National Public Health Emergency Benefit Plan

On July 23, 2020, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), Alex Azar, declared the Public Health Emergency, scheduled to end on July 25, 2020, will once again be extended for an additional 90 days and as a result, numerous temporary benefit plan changes remain in effect.
5 Tips for Cellphone Courtesy Month

With cellphones more prevalent than ever this July, National Cellphone Courtesy Month provides users an opportunity to reevaluate their “cellphone manners” and ensure they’re abiding by the same etiquette expected of others.
6 Reasons Why Avocados Are Good for You

Plenty of studies have found that diets that include foods such as avocados can help to decrease the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity while promoting healthy hair and complexion, higher energy, and overall weight loss.
Increase Flexibility for Grandfathered Plans

The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (collectively, “the Departments”) recently released a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding grandfathered group health plans and grandfathered group health insurance coverage. If finalized, the proposed rule would amend current rules to:
How Does Health Insurance Work Out of State?

Depending on what kind of health insurance plan you have, you may be limited to what benefits you can access when traveling out of state. Here’s how to know if your health care plan will cover you out of state or what kind of health plan you should consider if you expect to travel outside of state on a one time, or regular basis.
The Supreme Court Confirms Expansion of ACA Contraception Exemptions

The Supreme Court recently ruled in a 7-2 decision to uphold regulations that expand the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) contraception exemptions.
DOL Issues Updated FMLA Forms

The Department of Labor (DOL) released new Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) forms, On July 16, 2020. These new forms can be used to comply with many technical nuances of FMLA, but, like prior versions, are completely voluntary.
IRS Announces 2021 ACA Affordability Indexed Amount

The IRS recently announced in Revenue Procedure 2020-36 that the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) affordability indexed amount under the Employer Shared Responsibility Payment (“ESRP”) requirements will be 9.83% for plan years that begin in 2021. This is an increase from the 2020 percentage amount (9.78%).
How to Enjoy National Picnic Day Amid COVID-19

Summer picnics are a fantastic way to spend time with the family, enjoying beautiful parks and weather, but as we all know this year is different. Here are 5 tips for staying safe while still making the most of your day.
Horizon BCBSNJ: Small Groups New Premium Payment Option

Horizon BCBSNJ Small Groups will have the capability to make a premium payment utilizing a credit card as a method of payment beginning Monday, July 27th, through the Employer Portal.