Archive for May 2013
Final ACA Regulations on Workplace Wellness Programs Released
On May 29, 2013, the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury released final regulations that implement ACA’s nondiscrimination requirements for wellness programs. The final regulations clarify and reorganize the rules outlined in previous proposed regulations. They are intended to ensure that every individual participating in a wellness program can receive the full amount of…
> Keep ReadingWhy You Should Stop Focusing on Satisfaction in your Employee Surveys
Many employee surveys focus on employee satisfaction, as it is assumed that satisfied, happy employees will be more productive and have higher retention rates. However, increasing research evidence has shown that a more telling determinant of productivity and performance is employee engagement. Engaged employees are more than just satisfied with their jobs; they are committed…
> Keep ReadingHR Q&A: Who is Governed by the HIPAA Privacy Rules?
The HIPAA Privacy Rules apply to Covered Entities. Covered Entities include: Health plans Health care clearinghouses Health care providers that conduct certain transactions electronically
> Keep ReadingYou Say HCR, I Say ACA: Common Health Care Reform Acronyms
There are a growing number of acronyms used in health care reform-related materials today. Here is a list of the most common acronyms and a definition for each.
> Keep ReadingTowers Watson Releases 2013 Health Care Cost Survey [Downloadable PDF]
The detailed, 38-page report features the results of a survey taken by over 500 of the nation’s top employers and outlines key trends in health care.
> Keep ReadingShould Your Company Choose a Defined Contribution Health Plan?
The heightened interest in defined contribution health plans is mainly due to the increasing costs of health coverage and changes made by the health care reform law, or the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
> Keep ReadingDOL Issues Highly-Anticipated Notice of Exchange Guidance
ACA requires employers to provide all new hires and current employees with a written notice about ACA’s Exchanges. On May 8, 2013, the Department of Labor released Technical Release 2013-02 to provide temporary guidance on the Exchange notice requirement.
> Keep ReadingCommunity Hospice Staff Takes Health One Step at a Time
The article, published in the April 2013 edition of the Jacksonville Hospital News and Healthcare Report, takes a look at how Community Hospice of Northeast Florida is promoting healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices by “addressing the whole person” with their comprehensive wellness program implemented by The Bailey Group. It Starts with a Commitment It all…
> Keep ReadingIRS Provides Updated Guidance on Determining Minimum Value
On May 3, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released a proposed rule on the minimum value and affordability rules under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
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