CBP News

Author: Sara Coulter

What Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Mean for Health Benefits?

Over three years have passed since the start of the COVID-19 public health emergency in January of 2020. We have come a long way from the time of businesses being closed and mandatory quarantine periods. While we faced one of the most challenging times for our country, we also were able to show our resilience by working together to respond to – and... [read full post]

Medicare Part D Disclosures Due by March 1 for Calendar Year Plans

Each year, employers whose health plans include prescription drug coverage must disclose to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) whether that coverage is creditable. Employers must complete an online disclosure with CMS within 60 days after the beginning of the plan year, or March 1, 2023, for calendar year plans. This video explains further.

Determining Applicable Large Employer (ALE) Status

Whether an employer is considered an applicable large employer (ALE) that is subject to the pay or play rules is determined each calendar year, and generally depends on the average size of an employer's workforce during the prior year. For example, an employer will use information about the size of its workforce during 2022 to determine if it is an ALE for 2023.All empl... [read full post]

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT SIGNED INTO LAW

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which is the latest bill to address the ongoing economic impacts of COVID-19, has been signed into law. Most aspects of the law do not directly affect the HR function, but those that do—optional extension of sick and family leave and establishment of COBRA subsidies—are outlined below.OPTIONAL EXTENSION OF SICK AND FAMILY LEAVESPart of A... [read full post]

EMPLOYER MEDICARE PART D NOTICES ARE DUE BEFORE OCTOBER 15, 2020

Are you an employer that offers or provides group health coverage to your workers? Does your health plan cover outpatient prescription drugs — either as a medical claim or through a card system? If so, be sure to distribute your plan’s Medicare Part D notice before October 15.PurposeMedicare began offering “Part D” plans — optional prescription... [read full post]

FFCRA UPDATES AND CARES ACT PROVISIONS MARCH 31ST, 2020

Families First Coronavirus Response ActSince the enactment of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act on March 18, new information and guidance has been released every few days, though still much slower than employers would like. We have summarized what we believe to be the most relevant new information below. We will continue to update the HR Support Center m... [read full post]

QUESTION - CAN WE EXTEND A NEW EMPLOYEE’S INTRODUCTORY PERIOD?

Question:Can we extend a new employee’s probationary period? They aren’t meeting expectations yet.Answer:You can extend an introductory period, but I would recommend a different approach. I’d also advise against using the word “probationary.” I’ll explain both points.Extending the Introductory PeriodFirst things first, be aware that having an int... [read full post]

IRS Releases Final 2019 ACA Reporting Forms and Instructions

Reporting Requirements Applicable large employers (ALEs), which generally are entities that employed 50 or more full-time and full-time-equivalent employees in the year before the reporting year, must report information about the health coverage they offered or did not offer to full-time employees. To meet this reporting requirement, the ALE furnishes Form ... [read full post]

IRS Extends Deadline for Employers to Furnish Forms 1095-C and 1095-B

On November 29, 2018, the IRS released Notice 2018-94 to extend the due date for employers to furnish 2018 Form 1095-C or 1095-B under the Affordable Care Act’s employer reporting requirement. Employers will have an extra month to prepare and distribute the 2018 form to individuals. The due dates for filing forms with the IRS are not extended. Ba... [read full post]

Top 10 Policies You Need in Your Employee Handbook

We offer an employee handbook builder through ThinkHR.  Please let us know if you have any questions.Top 10 Policies You Need in Your Employee Handbook:At-will employment: You can destroy the at-will employment relationship through promises made in an employee handbook. Including this policy reinforces the at-will nature of employment. It should also state that the h... [read full post]

A DOL Audit Can Happen to You

Summary plan descriptions (SPDs) are required for all retirement, health, and welfare plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). However, misconceptions about this requirement are widespread. ERISA attorney Stacy H. Barrow, partner with Marathas Barrow Weatherhead Lent LLP, had a chat with ThinkHR about the importance of having proper ERISA documentation... [read full post]