12 Mar

Posted at 17:51h in COVID-19, Employee Benefits by . .

News Brief header President Joe Biden recently announced that he is directing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to purchase an additional 100 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

The White House had announced earlier in March that drugmaker Merck & Co. will help produce competitor Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine to expand its production and supply. The administration invoked the Defense Production Act to get two Merck facilities up to the standards necessary to safely manufacture the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. However, it will take months to fully equip these plants.

05 Mar

Posted at 19:42h in Employee Benefits White Papers by . .

The foods and beverages you consume have a significant impact on your health. Diet-related chronic diseases—such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and some types of cancer—are prevalent among Americans and pose a major public health problem.

In fact, 60% of adults have one or more diet-related chronic diseases. Every five years, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture publish nutrition advice. The newest version of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020-2025) offers science-based nutrition advice to develop healthy eating habits and reduce chronic disease risk. For the first time, this edition provides recommendations by life stage, from birth through older adulthood.

26 Feb

Posted at 17:52h in Employee Benefits White Papers by . .

5 telehealth trends to watch header Employers that are interested in cutting their health care expenses are likely familiar with telehealth.

This is the process of communicating with a doctor via an app, or a webcam and computer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth usage skyrocketed, making it one of the most popular ways to receive health care. As such, employers should stay apprised of notable telehealth trends to ensure they stay competitive and provide the best health care options to their employees. This article discusses five telehealth trends to watch for in 2021.  

26 Feb

Posted at 17:36h in Employee Benefits White Papers by . .

Legal Update Header On Feb. 18, 2021, the IRS released Notice 2021-15 to clarify special rules for Section 125 plans, health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) and dependent care assistance programs (DCAPs).

Temporary Special Rules for Health FSAs and DCAPs

The Notice is intended to clarify the application of special rules for health FSAs and DCAPs provided under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA).  

26 Feb

Posted at 17:25h in COVID-19, Employee Benefits by . .

News Brief header The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released an analysis that found that Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective.

According to the FDA, the vaccine meets requirements for an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The vaccine, developed by Janssen Biotech Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, has been found to have 72% efficacy in the United States, while proving less effective in Latin America and South Africa, where a highly contagious variant is behind most new cases. The vaccine has also demonstrated 86% efficacy against severe forms of COVID-19 in the United States, with 82% against severe outcomes in South Africa.