September 20, 2022
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | How to Navigate Polarizing Conversations
Polarizing topics are difficult to navigate. There are an endless number of topics that incite strong opinions, including politics, religion, gun control, and abortion laws, to name just a few. A Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) poll reported that 56% of respondents observed an ...
September 16, 2022
Departments Issue No Surprises Act FAQ and Clarify Independent Dispute Resolution Process
The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury (the “Departments”) recently released final rules regarding the No Surprises Act. The rules specifically address required independent dispute resolution (IDR) of certain claims and expenses and finalize prior interim ...
September 14, 2022
Advocacy in Action | Hospital Delivery Claims Investigation
A member contacted her Patient Advocate to request an audit of delivery bills for her newborn baby. The PA reviewed the EOB’s and discovered that the insurance carrier had over-applied her deductible. It appeared that the member had met her deductible and out of pocket expenses of $3,125.00 on ...
September 13, 2022
Workplace Culture | The Changing Landscape of Marijuana Legalization
Starting with Colorado in 2012, a growing number of states have passed legislation legalizing the use of marijuana. As of June 2022, marijuana use is legal in 18 states for recreational use and in 39 states for medicinal purposes. Employers should review their employment drug policies since ...
September 9, 2022
Compliance Recap | August 2022
August was a busy month, with employers buzzing about transparency, reporting, and more. As we wrap up the summer season of the 2022 benefits compliance calendar, be mindful of these important issues. 2023 ACA Facts and Figures The Affordable Care Act (ACA) imposes an employer shared ...
September 6, 2022
Dear HR Manager from At a Loss for Words
Dear HR Manager, My direct report recently applied for a senior-level position. He was excited about the opportunity and threw himself into preparing for interviews. There were a lot of strong candidates, and one of them was selected for the position. My direct report is a talented member of ...
September 5, 2022
Important 2023 ACA Reminders for Applicable Large Employers
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes numerous requirements for applicable large employers (ALEs) to meet to maintain compliant group health plans. Many of these requirements change annually, so we provide you this overview of the key facts and figures to keep in mind for 2023. Affordability ...
August 29, 2022
Departments Issue Final Rules to Clarify Dispute Resolution and Transparency under No Surprises Act
On August 19, the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury (the Departments) released final rules regarding the No Surprises Act provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. The rules address the No Surprises Act’s required independent dispute ...
August 29, 2022
Health Plan Disclosure Requirements for Prescription Drugs
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) transparency-in-coverage (TiC) rules and provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA), group health plan sponsors must both disclose and report detailed information regarding a plan’s prescription drug coverage and costs. There is significant ...
August 15, 2022
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Reorganizing Your Hiring Process to Avoid Groupthink
Humans have an innate drive to “fit in,” and it shows up in all shapes and sizes. The cognitive bias, groupthink, is influenced by the desire to conform and may result in a poor or irrational group decision. Subconsciously, individuals may be swayed by popular opinion or status and fear others ...
