With COVID-19 cases spreading fast throughout the country in what experts say is the biggest surge since the pandemic started, employers who regularly test their workers may have to change their policies. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in July 2022 issued new guidance for when employers can test their workers in order to comply with…
Now more than ever, employers need to step up their employee benefits game beyond providing group health insurance. Thanks to the Great Resignation, employees are demanding more from their current and prospective employers. And those that don’t deliver lose employees or have trouble attracting new talent, as long-time colleagues head for the exits. Good pay…
As a responsible business owner, you no doubt make sure that you are properly insured for any liabilities resulting from damage to other parties. But, imagine the following scenarios: What if a visitor trips and falls at your business, breaking a leg and is unable to work for a few months while they recover? What…
When most commercial insurance brokerages are in early growth stage, they are focused on putting together a solid team of producers to grow their book of business at a fast, yet manageable pace. Many agencies continue on this path of maximizing their writings, but that can lead to customer neglect and missed opportunities to help…
Q: We have an employee who wants to make changes to her cafeteria plan election, even though benefits are already effective. Is there a grace period that allows her to change her election? Employers: Don’t make this common cafeteria plan mistake! Once cafeteria plan benefits become effective, the elections are “locked in.” Employees cannot change…
Employers whose annual premiums exceed $9,200 in annual premiums need to start paying closer attention to their workers’ compensation policies and safety practices. Under California’s workers’ compensation system rules, starting Sept. 1, if your firm’s premiums exceed this new threshold, it will be issued what’s known as an “X-Mod,” a numerical of your claims history.…
InterWest’s Distinguished Employee: Teresa Brown Teresa has done a great job jumping in and learning Insurance Accounting. Since day one, she has dug in to help our Agency Bill accounting team expand and navigate the numerous twists and turns that come with the mergers and acquisitions we’ve gone through over the past few years. She…
Employers who offer health savings account-eligible high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) to employees can significantly expand pre-deductible coverage for certain drugs used to manage chronic conditions — with only a tiny effect on premiums. That’s the finding of a new study from the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI). The reason: According to research from Johns Hopkins…
Cal/OSHA has issued a reminder to employers that they are required to protect their outdoor workers from unhealthy air due to wildfire smoke. Cal/OSHA’s Protection from Wildfire Smoke emergency regulation put in place in August 2019 was made permanent in February 2021. For the safety of your workers and to comply with the regulation, it’s…
On August 8th, for the 4th year, InterWest’s Chico team partnered with Shawna Batham of Project School Ready to provide backpacks filled with school supplies to local youth in need. This year, a record 100 backpacks were filled during the Build a Bag Day potluck luncheon. Thank you to InterWest’s Dan DiMeo, Tammie Baiz &…