Court: HIPAA Violations are Grounds for Termination
The Kentucky Court of Appeals recently upheld the termination of a nurse who unintentionally disclosed a patient’s confidential health information while she was conducting a procedure.
Tag: benefits
Cheese Whizzes Who Made a Run for the Food Biz Awarded Unemployment
Employees of a cheese manufacturer decided to break into the food safety business while they were still employed by the company. The employer suspected cheese sabotage when it discovered its food safety and cheese-making manuals in the employees’ workspace and terminated their employment.
IRS: Missed 401(K) Loan Repayments Can Be Made Up Without Being Taxed
An Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Chief Counsel Advice memo issued to assist counsel in one of the agency’s regional offices provides two ways missed 401(k) loan payments can be handled without taxing the participant in plans permitting a cure period for such skipped payments. The guidance—while neither a precedent or legally binding—may be beneficial for […]
4 Ways Companies Can Attract Millennial Job Seekers
In 2015, Millennials surpassed Gen Xers as the largest demographic in the United States workforce. Typically considered as anyone born between 1984 and 1997 (give or take a few years depending on your definition), the current Millennial ranges from anyone in their early 20s to their mid 30s. In terms of the work force, that […]
New IRS Mortality Tables for 2018 Bring Host of Concerns for DB Plan Sponsors
The new mortality tables required for use by final regulations released on October 5 by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) were expected, but bring into sharper focus a host of concerns for the single-employer defined benefit (DB) retirement plans that must eventually incorporate them.
‘Saver’s Credit’ Access Could Help Plans Comply with Nondiscrimination Requirements
A retirement research institute suggested several ways to improve the Saver’s Credit for lower-income individuals in a recent paper, steps that also could help employer plan sponsors ensure that their plans remain in compliance with nondiscrimination requirements.
Trump Administration Discontinues ACA Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR) Payments
On October 12, U.S. Health and Human Services Acting Secretary Eric Hargan and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma released a statement announcing that cost-sharing reductions (CSR) payments were to be immediately discontinued, based on a legal opinion from the Attorney General.
Aflac Survey: Only 24% of Employees Fully Understand Their Benefits
A new survey of 5,000 U.S. workers has found that while many employees feel confident after completing their annual health benefits enrollment, about 3 in 4 are making benefits decisions without a complete knowledge of the overall plan.
Expect Stiff Competition for Holiday Helpers
As retailers and others ramp up for what by all accounts should be a busy holiday season, they may be in for a surprise. And it won’t come wrapped with a bow.
New Executive Order Seeks to Expand Insurance Options
After several failed legislative attempts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), President Trump is now taking matters into his own hands.