Top Questions from Small Businesses about COVID-19

For the last 3 years our local and national benchmarking survey has asked employers about their top priority regard the design and objectives of their benefit programs. “Attracting and Retaining Employees” has been 1st, with “Cost” coming in at a close 2nd.  This was a direct result of a strong economy and a very tight … Continued

HB Retirement Market Volatility Call for Plan Sponsors

Listen to the HB Retirement Market Volatility Call for Plan Sponsors (external link) This material is for general information only. It is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual, nor is it intended as authoritative guidance or tax or legal advice.. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed … Continued

Departments Release Information for COVID-19 Business Tax Credits

On Friday, March 20th, the U.S. Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of Labor distributed a news release that contains important information on the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Businesses with less than 500 employees can start to take their refundable payroll tax credits immediately by retaining any funds they would … Continued

IRS announces delay to “Tax Day” – Tax filing deadline is now July 15th

The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced on March 20th that the federal income tax filing due date is automatically extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020.  Taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms or call the IRS to qualify for this automatic federal tax filing and payment relief. Please … Continued

Details of the Proposed Phase 3 Relief from Congress

The Trump administration is asking Congress for roughly $1 trillion in new economic relief as lawmakers begin to work on the next phase of federal legislation. This proposed relief package is intended to help small businesses, provide loan guarantees for industries like airlines and hotels, and it includes some financial assistance for workers. Late in … Continued

Maintain Mental Health Well-Being During a Quarantine

In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have recommended that individuals who may have been exposed to the disease self-quarantine at home for 14 days. In addition, public health officials are recommending that healthy individuals practice social distancing, staying at home … Continued

Whitepaper: Employee Exposure Considerations and Response Plan

You may have employees who are requesting a response plan or related information if he, she, or a colleague is exposed to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). What are the best practices? What steps should you take to further limit exposure? The following article contains considerations and a sample response plan to address these issues. Read White … Continued

Group Health Plan Coverage Implications: HDHP’S Can Cover COVID-19 Testing and Treatment Pre-Deductible

On March 11, 2020, the IRS announced that high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) may cover COVID-19 testing and treatment without a deductible or with a deductible below the required minimum deductible for HDHPs without losing their HDHP status under the Code or threatening the tax-favored treatment of participants’ health savings accounts (HSAs). The notice applies broadly … Continued

The Importance of Telehealth in Managing COVID-19

As the coronavirus continues to spread and disrupt our lives – and with testing kits not yet widely available – people are looking for ways to avoid large public crowds and offices. Many are wary of visiting doctors’ offices or other medical facilities for fear of catching or transmitting COVID-19. The use of telehealth and … Continued

White Paper: Coronavirus and Potential Business Interruption Claims

There are a number of risk management options you and your organization may want to consider when faced with events such as the spread of a pandemic disease, for example the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. There are specific insurance products, such as event cancellation insurance or business-travel accident policies, that can provide coverage for adverse … Continued