The burden of paying for healthcare benefits has grown substantially for many employers. As the average expense for employee healthcare is projected by the Society for Human Resources Management to increase by 6.5 percent in 2023, surpassing $13,800 per employee, businesses of all sizes struggle to balance their budgets while ensuring their workforce remains healthy and productive.
In 2020, the U.S. Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This act required states to maintain Medicaid coverage for most enrollees and barred disenrollment for Medicaid recipients during the public health emergency (PHE) to help ensure that individuals had health coverage during the pandemic.
In 2020, the U.S. Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This act required states to maintain Medicaid coverage for most enrollees and barred disenrollment for Medicaid recipients during the public health emergency (PHE) to help ensure that individuals had health coverage during the pandemic.
The number of fires stemming from the lithium-ion batteries commonly found in electronic bikes (e-bikes) is rapidly rising, according to the National Fire Protection Association. In 2022, at least 19 people died in the United States because of fires or overheating incidents related to battery-powered products. In New York City alone, the batteries caused 216 fires, resulting in 147 injuries and six deaths in 2022.
It is essential to be properly prepared for hurricane season, as these storms carry significant risks to safety and property. To raise awareness of the dangers of hurricanes, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) annually sponsors National Hurricane Preparedness Week. This year, it runs from April 30 to May 6, 2023.
Each May, the Ready Campaign—launched in 2003 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency—promotes National Wildfire Awareness Month. The goal of this initiative is to encourage and empower people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate wildfires.
On March 20, President Joe Biden vetoed the US Senate’s vote to overturn the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rule, which allows retirement plan fiduciaries to consider ESG factors when selecting investments.
Employers across various industries face unprecedented challenges as they deal with the surge in employee absences caused by the simultaneous spread of COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
President Joe Biden recently proposed a $325 billion federal paid family and medical leave program as part of his $6.8 trillion budget plan for the fiscal year 2024. Despite the president's push for extended family support and paid time off, the program's passage faces uncertainty due to anticipated opposition from Republican lawmakers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects on the world of work, including a rapid shift in employee benefits needs and preferences. Employers are now recognizing the importance of reconsidering their offerings to accommodate both onsite and remote employees.
