DOL Guidance for Benefit Plans Impacted by Hurricane Harvey | Virginia Benefit Advisors

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued compliance guidance for benefit plans, employers and employees, and service providers who are impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The guidance generally provides relief from various ERISA requirements and time limits for entities in the disaster area. This follows the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announcement extending certain filing dates, including … Continued

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

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