Here’s to a Healthy Heart! | VA Employee Benefits

Heartbreaks are painful, but did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 630,000 people dying from the condition each year. This equates to one in four deaths attributed to this awful disease. The most common form of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), … Continued

From Resolutions to Reality | Virginia Benefit Consultants

Ever wonder why the resolutions you make in January don’t stick around after March? You aren’t alone! Studies show that only 8% of people keep their New Year’s resolutions. Only 8%! Why? And how do people achieve their goals set at New Year’s? We’ve broken it down for you so you can identify your goal-breaker … Continued

2019 Minimum Wages | Virginia Employee Benefits

Eighteen states rang in 2019 with new, higher minimum wage rates. These states (AK, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, ME, MN, MO, MT, NV, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OR, SD, and WA) have scheduled annual adjustments for their minimum wages based on approved legislation, via ballot initiative, or varying formulas. Thirty states have a minimum wage higher … Continued

Ask the Experts: Using a Health FSA on COBRA | Virginia Employee Benefits

Question: A terminated employee took COBRA for the health FSA. Can he stop making after-tax COBRA contributions after three months, then just keep paying the 2 percent admin fee and continue accessing the account? Or does he have to make full contributions in order to use it, even on COBRA? Answer: Health flexible spending account … Continued

5 Ways to Say Thank You | VA Employee Benefits Agency

As we begin our new year of 2019, we have also closed 2018 with lots of celebrations, gift-giving, and family time. Showing appreciation for others during this generous season comes second nature for some but for others, it doesn’t.  You may be looking for ideas on how to express your gratitude effectively to those around … Continued

Ask the Experts: Flu and FMLA | Virginia Employee Benefits

Question: Is the common flu considered a serious health condition under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? Answer: Most cases of the common flu do not meet the definition of “serious health condition” and would not be eligible for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave. Some cases of the flu, however, are severe … Continued