News
The latest insurance articles, insight, and news from Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors.
The Consent to Settle Clause and How it Impacts Liability Coverage
May 9, 2026
When businesses face liability insurance claims, they may mistakenly assume that the insurer decides when to reach a final settlement amount. However, this isn’t always the case. Some liability policies, particularly professional liability coverage, include a consent to settle clause. This policy provision requires an insurer to obtain the insured's approval before officially settling a…
Read MoreIRS Releases ACA Pay-or-Play Penalties for 2027
May 9, 2026
On May 4, 2026, the IRS released updated penalty amounts for 2027 related to the employer shared responsibility (“pay-or-play”) rules under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For calendar year 2027, the adjusted $2,000 penalty amount is $3,780, and the adjusted $3,000 penalty amount is $5,670. This is an increase from the penalty amounts for the…
Read MoreOSHA Proposes Rule to Remove Its Walking-Working Surfaces Standard Deadline
May 4, 2026
OSHA recently published a proposed rule to remove the Nov. 18, 2036, deadline in its Walking-Working Surfaces standard. This standard would have required all fixed ladders extending more than 24 feet above a lower level to be equipped with personal fall arrest systems or ladder safety systems by this deadline. Background One of the more…
Read MorePreparing for an Extra Biweekly Payroll Period in 2026
May 3, 2026
Employers use one of a few standard payroll cycles. While some follow a monthly or weekly period, most have a semi-monthly (twice per month) or biweekly (every other week) schedule. In fact, biweekly is one of the more common payroll cycles, with 43% of employers following this cadence, according to a report from the Bureau…
Read MoreTreasury, IRS Publish List of Occupations Qualifying for No Tax on Tips
April 26, 2026
On April 13, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and IRS issued final regulations on the "No Tax on Tips" provision enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The final regulations are effective on June 12, 2026. Background On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a tax and spending bill,…
Read MoreElevating Organizational Health Literacy
April 26, 2026
As the U.S. workforce evolves and employers confront new health, economic and social challenges, organizational health literacy has become a defining factor in shaping healthier, more resilient workplaces. Healthy People 2030, America's recently published federal blueprint for public health priorities, explicitly elevates health literacy as a national goal, emphasizing that organizations bear responsibility for enabling…
Read More6 Tips for HR Teams to Avoid AI Scams
April 18, 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how organizations recruit, communicate and operate. Unfortunately, the same tools that are streamlining HR workflows are also fueling a new wave of sophisticated scams. From deepfakes of CEO voices to fake job applicants submitting AI-generated resumes, threat actors are exploiting AI to create more believable, personalized and scalable attacks. For…
Read MoreKnow Where to Go for Health Care
April 11, 2026
When you get sick or injured, choosing where to go for health care may seem overwhelming. You have many options for care — including the emergency room (ER), urgent care, telehealth and primary care — and each plays a significant role in how quickly and affordably you can get help. Understanding which is best for…
Read MoreTips for Drafting a Policy for AI in the Workplace
April 11, 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) has fundamentally altered how many employees perform their jobs, resulting in greater efficiency and increased productivity. Employers are seeking the use of AI to make their companies more productive and profitable. While AI can be an extremely valuable tool in the workplace, its improper use may lead to costly mistakes and lawsuits…
Read MoreCompare Prescription Prices Before You Fill
April 5, 2026
Medication costs can vary more than many people realize, even for the same prescription. Taking a few extra minutes to compare prices can make a meaningful difference for your wallet and your health. Whether you take one medication or manage several, being an informed shopper helps ensure you're not paying more than necessary. Why Comparing…
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