Rule Implements Ban on Surprise Medical Billing
August 28, 2022
On Aug. 19, 2022, the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Treasury (Departments) jointly released a final rule implementing the ban on surprise medical billing under the No Surprises Act (NSA), which was enacted as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA). This rule finalizes two interim final rules…
Read MoreACA Pay or Play Penalties Will Increase for 2023
August 22, 2022
On Aug. 16, 2022, the IRS updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the employer shared responsibility (pay or play) rules under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to include updated penalty amounts for 2023. For calendar year 2023, the adjusted $2,000 penalty amount is $2,880 and the adjusted $3,000 penalty amount is $4,320. Pay or…
Read MoreTrending Employee Benefits That Strengthen Attraction And Retention Efforts
August 17, 2022
In the wake of the Great Reshuffle—the mass movement of workers to jobs that prioritize their needs—and macro trends like the tight labor market, attraction and retention are top of mind for employers. In fact, according to Zywave’s 2022 Attraction and Retention Benchmarking Overview, over 75% of employers consider attraction and retention to be among…
Read MoreTake Charge of Your Health – Your Eyes [Infographic]
August 16, 2022
Protecting your overall health is crucial, including your eye health. As you age, there is an increased risk of eye diseases, especially if you are overweight or have a family history of eye disease. It's essential to monitor your health and how it correlates with your eye health. Consider the following healthy habits to help…
Read MoreSCAM OF THE WEEK: Watch Out for Phishy Energy Bill Scams
August 12, 2022
During times of economic change, cybercriminals will use fear and instability to their advantage. Now, they’re using concerns about energy costs to lure victims into their malicious scams. These scams offer rebates, refunds, or discounts for energy bills to appeal to frustrations about rising costs.In a recent scam, cybercriminals send you an email offering you…
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