Blog Archives

• Ask the Experts: Job Applicant Recordkeeping

  Posted on July 24, 2017

  Question:  During interviews, we have candidates complete three forms: an application, a background check authorization, and a drug screen authorization. We keep these three forms and their resumes on file. There is nothing that is done with them unless they receive an offer. If we do not give an offer,… Read more »

• USCIS Releases Revised Version of Form I-9

  Posted on July 24, 2017

  On July 17, 2017, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the publication of a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. To learn more, click here.

• Health Plan PCORI Fees Are Due July 31

  Posted on June 15, 2017

  Do you offer coverage to your employees through a self-insured group health plan? Do you sponsor a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)? If so, do you know whether your plan or HRA is subject to the annual Patient-Centered Research Outcomes Institute (PCORI) fee? This article answers frequently-asked questions about the PCORI… Read more »

• Employer Exchange Notices–No Changes Needed

  Posted on June 15, 2017

  Employers are required to give all new hires a Notice of Marketplace Coverage Options – often referred to as the Employer Exchange Notice. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provides model notices that employers can download, customize, and distribute to workers. Although the model notices were scheduled to expire May… Read more »

• Ask the Experts: Requiring Cybersecurity Training

  Posted on June 15, 2017

  Question: We are a small company—40 employees. Are there policies we should have in place for cybersecurity? Can we make employee training on cybersecurity mandatory? Answer: Companies of all sizes are smart to be concerned about cybersecurity, especially in light of the recent WannaCry ransomware attack. There are steps you can… Read more »

• Financial Wellness Benefits – Adapting Them In The New Workforce

  Posted on May 18, 2017

  Over the past few years, we’ve seen tremendous growth in Financial Wellness Programs. Actually, as indicated in a recent report by Aon Hewitt, 77% of mid- to large-size companies will provide at least one financial wellness service in 2017; with 52% of employers providing services in more than 3 financial… Read more »

• IRS Announces HSA Limits for 2018

  Posted on May 18, 2017

  On May 4, 2017, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released Revenue Procedure 2017-37 announcing the annual inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) for calendar year 2018. An HSA is a tax-exempt savings account employees can use to pay for qualified health expenses. To read more, click here.

• U.S. House Passes Health Care Bill. The Senate Now Holds the Cards.

  Posted on May 18, 2017

  On May 4, 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). An earlier version of the House bill, called the American Health Care Act (AHCA), had been debated in March but was not voted on due to opposition from Democrats and… Read more »

• Department of Labor Delays Enforcement of the Fiduciary Duty Rule

  Posted on April 17, 2017

  On April 4, 2017, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced that the applicability date for the final fiduciary rule will be extended, and published its final rule extending the applicability date in the Federal Register on April 7. This extension is pursuant to President Trump’s February 3, 2017 presidential memorandum… Read more »

• Employee Benefit Trends of 2017

  Posted on April 17, 2017

  Customization of benefits is becoming more popular.  The process of personalizing employee benefits allows for individuals to choose from an array of options, and increases employee satisfaction.