On June 25, 2019, Governor Ned Lamont signed into law Connecticut’s Paid Family and Medical Leave law (CTPFML). Below are some highlights from the new law updated with the most recent developments. Despite setbacks due to COVID 19 issues, the deadline to begin collecting contributions in 2021 remains intact. The new CTPFML program will expand the [...]
On Thursday, May 7, 2020, the United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2021 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters final rule. This rule finalizes the CMS’ proposed modification of existing policy relating to how pharmaceutical manufacturer direct assistance (i.e., coupons) accrues with respect to health plan enrollees’ annual limit on [...]
On May 12, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) issued two notices, Notice 2020-29 and Notice 2020-33, providing relief and guidance to employers sponsoring Section 125 cafeteria plans, health flexible spending accounts, dependent care assistance programs, and qualified high deductible health plans. Notice 2020-29 provides increased flexibility for cafeteria [...]
The CARES Act, which was signed into law on March 27th, 2020, provides for Small Business Loans called the Paycheck Protection Program. These loans, later supplemented by the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act, provide for up to $10M in forgivable loans to small businesses. Paycheck Protection Loans (PPL): In order to apply for [...]
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our daily lives from stay at home orders to social distancing and we’ve all had to adjust to what is becoming known as the new normal. One thing that has not changed, however, is Diversified Group's dedication to patient outreach via case management, pre-certification, disease management, and discharge planning. [...]
Even though Labor Department reports show that fewer than 15% of private sector employees are covered by paid leave programs, more states are looking for ways to help employees cope with the difficulties of caring for family members of all ages. In addition to California, New Jersey and Rhode Island that have had programs in place for a long time, [...]
This article was published on March 25, 2020 BenefitsPro.com, written by Katie Kuehner-Hebert. Photo source BenefitsPro.com. Covered California's actuarial/policy brief recommends that Congress consider three actions now to mitigate impact. Congress needs to mitigate what could be substantial cost increases for both insurers and their members due to the COVID-19 pandemic, warns Covered California, the [...]
In light of the nation's response to COVID-19 and the resultant economic downturn, employers of all sizes face a dilemma of evaluating employee head counts. Many employers are considering furloughs or temporary layoffs to reduce immediate payroll, hoping the downturn lasts for a period of a few weeks instead of months. Below is a list [...]
This article was published on March 21, 2020 in MyHealthGuide, written by Hobson D. Carroll, FSA, MAAA, President, MedRisk Actuarial Services, Inc. After the President signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act wherein testing for the virus may not attract any element of cost-sharing (think: preventive care), there has begun an additional new drum roll [...]
On March 19th, President Trump signed into law The Families First Coronavirus Response Act. This is a significant piece of legislation designed to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill provides new employee leave benefits, including paid sick time options and mandated insurance coverage for the COVID-testing. Mandated Coverage for COVID-19 Testing: Group [...]
