Court Orders the EEOC to Reconsider Its Wellness Program Rules | Virginia Benefit Advisors

On August 22, 2017, in AARP v EEOC, a federal court found that regulations allowing employers to offer large incentives under workplace wellness programs were arbitrary. The court did not vacate (nullify) the rules due to concerns about disrupting employers’ existing programs. Instead the court has ordered the responsible agency, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission … Continued

What Is Medical Insurance Premium? | Virginia Benefit Advisors

The many fees associated with medical insurance can be confusing. Premiums are the fees paid for medical coverage for a specific benefit period. In addition to premiums, other out-of-pocket expenses include co-payments and deductibles, all of which vary with the insurance you have. Medical Insurance Premiums As with car insurance or home insurance, a medical … Continued

Breach Forces OSHA to Shut Down Reporting Portal | Virginia Benefit Advisors

We recently reported (OSHA Online Portal for Electronic Submission of Injury and Illness Reports Opens August 1) that OSHA was offering an online portal to report information on workplace injuries. Earlier this week, OSHA suspended use of the portal due to a possible security breach. At this time, OSHA reports that one employer’s data was … Continued

Federal Employment Law Update – August 2017 | Virginia Benefit Advisors

OSHA Injury Tracking Application Electronic Portal As of August 1, 2017, the Occupational and Safety Health Administration’s (OSHA) new electronic portal, the Injury Tracking Application (ITA), is available for employers to file web-based reports of workplace injuries or illnesses. Under OSHA’s electronic recordkeeping rule, covered employers with at least 250 employees must submit the following … Continued

Dental Insurance and Preexisting Conditions | Virginia Benefit Advisors

Insurance is designed to offset major expenses in various life areas. For example, a homeowner’s policy covers damage to your house, while car insurance pays for repairs after an auto accident. Medical policies do not cover dental work, but you can get dedicated dental insurance. Dental policies vary, and many limit or exclude coverage for … Continued

OSHA Online Portal for Electronic Submission of Injury and Illness Reports Opens August 1 | Virginia Benefit Advisors

On August 1, 2017, Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) injury tracking application (ITA) portal will be available to employers. The portal allows employers to electronically report information about workplace injuries and illnesses. Establishments with 250 or more employees that are currently required to keep OSHA injury and illness records, as well as employers with … Continued

Senate Fails to Pass Any Changes to the ACA | Virginia Benefit Advisors

In the early morning hours of July 28, 2017, the Senate’s leadership failed in its latest attempt to pass a bill—any bill—to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Capping off weeks of divergent proposals, and various procedural moves to avoid the normal committee process, the last measure was defeated 49 – 51. What happens now? … Continued

What Are Some Pros & Cons of HIPAA? | Virginia Benefit Advisors

Congress approved the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to guard the privacy of personal medical information, and to give individuals the right to keep their health insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions in place even if they change jobs. The law has done this, providing important safeguards for patients. But it has also increased … Continued