The IRS recently issued sub-regulatory guidance about how employers may access the retention tax credit newly created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The purpose of this new tax credit is to help businesses pay wages and group health insurance costs during the COVID-19 economic crisis.... read more →
May
09
May
09
Staying compliant and minimizing risks requires constant vigilance across an entire workforce. This is why we are proud to announce that in partnership with ThinkHR, 10 new Pandemic Response Training Courses have been added to our "Learn" library which already offers over 200 online HR and Training courses for group... read more →
May
08
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a temporary policy to allow employers to accept expired List B documents when completing the Form I-9 beginning May 1. This policy is intended to account for the fact that many people are unable to renew their driver’s licenses or state ID... read more →
May
05
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is causing unprecedented challenges for businesses and workers. In response, the Departments of Labor (DOL) and Treasury have announced a new Final Rule extending certain timeframes for employee benefit plans, including extending the usual deadlines for COBRA elections and payments. In some cases, employees who lose their... read more →
Apr
24
On 4/24/20, President Trump signed H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. This measure is the fourth installment of federal financial assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will help to ensure the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will continue. H.R. 266 includes $321 billion in... read more →
Apr
21
Horizon BCBS of NJ small (those with 2-50 employees) and large (those with 51+ employees) groups who are experiencing a financial hardship due to COVID-19 may defer their April or May premiums due under a 60-day emergency extended grace period. To be eligible, groups: Must be paid in full and in... read more →
Apr
20
Please see below for the most current info on the federal and state levels as of 4/20/20 in response to COVID-19: Federal: The Department of the Treasury and IRS launched the "Get My Payment" web application. The free app allows taxpayers who filed their tax return in 2018 or 2019... read more →
Apr
17
Independence Blue Cross has announced they will allow fully insured customers with fewer than 500 enrolled employees who are experiencing a financial hardship related to COVID-19 to defer either their April or May premiums with no interest and no penalty. To qualify for a deferred payment plan, customers must be... read more →
Apr
17
Oxford Health has announced that NY small group policyholders who can demonstrate a financial hardship due to COVID-19 can apply for an extension to pay future premiums until June 1, 2020 at 11:59 PM EST. Oxford will be sending premium payment extension letters to all Oxford NY Small Group policyholders... read more →
Apr
15
AmeriHealth New Jersey has announced an opportunity for eligible groups to take advantage of a deferred payment plan for their April or May premiums in response to the impact of COVID-19: To be eligible, the group customer must be paid to date for their March 2020 premiums, if deferring the... read more →