12 Mar

Posted at 18:03h in COVID-19, HR and Operations by . .

The $1.9 trillion relief bill, known as the American Rescue Plan, has been signed into law by President Joe Biden. Highlights of the bill include extended unemployment benefits, direct checks to individuals and more.

While some of the bill was changed during its time with Congress, it’s largely similar to the initial version passed by the House. However, some key provisions, such as a higher minimum wage, were scrapped amid efforts to pass the bill swiftly. This article outlines the most relevant provisions included in the bill.

12 Mar

Posted at 17:51h in COVID-19, Employee Benefits by . .

News Brief header President Joe Biden recently announced that he is directing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to purchase an additional 100 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

The White House had announced earlier in March that drugmaker Merck & Co. will help produce competitor Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine to expand its production and supply. The administration invoked the Defense Production Act to get two Merck facilities up to the standards necessary to safely manufacture the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. However, it will take months to fully equip these plants.

12 Mar

Posted at 17:46h in COVID-19, HR and Operations by . .

News Brief header On Thursday, March 11, 2021, President Joe Biden directed states to make all adults, ages 18 and older, eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations by May 1.

The directive came during Biden’s first prime-time address, one year after the COVID-19 pandemic began and hours after signing his administration’s $1.9 trillion relief bill into law. The president announced that the country will have enough vaccines to open eligibility to everyone by May 1, two months sooner than original estimates. This tracks with Biden’s new goal: having in-person celebrations on the Fourth of July.

05 Mar

Posted at 19:21h in COVID-19, Employee Benefits by . .

On April 28, 2020, the Departments of Labor (DOL) and the Treasury (Departments) issued deadline relief to help employee benefit plans, plan participants and plan service providers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Thereafter, on Feb. 26, 2021, DOL Disaster Relief Notice 2021-01 clarified the duration of this relief. The deadlines were initially extended by disregarding an Outbreak Period from March 1, 2020, until 60 days after the announced end of the National Emergency (or such other date announced by the Departments). Under federal law, this period could not exceed one year, meaning that the relief was expected to expire on Feb. 28, 2021.

05 Mar

Posted at 18:13h in COVID-19, Employee Benefits by . .

Legal Update Header On Feb. 26, 2021, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury issued FAQ guidance to clarify health coverage requirements related to COVID-19.

Coverage of COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing

Health plans and issuers must cover COVID-19 diagnostic items and services without cost-sharing. The FAQs explain that plans and issuers: