Flu Season is Here!

Absenteeism and a contagious workplace are just a couple issues employers could face during this flu season.  The following tips may reduce the risk to a business as well as keep employees healthy.  Click here to read the October edition of our Risk Management Newsletter. Share: 


Property & Casualty Updates

Use These Techniques to Transfer Legal Liability for Your Products

Whether you're a business bringing a new, exciting product to market or a 20 year old firm selling the latest version of a successful product line, you face certain risks.  However, there are steps your business can take to transfer the risks of financial loss from unexpected incidents.  Click here to read our Business to Business Newsletter. Share:  

Employee Benefit Updates

New GINA Rules Impose Restrictions on Health Risk Assessments

On Oct. 1, 2009, the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and the Treasury jointly released an advance copy of the interim final regulations on the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA). The interim final regulations, published in the Federal Register on Oct. 7, clarify several key aspects of GINA as it relates to health risk assessments.  The rules will become effective on Dec. 7, 2009. GINA's provisions for group health plan are effective for plan years beginning on or after May 21, 2009. Thus, the effective date for calendar year plans is Jan. 1, 2010.  Click here to continue. Share: 

COBRA - Washington Considers Extending ARRA Subsidies

When the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) became law in February 09, a stated purpose was to "assist those most impacted by the recession." At the time, the unemployment rate was 8.9 percent. In September, this rate was 9.5 percent. As a result, leaders in Washington, D.C. are strongly considering the extension of the COBRA subsidy program.  Click here to read the October issues of Infinisource News and Reviews newsletter.  Share: 

IRS Announces Retirement Plans Navigator Website for Small  Businesses

The IRS has announced a new website to encourage small businesses to establish retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, for their employees.  The website, called the IRS Retirement Plans Navigator, is designed to help employers choose the right retirement plan for their business and includes information on maintaining those plans and correcting common plan errors. Among the types of retirement plans available for small businesses are several IRA-based plans that are simpler to administer than 401(k) plans, some of which can include a deferral feature. The website includes a side-by-side comparison, by plan type, of various retirement plan features (e.g., deferrals, employer contributions, plan loans) and requirements (e.g., nondiscrimination testing, Form 5500).  Click here to access the new IRS site.  Share: 

Aetna Global Benefits: Healthcare News

Click here to read a report on health care issues around the world. Share: 

The Aging Workforce:  How to Fight the Risks

The workforce is aging fast, and stakeholders — companies, governments, and others — have a narrow window of time to adapt. So says the World Economic Forum, which Wednesday issued an 80-page report outlining strategic options to address how stakeholders can strengthen financial sustainability, quality of retirement, and health-care provisioning in a rapidly aging world.  Click here to continue.  Share: 

The Open Enrollment Challenge:  Seeking Greater Value in Turbulent Times

Economic and legislative forces have combined to create a unique open enrollment season this year -- a perfect storm that causes both employers and employees to seek the greatest maximum value from workplace benefits.  Click here to continue.  Share: