Federal Workplace Poster Requirements for Small Businesses
Some of the statutes and regulations enforced by agencies within the Department of Labor require that posters or notices be posted in the workplace. Click here to read the OSHA Compliance Issue of our Risk Management newsletter. Don't Slip and Fall Over Workers Comp Workers' compensation fraud can bedevil employers. While some fraud-minded employees are around, the bulk of the illegality is committed by physicians, service providers, adjusters and more, according to research. Virtually anybody who touches a claim could "cheat the system," an expert says. Here are some tips for HR. |
| Legislative/Regulatory Updates |
Model Employer CHIP Notice AvailableThe U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has released a model notice that will enable employers to provide information on eligibility for premium assistance under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). ERISA requires that employers that provide coverage in states with premium assistance through Medicaid or CHIP must inform employees of potential opportunities for assistance in obtaining health coverage. The model notice includes information on how employees can contact their state for additional information and how to apply for premium assistance. Click here to view the model notice. New Rules Issued Requiring Parity in Treatment of Mental, Substance Use Disorders
The US Department of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Treasury have jointly issued new rules providing parity for consumers enrolled in group health plans who need treatment for mental health or substance use disorders. The new rules prohibit group health insurance plans from restricting access to care by limiting benefits and requiring higher patient costs than those that apply to general medical or surgical benefits. The rules implement the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addition Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA). Click here to read a DOL fact sheet on the Act and here to access the new regulations. CMS Provides Update on HRA MSP ReportingWhen the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 (MMSEA) became law it created a new reporting obligation for group health plans. It was just last month that the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued definitive guidance on how MMSEA applies to administrators of Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs). Click here to continue. Tough Times are No Excuse for ERISA ShortcutsBusiness owners and leaders who are facing financial challenges should consider a mounting series of recent court orders and federal prosecutions as strong reminders of the personal risk they may fact for mismanaging employee benefit programs governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Click here to continue.
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2010: Double Digit Hikes on Health Care Costs
As many employers have already, unfortunately, discovered, health care costs continue to skyrocket. Experts analyzing a new survey project that costs for the most popular types of health care coverage will increase at double-digit rates for 2010. Click here to continue.
When Times Get Tough, Even the Tough Go to the Doctor
Employees with more comprehensive medical benefits, especially those who never took advantage of them, are more likely to tap these benefits as the economy deteriorates, employers and health care consultants say. Workers may get that long-delayed hip replacement or have those aches and pains, rashes and coughs checked out before they lose their job and, with it, their health benefits. In some cases, the rush is already on. Click here to continue.
Critical Illness Coverage is Stealing Hearts
Advances in medical technology and the high quality of medical care mean that more people are surviving illnesses like heart attack, stroke and cancer. The result: Today's employees are much more likely to suffer a critical illness than they are to die. Enter coverage for the "big three" critical illnesses: heart attack, stroke and cancer. When provided as a supplemental voluntary benefit in the worksite market, critical illness insurance has proven to be a financial lifesaver for countless employees. Click here to continue.
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Aetna Global Benefits: Healthcare News
Click here to read a report on healthcare issues around the world.
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