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On Aug. 20, 2021, the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Treasury (Departments) issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the implementation of the No Surprises Act and transparency provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA). The FAQs provide that Departments will defer enforcement of the rules regarding: Publishing transparency…

Fall signals cooler weather, and the pleasant temperatures let you comfortably do necessary home maintenance before winter arrives. By taking the time to maintain your home each season, you can keep common household problems at bay. Clean Gutters and Downspouts. Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent flooding and freezing around your…

President Joe Biden’s administration is continuing its efforts to curb the COVID-19 pandemic and the spread of the deadly coronavirus Delta variant. Recently, the White House ordered all federal workers and contractors to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Now, the government is imposing a similar requirement on private employers. The move is estimated to affect over…

When a company experiences significant increases in workers’ compensation costs, it usually triggers internal activities aimed at reducing insurance costs and spending. The key to spending fewer dollars is more than just stopping a few accidents; it is having a sound safety program designed to continuously improve. This is where a safety program that, at…

Each year, Medicare Part D requires group health plan sponsors to disclose to individuals who are eligible for Medicare Part D and to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) whether the health plan’s prescription drug coverage is creditable. Plan sponsors must provide the annual disclosure notice to Medicare-eligible individuals before Oct. 15, 2021—the…

On July 23, 2021, the IRS published a proposed rule that would expand the requirement to file certain information returns electronically, including those under the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) reporting requirements in Internal Revenue Code Section 6055 and Section 6056. For Form 1094 series, Forms 1095-B and 1095-C, Form 1099 series and Form 5498 series,…

President Joe Biden’s administration is ardently increasing its efforts to get more Americans vaccinated against COVID-19 as the coronavirus Delta variant rages across the country. Over the past several weeks, the White House has been gradually releasing sweeping COVID-19-related mandates. These include vaccine mandates for nursing home employees, federal workers and federal contractors. The government…

COVID-19 vaccinations are a highly contentious topic in America. Many U.S. adults still haven’t gotten the shot despite the Food and Drug Administration’s recent (FDA) full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. This reluctance is seen as a problem by health experts, who contest that vaccination is the most effective way to control the widespread coronavirus…

One of the nation’s largest pipelines was forced to shut down in early May 2021 after falling victim to a ransomware attack. The 5,500-mile pipeline is operated by Colonial Pipeline and carries refined gasoline and jet fuel from Texas to New York. This pipeline transports 45% of the east coast’s fuel supplies. The attack—carried out…

The most successful open enrollment campaigns start engaging employees months before enrollment begins. That means organizations should review their offerings sooner rather than later so there’s ample time to develop and execute a successful campaign. Use this general timeline to help your organization prepare for a successful open enrollment period. 8-12 Weeks Before Open Enrollment…