Posted by Brian Honan on March 1, 2023 in Human Resources
It is no secret that overall, healthcare costs are rising, in a climate where employees are looking for more and more from their benefits offerings. For employers it is a constant challenge to provide a robust package that will help with the goal of attraction and retention of talent, while also trying to control costs. Reference based pricing health plans have become increasingly popular in recent years as employers look for ways to contain those rising healthcare costs. Reference based pricing is a type of health plan that sets a maximum allowable fee for certain procedures, tests, and services. While this can indeed be an effective way to control costs, there are pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s the right choice for your company. PROS Cost Control. The primary benefit of reference-based pricing is that it helps employers control healthcare costs. By placing a limit...
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Posted by Brian Honan on October 31, 2022 in Human Resources
January is a big month for healthcare renewal and a perfect time to start reviewing your broker relationship. A strong broker / client relationship should be collaborative, a true partnership. At PF Compass we see ourselves as your business advisor and partner – not just a broker! Before you meet with your current broker it is wise to do a full 360-degree review of your current relationship. Asking your key stakeholder for feedback is vital. It shows that you care and that you place employee well-being and your client’s success high on your priority list. Here are some key questions you should be asking. Employers Is our broker earning the fees we are paying them? Do I have unnecessary “add on” costs? How often do I hear from them? How creative are they in providing options and alternatives to control cost without unnecessary disruption for our employees? How...
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Posted by Brian Honan on January 17, 2022 in Human Resources
At home COVID tests just became more accessible and affordable. On Jan 10th the Biden Administration released a directive that health insurers and group health plans cover the cost of FDA-authorized or approved over the counter at-home COVID-19 tests purchased on or after Jan 15th. The goal is to remove financial barriers and expand access to COVID-19 testing for million of people. As with any new initiatives or directives, information evolves quickly and often creates questions and confusion. Here are some of the key questions and answers for employers and employees: Who is eligible?Anyone with private, employer sponsored, or student health commercial insurance is eligible for reimbursement. What is covered?Up to eight (8) OTC COVID-19 diagnostic antigen rapid home tests per 30-day period for each person covered under your plan. Each test is counted separately so a kit that includes two tests you are covered for up to four...
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Posted by Brian Honan on October 19, 2021 in Human Resources
It is hard to think of a time in recent history when there have been more things to “stress” about. The COVID impact has been significant, between sickness and loss of loved ones, loss of jobs or furlough’s, work and school from home, and other ramifications too long to list, these have been unprecedented times. If there are to be any lasting positives it may be the bright spotlight that has shone on the importance of mental health. As the world slowly begins to return to a “new normal” it begs the question “what support can be provided to counsel and guide people through the immediate and lasting effects on general and mental health”? One such support method has been the expansion in availability and scope of Employee Assistance Programs Although the modern EAP has been around since the early 1970’s they were further researched by the Employee Assistance...
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Posted by Brandi Bowers on November 26, 2019 in Human Resources
Getting Ready for Winter- Developing Your Inclement Weather Policy By Maggie Johnson Winter will soon be here with all of the snowstorms, blizzards, and freezing weather that come with the season. Keeping a business running effectively during harsh weather can be challenging, but having an inclement weather policy can provide guidelines to employees about when they are expected to report to work and how they will be paid when stormy weather hits. Here are some things to consider when creating your inclement weather policy: Notifying Employees These days, we often receive accurate, advance weather reports. This allows us to plan if there is a predicted storm. Even though we are informed by various news media, it is advisable for employers to have an established notification system for employees to know whether the company will close or if there will be a delayed opening. One way to advise...
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Posted by Brandon Caplan on November 4, 2019 in Human Resources
Is offering health coverage to Non-Employees risky? A frequent Compliance Corner question asks whether employers can include independent contractors in their health plans or other benefits. When dealing with contractors or temporary employees, many think they are not eligible for their health plans or other benefits such as COBRA or FFCRA. The answer to this question is more complicated than one might think. So, is offering health coverage to non-employees risky? The Scoop Most benefit experts advise against including independent contractors or other non-employees such as 1099 employees, non-employee directors, or leased employees on employer’s benefit plans. Here are three (3) reasons why this may be inadvisable: Treating an independent contractor as an employee may undermine an employer’s assertion that the individual is not an employee. The DOL and the IRS, as well as their state counterparts, have aggressive programs to uncover worker misclassification. By offering a non-employee employee...
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