With everything going on related to COVID, it might be easy to miss that the EEOC recently issued new proposed wellness program rules after a long period of silence regarding wellness incentives and how to handle the concerns of the ADA and GINA. However, these proposed changes are important to note for any company that has an employer-sponsored wellness program, because if finalized in their current form they may restrict the level of incentives you can use in certain circumstances.

The New Year brings several HR changes that impact employers of all sizes. We’re providing you with a 2021 HR Compliance Checklist, brought to you by our partner and HR Consultant extraordinaire, Solvere HR Consulting. This helpful guide includes several federal and state employment law changes you need to be aware of. 

It’s likely not a surprise that last year saw a decline in healthcare spending due to closed medical offices and many other factors related to COVID-19. Because of this, provisions were included in December’s Consolidated Appropriations Act for both health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Dependent Care flexible spending accounts (DCAs).

Over the past few years, surprise billing has been a very hot topic and a huge source of frustration for members affected by it. One large unexpected bill from a health care provider or facility can be financially and emotionally devastating for patients that have already endured a surgery or emergency medical event. Legislation passed shortly before Christmas is a big step toward easing the concerns of Americans in the health care system.

As the first doses of the COVID vaccine are arriving in Colorado and across the country, questions are being raised by employers about their health plans and office safety procedures. Our partners at Alera Group have issued guidance on what employers should be doing now to prepare themselves and their employees for the vaccine rollout. Read the recommendations here regarding medical policy cost restrictions and vaccine requirements.