COMPLIANCE CHECK
what you need to know
Two New Model COBRA Notices Available from the DOL
The DOL, through its Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), has released updated versions of its model COBRA General Notice and model COBRA Election Notice, both with an expiration date of Jan. 31, 2023.
Section 6055/6056 Reporting (Electronic Filing Deadline)
Applicable large employers (ALEs) that sponsor self-insured health plans must report information about coverage to the IRS via Forms 1094-C and 1095-C. The deadline to electronically file this information is March 31, 2020. For employers that file paper forms, the deadline is February 28 of each year.
COBRA General Notice
Group health plans must provide a written General Notice of COBRA rights to each covered employee and spouse (if applicable) within 90 days after their health plan coverage begins. Employers must provide the COBRA General Notice to participants who newly enrolled at the beginning of the plan year by March 31, 2020.
Summary Plan Description (SPD)
Group health plans that are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) must provide SPDs to employees who newly enrolled at the beginning of the plan year. The deadline to provide participants with SPDs is March 31, 2020.
Summary of Material Modifications – No Material Reductions
Group health plans that are subject to ERISA must distribute SMM for any plan changes adopted at the beginning of the year that are not material reductions in plan benefits or services. The deadline to distribute SMMs is July 29, 2020.
PCORI Fees (self-insured plans only, including HRAs)
Employers with self-insured health plans must pay an annual fee to fund the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). Self-insured health plans that are subject to PCORI fees include self-funded medical plans, as well as HRAs that are offered in conjunction with fully insured group medical plans. The deadline to pay PCORI Fees is July 31, 2020.
COVID-19 ("CORONAVIRUS") INFORMATION & RESOURCES
Employee education is one of the best lines of defense for the workplace. General preventive health practices, like washing hands, can safeguard workers even when they’re at home. Remind employees to keep up their hygiene and share their knowledge of coronavirus symptoms so they know what to look out for. Together, you and your employees can stay safe, healthy and productive. Speak with JA Benefits, LLC for more information on staying healthy in the workplace.
How to Establish a Healthy Workplace Culture
Bringing the knowledge of our in-house experts right to you...
When trying to pinpoint what it is that makes an organization successful, look no further than its workplace culture. Almost any research on the topic comes to the same conclusion: a healthy culture leads to a healthy bottom line.
This is why more and more organizations are investing in resources that will boost their workplace culture, and it’s why many employees say they would leave a bad workplace culture in favor of one they deemed better.
“If you take an idea that goes against the norm to some employers, often times it’s rejected,” she explained. “Here, it’s received openly and, if it’s a possible fit, they empower the employee to go execute that idea.”
Live Well, Work Well
Health and Wellness Tips for your work and life
Eating Healthy Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
Eating a well-balanced diet is a key component of living a long, healthy life. Many Americans think that eating healthy means they have to empty their wallets, which isn’t necessarily the truth.
Experts Are Warning of Another Bad Flu Season
Although it’s just a few months into flu season, experts are warning of another bad season. At the end of December 2019, health departments from 46 states were reporting “widespread” flu activity.
5 Sleep Habits You Need to Adopt
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has linked insufficient sleep to the development of chronic diseases and conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression.
HOW DO EMPLOYERS PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 IN THE WORKPLACE?
Taking precautions against the coronavirus is critical to reducing the spread of the virus, especially since there is no known vaccine for a human-contracted coronavirus. Employers should protect against coronaviruses much like they protect against the flu.
Home-cooked Chili
Ingredients:
- 2 cans tomato sauce
- 1 can tomato paste
- 3 cans (drained) medium spiced chili beans
- 1 can of (drained) diced peppers and tomatoes
- 1 packet of J.R. Mad’s Chili Mix Seasoning
How to Make:
- Brown 2 pound of lean ground beef and drain liquid.
- After browning the ground beef, add to a pot of the two cans of tomato sauce, one can of tomato paste, three cans of chili beans, one can of diced peppers and tomatoes and one packet of seasoning mix.
- Heat over medium heat 10-15 minutes and then simmer 15-30 minutes.
Zwanzigz Pizza & Brewing
Brian favorite spot to eat out is Zwanzigz Pizza & Brewing in Columbus, Indiana.
Monthly compliance updates, expertise and health and wellness tips - courtesy of JA BENEFITS.
