Biden Administration Recommends COVID-19 Booster Shots for Most Americans On Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, President Joe Biden’s administration recommended that most Americans receive a booster shot eight months after their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine—an effort influenced by the rapid spread of the Delta variant. Booster shots may become available as soon as Sept. 20, [...]
With a growing percentage of the United States population fully vaccinated against COVID-19, many localities and, in turn, employers, have eased mask mandates and policies. However, due to the spread of an emerging variant of coronavirus known as Delta, these policies may still need updating, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has [...]
As the highly contagious and transmissible Delta variant spreads across the United States and the numbers of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations rise, many organizations are taking action to protect employees. In some cases, they are mandating that employees get vaccinated before returning to the workplace or encouraging them to do so. For some employers, these [...]
The widespread availability and administration of COVID-19 vaccines have changed the trajectory of the pandemic in the United States. However, vaccination coverage varies across the United States, and transmission risk remains considerable in areas with low vaccination rates. The emergence of more transmissible variants—including Delta—increases the urgency to expand vaccination coverage and for organizations to [...]
COVID-19 Employer Information for Office Buildings Office building employers, owners and managers can take proactive measures to create a safe and healthy workplace for employees, clients and other guests. This article shares COVID-19 guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Protect Employees Employers should consider the following steps to protect their employees [...]
The United States has the worst health care system among wealthy nations, according to a recent analysis from the Commonwealth Fund. The study focused on health systems from 11 wealthy countries, measuring five main aspects: 1. Access to care 2. Care process 3. Administrative efficiency 4. Equity 5. Health care outcomes The U.S. health system [...]
CDC Urges COVID-19 Vaccinations for Pregnant Individuals The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently strengthened its recommendation for pregnant individuals to get the COVID-19 vaccine as the agency strives to promote greater vaccination rates amid an increase in cases of the Delta variant. This recommendation comes in tandem with new guidance on the [...]
On Dec. 10, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a proposed rule that would make certain changes to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule. The proposed changes are intended to: Support individuals’ engagement in their care; Remove barriers to coordinated care; and Reduce regulatory burdens on the [...]
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA), which was signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020, includes a $900 billion coronavirus relief package that provides funding to individuals and businesses. The CAA also includes many benefits and tax provisions affecting employers, group health plan sponsors, health benefits brokers and health insurance issuers. Some provisions are currently [...]
On April 28, 2020, the Departments of Labor (DOL) and the Treasury (Departments) issued deadline relief to help employee benefit plans, plan participants and plan service providers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. This Compliance Overview summarizes the participant deadline extensions affecting COBRA continuation coverage, special enrollment periods, claims for benefits, appeals of denied claims and [...]
