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Compensation & Benefits

‘Mini-Meds’ offer inexpensive health care coverage options

03/01/2008

Providing affordable employee health insurance is tough for many small companies and those employing lots of part-time workers. If that sounds like your organization, it may be time to consider offering a “mini-med” plan that covers limited health care expenses at a relatively low cost. Here’s what you need to know …

9 ways to improve employee health, cut costs

03/01/2008

As medical care gets more expensive—and employees stay as unhealthy as ever—your organization probably is trying to cut costs wherever it can. One of the best ways: implement programs that prevent disease. Preventive services such as immunizations, preventive medications, screenings and counseling are effective at keeping employees healthier …

Voluntary programs offer home, auto insurance discounts

03/01/2008

Employees can save between 5% and 20% on their home and car insurance if they buy it through your organization’s voluntary benefits program. That can be a welcome relief to an employee whose health insurance premiums are steadily increasing, and a way for employers to give workers a break on another necessary expense …

By the Numbers: The rise of HSAs

03/01/2008

More organizations will offer consumer-directed Health Savings Accounts and Health Reimbursement Arrangements in 2008 …

New York partners with IRS on employment tax enforcement

03/01/2008

New York is one of 29 states that have signed memoranda of understanding with the IRS to share enforcement information on employment tax collection matters. The move is part of the IRS’ Questionable Employment Tax Practices initiative …

Unreported tips could spell high workers’ compensation payout

03/01/2008

Employers and employees in cash businesses often bluff, wink and nod their way around the edge of wage-and-hour law legality. But when it’s time to settle workers’ compensation claims, all the cards must go on the table. A recent Florida workers’ compensation case shows just how wrong things can go when employers give their employees unrequested advice on reporting income …

Ilios Partners announces novel health care approach

03/01/2008
Nick Trikolas, CEO of Ilios Partners of Chicago, has announced plans to move its 100 employees from group to individual health insurance coverage this year. “This may be the future of health insurance,” Trikolas said …

Employee must prove work caused psychiatric injuries

03/01/2008
California employees who claim their jobs have caused them psychiatric problems have to meet a higher standard than they would for physical injuries. They must prove that “actual events of employment” were the “predominant” cause. Now a California appeals court has clarified that workers’ comp does not cover psychological or psychiatric injuries that an employee herself caused …

Labor unions concerned about compulsory health care measure

03/01/2008
A growing number of labor unions have recently expressed opposition to A.B.X. 11, which would require all California residents to purchase health coverage by July 2010. Labor leaders argue that the bill doesn’t sufficiently control how much health plans and insurers can charge for coverage …

Upcoming IRS regs will bring cafeteria plan admin up to date

03/01/2008
 Nearly a quarter century after the Internal Revenue Service started releasing piecemeal proposed regulations on cafeteria plans, employers now have new, updated guidance on important topics such as nondiscrimination testing and debit card programs. They’re not final IRS regulations, mind you. But at least a new set of coordinated proposals is on tap to replace the old ones …