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Using Wellness Programs to Manage Conflict

2021 is finally here, but that doesn’t magically reset the events of 2020. We’re continuing to experience an unprecedented combination of changes and emotional fallout from COVID-19, the recent election cycle, and the ongoing social environment. Fuses are running short. Have you noticed you’re quicker to anger or to get annoyed by your coworkers? You are not alone. Viewpoints from Ayana Collins & Claire Letourneau Recognizing how internal and external factors play a role in workplace conflict is key to supporting employees, especially right now. We spend a significant amount of time resolving disputes over how to …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/using-wellness-programs-to-manage-conflict/

The Vaccine and COVID-19’s Impact on Benefits and Policies

… included an exemption for religious beliefs or medical impairment that would make the vaccine unsafe. We are releasing this survey to get a read on employers’ initial thoughts on how the availability of the vaccine will be addressed in their workforce, as well as how COVID-19 has impacted other benefits and policies. All who participate in this survey by January 15 will receive a copy of the results the week of January 18. THIS SURVEY HAS NOW CLOSED. For all EPIC coronavirus coverage, visit epicbrokers.com/coronavirus  Sign up for our Emergency Response Alerts You’ll receive important updates …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/the-vaccine-and-covid-19s-impact-on-benefits-and-policies/

Covering Coronavirus: Risk Considerations Volume 2, Issue 1

EPIC Risk Advisory Bulletin Volume 2, Issue 1 In this issue, we take a focused look at: Special Introduction: A Look Back at the Pandemic Supply Chain and Business Risks FMCSA Extends CDL Waiver Period Through February New Coronavirus Aid Bill Highlights SolarWinds Hack Reveals Need to Review Cyber Cover Insurance Products and Coverage Information State of Entertainment Industry Business Interruption Update Presumptive Compensability Update News of Note Human Resources and Employee Benefits Webinar: Cal-OSHA Coronavirus Preparation Program What Will Work Look Like in 2021? How Vaccine Rollout Could Impact the U.S. Workforce Insights from Across the Firm …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/covering-coronavirus-risk-considerations-volume-2-issue-1/

Employers Mandating the COVID-19 Vaccine

One of the tangential effects of being in the healthcare brokerage business is that on the occasion there’s a global pandemic, employers turn to you for answers. And I’ll let you in on a dirty little secret – we are learning on the fly as well! Initially, there were many questions about how to effectively disinfect the work environment, what reasonable return-to-work standards are, how to gain access to personal protective equipment (PPE), and what specific services and communications target work-from-home employees. But now all the rage is vaccinations – questions such as “can we access …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/employers-mandating-the-covid-19-vaccine/

Departments Issue Final Regulations to Help Plans Maintain Grandfathered Status

Quick Facts Final regulations published on December 15, 2020 amend the requirements for preserving grandfathered plan status. The regulations provide that a grandfathered high-deductible health plan (HDHP) may increase fixed-amount cost-sharing requirements to the extent necessary to remain a qualifying HDHP. The regulations also permit grandfathered plans to use an alternative method of measuring increases in fixed-amount cost sharing without jeopardizing grandfathered plan status. The changes may be applied on or after June 15, 2021. Summary The U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (collectively, the Departments) on December 15, 2020 …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/departments-issue-final-regulations-for-grandfathered-status/

Medicare Part D Disclosure to CMS

Quick Facts Employers with group health plans that provide prescription drug coverage to individuals who are eligible for Medicare Part D must disclose to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) certain information about the coverage. The disclosure must be submitted to CMS on an annual basis and at certain other designated times. The disclosure to CMS is due within 60 days after the start of each plan year (March 1, 2021, for calendar year plans). The CMS disclosure is different than the notices of creditable or non-creditable coverage that plan sponsors must issue to Medicare-eligible individuals …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/medicare-part-d-disclosure-to-cms/

Special Compliance Alert: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 Expands Cafeteria Plan Flexibility

… another massive stimulus package to help American families cope with the crippling economic effects of the virus. The COVID-Related Tax Relief Act of 2020 (COVIDTRA) and the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020 (TCDTR), which are included in the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA), include continued funding under the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, further enhanced unemployment benefits, more loans to small businesses and another round of stimulus checks to be issued to most individuals earning under $87,000. In addition, the bill contains provisions that will impact employers who sponsor cafeteria plans

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/special-compliance-alert-consolidated-appropriations-act-2021/

Covering Coronavirus: Risk Considerations Volume 1, Issue 29

EPIC Risk Advisory Bulletin Volume 1, Issue 29 In this issue, we take a focused look at: Supply Chain and Business Risks How Will Supply Chains Respond to Vaccine Distribution? Equipment Maintenance Program Creates Savings for Hospitals Insurance Products and Coverage Information Business Interruption Update More D&O Liability Suits Stem From Coronavirus Claims Presumptive Compensability Update News of Note Human Resources and Employee Benefits Webinar: Cal-OSHA Coronavirus Preparation Program Webinar: How to Prepare for AB 685 IRS Issues Final Rule on Commuter Benefits CDC Guidelines for Parents & Caregivers Cal/OSHA Emergency Regulation Now in Effect Holiday Safety Guidelines …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/covering-coronavirus-risk-considerations-volume-1-issue-29/