HR NEWS YOU CAN USE (Issue 7 – August 2016) Legal Updates & Reminders Effective August 1, 2016, employers must post the new Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) postings – see dol.gov Violating labor & employment laws just got a lot more expensive! President Obama signed into law in …

On December 17, 2016, we Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve and their families, and Teach the future generations about the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms. It was a great honor for The Benefit Company to participate in the annual “Wreaths Across America” event which is centered in Arlington National Cemetery and occurs in …

In this issue: Flu Vaccination Questions: Here are some key questions about the vaccine with answers from the CDC. Go With the Flow: Aquatic Exercise: Water workouts have special advantages for exercisers. Healthy Choices, Healthy Pregnancy: Staying well throughout your pregnancy starts before conception, with knowledge and a positive lifestyle. Grocery Store Lessons: No matter …

Contribution & Benefit Limits 2016 Limit 2017 Limit Section 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) annual deferral $18,000 $18,000 SIMPLE plan annual deferral $12,500 $12,500 Section 415 maximums Annual benefit from defined $210,000 $210,000 benefit plan Annual additions to defined contribution plan $53,000 $54,000 Maximum IRA contribution $5,500 $5,500 Catch-up contribution limits Retirement plan $6,000 $6,000 SIMPLE plan …

Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), individuals are required to have health insurance, while applicable large employers (ALEs) are required to offer health benefits to their full-time employees. In order for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to verify that (1) individuals have the required minimum essential coverage, (2) individuals who request premium …

Each Christmas The Benefit Company collaborates on giving back to the community and those in need globally. This year for their global initiative they chose Samaritan’s Purse. Samaritan’s Purse is a humanitarian organization that provides aid to people in physical need as a key part of Christian missionary work. The organization’s president is Franklin Graham, son …

It’s not uncommon for members of our TBC team to be asked “What does an ideal client for TBC look like?” The answer to that question has a lot less to do with how they look, but with the culture and management style that defines the client or potential new client.  Therefore, below are eight …

As we have previously noted, many employers, including several of our clients,  have received “marketplace notices” from the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) informing them that one or more of their employees signed up for health coverage through the Federally-Facilitated Marketplace for 2016 and are receiving a tax credit or subsidy in doing …

Employee benefit advisors offer a wide range of services — and a wide range of ability when it comes to delivering them. The road to choosing the right benefit advisor requires creating an roadmap, structured evaluation process that defines your overall benefit objectives and where you want to go. Once you’ve dissected the written proposals and …

Adrenaclick, also referred to as an “epinephrine auto-injector” is a good alternative. Employees and family members who use “EpiPens” (allergic reaction, auto-injector syringe filled with an inexpensive drug called epinephrine) may have seen in the news recently that the cost for this device/prescription has increased dramatically – even catching the eyes of congress and regulators. …