Blog
IRS Gives Big Boost to HSA, HDHP Limits in 2024
May 17, 2023 | Source: SHRM, Kathryn Meyer Thanks in part to persistent high inflation, employees will be able to sock away a lot more money in their health savings accounts (HSAs) next year. Annual HSA contribution limits for 2024 are increasing in one of the biggest jumps in recent years, the IRS announced May 16: The annual limit on
Be the one who starts the workforce mental wellness conversation
It’s our job to empower you, as our clients, with benefits that meet employees’ changing needs The need for comprehensive mental wellness benefits will only grow. As a percent of total disability claims, mental health-related claims have doubled in the past decade from 7% to 14%.1 These rates can have an impact on your bottom line. Employees with unresolved depression experience a
Joint Statement from California Health & Human Services Leaders on Affordable Care Act Federal Ruling
Joint Statement from California Health & Human Services Leaders on Affordable Care Act Federal Ruling April 4, 2023 | Source: DMHC California Health & Human Services Agency (CalHHS) Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly, Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman and Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) Director Mary Watanabe issued the following joint statement after a federal judge in Texas issued a ruling today
Specialty Pharmacy Costs, Mental Health Are Top Employer Concerns. Here’s Why
March 2, 2023 | Source: Fierce Healthcare, by Frank Diamond Self-insured employers view the cost of specialty drugs as a major challenge in providing health benefits, according to a survey released yesterday by the Midwest Business Group on Health (MBGH). Cheryl Larson, MBGH’s president and CEO, told Fierce Healthcare that “the new million-dollar treatments approved by the FDA; 30 of our employers
Reported HIPAA Complaints and Breaches Shot Up From 2017 to 2021: HHS
February 21, 2023 | Source: The Hill, by Joseph Choi A report released on Friday found that HIPAA complaints and breaches spiked between 2017 and 2021, with the agency in charge of handling the notices saying it lacks sufficient resources to properly respond. The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act requires the Department of Health and Human
Era Of ‘Free’ COVID Vaccines, Test Kits, And Treatments Is Ending: Who Pays Now?
Source: BenefitsPRO, by Julie Appleby Time is running out for free-to-consumer COVID vaccines, at-home test kits, and even some treatments. The White House announced this month that the national public health emergency, first declared in early 2020 in response to the pandemic, is set to expire May 11. When it ends, so will many of the policies designed to combat the virus’s spread.
U.S. to End COVID-19 Emergency Declarations on May 11
Source: Reuters WASHINGTON, Jan 30 (Reuters) – President Joe Biden’s administration on Monday said it will end COVID-19 emergency declarations on May 11, nearly three years after the United States imposed sweeping pandemic measures to curb the spread of the illness. The COVID-19 national emergency and public health emergency (PHE) were put in place in 2020 by then-President Donald Trump.
Healthcare Priorities For The Next Congress
Source: Forbes, by Sally Pipes What kind of healthcare reforms can we expect from the 118th Congress? The outlook is a bit cloudy. At long last, Congress will likely turn its attention to things other than COVID-19. But Democrats have lost their legislative trifecta and will have to work with a House narrowly controlled by Republicans. But if lawmakers are
Federal Law Alert – ARPA Information
American Rescue Plan Act Signed Into Law The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which is the latest bill to address the ongoing economic impacts of COVID-19, has been signed into law. Most aspects of the law do not directly affect the HR function, but those that do—optional extension of sick and family leave and establishment of COBRA subsidies—are outlined below.
Legislative Update: American Rescue Plan
The House of Representatives just voted to approve the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package caled The American Rescue Plan. The Senate passed the bill over the weekend and it will now go to President Biden, who is expected to sign it before his address to the country tomorrow night. Almost a year to the day after the Trump Administration provided