Category: Employee Benefits

Election Update: Where Do We Go From Here?

The 2016 election results are in.  We all woke up this morning (or stayed up until 3:00 a.m.) to learn that, despite almost all pollsters and pundits predicting otherwise, Donald Trump has been elected to be the 45th President of the United States.  When he takes the oath of office in January, we will also have a Republican-controlled House of Representatives and Senate.  As we outlined previously, this outcome was the only one where we could see real change related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

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How will the 2016 election impact the ACA?

*Updated Monday, November 7, at 2:45 p.m. (EST) to reflect current polls.

We are nearing the conclusion of one of the most dramatic and unpredictable election cycles in history. The odds have continued to shift on a daily, sometimes hourly basis. Many companies and individuals are wondering how the Affordable Care Act, also known as the ACA, will be impacted based on the election. Let’s take a look at where things stand, the possible outcomes of the election and some potential impacts to the ACA.

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Opioid Use in the Workplace

Companies and organizations of all sizes have an important role managing risks in the workplace and promoting the safety and health of their employees. Strong workplace policies, health benefit programs and education create safe and healthy environments in which employees and business can thrive.

The coverage of prescription medication in healthcare benefit packages, when used wisely and correctly, can contribute to favorable treatment outcomes and quality of life. However, a disturbing trend driven by the use and abuse of opioid painkillers in the workplace is something that poses a unique challenge for employers and deserves attention.

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Health Insurance Marketplace Subsidy Notifications

It appears as if the Department of Health and Human Services has recently been on a notice mailing binge.  Many companies have received a version of the notice pictured below in the last few weeks.  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a helpful FAQ document about the notices that you can access here. 

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EEOC Final Rules Impact Wellness Programs Clarification & Guidance for ADA and GINA Compliance

On May 17, 2016, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued its final rules to amend the regulations and interpretive guidance surrounding Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008. After nearly a decade of uncertainty and debate surrounding wellness program compliance, these regulations provide significant clarity for employers.

What’s in the ADA ruling?

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