Category Archives: Economy
IRS Releases Final Rule to Fix ACA’s Family “Glitch”
On October 13, 2022, the IRS finalized regulations (the “Final Rule”) intended to revise the method of determining affordability under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for an employee’s family members by considering whether the coverage offered by the employer to … Continue reading
The Great Reconsideration: Looking Ahead to the Next Stage of the Labor Market
The labor market continues to be unpredictable and driven by new challenges. As such, economists have signaled that the labor market is moving into another phase. Previously, there have been trends labeled as the Great Resignation and the Great Reshuffle. … Continue reading
Inflation Reduction Act Contains Some Health Reforms
On Aug. 12, 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Inflation Reduction Act. President Joe Biden is expected to sign it into law shortly. While this bill is primarily aimed at fighting inflation and reducing carbon emissions, it also … Continue reading
2023 Open Enrollment Checklist
To prepare for open enrollment, group health plan sponsors should be aware of the legal changes affecting the design and administration of their plans for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2023. Employers should review their plan documents … Continue reading
Proposed Overtime Rule Expected in October 2022
In its recent spring regulatory agenda, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced its plans to issue a proposed overtime rule in October 2022. According to the agency’s regulatory agenda, this proposed rule is expected to address how to implement … Continue reading
Combating Rising Benefits Costs During Periods of High Inflation
The U.S. inflation rate has increased by 8.3% over the last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This has led to significant price increases across various consumer goods as well as employee benefits such as health insurance. … Continue reading
How to Make Enticing Learning and Development Programs
Workplaces are currently facing a variety of challenges. One of the most pressing concerns is employee voluntary resignation; many entry-level, retail and hospitality workers are quitting in record numbers. However, this problem is affecting virtually every industry. Certain employers are … Continue reading
Understanding the Value of a Learning Workplace Culture
As many employers today are finding ways to combat attraction and retention challenges, learning and development (L&D) efforts are one way for organizations to find and keep employees. Workplace trends and protocols change fast, so today’s workforce wants to broaden … Continue reading
Why Is It So Hard to Find Workers Right Now?
Employers across the country are facing a pronounced issue right now: too many open positions and not enough workers. On its face, it might seem like there are not enough workers available for jobs—hence all the openings. But, confoundingly, that’s … Continue reading
New State Laws Affecting TWIA
New Laws Impacting Agents and Policy Issuance Policyholder Payment Grace Period: Before the legislative session, TWIA’s Board outlined several recommendations for the Texas Legislature on how to improve TWIA’s operations. House Bill 2920 is based on one of those recommendations … Continue reading
