Articles
Pandemic Fallout: Employers Boost Mental Health, Substance Abuse Benefits
The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on health insurance in the U.S., with many employers improving mental health and other benefits to help their workers during this trying period, according to a new report by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Despite the...
Employers Curtail Health Cost-Shifting to Workers
One of the health insurance trends that went largely unnoticed in 2021 was that employers halted cost-shifting to their employees by reducing or holding steady workers' deductibles and other cost-sharing. That's according to a new study by consulting firm Mercer,...
Health Expenses a Major Source of Mental Health Issues for U.S. Workers
A new study has found that more than one in four U.S. workers say expensive medical bills are having a major impact on their mental health. Mental health issues have come to the fore during the COVID-19 pandemic, spurring employers to expect their group health plans...
IRS to Get Tough on ACA Reporting Form Mistakes
The time when the IRS offers relief from financial penalties to employers that make errors on their group health insurance reporting forms has come to an end. Starting this year, the IRS will no longer offer protection against reporting error penalties when...
Seven Reasons Regular Dental Care Is Essential
Millions of people in the United States do not receive proper dental care because of various barriers limiting their access to dentists, according to a new report. Economic, cultural, geographic and structural factors all play a part in this issue, according to a...
New Software Security Hole May Put Your Business at Risk
The federal government is warning that a newly discovered computer software vulnerability poses a major threat to the security of computer networks around the country. Cyber criminals are exploiting holes in open-source code software commonly used in computer...
Non-Owned Auto Coverage Essential for Any Business
Even businesses that own fleets of autos sometimes use vehicles that do not belong to them. Often, a company asks an employee to run an errand or visit a customer or vendor using that employee's car. The business may be legally liable for anything an employee acting...
Long-Haul COVID Can Be Covered under ADA
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued guidance stating that employees suffering from "long COVID-19" may be protected under workplace disability discrimination statutes. The guidance states that someone suffering from impairments resulting from...
In-House Inspections Crucial to a Safe Workplace
In-House Inspections Crucial to a Safe Workplace When was the last time you or the person responsible for doing so walked around your facility, warehouse, office or other workplace and did a safety inspection? Your Injury and Illness Prevention Program should state...
What You Need to Know About Business Owner’s Policies
Business insurance can get complicated. Businesses need to protect themselves against damage to their property, income they may lose if they have to shut down after their property is damaged, and the risk of lawsuits. With the risks of crime and other types of losses...
Time to Post Your OSHA Form 300A
Employers with 10 or more employees must post their completed OSHA Form 300A by Feb. 1 and keep it posted in their workplace until April 30. The form must be posted where the company usually posts other employee notices, like minimum wage and workplace safety notices....