Breaking News: Costly Overtime Rule Struck Down | Virginia Benefit Advisors

On August 31, 2017, Federal District Court Judge Amos Mazzant overturned the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Final Overtime Rule that would have doubled the annual salary level to qualify for exemption from overtime from $23,660 to $47,476. The same judge issued an injunction stopping implementation of the final rule nine months ago, and the … Continued

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

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