Month: May 2021

For employees who have been working from home since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the reopening of workplaces may mean it’s time to return — but return to what, exactly?  “Return to work?” As anyone who’s been putting in more... Find out more »

After a series of above-average years for storm activity culminated in a 2020 season that set records for both frequency and severity, many longtime property owners in hurricane-prone areas probably can recite storm-preparedness checklists and evacuation... Find out more »

When it comes to wellbeing, employers often find themselves challenged by how to approach a shift from a traditional wellness model to a comprehensive and holistic program that supports the whole person. Below you’ll find this week’s curated list of wellbeing resources. Feel free... Find out more »

As we near the end of Mental Health Awareness Month, recognition of the psychological challenges many Americans face and efforts by employers to address employee wellbeing may be at all-time highs. Yet the number of U.S. residents in need of mental-health assistance also appears to be at a... Find out more »

This alert is of interest to all employers with plans subject to federal COBRA or state mini-COBRA. On May 18, 2021, the IRS released Notice 2021-31, which contains its much-anticipated guidance on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) COBRA premium assistance provisions.  In many... Find out more »

Prescription drug pricing is a hot-button issue in any discussion of healthcare reform, and no discussion of prescription drug pricing can be complete without examining the role of pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs.  As described by the Commonwealth Fund, PBMs “are companies... Find out more »

Like many business executives, Brian Parker is a fairly engaged user of LinkedIn. An Alera Group vice president and the company’s National Practice Leader for Benefits Technology and Services, he uses the business-oriented social media platform to post and share content of value to clients... Find out more »

This alert is of interest to all employers that sponsor self-insured group health plans, including Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs).  Note that the PCORI fee does not apply to most health FSAs. Employers that sponsor self-insured group health plans, including health reimbursement... Find out more »

When it comes to wellbeing, employers often find themselves challenged by how to approach a shift from a traditional wellness model to a comprehensive and holistic program that supports the whole person. Below you'll find this week’s curated list of wellbeing resources. Feel free to... Find out more »

As many Americans are all too aware, job-related burnout was a relevant issue before the onset of COVID-19. A recent Google search of the word “burnout” instantly produced 80.8 million results, many dating to before the pandemic. The term “job burnout?” That... Find out more »