Word on Benefits

HIPAA Guidance on Postpandemic Audio-Only Telehealth

Amanda Wilke, CEBS

19 Jul 202219 Jul 2022

On June 13, 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued guidance on Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements as they relate to audio-only telehealth. Telehealth technology is typically thought of as […]

Communication Compliance Employee Benefits Employee Benefits Survey Health Care Human Resources (HR) Legislative Regulatory U.S.

Post-Dobbs Employer Actions: New Survey Results

Staff

14 Jul 202214 Jul 2022

Over one in four employers is exploring the expansion of covered abortion services, according to a new report from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. The Post-Dobbs Employer Coverage: July 2022 Pulse Survey revealed current abortion coverage offerings and future considerations. […]

Communication Diversity and Inclusion Employee Benefits Human Resources (HR) U.S. Wellness

How to Create a More Inclusive Environment for Indigenous Peoples

Alyssa Hodder, GBA

12 Jul 202212 Jul 2022

An interview with Kelly Lendsay, president & CEO of Indigenous Works, provides practical tips for organizations to navigate the complex world of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Alyssa HodderDirector, Education and Outreach – Canada Keeping Up With The Word on Benefits:

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Communication Compliance Employee Benefits Financial Education Financial Wellness Legislative U.S.

PBGC Releases Special Financial Assistance Final Rule

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

08 Jul 202210 Nov 2022

Changes to the Special Financial Assistance (SFA) Program announced Wednesday by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) will improve the ability of underfunded multiemployer defined benefit (DB) pension plans to pay benefits to their participants, PBGC and Department of Labor officials say. […]

Employee Benefits Financial Education Financial Education (Canada) Financial Wellness Investments U.S.

Capitalizing on Multi-Asset Credit Strategies in Uncertain Times

Tim Hennessy

07 Jul 202217 Feb 2023

Has your budget kept pace with the growing expense of your everyday needs? Are inflation, rising interest rates and market instability making you anxious? You’re not alone—Everything is more expensive and increasing interest rates and economic uncertainty add additional complexity for investors […]

Compliance Dependent Care Employee Benefits Flexible Work Options Paid Leave Parental Leave

Dads Balancing Kids and Career

Anne Patterson

06 Jul 202206 Jul 2022

The latest Talking Benefits podcast episode is out and, this month, we talk fatherhood and work-life balance. My colleague Justin Held, Senior Research Analyst at the Foundation AND awesome father of two, had the opportunity to interview Dr. Brad Harrington, research professor […]

Communication Diversity and Inclusion Employee Benefits LGBTQ+ U.S. Wellness

Advocating for Queer Employees in the Workforce

Eli Argueta

29 Jun 202229 Jun 2022

Over the past Pride Month, many companies have transformed their usual logo to a more colorful rainbow one. And although this is a great way to show support to their own members who may identify as queer (an umbrella term used to […]

Employee Benefits

Supreme Court’s New Dobbs Decision: What Employers Need to Know

Staff

28 Jun 202228 Jun 2022

The following has been excerpted from Morgan Lewis. The full text can be found at DOBBS V. JACKSON WOMEN’S HEALTH: IMPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYER PLAN SPONSORS and at CONSIDERATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYER PLAN SPONSORS RELATED TO POTENTIAL CHANGES IN THE […]

Communication Employee Benefits U.S. Voluntary Benefits Wellness Work Life Balance

Pet-Friendly Workplaces: A Paw-fect Employee Retention Tool

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

23 Jun 202223 Jun 2022

Offering pet-related perks has been touted as one strategy for employers trying to get a leg up (or a paw up!) when competing for employees. In honor of Take Your Dog to Work day on June 24, here’s a roundup of pet-related […]

Apprenticeship Programs Communication Education Employee Benefits Employee Benefits Survey U.S.

Life Skills Initiatives in Apprenticeship Training

Justin Held, CEBS

21 Jun 202221 Jun 2022

The International Foundation has surveyed apprenticeship stakeholders across the U.S. and Canada since 2010, gathering insights on a number of trends impacting their plans, including program challenges, apprentice challenges, recruitment and retention initiatives, communication strategies, instructor quality initiatives, and life skills initiatives. […]