2021 ACA Reporting Update
These changes specifically impact the Form 1095-B & Form 1095-C distribution deadline and good faith transition relief. Be sure to listen in to the important information shared in this podcast.
Understanding Suicide & Mental Health
Having a mental illness issue does not guarantee you will be suicidal. However, depending on the illness, it can make positive thinking much harder. The CDC describes mental illness as “conditions that affect a person’s thinking, feeling, mood or behavior.” Common types of mental illness include depression, anxiety and personality disorders.
By current estimates, about 1 in 5 Americans are living with a mental illness. This dispels the idea that mental health is something that can be willed away. Chances are that you personally know someone with a mental illness or at least work with an individual who has one. It’s important that you take meaningful steps to help people with these conditions, not just pretend they do not exist. In fact, inaction is a large part of the problem.
What Employers Can Do
Companies cannot expect employees with mental illnesses to simply “snap out of it” or wipe away thoughts of self-harm. Employers need to acknowledge that mental illness comes in many forms and that it probably affects more of their employees than they know. This is why employer-sponsored assistance programs are so important.
Employers should foster a safe environment that encourages employees to speak up if they’re feeling overwhelmed by work, as this is a significant stressor for depression and other mental illnesses. Beyond reassessing company culture, organizations can offer referrals or access to mental health professionals through their employee assistance program. One of the most effective ways to reduce suicide is by being there for someone in need. With this in mind, consider empathy training for managers so they can recognize the warning signs of severe depression and can address them with the individual.
Resources For Employers
This section includes resources that you are encouraged to share with employees. Anyone can access this information, but, as an employer, you have the opportunity to proactively share these links with employees. Take a look at the information and consider sending an email or hosting a meeting to discuss this serious topic.
The CDC offers a number of resources aimed at addressing and preventing suicide resulting from mental illness. Below are some of their most robust resources:
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance offers services, training and education on depression and bipolar disorder. Learn more about these services on their website, www.dbsalliance.org.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is another organization committed to suicide prevention. They created the “Be The 1 To” campaign to educate people about helping those who suffer suicidal thoughts. Their website (www.bethe1to.com) provides more information about how to help.
The group also offers a free, 24/7 phone and chat service for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or advocates who need resources to help a loved one. The calls are confidential and are well-regarded as helping the individuals who call. Here is their contact information:
These changes specifically impact the Form 1095-B & Form 1095-C distribution deadline and good faith transition relief. Be sure to listen in to the important information shared in this podcast.
Join us and listen to this podcast for reminders on what needs to be done before the end of 2021, and how to start preparing for specific tasks in 2022.
Tuning-in, you'll hear from two speakers on trending topics and more.
Bob Radecki is president, senior regulatory and public policy analyst at Benefit Comply, LLC, an employee benefits compliance consulting firm. Bob will discuss the end of the 100% COBRA subsidy authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act, health cost transparency rules and surprise billing regulations, vaccine incentives and mandates, and more opportunities for consideration of Individual Coverage HRAs (ICHRAs).
Joel Wood is the senior vice president for government affairs of The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers and also oversees CouncilPAC, the association’s political action committee. Joel will share his unique perspective on the Supreme Court’s ACA decision and thoughts on the Biden Administration’s health insurance goals, public options at the State Level, 2022 Elections and possible outcomes’ impact on legislation, as well as comment on cost transparency related to health cost transparency rules and recent surprise billing regs.
Productivity Consultants & Career Support Services (PCCSS) was founded in 1999 as an image-consulting firm that focused on career and personal branding. Since then, the organization has evolved into a boutique human capital and career development firm designed to facilitate change management for individual and organizational clients.
Based on the belief that human learning, training, and performance improvement initiatives should lead to quantifiable outcomes, the organization focuses on analyzing the performance challenges for individuals and within private and non-profit organizations as they relate to productivity and success.
Learn more: https://productivityconsultants.org/index.php
Listen in to this episode as we discuss what can and cannot be part of an employer’s vaccine policy, where restrictions or limitations may exist and, surprisingly, where they do not, and other considerations to take into account.
Over the course of their lifetime, 40% of people will be diagnosed with cancer, and the remaining 60% will support at least 4 loved ones through cancer. OneVillage is one place to find the resources, products, community, and support you need when cancer enters your life.
Learn more: https://onevillage.io/
As a result, Congress enhanced the FFCRA leave under ARPA to include paid leave related to the vaccine, among other enhancements, and extended the payroll tax credits even further. Listen to this conversation to learn how else the FFCRA was updated and what you need to know.
The subsidy will cover the full cost of COBRA or state continuation premiums from April 1st, through Sept. 30, 2021 if the employee lost or loses group health insurance due to a reduction in work hours or an involuntary job loss. Be sure to listen to this episode to better understand who is eligible and the various employer obligations associated.
Let’s face it – navigating the HR technology market is complex. Advisors need help educating and guiding employers. With BTR’s Core Service offering, they aim to increase your agency’s tech “fluency” and provide the technology foundation you need to empower and educate your client base.
ENGAGEMENT
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This gives companies an enticing benefit that uniquely serves every employee in the organization. And it all works within the system you have in place today.
It’s savvy to reduce PTO balance sheet liabilities while enhancing talent recruiting and retention. In simple terms, it pays off for both HR and Finance. Both will appreciate the returns for enhancing PTO benefits and reducing corporate liability.
To learn more, please contact Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance's Director of Client Engagement, Betsy Kamler at betsyk@lpinsurance.com or 901-321-1000.
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