26 Mar

Posted at 18:28h in Risk Management White Papers by . .
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Risk Insights header image Since March 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has provided emergency exemptions and waivers for regulations to support COVID-19 emergency relief efforts.

The FMCSA has provided waivers and exemptions for hours-of-service rules, preemployment drug testing, driving skills tests, and renewals for commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), commercial learners’ permits (CLPs) and medical certifications. During this time, employers that helped with national emergency efforts and used these waivers or exemptions for their drivers may not have kept up with the documentation necessary for their drivers’ files. It is important for employers to understand that, if they used any of these exemptions or waivers, it should be documented in their drivers’ files, and any paperwork or license updates should be completed as soon as possible.

26 Mar

Posted at 18:16h in Property & Casualty White Papers by . .
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News Brief header Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler recently issued a temporary emergency order that bans insurers from using credit scores to determine premiums, rates or eligibility for personal property insurance.

The emergency order—which applies to auto, renters and homeowners insurance—takes effect immediately and impacts all new policies as well as existing policies processed for renewal on or after June 20, 2021. The order will remain in effect for three years after the day the COVID-19 national emergency is declared over, or the day Washington’s COVID-19 state of emergency expires, whichever is later.

26 Mar

Posted at 18:10h in Human Resources White Papers by . .
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Legal Update Header On Dec. 22, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published a final rule to amend employee tip regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The final rule was scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2021; however, on Feb. 26, 2021, the DOL delayed the rule’s effective date to April 30, 2021.

Portions Approved to Take Effect

After reviewing the rule for consistency with law and policy, the DOL announced that it will allow provisions that increase worker protections and earnings to take effect in April, including provisions that:

26 Mar

Posted at 17:50h in Employee Benefits White Papers by . .
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News Brief header President Joe Biden’s administration recently extended access to the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to Aug. 15, from the previously announced end date of May 15.

This direction comes after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) opened this SEP for the Health Insurance Marketplace on Feb. 15, resulting in over 200,000 enrollments in the first two weeks.

American Rescue Plan ACA Subsidies

26 Mar

Posted at 17:14h in COVID-19, HR and Operations by . .
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HR Compliance Bulletin header image The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), enacted March 11, 2021, includes changes to emergency paid sick leave and paid family leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

The ARPA extended tax credits through Sept. 30, 2021, for employers that continue to provide FFCRA leave voluntarily (beyond the Dec. 31, 2020, expiration date) and made changes to tax credit eligibility for both types of FFCRA leave.

26 Mar

Posted at 16:55h in COVID-19, Employee Benefits by . .
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This article is for parents and caregivers who are concerned about COVID-19 in their children and teens. It compiles expert guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and provides helpful links that may be of use to caregivers.

CHILDREN AND TEENS CAN GET COVID-19

While fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, get sick from COVID-19 and spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to others. Like adults, children who have COVID-19, but have no symptoms (asymptomatic), can still spread the virus to others.

26 Mar

Posted at 16:50h in COVID-19, Employee Benefits by . .
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Legal Update Header On March 23, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it is extending access to a special enrollment period (SEP) through Exchanges on the federal www.HealthCare.gov platform due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Originally available through May 15, 2021, the extended SEP provides three additional months for enrollment, allowing eligible individuals to enroll in Exchange coverage through Aug. 15, 2021.

26 Mar

Posted at 16:44h in COVID-19, Employee Benefits by . .
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Vaccinations are a critical way to keep yourself and the public at large healthy.

However, vaccinations often come with questions, particularly for new diseases. This article helps answer some of those questions, compiling expert guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Before Getting Your Vaccine

It’s important to know whether the COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for you before making any further decisions. This CDC webpage explains who should be vaccinated first. Use the link to see the specific rollout timeline for your state, as it will vary by location. It’s also worth doing a little research on the available vaccines, including how they work and their benefits.

19 Mar

Posted at 20:24h in COVID-19, HR and Operations by . .
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HR Insights Blog Header During the COVID-19 pandemic, hiring managers are struggling to get candidates in the door.

Recruiting budgets have been slashed and departments are wondering how to coordinate interviews, let alone find talent. How can teams adapt? The answer is virtual recruitment. Virtual recruitment is the process of pursuing, vetting, and onboarding candidates electronically. It’s been around for years, but, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s proven to be one of the best methods for acquiring new talent. This article offers five tips for recruiters.

19 Mar

Posted at 20:14h in COVID-19, Risk Management by . .
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Eight out of 10 COVID-19 deaths reported in the United States have been adults ages 65 years and older.

As you get older, your risk of being hospitalized with COVID-19 increases. It’s important for older adults and people with underlying medical conditions to take precautions to reduce their risk of getting COVID-19. The same goes for people who live or visit with those individuals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided guidance to help older adults reduce their risk of getting COVID-19 and navigate going out in public.