OSHA Issues COVID Vaccine Rules for Large Employers
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced on November 4, 2021 an emergency temporary standard (ETS) providing regulatory requirements for private sector employers on COVID-19 workplace vaccination and testing...Blue Cross Blue Shield – Class Action Settlement
This settlement is a result of a class action lawsuit that alleges Blue Cross Blue Shield companies and affiliate companies (i.e. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is an affiliate company) violated antitrust laws by entering into an agreement not to compete with each other and to limit competition among themselves in selling health insurance and administrative services for health insurance. Blue Cross companies and affiliates deny all allegations of wrongdoing and assert that their conduct results in lower healthcare costs and greater access to care for their customers. The Court has not decided who is right or wrong. Instead, Plaintiffs and Settling Defendants have agreed to a Settlement to avoid the risk and cost of further litigation.
COBRA Subsidies- Updates with Model Notices
COBRA Premium Assistance under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 requires employers to provide free COBRA coverage to eligible employees (and family members) between April 1, 2021 and September 30, 2021. Additional employer obligations are required during this period, including new COBRA election periods and notices. Employers will be reimbursed for the subsidized coverage through payroll tax credits.