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American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) COBRA Subsidy Guide

Overview To help clients better navigate the complexities of the recently announced Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) subsidy under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), EPIC, through our partner Benefit Comply, has put together the following guide. We hope this document aids with the basics of the requirements and provides some meaningful direction while we await further guidance from the agencies. Congress passed the $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill on March 11, 2021. The bill includes a federal subsidy that will cover 100% of the cost of COBRA continuation coverage for up to 6 months for individuals who …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/american-rescue-plan-act-arpa-cobra-subsidy-guide/

Covering Coronavirus: Risk Considerations Volume 2, Issue 8

EPIC Risk Advisory Bulletin Volume 2, Issue 8 In this issue, we take a focused look at: Supply Chain and Business Risks Air Travel Forecast Insurance Products and Coverage Information How Climate Change is Impacting the P&C Industry Manufacturing Companies Face Increased Cyber Risks Business Interruption Presumptive Compensability News of Note Human Resources and Employee Benefits New OSHA Head Could Implement Tough Coronavirus Standard Federal Tax Credits for Businesses That Vaccinate Employees Updated Masking Guidelines for Vaccinated Individuals Recognizing and Addressing Employee Burnout Insights from Across the Firm The information presented here is intended to provide a high level …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/covering-coronavirus-risk-considerations-volume-2-issue-8/

Vaccine Incentive Programs

… Prevention’s (CDC’s) recent guidance on promoting vaccination in the workplace. The primary exemptions to consider include those exemption requests arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The available guidance recommends that employers develop voluntary vaccination campaigns and employee incentive plans to promote employee vaccinations. Employers implementing vaccination programs should follow the recommended guidance offered by the federal and state agencies. The currently available CDC, Department of Labor (DOL) and EEOC (collectively “Agency” or “Agencies”) guidance advise employers that to maintain a permissible vaccine program, they

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/vaccine-incentive-programs/

Are You Ready for Healthcare Disruption? It’s Coming

Anthem, the nation’s largest health insurance carrier, warned of higher medical costs to come in their recent earnings forecast – due in part to more rapid than expected vaccine administration and bounceback of medical expenses as non-COVID 19 expenses are in greater demand. This sentiment was also shared by UnitedHealthcare in their earning report. There is no doubt that the negative medical cost inflation seen in COVID-stricken 2020 was an aberration. Medical cost trend is reemerging and the nation’s largest retailers clearly see the potential. Viewpoints from Craig Hasday Amazon, the most valuable company in terms of …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/are-you-ready-for-healthcare-disruption-its-coming/

The Other Health Insurance Provisions in the American Rescue Plan Act

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has provisions that give individuals relief related to healthcare coverage. Perhaps the healthcare coverage provision most pertinent to employer plans, including self-insured plans, is related to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) continuation coverage premium subsidies. It instructs employers to cover 100% of the cost of COBRA premiums for qualified individuals. COBRA subsidies are not the sole option that the ARPA provides to those seeking affordable healthcare coverage. The ARPA also includes other provisions that provide subsidies and relief for healthcare coverage. The ARPA offers enhanced Marketplace premium subsidies. The ARPA reduces …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/the-other-health-insurance-provisions-in-the-american-rescue-plan-act/

Boost Employee Engagement in a Tech World

Viewpoints from Jodi Perry Engaging employees is hard. I’ve watched employee engagement trends evolve over the years, and hands down, technology is the way to go for this monumental task. One reason digital solutions are so wonderful is their ability to lead the user to a precise location when they have questions. And we know employees are utilizing digital solutions from the analytics we monitor for our clients. Employees don’t stay long – they get in, get what they need and get out. It’s a win-win. How do you currently communicate your benefits offerings? A benefits guide …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/boost-employee-engagement-in-a-tech-world/

Covering Coronavirus: Risk Considerations Volume 2, Issue 7

EPIC Risk Advisory Bulletin Volume 2, Issue 7 In this issue, we take a focused look at: Supply Chain and Business Risks FMCSA Waivers Expire May 31 Roadcheck 2021: May 4 – 6 Are “Ever Given” Events the Wave of the Future? Insurance Products and Coverage Information Cyber Attacks Put Healthcare in the Crosshairs Property Insurance Bill in CA Could Impact Insurers Business Interruption Presumptive Compensability News of Note Human Resources and Employee Benefits Could a Vaccine Passport Work in the U.S.? How the Pandemic is Changing the Workforce New CDC Guidelines for Cleaning Surfaces CDC Gives Fully Vaccinated People …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/covering-coronavirus-risk-considerations-volume-2-issue-7/

Webinar Recording Now Available: Way to Wellness: Return-to-Office Webinar

Webinar Recording Now Available! Returning employees to an office setting presents a new set of challenges We recently hosted a client panel on return-to-office (RTO) protocols and considerations. This session was moderated by Bob Simpson, Sr. Director Benefits Solutions Group and Craig Schmidt, Director, Wellness & Health Management, who led a discussion with a panel of our valued clients to get their input on: Incenting and/or mandating vaccines Requiring masks or COVID testing Helping employees with mental health Other challenges impacting their workforce We also discussed valuable tools and resources that can guide you in creating your own …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/return-to-office-protocols-considerations-webinar/