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COBRA Subsidies Required under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
COBRA Subsidies Required under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 The newly enacted American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) includes a COBRA subsidy provision that employers are required to abide by. Under the ARPA, “assistance eligible individuals” (AEI’s) qualify for a 100% subsidy of COBRA premiums between April 1, 2021 and September 30, End excerpt
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EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK – 2021 Updates
EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK – 2021 Updates The professional landscape is rapidly changing especially with the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and a new Presidential Administration. Employers now more than ever need to ensure that they are following the myriad of Federal and State labor laws governing their organization. From a policy perspective, employers need to make sure that End excerpt
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DHS Extends I-9 Compliance Flexibility
Due to continued precautions related to COVID-19, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended the flexibility in the rules related to Form I-9 to March 31, 2021. Employers may inspect the Section 2 documents remotely (e.g., video link, fax or email, etc.). However, this flexibility only applies to employers who are operating 100% remotely. Employers must End excerpt
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FFCRA Leave Expiration
FFCRA Leave Expiration The Federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) required that employers with fewer than 500 employees provide job-protected, paid sick leave for employees who miss work for certain COVID-related reasons. Employers received a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for sick leave payments. The FFCRA paid sick leave and expanded family leave expired on December 31st, 2020. Employers End excerpt
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Government Contractor Required Trainings
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COVID-19 Immunizations and EEOC Concerns
According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), “The availability of COVID-19 vaccinations may raise questions about the applicability of various equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws, including the ADA, GINA, and Title VII, including the Pregnancy Discrimination Act The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) The ADA limits an employer’s ability to make disability-related inquiries or End excerpt
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COVID-19 Updated Quarantine Guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recently stated that it will soon issue new guidelines reducing the recommended length of quarantine after exposure to someone who is positive for COVID-19. The new guidelines will recommend close contacts of those infected with the coronavirus to quarantine for 7 to 10 days after exposure (down End excerpt
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IRS 2021 Limits for HSA’s, High Deductible and Retirement Plans
The annual limits for Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions in 2021 will be $3,600 for self-only coverage and $7,200 for family coverage. This represents a $50 increase for self-only coverage and $100 increase for family coverage. The 2021 retirement plan deferral limits will remain the at the same level with a $19,500 annual deferral limit End excerpt
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Voting Leave Laws
With the impending and significant November elections upon us, it is important for businesses to understand their responsibilities for providing employees with time off to vote. Although certain individuals may be voting by mail, many others will still be heading to the polls. Leave laws vary greatly within each state. Some states require paid leave, End excerpt
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Health Care Reform Updates ACA Pay or Play Penalties Increase in 2021
The Adjusted Penalty Amounts for 2021 are $2,700 and $4,060 Under the Affordable Care Act’s employer shared responsibility (pay or play) rules, applicable large employers—generally those who have 50 or more full-time employees (including full-time equivalent employees)—may be subject to a penalty if they do not offer affordable coverage that provides minimum value to their End excerpt
