Health Care

DOL Releases Model Notices for COBRA Subsidy Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

DOL Releases Model Notices for COBRA Subsidy Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA)

Jenny Gartman, CEBS
 

​Thirty-five years ago this month, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) was signed into law. COBRA provides a way for workers and their families to temporarily maintain their employer-provided health insurance during situations such as job loss or a […]

Employers Offering COVID-19 Vaccine Incentives Including Paid Time Off, Cash, and More

Employers Offering COVID-19 Vaccine Incentives Including Paid Time Off, Cash, and More

Amanda Wilke, CEBS
 

Most employers are encouraging, rather than mandating, employees to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Organizations are taking a variety of actions to encourage vaccination. According to the Littler COVID-19 Vaccine Employer Survey Report, 11% of employers plan to provide cash awards to employees […]

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and COBRA Subsidies

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and COBRA Subsidies

Anne Newhouse, CEBS
 

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) passed by Congress and signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021 contains various employee benefits provisions, including premium assistance for participants of group health plans through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of […]

Encourage Inclusivity and Flexibility With Proactive Employee Benefits

Encourage Inclusivity and Flexibility With Proactive Employee Benefits

Julie Stich, CEBS
 

The pandemic has brought new workforce situations requiring new solutions to the forefront of our daily lives. Innovative and proactive employee benefits can answer some of these current challenges. We’re all familiar with “core” benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, paid time […]

Mental Health for Essential Workers: Best Practices From an LA Fire Captain

Mental Health for Essential Workers: Best Practices From an LA Fire Captain

Anne Patterson
 

If you’re a regular Talking Benefits listener, you know we’ve frequently covered the topic of mental well-being. This is because of the significant impact this issue has throughout our country and, in turn, throughout our workplaces and employee benefit plans. Mental health […]