Category Archives: Health
Tips for Reducing Your Health Care Costs in 2022
Health care costs continue to rise each year, and 2022 will likely be no exception. In the new year, experts predict a 6.5% increase in medical expenses alone. That’s why it’s important for you to take steps to reduce health … Continue reading
CDC Loosens Mask-wearing Guidance for Most of U.S. Population
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced updates to its mask-wearing recommendations, loosening guidance for a majority of the U.S. population. The CDC provides COVID-19 Community Levels as a tool to help communities decide what prevention steps … Continue reading
Using Your COVID-19 Self-test
The fact sheet, below, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides information about using a COVID-19 self-test. If you would like a print out version please click this link: COVID-19_Using-Your-Home-Test-Kit Provided to you by Hoffman Insurance Group, LLC
How Employers Can Move Forward Following the OSHA ETS Block
On Jan. 13, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled to halt OSHA’s COVID-19 vaccination and testing emergency temporary standard (ETS). This means that employers are no longer required to develop COVID-19 vaccination or testing policies for … Continue reading
OSHA Withdraws COVID-19 ETS, but Not the Proposed Permanent Rule
On Jan. 25, 2022, OSHA provided notice that it is withdrawing its COVID-19 vaccination and weekly testing emergency temporary standard (ETS). The withdrawal will be effective once the notice is published in the Federal Register. The expected publication date is … Continue reading
Agencies Issue Guidance on Coverage of OTC COVID-19 Tests
On Jan. 10, 2022, the Depts. of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury issued FAQ guidance regarding the requirements for group health plans and health insurance issuers to cover over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests. Legal Requirements Plans … Continue reading
EEOC Issues New Guidance on COVID-19 and ADA Disability
On Dec. 14, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued 14 new answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about what employers may or may not do to comply with federal fair employment laws during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new … Continue reading
UNDERSTANDING THE FLU SEASON AND COVID-19
This year’s influenza (flu) season is expected to be active amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Flu season usually begins in October and peaks between December and February. As we’re amid the second flu season during the pandemic, it’s even more important … Continue reading
Unions File Petitions Supporting COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS
On Nov. 4, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a federal emergency temporary standard (ETS) requiring covered employers to develop, implement and enforce a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, or have employees undergo regular COVID-19 testing and wear … Continue reading
Attraction and Retention Amid President Biden’s Vaccine Mandates
Attracting and retaining top talent is always a top challenge facing employers. With the COVID-19 pandemic, employers have had to navigate a tight labor market while supporting employees and adapting to local COVID-19 regulations. And soon, some employers may be … Continue reading
