Anne Newhouse, CEBS, Author at Word on Benefits

Addressing the Unique Needs of the LGBTQ+ Community

Anne Newhouse, CEBS

03 Aug 202303 Aug 2023

Strategies for creating the best mix of employee benefit plans are as varied as the organizations that offer them. In the current business climate, especially coming out of the pandemic period, attracting and retaining the best employees feels like an art form […]

Employee Benefits Flexible Work Options Work Life Balance

The Four-Day Workweek—A Real Option for Employers or Hype? Three Takeaways

Anne Newhouse, CEBS

27 Jun 202327 Jun 2023

A four-day workweek is not a new concept as employers have been using alternative work schedules in various ways for decades. In the past several years, employers have taken a fresh look at enhancing workplace flexibility and work-life balance. Given this renewed […]

Employee Benefits Health Care Prescription Drugs

RxDC Reporting Due June 1: Here’s What to Know

Anne Newhouse, CEBS

16 May 202316 May 2023

Prescription drug data collection (RxDC) is the new reporting process required by Section 204 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA). The reporting is meant to capture data on prescription drug (Rx) pricing trends, reimbursement amounts including rebates, identify how Rx costs […]

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What to Know About Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements

Anne Newhouse, CEBS

02 Mar 202310 Mar 2023

Health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) have traditionally been used for medical cost sharing purposes to help employees with copays, coinsurance and deductibles. On June 13, 2019, the Departments of Labor, the Treasury, and Health and Human Services issued a final rule creating a […]

Employee Benefits Financial Wellness Legislative Regulatory Retirement

SECURE Act 2.0—How Will It Impact Your Plan?

Anne Newhouse, CEBS

07 Feb 202310 Mar 2023

In the month since the SECURE Act 2.0 became law, retirement plan experts have been fast at work studying and researching the pages of provisions so that plan sponsors understand the requirements that will affect their plans. On January 24, 2023, Steven […]

Compliance Employee Benefits Health Care HIPAA Legislative Regulatory U.S.

HIPAA Turns 26: Time to Review New Guidance!

Anne Newhouse, CEBS

17 Aug 202217 Aug 2022

Maybe the 26th anniversary (coming up on August 21, 2022) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) isn’t as noteworthy a milestone year as last year’s 25th, but the act remains in the headlines in 2022. HIPAA, the cornerstone patient […]

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Five Challenges Paid Time Off Could Help Solve

Anne Newhouse, CEBS

26 Apr 202226 Apr 2022

In 2022, employees expect their benefits to address flexibility as much as they expect health and retirement benefits. Many employers are starting to realize that flexibility will affect the future of their workforce, prompting them to consider incorporating remote and hybrid work […]

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Communication Compliance Coronavirus (COVID-19) Employee Benefits Health Care U.S.

Coverage for COVID-19 Testing after FAQs 51 and 52 Released

Anne Newhouse, CEBS

08 Mar 202226 Apr 2022

Early in 2022, the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Treasury (the Departments) issued two sets of guidance in the form of frequently asked questions (FAQ) 51 (released January 10, 2022) and 52 (released February 4, 2022) explaining how […]

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Update on the No Surprises Act

Anne Newhouse, CEBS

25 Jan 202225 Jan 2022

On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2021 was signed into law and included the No Surprises Act (the Act). With so much guidance already published addressing the Act, the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) […]

Employee Benefits Health Care Human Resources (HR) Insurance Mental Health U.S.

What to Expect for Health Care Costs in 2022

Anne Newhouse, CEBS

22 Nov 202122 Nov 2021

As we get closer to 2022, plan sponsors are wondering what next year will mean for their employee benefits plans, especially group health plans. Health care costs are complicated, and the pandemic made everything even more complicated. COVID-19 continues to impact plans […]