Education Blog
Fraud Alert: Warning Signs of Workers’ Compensation Claims
Third in a series of installments on workers’ compensation coverage Having covered the circumstances that make a workers’ compensation claim compensable in a previous post (see it here), let’s take a moment to look at the other side of the coin: signs that a claim might be fraudulent. Various sources estimate that fraudulent claims cost…
Read MoreMinimum Wage Increases in MD and DC
As noted here at the start of this year, some 19 states plus the District of Columbia enacted new minimum wage laws in 2018. These laws supersede the current federal minimum wage rate of $7.25 per hour, and the vast majority of the increases took effect on or about January 1. The exceptions were Maryland,…
Read MoreWorkers’ Compensation: When is a Claim Compensable?
Second in a series of three installments on workers’ compensation coverage Navigating the murky waters of workers’ compensation coverage is a challenge for many employers, especially when it comes to distinguishing exactly what constitutes a legitimate, compensable claim. What exactly determines whether a claim is compensable? In order to be compensable, a claim must meet…
Read MoreACA Affordability Percentages Increasing
On May 21 of this year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Revenue Procedure 2018-34 to index the contribution percentages for 2019 for the purposes of determining affordability of an employer’s plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This change marks a significant increase from the percentages applicable in 2018. As a result, some employers…
Read MoreFlood Insurance
The sudden and tragic flooding in Ellicott City over Memorial Day weekend was a sobering reminder that sometimes lightning does strike twice in the same place, so to speak … we saw similar flooding there in 2016, and this time around the damage was even more severe. The forecast that day called for a chance…
Read MoreZenjuries: Your Workers’ Compensation Solution
We’re always on the lookout for resources that help our clients better manage any kind of risk, because being in control of your risk profile helps you to tell a better story to insurers. Many businesses would agree that the world of workers’ compensation insurance is among their biggest headaches. The paperwork, regulatory requirements and…
Read MoreThe Mod Factor: Understanding Your Workers’ Compensation
First in a series on workers’ compensation coverage The Mod Factor. Sounds like a TV show from the 1970s, but it’s really a very important term in calculating and controlling your workers’ compensation costs. The term “mod factor” is shorthand for “experience modification factor,” and it’s the number that is applied as either a credit…
Read MoreHealth Plan Audits: What You Need
Much as the Internal Revenue Service has the authority to audit tax returns, the Department of Labor (DOL) has a broad mandate to investigate and audit an employee benefits plan’s compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Audits are performed by the DOL’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), and will often focus on…
Read MoreHR Hotline: Real People, Real Answers
In a recent post we discussed MyWave Connect, our online portal for convenient access to resources on safety, compliance and much more (read about MyWave Connect here). While MyWave Connect is a vast and searchable resource, sometimes you need a little personal guidance, especially when it comes to matters of Human Resources. Chances are that…
Read MoreFringe Benefits – Tax Changes for 2018
Employers who offer fringe benefits like transportation reimbursement and meals to their employees are familiar with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Publication 15-B – Employer’s Guide to Fringe Benefits, which offers guidance on the tax treatment of such employee benefits. The IRS recently released an updated version of Publication 15-B for 2018, incorporating tax law changes…
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