Each year, the Kaiser Family Foundation conducts a survey to examine employer-sponsored health benefits trends. Some specific highlights of the survey include: In 2020, the average premium rose by 4% for both single coverage and family coverage. The average worker…

The below fact sheet provides information on the salary basis requirement for the exemption from minimum wage and overtime pay provided by Section 13(a)(1) of the FLSA as defined by Regulations, 29 C.F.R. Part 541. The FLSA requires that most…

On Oct. 2, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2020-76 to: Extend the due date for furnishing forms under Sections 6055 and 6056 for 2020 from Feb. 1, 2021, to March 2, 2021; and Provide a final extension…

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published two additional answers to its list of COVID-19 frequently asked questions (FAQs). The new answers clarify when employers must report COVID-19 in-patient hospitalizations and fatalities. These FAQs address only reporting requirements…

Northeast Delta Dental announced they received DOI approval to match the 2019 rates for their community-rated small groups in the NextGen program with 2-100 enrolled. Contact your NEEBCo representative with questions.  

On Aug. 19, 2020, the IRS updated its FAQs on the pay or play penalties to include the following increased penalty amounts for the 2021 calendar year: The Section 4980H(a) penalty can apply when an ALE does not offer coverage…

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has published new frequently asked questions (FAQs) about whether employees qualify for paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) in different school reopening situations, including those that blend in-person with distance…

In recently issued frequently asked questions (FAQs), the IRS said employers may set up leave-sharing plans under IRS Notice 2006-59 to benefit employees adversely affected by COVID-19. The FAQs explain that leave-sharing plans permit employees to deposit leave in an…

The presence of unemployment-related scams has grown in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Current unemployment scams include both fraudulent claims and unemployment-related phishing attempts. As many employers are currently dealing with the reality of a high amount of…

President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order and three memorandums to address pandemic relief in response to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. After negotiations for a relief package between the White House and lawmakers collapsed, the…

President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order aimed to improve telemedicine and rural health care access. The order expands telehealth benefits for Medicare recipients past the public health emergency (PHE) declaration for the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, particularly addressing health…

On Aug. 8, 2020, President Donald J. Trump ordered the U.S. Department of Treasury (the Department) to defer collecting certain payroll taxes from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, 2020. Because the order is for a deferral, the unpaid taxes will…