News

COBRA Benefits: Furlough vs Layoff

A common question for many people, particularly during a layoff or furlough, is whether or not they are eligible for COBRA benefits. Learn more about the difference between a furlough and a layoff, COBRA eligibility, qualified events, and the cost of continuing coverage. Furlough vs Layoff A furlough is temporary, with a specific end date, although the furlough can be extended beyond the initial period or converted later into a layoff. In a furlough, the

Home » News » Page 23

Conversations with the CEO: Customer Support, Client Experience, and Company Identity

John Robbins, Jr., DataPath President and CEO, shares his thoughts on DataPath’s commitment to customer support and the client experience What does customer support mean to DataPath? When I think about customer support, it means going beyond the software solution. Yes, we are a solutions developer. But we are more than that. We could just sell the license to the solution and leave it at that. But since day one, DataPath has been client-focused. In

Home » News » Page 23

FFCRA Expiration, “Path Out of the Pandemic” and Healthcare Benefits FAQs

With the recent expiration of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), the Biden Administration is implementing a new plan called the “Path Out of the Pandemic.” This includes a number of proposed initiatives to help move the country along a path toward recovery. Some of the action items that will apply to employers and employees are discussed here. COVID-19 Updates For Employers While many Americans are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (approximately 58% as of

Home » News » Page 23

CARES Act: HDHPs and Telemedicine; OTC Medications Become Eligible Healthcare Expenses

relief

On Friday, March 27, 2020, Congress passed the CARES Act (H.R. 748) and the President signed it into law. The $2 trillion bill was designed to provide economic relief for American citizens and business due to the COVID-19 healthcare emergency that has greatly impacted the U.S. economy. In addition to the stimulus checks and unemployment benefits the bill provided, the legislation also expanded how workers can use their healthcare benefits accounts. CARES Act Expands HDHP

Home » News » Page 23

2020 Tax Deadline and HSA Contribution Deadline Extended to July 15

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, Congress and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have taken some key steps to ease specific concerns about taxes and healthcare benefits. Learn more about the 2020 tax deadline extension, HSA contribution extension, and HDHP updates for coronavirus treatments. 2020 Tax Deadline Extended by 3 Months The IRS officially extended the tax filing deadline, moving the date from April 15 to July 15, 2020. Tax payers (including individuals,

Home » News » Page 23

HSA Excess Contributions – What Should You Do?

The federal government recognizes the strain of healthcare costs on Americans. To help ease this burden they created tools like Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which allow healthcare consumers on high deductible health plans to set aside tax-free money to pay for medical expenses. But, as with any tax-advantaged financial tool, there is a limit on how much account holders can contribute to their HSAs every year. If you go over the annual contribution limit, the

Home » News » Page 23

Why COBRA Compliance is Important for Businesses

From an administrative standpoint, COBRA can be one of the more complex aspects of offering healthcare benefits. Complying with all the COBRA regulations is a time-consuming and often confusing task. Furthermore, businesses that fail to comply with COBRA requirements put themselves at risk of legal issues and financial penalties. Learn more about the importance of COBRA compliance below. What is COBRA? COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) is a federal law that allows employees to

Home » News » Page 23

Cadillac Tax Repealed, PCORI Extended Under New Spending Bill

The controversial Cadillac Tax has been permanently repealed. In December 2019, President Trump signed into law an appropriations bill for 2020 that, among other things, repealed the Cadillac Tax and extended PCORI. The Cadillac Tax, which had never gone into effect, was unpopular with both major parties, labor unions, and benefits organizations. Bipartisan support After several years of delays, the move to repeal the unpopular tax began in July 2019, with the “Middle Class Health

Home » News » Page 23
+ More