Summary of the 2017 Employer Health Benefits Annual Survey
Each year, the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research & Educational Trust (HRET) conduct a survey to examine employer-sponsored health benefit trends. This document summarizes the main points of the 2017 survey and suggests how they could affect employers. Health Insurance Premiums In 2017, the average premium rose 4 percent for single coverage and 3 percent for family coverage. The average premiums were $6,690 and $18,764, respectively. However, premiums for high d
White House Announces ACA Subsidies Will End
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 1) The White House announced that it will end cost-sharing reduction payments through the Exchange. (These are credits that lower your copays or deductible when you use your insurance, if you qualify.) 2) The administration asserted that it does not have legal authority to make these payments. 3) Premium tax credits continue to be available. (These are the credits that lower what you pay each month for your health insurance premium, if you qualify.) 4) S
Trump Signs Executive Order that Impacts Health Insurance
OVERVIEW On Oct. 12, 2017, President Donald Trump signed an executive order intended to change certain rules under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The order would relax regulations on association health plans. This change could allow individuals and small businesses to purchase health insurance policies across state lines and avoid certain ACA requirements. The executive order also directs the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (Departments) to c
IRS Releases Final ACA Forms
HIGHLIGHTS Final forms for 2017 reporting under Section 6055 and Section 6056 are now available. Final instructions for 2017 were released in early October. The 2017 forms are substantially similar to the 2016 versions. Additional clarifications were included in the instructions. IMPORTANT DATES January 31, 2018: Individual statements for 2017 must be furnished by Jan. 31, 2018. February 28, 2018: IRS returns for 2017 must be filed by Feb. 28, 2018 (April 2, 2018, if filed el
Should HR ask candidates about past salary information during the interview?
The practice of requesting past salary information from job applicants is not uncommon in the United States. In fact, most employers who use this practice do so to help determine if it is reasonable to pursue applicants. However, as the United States continues to focus on pay equity, it is becoming a trend to refrain from asking for this information to avoid facing negative legal consequences and potential failures in recruiting. This article provides an overview of candidate
Free Guide: How To Protect Your Business From an Active Shooter
You can probably remember how you felt when you first heard about the Las Vegas massacre on October 1, 2017. I know how I felt - angry, sad, and fearful. My heart ached for the families who were affected. I wanted to do something to help. Unfortunately, the frequency of these incidents have increased in recent years. Active shooter events are devastating and unpredictable and can evolve very quickly. Las Vegas. Orlando. Sandy Hook. Virginia Tech. These places now also represe
