The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) recently released a detailed set of frequently asked questions about a new bereavement law that requires employers in the state with five or more workers to provide leave for up to five days to a worker who loses an immediate family member. The law, which took effect Jan. 1,…
Three drugmakers, which account for roughly 90% of the insulin in the U.S. market, in March 2023 announced that they will cap the cost of insulin for people with private insurance plans. That includes those on employer-sponsored group health plans and plans purchased on a government-run exchange. The changes mean some or many of your…
As insurance rates continue hardening across almost all lines, insurance agencies and their producers are the bearers of the bad news. Inflation has kicked into high gear for the insurance industry, in the wake of parts shortages, increasingly larger and costlier natural disasters, massive jury verdicts and reinsurance costs. All of those factors are increasing…
Under new U.S. Treasury Department rules, businesses with fewer than 20 employees and less than $5 million in annual revenue will have to start reporting ownership and control information to the federal government every year. The requirement, issued under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), is expected to affect 32 million small businesses across the country.…
Each year, InterWest recognizes employees who are identified by their co-workers as having demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their clients, workmates as well as their community. This partnership between work and giving back makes them stand out for their invaluable contributions. ______________________________ Erin Brown Account Manager, Commercial Lines Department Merced, California Erin is a pleasure…
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued new guidance on how employers can properly use software, algorithms and artificial intelligence-driven decision-making tools when screening job applicants and selecting candidates. The EEOC has grown concerned about possible adverse impacts of these technologies that can help employers with a wide range of employment matters, like hiring decisions,…
The IRS has raised the maximum amount people can funnel into their health savings accounts by 7.8% for 2024, the largest increase ever, brought to you by inflation. The IRS updates this amount annually, along with minimum deductibles as well as the out-of-pocket maximums for high-deductible health plans. Under its rules, HSAs, which help employees…
If you have staff who work remotely, you’ll want to pay attention to changes that are coming to the workers’ compensation class code you use for them. Starting Sept. 1, California’s telecommuter class code will finally get its own pure premium rates, that is lower than what’s currently being charged. Since many people starting working…
Employers offer flexible savings accounts and health savings accounts to their employees so they can build up funds with pre-tax dollars to pay for health care and related expenses. For the most part, people use their funds in FSAs and HSAs to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket costs like copays, health insurance deductibles and the cost…
Each year, InterWest recognizes employees who are identified by their co-workers as having demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their clients, workmates as well as their community. This partnership between work and giving back makes them stand out for their invaluable contributions. ______________________________ Kelley Hoag Account Executive, Employee Benefits Department Chico, California Kelley manages a significant…