Month: September 2021
Legal Alert: Employee Benefit Nondiscrimination Basics
There are four main regulations that employers should consider when they are ensuring their employee benefit plans are not discriminatory in design, participation, or in operation.
Regulation: HIPAA
General Rule:
Prohibits group health plans and health insurers from discriminating... Find out more »
Legal Alert: Drug Discount Programs in Conflict with Federal Regulations
Updated November 11, 2021. First issued September 27, 2021.
Many prescription drug manufacturers offer financial assistance (e.g., coupons, discounts or vouchers) to patients to reduce their out-of-pocket costs, particularly for very expensive drugs. Many times, these “accumulator... Find out more »
Legal Alert: How Do Your Benefits Compare? An Employer’s Essential Responsibility to IL Employees– Providing Employees a Comparison of Essential Health Benefits
Updated January 26, 2022.
On August 27, 2021, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Consumer Coverage Disclosure Act (SB 1905).
Who? This law applies to all employers, including the State, State departments, agencies, municipalities, and school districts, as well as private employers,... Find out more »
Wellbeing Resources: Employer Compassion, Wellbeing Fair Recordings and 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.
We hope that you were able to attend our Alera Group 2021 Virtual Employee Wellbeing... Find out more »
Talking Life Insurance – a Conversation About You
Most people don’t want to talk about life insurance — even people who recognize life insurance as something they really need to talk about. Many are fine with chatting about themselves and their loved ones — their achievements, their goals,... Find out more »
IRS Issues Affordability Percentage Adjustment for 2022
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released Rev. Proc. 2021-36, which contains the inflation-adjusted amounts for 2022 used to determine whether employer-sponsored coverage is “affordable” for purposes of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) employer shared responsibility... Find out more »
Key Component of Construction Risk Management: Builders’ Risk Insurance
If you’re commencing on a construction project, there basically are two ways you can look at Builders’ Risk Insurance:
As a necessary evil;
As valuable protection against the myriad risks inherent in construction, from the start of the project until an... Find out more »
Alera Group Expands in California with Newest Acquisition, The Brokerage Commercial Insurance Services, Inc.
Alera Group, a top independent, national insurance and wealth management firm, announced today the acquisition of The Brokerage Commercial Insurance Services, Inc., a leading commercial insurance brokerage firm specializing in general liability, property, commercial automobile and workers... Find out more »
Legal Alert: September Deadlines for COBRA and 5500 Reporting
September 2021 is a busy month for compliance. Plan sponsors have obligations to meet this month, but we will focus on two in this quick alert.
COBRA Subsidy Expiration Notice and Summary Annual Report
Due September 15, 2021
The COBRA subsidy expiration notice must be distributed no... Find out more »
Alera Group Acquires Fendley Benefits
Alera Group, a top independent, national insurance and wealth management firm, announced today the acquisition of Fendley Benefits, an employee benefits firm that focuses on cost management, compliance, HR support, technology and employee advocacy.
“Fendley Benefits is a boutique... Find out more »
