Look Backward to Plan Forward | VA Benefits Agency

We have entered Open Enrollment season and that means you and everyone in your office are probably reading through enrollment guides and trying to decipher it all. As you begin your research into which plan to choose or even how much to contribute to your Health Savings Account (HSA), consider evaluating how you used your … Continued

SCOTUS 2018 Roundup and 2019 Preview | Virginia Benefit Brokers

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) heard several cases with employment implications during their 2018 session, including the following four cases we covered in detail. (Click the case names to read the full articles.) Encino Motorcars, LLC v. Navarro: Encino shifted the burden of proof in Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime exemption … Continued

Affordable Care Act Individual Mandate Update | Virginia Benefit Agency

Recently, the President signed a bill repealing the Affordable Care Act’s Individual Mandate (the tax penalty imposed on individuals who are not enrolled in health insurance). While some are praising this action, there are others who are concerned with its aftermath. So how does this affect you and why should you pay attention to this … Continued

DOL Updates the Employer CHIP Notice | Virginia Benefit Firm

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has updated the model notice for employers to use to inform employees about the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). All employers with group health plans are required to distribute a CHIP notice at least once a year to employees living in certain states. There is no need to send … Continued

It’s National Hire a Veteran Day | VA Employee Benefit Advisors

On July 25, 2018, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) announced its annual celebration of National Hire a Veteran Day with a message for employers: America’s veterans are ready to work. Employers can help veterans successfully transition to the civilian workforce by recognizing their valuable skills and providing access to good, family-sustaining jobs. VETS … Continued

Wearable Technology | Virginia Benefit Advisors

Don’t lie–we ALL love gadgets. From the obscure (but hilariously reviewed on Amazon) Hutzler 571 Banana Slicer to the latest iteration of the Apple empire. Gadgets and technology can make our lives easier, make processes faster, and even help us get healthier. Businesses are now using the popularity of wearable technology to encourage employee wellness … Continued

What We’re Reading this May | Virginia Benefit Advisors

At ThinkHR, knowledge makes us tick. We are always on the lookout for the latest workplace and human resources news, trends, research, and law. Here are some of the stories that caught our eye this month. A Blow to #MeToo? In a 5-4 ruling,  the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declared that employers can force workers into arbitration, … Continued

Prescription Drug Discount Programs | VA Employee Benefits

Did you know that you can save time and money on your prescription drugs by simply signing up for a discount card online? With savings as much as 80% off, these discount cards keep your health care costs down even when the prices of prescriptions are sharply rising.  At no cost to the patient, discount … Continued