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Checklist of Key 2021 Requirements for Health & Welfare Benefit Plan Sponsors

Complying with the many rules that govern health and welfare benefits can be a challenge for benefits administrators. EPIC has prepared this compliance checklist to help administrators manage their 2021 benefits compliance efforts. Please note that this checklist may not cover every requirement applicable to a specific employee benefit plan. This list focuses on key federal requirements affecting most health and welfare plans and is subject to legislative or regulatory changes. Additional requirements or exceptions may apply under state insurance laws which vary from state to state. Administrators should also remember that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remains in effect …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/compliance-alert-checklist-of-key-2021-requirements-for-health-welfare-benefit-plan-sponsors/

San Francisco Health Care Security Ordinance Update

Quick Facts The San Francisco Health Care Security Ordinance (HCSO) requires covered employers to spend a minimum amount of money, called an Expenditure, each calendar quarter on their employees’ healthcare. The minimum Expenditure will increase to $3.18 per hour for “large employers” starting January 1, 2021. The minimum Expenditure will increase to $2.12 per hour for “medium employers” starting January 1, 2021. The minimum Expenditure does not apply to managers, supervisors, and confidential employees (as defined) that earn more than a designated amount, as determined annually. 2021 Employer Health Care Expenditure The San Francisco Health Care Security Ordinance …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/san-francisco-health-care-security-ordinance-update/

Is Anybody Listening?!? Use Analytics to Determine Communication Success

Viewpoints from Bob Simpson A few years back, I was speaking with one of my clients in the construction industry. The company was making some disruptive (but positive) plan changes. She was worried that any type of change would be viewed with suspicion. She wanted to get the right message out to her employees but had always felt uncertain about workers on job sites, where printed and mailed communications wouldn’t be as effective. Fortunately, we’d just built a mobile-enabled website for her – complete with analytics – including information on geographic interactions. Our campaign drove people to the site …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/is-anybody-listening-use-analytics-to-determine-communication-success/

Covering Coronavirus: Risk Considerations Volume 1, Issue 23

EPIC Risk Advisory Bulletin Volume 1, Issue 23 In this issue, we take a focused look at: Supply Chain and Business Risks Transportation Deadlines Extended DHS Updates Master Question List for Coronavirus U.S. Outlines Sweeping Vaccine Plan Insurance Products and Coverage Information Business Interruption and the PRIA Presumptive Compensability Legislation News of Note Human Resources and Employee Benefits Return-to-Work Coronavirus Templates HHS Coronavirus Resources for LTC Facilities DOL Regulation Regarding Working Parents and Federal Leave Wage and Overtime Enforcement Suspended for Some Employers The information presented here is intended to provide a high level overview of critical …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/covering-coronavirus-risk-considerations-volume-1-issue-23/

Justice Ginsburg’s Death Makes Healthcare Cloudier Than Before

Viewpoints from Craig Hasday The passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg throws a giant monkey wrench into the healthcare battle and is yet another unexpected plot twist in 2020. California v. Texas (known as Texas v. U.S. in the lower courts) will be heard by the Supreme Court on November 10 – the week after the presidential election – and it may well be that this case ends up at a 4-4 tie with Justice Ginsburg’s seat vacant. A tie would mean California v. Texas gets sent back to the lower courts and the decision would stand, yet it …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/justice-ginsburgs-death-makes-healthcare-cloudier-than-before/

Data Supports Our Assertion That COVID-19 Has Worsened the Mental Health Crisis

… with the prior year. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved a new three-digit “988” number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which will be fully adopted by July 2022, providing more direct access to mental health crisis counselors. The current 10-digit hotline number for suicide prevention is (800) 273-8255. Employers need to be concerned about this trend in their workforce. An assessment of mental health resources should be undertaken by all employers and senior management may want to open a dialogue with employees about the issues. Many organizations offer passive Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) which are

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/data-supports-our-assertion-that-covid-19-has-worsened-the-mental-health-crisis/

Attacking Out-of-Network Again

One of the hallmarks of in-network-only plans is that the provider prices have been pre-negotiated as a precondition for the doctor or hospital to join the network – and the insurer and employer to benefit from the lower costs – in exchange for the volume the provider receives through the insurance network. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)-style plans, similar to the earlier indemnity-style plans, provide coverage (albeit at greater cost to the member) for non-negotiated, out-of-network providers. Employees get more choice at greater cost, and doctors receive some reimbursement from the plan and the remainder …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/attacking-out-of-network-again/

Covering Coronavirus: Risk Considerations Volume 1, Issue 22

EPIC Risk Advisory Bulletin Volume 1, Issue 22 In this issue, we take a focused look at: Supply Chain and Business Risks Entertainment Industry Update Looming Transportation Deadlines Truckers Keep America Rolling Insurance Products and Coverage Information News of Note Human Resources and Employee Benefits Coronavirus Resources for the Fall CA Workers’ Compensation Law Advanced Workers’ Compensation Webinar October 1 Preparing Office Ventilation Systems for Workers The information presented here is intended to provide a high level overview of critical areas of concern for businesses around coronavirus. Consult your EPIC insurance broker for more in-depth guidance. Supply Chain & Business …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/covering-coronavirus-risk-considerations-volume-1-issue-22/