Benefits
HR Hotline – Real People, Real Answers
In a recent post we discussed our HR and Compliance Portal, our online portal for convenient access to resources on safety, compliance and much more (read about it here). While this portal is a vast and searchable resource, sometimes you need a little personal guidance, especially when it comes to matters of Human Resources. Chances…
Read MoreEmployee Benefits – Make it Personal
Each workforce is comprised of unique individuals with diverse backgrounds and interests. So why opt for a one-size-fits-all benefits package? Instead, consider providing benefits options that are as unique as your employees. Doing so could be the attraction and retention tool that sets your workplace apart. In fact, 73% of employees said having customized benefits…
Read MoreTax Credits for your Business under FFCRA and ARPA
On March 3, 2022, the IRS issued four new answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about tax credits for employee leave taken under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The new FAQs concern employer and employee reporting of wages for leave taken under the FFCRA and ARPA…
Read MoreMaking Your Day Easier with our Client Portal!
At Consolidated Insurance, our belief has always been that we best serve our clients as not just a broker, but as a partner in helping their businesses better manage their risk. To that end, we’re proud to re-introduce the HR and Compliance Client Portal (formerly MyWave Connect), a time-saving online resource that puts clients in…
Read MoreEmployee Wellness in 2022 – Trends to Watch
Employee wellness has always been a primary concern for employers, and never more than over the past two years as the pandemic has challenged all of us in many ways. With this renewed focus on the general well-being of team members, wellness initiatives are expected to grow in 2022. Here’s a look at trends to…
Read MoreThe American Rescue Plan’s COBRA Subsidy: Questions Answered
Among its many other provisions, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) included a subsidy for continuing health care coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA). The ARPA subsidy covers 100% of COBRA and state mini-COBRA premiums from April 1st through September 30 of 2021, for certain individuals whose work hours were…
Read MorePreventing Surprise Billing: What You Should Know About the New Rule
On July 1, the Biden-Harris Administration issued an interim final rule titled “Requirements Related to Surprise Billing; Part I” in an effort to address unanticipated out-of-network health coverage charges. While the rule is not yet law, it will take effect on January 1, 2022, following a comment period. Also known as an unexpected balance bill,…
Read More2021 ACA Reporting – Draft Forms Released
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released draft versions of several 2021 forms related to reporting required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Here’s a brief overview: The forms apply to Internal Revenue Code Sections 6055 and 6066. Draft forms 1094-B and 1095-B will be used by providers of minimum essential coverage (MEC). Those include…
Read MoreHSA/HDHP Limits Changing for 2022
Each year the IRS is required to publish inflation-adjusted contribution limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs) by June 1. Revised limits for calendar year 2022 were released on May 10. Here’s a brief summary of the changes to contribution limits: For eligible individuals with self-only coverage, the HSA contribution…
Read MoreFMLA: An Overview
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has been the law of the land for nearly three decades, with only minor revisions between its passage in 1993 and today. Yet the provisions of the FMLA are not universally understood by employers or employees. Here’s a brief overview of which employers must comply, which employees qualify…
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