Increasing Cost of Drugs and the Impact on Medication Adherence
Our experts reviewed the increase in cost of drugs & identified strategies to encourage adherence, improve access to medications, & contain employer costs.
Addressing Ongoing and Upcoming Trends in Specialty Medication Benefits
Is your organization going to be impacted by these specialty medication increases? Find out how to combat them here.
Benefit Buzz: October 2022
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the Oct. 15 deadline for Medicare Part D notices, as well as new guidance on federal health care transparency requirements.
Benefit Buzz: September 2022
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses updated penalties under the ACA’s pay or play rules, as well as the health reforms that are included in the Inflation Reduction Act.
Benefit Buzz: August 2022
This discusses recent guidance from federal agencies regarding reproductive health…
Benefit Buzz: July 2022
This discusses the DOL’s guidance on FMLA & mental health…
Transparency In Coverage: Machine-readable Files
TiC Final Rules regarding new transparency in coverage requirements
Benefit Buzz: June 2022
This month we discuss the updated limits for HSAs and HDHPs, as well as…
HR Brief: April 2022
This edition of HR Brief Newsletter discusses the best benefits to avoid employee resignations, and provides an overview of the DOL’s announcement to hire 100 investigators for its Wage and Hour Division.
Benefits Buzz: April 2022
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the extended guidance for HDHP coverage of telehealth services and highlights federal protections for gender-affirming care.
Benefits Buzz: March 2022
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the updated women’s preventive services guidelines, as well as federal agencies’ increased focus on Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) enforcement.
HR Brief: March 2022
This edition of HR Brief Newsletter discusses OSHA’s withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccination and weekly testing emergency temporary standard, and outlines the value of a learning culture.
Benefits Buzz: February 2022
This month’s Benefits Buzz provides an update on the legal status of two federal vaccine mandates and the requirement for health plans to cover over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests.
HR Brief: February 2022
This edition of HR Brief Newsletter gives an overview of the EEOC’s new guidance on COVID-19 and the ADA, and discusses three hybrid work model mistakes to avoid.
Benefits Buzz: January 2022
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the Supreme Court’s decision to review the federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates as well as updated civil penalty amounts for certain violations.
Live Well, Work Well: January 2022
This month’s newsletter discusses how to make—and keep—your New Year’s resolution, ways to keep your fitness on track during the winter and the health benefits of being organized. BONUS RECIPE:
HR Brief: January 2022
This edition of HR Brief Newsletter provides an overview of a new rule that will increase the minimum wage rate for federal contractor employees announced by the DOL, and discusses 5 HR trends to monitor in 2022.
HR Brief: December 2021
This month’s HR Brief newsletter discusses OSHA’s vaccination and testing mandate and announces the release of 2021 ACA reporting forms.
Live Well, Work Well: December 2021
This month’s newsletter discusses celebrating holidays safely during the pandemic, how to reduce holiday stress and holiday decorating safety tips. BONUS RECIPE:
Benefits Buzz: December 2021
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses an interim final rule requiring the reporting of prescription drug and medical cost information, as well as updated employee benefit plan limits for 2022.
Benefits Buzz: November 2021
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses FAQs on COVID-19 vaccine coverage and premium discounts, as well as guidance regarding the HIPAA Privacy Rule related to COVID-19 vaccine inquiries.
HR Brief: November 2021
This edition of HR Brief Newsletter discusses what President Biden’s vaccine mandate means for employers, and provides an overview of the U.S. Department of Labor’s final tip rule.
Live Well, Work Well: November 2021
This month’s newsletter discusses cold and flu season, the importance of a good night’s sleep, and meal prepping. BONUS RECIPE:
Benefits Buzz: October 2021
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the Oct. 15 deadline for Medicare Part D notices, as well as proposed changes to the Form 5500 to implement the SECURE Act.
HR Brief: October 2021
This edition of HR Brief Newsletter discusses tips for preparing for open enrollment with a hybrid workforce, and provides details on how employers have even more time to submit equal employment opportunity (EEO-1) workforce data from 2019 and 2020.
Live Well, Work Well: October 2021
This month’s newsletter discusses pandemic financial stress, Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this year’s flu season. BONUS RECIPE:
Benefits Buzz: September 2021
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the recently issued FAQs regarding the No Surprises Act and transparency rule, as well as a proposed rule that would expand electronic filing with the IRS.
HR Brief: September 2021
This edition of HR Brief Newsletter provides an overview of what the Delta variant means for mask policies, and discusses how COVID-19 will impact open enrollment 2021.
Live Well, Work Well: September 2021
This month’s newsletter discusses pandemic re-entry anxiety, cholesterol and breathing exercises for anxiety. BONUS RECIPE:
Benefits Buzz: August 2021
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the deadline for reporting and paying PCORI fees under the ACA and proposed updates to the Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2022.
HR Brief: August 2021
This edition of HR Brief Newsletter provides an overview of hybrid work models, and considerations for preventing turnover post-pandemic.
Live Well, Work Well: August 2021
This month’s newsletter discusses summer travel safety tips, long-term effects of COVID-19 and how caffeine and sleep can impact your day. BONUS RECIPE:
Benefits Buzz: July 2021
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the ACA’s individual mandate lawsuit and the expected impact on ACA reporting for 2021.
Live Well, Work Well: July 2021
This month’s newsletter discusses the 2021 Dirty Dozen list, summer picnic safety tips and reasons to leave your shoes at the door. BONUS RECIPE:
HR Brief: July 2021
This edition of HR Brief Newsletter provides considerations for supporting employees with COVID-19 vaccine cards, and provides tips for attracting top remote talent.
Live Well, Work Well: June 2021
This month’s newsletter discusses outdoor exercise safety tips, health benefits of gardening and ways to snack smartly. BONUS RECIPE:
Benefits Buzz: June 2021
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the updated HSA/HDHP limits for 2022, the second final Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2022, and the recent guidance on the taxability of dependent care assistance programs (DCAPs) for 2021 and 2022.
HR Brief: June 2021
The EEOC recently opened its portal for employers to begin submitting EEO data from 2019 and 2020. This edition of HR Brief Newsletter provides more information about the announcement, and provides tips for preventing HR teams from burnout.
Webinar: Financial Wellness
Join us on May 10 with guest speakers from Franklin Templeton.
Benefits Buzz: May 2021
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the recently released FAQs and model notices for the COBRA premium assistance provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), as well as FAQs regarding the Consolidated Appropriations Act and mental health parity.
HR Brief: May 2021
This month’s HR Brief discusses the use of technology in learning and development, and offers tips for virtual recruiting.
Live Well, Work Well: May 2021
This month’s newsletter discusses self-care and your mental health, skin cancer and how fast food impacts heart health. BONUS RECIPE:
HR Brief: April 2021
This month’s HR Brief lists the EEOC’s top workplace discrimination claims for 2020 and discusses how HR teams can prepare for future health crises.
Live Well, Work Well: April 2021
This month’s newsletter discusses Alcohol Awareness Month, how to improve your health by moving 11 minutes per day, and mental health support during the pandemic. BONUS RECIPE:
Benefits Buzz: April 2021
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and its employment-related provisions, including additional detail regarding the COBRA subsidy provisions.
Exchange Special Enrollment Provided Due to COVID-19
The notice clarifies employer eligibility and describes retroactive changes that apply to 2020.
Benefits Buzz: March 2021
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the temporary COVID-19 relief for Section 125 plans and the withdrawal of proposed regulations regarding wellness program incentives.
Live Well, Work Well: March 2021
This month’s newsletter discusses the latest edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the importance of sleep and how to properly clean your earbuds. BONUS RECIPE:
HR Brief: March 2021
Discusses OSHA’s prevention guidance on COVID-19 in the workplace and highlights recruiting trends to watch in 2021.
HR Brief: February 2021
Answers to frequently asked questions provided by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations, and insights on driving HR efficiencies with technology.
Live Well, Work Well: February 2021
This month’s newsletter discusses ways to boost your heart health, how to deal with job burnout during the pandemic and the importance of preventive care. BONUS RECIPE:
Benefits Buzz: February 2021
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the employee benefits provisions contained in the Consolidated Appropriations Act and the 2020 calendar year ACA reporting deadlines in early 2021.
HR Brief: January 2021
This month’s HR Brief looks at ways to encourage employees to use telehealth services and developing important employee skills for the post-pandemic workplace.
Live Well, Work Well: January 2021
This month’s newsletter discusses ways to start your year off right, how to kick stress eating to the curb, and National Blood Donor Month. BONUS RECIPE:
Benefits Buzz: January 2021
For 2021, the Benefits Buzz newsletter will focus on hot compliance topics only, instead of trending benefits topics.
Supporting Employees During a Potentially Lonely Holiday Season
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of daily life—including how employees celebrate the holidays. This article discusses ways to support employees during this unprecedented holiday season.
Encouraging Employees to Use Telehealth Services
This Benefits Insights article provides best practices for promoting the use of telehealth services at your organization.
Benefits Buzz: December 2020
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses employee benefits plan limits for 2021 and a final rule on health care transparency.
HR Brief: December 2020
This month’s HR Brief discusses financial well-being and how to help employees, and considerations for hosting a virtual workplace holiday party.
Live Well, Work Well: December 2020
This month’s newsletter discusses celebrating holidays safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, making over your holiday baking recipes and getting enough water. BONUS RECIPE:
Live Well, Work Well: November 2020
This month’s newsletter discusses flu season and how to differentiate between symptoms of the common cold, the flu and COVID-19. BONUS RECIPE: FALL VEGGIE CASSEROLE
Benefits Buzz: November 2020
This month’s Benefits Buzz provides a summary of the 2020 Employer Health Benefits Annual Survey and discusses transition relief for 2020 Affordable Care Act reporting.
HR Brief: November 2020
This month’s HR Brief discusses the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) clarified COVID-19 reporting requirements and considerations for preventing workplace gossip during a crisis.
Live Well, Work Well: October 2020
This month’s newsletter discusses pandemic fatigue, fall produce and how to stay physically active. BONUS RECIPE: CRANBERRY PUMPKIN MUFFINS
HR Brief: October 2020
This month’s HR Brief discusses the Department of Labor’s guidance on tracking hours of work for remote employees and explains how social distancing is impacting workplace culture.
Benefits Buzz: October 2020
This month’s Benefits Buzz newsletter discusses the Affordable Care Act (ACA) pay or play penalties for 2021 and the Medicare Part D notice disclosure deadline, which is Oct. 15, 2021.
HR Brief: September 2020
This month’s HR Brief discusses the impact of COVID-19 on open enrollment and how to support employees’ caregiving responsibilities post-coronavirus.
Benefits Buzz: September 2020
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the ACA’s increased affordability percentages and looks toward an unprecedented open enrollment season.
Live Well, Work Well: September 2020
This month’s newsletter discusses hand sanitizers, low-stress diet tips and how to make better decisions when feeling anxious.
Live Well, Work Well: August 2020
This month’s newsletter discusses sorting out coronavirus fact from fiction, sun safety tips and probiotics.
Benefits Buzz: August 2020
This month’s Benefits Buzz reviews recent challenges to the ACA and discusses employer flexibility in regards to contraceptive coverage.
HR Brief: August 2020
This month’s HR Brief explores how to prepare for a second wave of COVID-19 and provides guidance for determining whether a COVID-19 infection is work-related.
LEGAL UPDATE: DOL Issues Revised Optional FMLA Firms
Summary of this LEGAL UPDATE: DOL Issues Revised Optional FMLA Firms
ACA Contraceptive Rule Exemptions
On July 8, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld regulations expanding exemptions from the ACA’s contraceptive coverage mandate.
Benefits Buzz: July 2020
Discusses newly released health savings account and high deductible health plan limits for 2021, and COVID-19 guidance for Section 125 midyear election changes.
Live Well, Work Well: July 2020
This month’s newsletter provides tips for boosting your mental health during these uncertain times, surviving the summer heat and social distancing.
HR Brief: July 2020
This month’s HR Brief looks at the DOL’s revised fluctuating workweek overtime method and examines recruiting efforts post-coronavirus.
HR Insights: Ghosting in the Workplace
Is “ghosting” a thing in your workplace? Here are some tips to avoid the sneaky trend.
Live Well, Work Well: June 2020
This month’s newsletter discusses health benefits of cleaning, grilling safety tips, and how to reduce your food waste. California Avocado Super Summer Wrap
Benefits Buzz: June 2020
Learn about the updated model COBRA notices and the deadline relief issued to help employee benefit plans and plan participants affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
HR Brief: June 2020
This month’s HR Brief discusses federal relief for employee benefit plans and considers how to reopen a business post coronavirus.
Curbing FMLA Leave Abuse
This HR Insights discusses how to help curb FMLA abuse among employees.
Live Well, Work Well: May 2020
This month’s newsletter discusses smoking cessation, sugar substitutes and workplace loneliness. Tofu With Broccoli
Benefits Buzz: May 2020
IRS’ decision to allow high deductible health plans to cover coronavirus-related costs before deductibles are met.
HR Brief: May 2020
This month’s HR Brief looks at the new coronavirus relief laws and provides best practices for employers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
5 Employee Wellness Trends to Watch in 2020
This article covers some of the wellness trends to look out for in 2020.
Benefits Buzz: April 2020
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the Supreme Court’s decision to hear a challenge to the ACA and examines limitations for pay or play penalties.
HR Brief: April 2020
This month’s HR Brief discusses the new joint-employer rule from the NLRB and explains what employers can do about coronaviruses.
Live Well, Work Well: April 2020
This month’s Live Well, Work Well newsletter discusses how humor can combat stress and explains why calcium is so important for your body. Citrus Salad
7 Tips to Minimize the Risk of Auto Theft
According to the Insurance Information Institute, a motor vehicle is stolen in the United States every 45 seconds.
5 HR Trends to Monitor in 2020
Check out these five trending HR practices to look out for in 2020.
Benefits Buzz: March 2020
This Benefits Buzz discusses the Supreme Court’s decision to deny motions to expedite the ACA lawsuit and more.
HR Brief: March 2020
This month’s HR Brief discusses the DOL’s new joint employer determination test and increased civil penalty amounts for 2020.
Live Well, Work Well: March 2020
This month’s newsletter discusses healthy eating on a budget, healthy sleep habits and the 2019-20 flu season. Baked Lentils Casserole
Employee Benefits Trends to Watch
Employers are facing pressure to keep health care costs low for themselves and their employees, particularly in today’s tight labor market.
HR Brief: February 2020
This month’s HR Brief newsletter discusses the new Form W-4 and the DOL’s regular rate of pay rules.
Live Well, Work Well: February 2020
Live Well, Work Well covers topics like health, wellness, fitness, nutrition and personal finance. This month’s newsletter discusses American Heart Month, the common cold and ergonomics. Ginger Quinoa With Green Beans
Benefits Buzz: February 2020
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses a federal spending bill, which repealed the Cadillac tax and other key Affordable Care Act taxes, and extended the annual Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fees for 2020-2029.
Live Well, Work Well: January 2020
This month’s newsletter discusses New Year’s resolutions, National Blood Donor Month, and a superfood that may help prevent diabetes. Mexican Chicken Soup
HR Brief: January 2020
This month’s HR Brief discusses the Department of Labor’s proposed revisions to the fluctuating workweek overtime method and best practices for performance reviews.
Benefits Buzz: January 2020
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the new summary of benefits and coverage template for 2021 and the final rule on hospital price transparency.
HR Brief: December 2019
This month’s HR Brief focuses on LGBTQ discrimination under the Civil Rights Act and offers tips for planning a seasonal workplace party.
Benefits Buzz: December 2019
This month’s Benefits Buzz announces the new FSA contribution limits and discusses the DOL’s new proposed method for retirement plan disclosures.
Live Well, Work Well: December 2019
This month’s issue discusses holiday dieting tips, holiday decoration safety and the benefits of omega-3 supplements. Curried Squash Stew
HR Brief: November 2019
This month’s HR Brief discusses the Department of Labor’s new salary limits for overtime exemptions and the pros and cons of incentive pay.
Benefits Bulletin: 4th Quarter 2019
This month’s Benefits Bulletin is all about open enrollment. Learn about upcoming changes in 2020, benefits notice requirements and tips for maximizing enrollment for employees.
Benefits Buzz: November 2019
This month’s Benefits Buzz examines the annual Kaiser health benefits survey and provides tips for enticing millennial workers with voluntary benefits.
Live Well, Work Well: November 2019
This month’s newsletter discusses flu prevention strategies, the health benefits of consuming flavonoids and the dangers of drinking soda. Autumn Vegetable Succotash
HR Brief: October 2019
This month’s HR Brief discusses how stay conversations can keep employees engaged and ways to help workers overcome the Sunday blues.
Benefits Buzz: October 2019
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the upcoming Medicare Part D notice disclosure deadline and explains that employers are planning to spend more on health care and wellness next year.
Live Well, Work Well: October 2019
This month’s newsletter discusses National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the sleep-stealing effects of electronic devices and the dangers of vaping. Corn, Zucchini and Tomato Pie
HR Brief: September 2019
This month’s HR Brief discusses the acting Department of Labor secretary and the recent Capital One data breach.
Benefits Buzz: September 2019
This month’s Benefits Buzz looks at changes surrounding 2020 health plans and new rules aimed at greater hospital pricing transparency.
Live Well, Work Well: September 2019
This month’s newsletter discusses how spending time outdoors can improve your health, provides tips for making healthy food choices at restaurants and highlights veganism.
HR Brief: August 2019
This month’s HR Brief explores the benefits of employees using their PTO and explains where to find help for your EEO reporting obligations.
Benefits Buzz: August 2019
This month’s Benefits Buzz examine’s the latest executive order regarding health plans and discusses the final rule for expanding HRAs.
HR Insights: Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is critical for successful organizations. It determines how well employees interact and solve problems.
Live Well, Work Well: August 2019
This issue discusses the impacts of a poor diet, how heart rate is an indicator for health, and the benefit of introducing allergenic foods early in a child’s life.
Benefits Bulletin: 3rd Quarter 2019
Benefits Bulletin is a quarterly newsletter that covers hot benefit topics in depth.
HR Brief: July 2019
This month’s HR Brief includes the 2020 HSA limits and explains the value of emotional intelligence in the workplace.
Benefits Buzz: July 2019
This month’s Benefits Buzz explains the inflation-adjusted HSA and HDHP limits for 2020 and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s plans.
Live Well, Work Well: July 2019
This month’s version lists important camping safety tips, provides information on sunscreen and explains how wearable tech benefits your health.
HR Brief: June 2019
This month’s HR Brief examines an uptick in DOL enforcement actions and discusses the lowest unemployment rate in decades.
Benefits Buzz: June 2019
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the final Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2020 and the Department of Labor’s opinion letter on gig worker classification.
Live Well, Work Well: June 2019
This month’s newsletter explains how to fuel your workout the right way, provides summer picnic safety tips and discusses a new superbug fungus.
HR Insights: Costly HR Mistakes
Here’s a list of 20+ common mistakes. Avoid potential complaints, lawsuits, and fines by reviewing these solutions to minimize your organization’s risk.
HR Brief: May 2019
This month’s HR Brief discusses the latest developments with the Affordable Care Act and the Department of Labor’s newly proposed overtime rule.
Benefits Buzz: May 2019
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the Department of Justice’s support of a federal court ruling invalidating the Affordable Care Act and provides an overview on a ruling that invalidated certain parts of a 2018 rule on association health plans.
5 Ways to Support Employees’ Mental Health
This HR Insights article discusses five ways HR can support employees’ mental health.
Live Well, Work Well: May 2019
This month’s newsletter explains how to improve your daily mental health, tips for keeping healthy eyes, uncovers unexpected ingredient in your oats.
HR Brief: April 2019
This month’s HR Brief examines how communication is essential to employee engagement and discusses the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s proposed rule that would increase their online presence.
Benefits Buzz: April 2019
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the EEO-1 filing deadline extension and highlights a Bureau of Labor Statistics report on worker access to family leave in 2018.
Live Well, Work Well: April 2019
This month’s newsletter discusses tips for a stress-free tax season, how pollution affects your health, and three reasons why you experiencing stomach pain.
HR Insights: Dogs in the Workplace
Allowing employees to bring dogs to work is a privilege and it’s not right for every organization. Have you been wondering if this trend is right for you?
HR Brief: March 2019
This month’s HR Brief examines how workplace wellness should include more than just physical health initiatives and briefly explains how to avoid retaliation claims.
Benefits Bulletin: Q2 2019
Read up on the proposed Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters, wellness compliance strategies, 2019 civil penalty amounts, and the SOTU Address.
Benefits Buzz: March 2019
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the proposed Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2020 and the increased civil penalty amounts for 2019.
Live Well, Work Well: March 2019
This month’s newsletter discusses spring allergy alleviation, signs your body needs a break and ways to strengthen your financial wellness plan.
HR Brief: February 2019
This month’s HR Brief examines how empathy can help retain your workers and informs about the proper way to calculate overtime pay.
Benefits Buzz: February 2019
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the upcoming Affordable Care Act reporting deadlines and the removal of the wellness plan incentive limits.
Live Well, Work Well: February 2019
In honor of American Heart Month, this month’s issue discusses various ways to improve your heart health.
HR Brief: January 2019
This month’s HR Brief reviews 2019 plan limits and considers how to attract Gen Z talent.
Benefits Buzz: January 2019
This month’s Benefits Buzz discusses the 2016 pay or play enforcement and provides an overview of the health flexible spending account contribution limit increase for 2019.
About to Burnout?
The World Health Organization now considers burnout to be a syndrome. Learn about the signs of burnout and how you can prevent it.
Live Well, Work Well: January 2019
This month’s issue discusses fad diets, winter illnesses and post-holiday depression.
Benefits Bulletin: Q1 2019
This issue includes information about pay or play enforcement, 2019 benefit plan limits, repeal and replace efforts, and adjusted PCORI fee amounts.