Legislative Updates
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published on their website on Nov. 16, 2021, that the COVID-19 vaccination and testing emergency temporary standard (ETS) is being put on hold due to pending litigation. |
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On April 7, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued FAQs and model notices for the COBRA premium assistance provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The DOL’s FAQ guidance addresses several of the questions that employers have been asking since ARPA was signed into law. |
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Along with providing financial relief for individuals, state and local governments, schools, businesses and for other purposes, the relief bill passed by Congress on March 10, 2021, contains measures of special interest to employers. |
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On December 27th, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, was signed into law. The legislation includes several new provisions and updates that could significantly impact an employers’ health plan and employee benefits strategy. To help our clients better understand the contents of this bill, particularly the provisions impacting their benefits strategy and health plan, we’ve created the following resources. Please reach out to your Cottingham & Butler representative if you would like more information or have additional questions. Download Employer Action Guide and Watch COVID Relief Bill – Employer Impact Webinar >> |
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On Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, Congress passed an emergency stimulus package designed to deliver approximately $900 billion in COVID-19-related aid. The bill, which was part of a $1.4 trillion spending package that will keep the government open for the fiscal year, has been sent to President Donald Trump, and he is expected to sign it into law. |
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Employers with 500 employees or less are required to post and distribute the enclosed Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Employee Notification Poster to employees by April 1st. Click Here to Download Poster >> View Required FFCRA Notification FAQs >> |
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On March 27, 2020, the U.S. Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and |
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The Department of Labor (DOL) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have released initial guidance clarifying several provisions set forth in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). |
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The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “Act”) was passed by Congress and has been signed by the President. The Act requires most health plans, including employer sponsored plans, to cover costs related to COVID-19 testing. In addition, it includes significant provisions that apply to private employers with fewer than 500 employees and public employers of any size. The Act requires these employers to provide up to 80 hours of paid sick leave for certain employees who are affected by the COVID-19 virus. It also expands FMLA protections, providing new partial paid leave to their employees who cannot work because they must stay home to care for children during school and daycare closures. Employers required to comply with the expanded leave and benefits will be eligible for a tax credit to help cover costs related to these requirements. |
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The IRS recently issued guidance on tax credits related to Coronavirus paid leave. Small and midsize employers may begin using two new refundable payroll tax credits to obtain reimbursement for the costs of providing coronavirus-related leave to their employees, since the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced this regulation on March 20, 2020. |
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States are increasingly enacting laws and issuing new rules and guidance on employee leave taken as a result of COVID-19. |
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Congress passes $480 billion Coronavirus Relief Package which includes funding for small businesses, hospitals and coronavirus testing. |
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Questions? We Are Here to Help.Contact your Cottingham & Butler Representative or call us at 800.793.5235. COVID-19 Employee Hotline – Provided by our wellness partner HealthCheck360 |
