January 14, 2025 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Employer-sponsored group health plans are subject to an increasing number of federal reporting requirements throughout the year, so to help employers plan for 2025, we’ll provide a chronological overview for various reporting requirements tied to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Mental Health Parity & Addiction Equity Act…
New guidance issued by the IRS expands the types of preventive care benefits that high-deductible health plans are required to cover with no out-of-pocket costs on the part of plan enrollees. The changes are aimed at reducing out-of-pocket costs for diabetes-related expenses, certain cancer screenings and contraceptives. The guidance, released in two notices — N-2024-71…
On-the-job accidents may increase during the holidays as distractions in the workplace increase and decorations can pose safety issues. Normal routines and schedules are disrupted, and your staff — like everyone else — are also rushing around to crowded and chaotic stores and malls after work and on weekends. Be aware that accidents may be…
Announcing 2023 InterWest Insurance Services Distinguished Employee Winner! Jay Berkowitz Risk, Director of Business Performance Analytics Chico 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…
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, cause extensive property damage, physical injuries and loss of life. The distress might not end there, however. Mental health experts say that many victims of disasters experience post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety in the months following these events. The loss of loved ones, jobs, material goods and…
As employers have found in the last few years, hiring has become more difficult as the labor market has tightened amid a strong economy. With slim pickings, many firms are having to settle for workers they may not normally hire – but that can lead to issues. Some employers even have a hard time finding…
A new wave of class-action lawsuits is targeting employers that apply health insurance premium surcharges to employees who use tobacco, accusing them of discrimination and violating the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), according to two new blogs by prominent law firms. The lawsuits, according to a blog by Chicago-based Thompson Coburn LLP, assert that…
When employee files a federal Family and Medical Leave Act request to either deal with a health issue or care for a loved one, their employer is often put in a tight spot, particularly if the person serves a vital role in their organization. There are also a number of rules that employers need to…
Announcing 2023 InterWest Insurance Services Distinguished Employee Winner! Ben Stultz Commercial, Account Manager Chico 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.…
It’s almost time for year-end small group open enrollment and you need to drive engagement so that your employees can make informed decisions about their health insurance options. We want to help you help your employees understand all of their options so that they can purchase a plan that is appropriate for their situation. So…