How Long do Employers Need to Keep Payroll Records? | Chicago Benefit Advisors

Under U.S. federal law, employers must keep the payroll records of their employees or former employees for a certain length of time. The amount of time, however, varies according to which statute you refer to, which can make knowing how long to keep employee records confusing. By keeping in mind the required time limits under … Continued

How to Be a Magnetic Organization | Chicago Benefit Advisors

When we hear something’s magnetic, it’s likely the first thought that comes to mind is attraction. By definition, a magnetic force is the attraction or repulsion that arises between electrically charged particles because of their motion. What perfect framing for an organization – the desire to attract (or repel) people to help advance your organization. … Continued

Top Misconceptions about Long Term Care Insurance | Chicago Benefit Advisors

In conversations with HR professionals and benefit brokers, we find that the topic of long-term care insurance (LTCi) is often covered in less than two minutes during renewal meetings. When I ask why the topic of conversation is so short, they tell me, “Employees just aren’t asking about it, so they must not be interested.” … Continued

TeleMedicine | Chicago Benefit Advisors

It’s not surprising that 2017 stands to be the year many will have an experience to share using a Telemedicine or a Virtual Doctor service. With current market trends, government regulations, and changing economic demands, it’s fast becoming a more popular alternative to traditional healthcare visits. And, as healthcare costs continue to rise and there … Continued

Making Sense of the July 1 Paid Sick Leave Laws | Chicago Benefit Advisors

The number of paid sick leave laws for local areas and states around the country continue to grow.  If you have business operations in the areas listed below, plan to comply with the following new laws effective July 1, 2017:  Arizona Chicago, IL – Cook County Georgia Minneapolis, MN Arizona Earned Pay Sick Time Accrual … Continued

DOL Asks for MHPAEA Related Comments; Clarifies Eating Disorder Benefit Requirements | Chicago Benefit Advisors

Earlier this month, the Department of Labor (DOL) provided an informational FAQ relating to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and the 21st Century Cures Act (Cures Act). This is the DOL’s 38th FAQ on implementing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions and related regulations. The DOL is requesting … Continued

Senate Releases Health Care Proposal | Chicago Benefit Advisors

This morning, Senate Republicans released their proposal to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Called the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 (BCRA), the Senate proposal adopts H.R. 1628, the bill narrowly passed last month by the House of Representatives, but replaces all the text. The Senate proposal was released without going through … Continued

AHCA and the Preexisting Conditions Debate—What Employers Can Do During Uncertainty | Chicago Benefit Advisors

Preexisting conditions. While it’s no doubt this term has been a hot topic in recent months—and notably misconstrued—one thing has not changed; insurers cannot deny coverage to anyone with a preexisting condition.  Now that House Resolution 1628 has moved to the Senate floor, what can employers and individuals alike expect? If passed by the Senate … Continued

Small Employers Lead the Way in Funding HSAs | Chicago Benefit Advisors

The average employer contribution to an HSA is $474 for a single employee (down 3.5 percent from 2015 and 17.6 percent from five years ago) and $801 for a family (down 9.2 percent from last year and 13.7 percent from five years ago). There was a 26 percent increase in the number of individuals enrolled … Continued

What Happens to Coverage When Employees Reduce Their Hours? | Chicago Benefit Advisors

The Section 125 cafeteria plan regulations and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) require employers to take certain actions when an employee reduces hours. Consider this scenario: An employer has an employee who is reducing hours below 30 hours per week. The employee is performing the same job and duties. The employee was … Continued