not qualify employer-sponsored health plans that fail to cover inpatient hospitalization. In a final rule published last month in the Federal Register, HHS says in order to qualify as a minimum value plan under the ACA, an employer plan must provide substantial coverage of both inpatient hospital services and physician services.

   The appeal for employers behind these minimum value plans is their relatively inexpensive price points and the fact that employers can insulate themselves from potential penalties under the employer mandate. The plans are also attractive for lower-income workers who are in relatively good health and don't want to pay for inpatient coverage they may never use.

   The publishing of the final rule triggers a 60-day timeframe, at the end of which, minimum value plans without "substantial inpatient benefits will be out of compliance," says Carlo Mulvenna, vice president of domestic group business at Pan-American Life Insurance Group.

   The rule becomes effective April 28, 2015.

 

Transition relief

   The Obama administration will be offering some transitional relief.

   For employers that, as of Nov. 3, 2014, had already enrolled or begun to enroll employees in one of these stripped down health care plans, the Internal Revenue Service will forgive employer mandate tax penalties through the plan year that begins on or before March 1, 2015. Employees of companies offering such plans will also not be excluded from qualifying for premium tax credits this year.
 

 

   Talk about timing.  The world just witnessed the largest cyber attach in history as Anthem's systems were penetrated, exposing 80 million people to identity theft.  Our next seminar, to be held at the Sarasota Yacht Club on March 19th, is a "can't miss" seminar for anyone who uses a computer, tablet or smart phone.

Changes to FMLA Now Cover Same-Sex Spouses Regardless of Residence

 

   Prior to the final rule published on February 25th, 2015 with an effective date

Justine Loehlein MBA, SPHR HR Consultant

of March 27th, same-sex couples could lose their FMLA rights if they moved from the state they were legally married in or had a union that was recognized as a "common law" marriage, to a state where same-sex marriages are not recognized.  Under this new rule, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) modified the definition of "spouse" to include legally recognized same-sex marriages and "common law" marriages regardless of where the worker lives. 

   The wording was shifted from "state of residence" to a "place of celebration" rule and will now allow same-sex couples to enjoy the full protections of the FMLA no matter what state they move to.

 

What employers should know:

1. FMLA spousal protection requires the employee to be married.  This means that domestic partnerships and civil unions do not constitute marriage.

2. Same-sex marriages entered into abroad will be entitled to protection if it was legally valid and could be considered legal in at least one state in the United States.

3.  Employers should update employee handbooks to reflect the new definition. 

 

 

 

 

   Ready for Learning, Ready for Life! Is the motto of The Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County (ELC) as it works to help ensure that all children who enter kindergarten are considered ready for school. A key component of school readiness is early literacy skills.

   Research indicates that an adult reading aloud to a child is "the single most important activity" in building a foundation for learning to read. For some families, obtaining books is financially difficult.

   This is one of the reasons that the ELC implemented a local program called Literacy Buddy Project. Children in preschool programs in Sarasota County are paired with a volunteer who agrees to receive letters from a child. In turn, the volunteer sends a letter and a book to this child in response to the child's letter. In the letter from the child, he or she indicates a specific book or interest that he or she would like to receive a book about. These exchanges take place three times over the course of the school year.

   This project teaches children about correspondence, communication, and provides them with quality books that they take home. For many of our children this is the only opportunity for them to have books of their own at home.

   It doesn't take much time to be a Literacy Buddy but the effort has a huge impact. Anyone, any age, anywhere can become a Literacy Buddy.

   If you would like to become a Literacy Buddy, please visit our website: www.earlylearningcoalitionsarasota.org 

for an application, or send an e-mail inquiry to  mail@earlylearningcoalitionsarasota.org 

or contact us at 941 954-4830, ext 225 for more information.