DOL Issues New Q&As About FFCRA Leave Requirements
Posted 01.08.21
The U.S. Dept. of Labor (DOL) has issued additional Q&As regarding employee leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Specifically Q&A 104 explains that employers are not required to provide employees with FFCRA leave after Dec. 31, 2020,…
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DOL Issues Final Rule on FLSA Independent Contractor Status
Posted 01.08.21
On Jan. 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule that clarifies how to determine whether a worker is an employee who is protected under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) or an independent contractor who…
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Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Complete Merger
Posted 01.06.21
Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health have announced they have received all the necessary regulatory approvals for their merger which closed 1/4/20. While now one organization, both of the brands and their corresponding products will remain in the market…
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UnitedHealthcare Acquires Tufts Health Freedom Plan
Posted 01.05.21
As of 1/4/20, UnitedHealthcare has acquired Tufts Health Freedom Plan. Members will now access the UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus network for out-of-area health care services, and will receive a new health plan ID card that shows the UnitedHealthcare logo in the…
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DOL Issues Guidance on Electronic Posting of Labor Law Notices
Posted 12.30.20
On Dec. 29, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued Field Assistance Bulletin 2020-7, which addresses when the DOL will consider electronic posting by employers (by email, or an internet or intranet website) sufficient to provide employees with required…
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Stimulus Bill Extends FFCRA Tax Credits but Not Leave Mandate
Posted 12.28.20
An appropriations bill, which was signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020, does not extend the leave mandates created by the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLA) and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA), which expire on…
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Stimulus Bill Includes Ban on Surprise Medical Bills
Posted 12.28.20
On Dec. 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 into law. The Act includes a $900 billion coronavirus relief package that provides funding for unemployment benefits, direct economic payments to individuals, vaccine distribution and rental assistance. It…
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IRS Announces 2021 Standard Mileage Rates
Posted 12.28.20
On Dec. 22, 2020, the IRS issued the 2021 optional standard mileage rates, which are used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. The 2021 standard mileage rates for the use…
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ACA Reporting Deadlines
Posted 12.28.20
Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting under Section 6055 and Section 6056 for the 2020 calendar year is due in early 2021. Specifically, reporting entities must: File returns with the IRS by March 1, 2021, since Feb. 28, 2021, is a…
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Stimulus Bill Includes Temporary Special Rules for FSAs
Posted 12.27.20
On Dec. 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 into law. The Act provides temporary special rules for health and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs) that give employees additional time to use these funds. Because…
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Understanding the $900B Stimulus Package
Posted 12.27.20
On Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed into law an emergency stimulus package designed to deliver approximately $900 billion in COVID-19-related aid. This bill was passed by Congress after months of negotiation, and was attached to a $1.4…
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Health Plans Must Cover COVID-19 Vaccine Without Cost Sharing
Posted 12.19.20
Non-grandfathered group health plans, and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage, must cover coronavirus preventive services, including recommended COVID–19 immunizations, without cost sharing. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, covered services may be provided by in-network…
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