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Health plans seeking the cost savings of generic drugs must still remain vigilant for overcharges
The good news: Important drugs are going generic — a savings opportunity for employer-sponsored health plans, which should do what’s reasonable and what’s allowed to switch employees over to generics. The bad news: Health plans may still have to ensure they are getting the maximum cost savings. A case in point: Several health plans are […]
New laws affecting Illinois employers take effect January 1
by Steven L. Brenneman Illinois employers need to be aware of a few new laws taking effect January 1. Ban the box One of the new laws, the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act, prohibits most private-sector employers and employment agencies with 15 or more employees from asking applicants about their criminal histories and conducting […]
Flight Crew Meals Exclusion Limited to 50 Percent
In a recently released legal memorandum, the IRS said that meals provided to airline crewmembers while they are on duty aboard an aircraft are not excluded from the employees’ gross income as a de minimis fringe benefit because they were not provided at “eating facilities.” Although the value of the meals would be excludable from […]
Putting Canadians first: overhaul of the temporary foreign worker program
By Isabelle Dongier As we have repeatedly reported, there have been many changes to Canada’s immigration program in the past 18 months. Amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations were introduced in December 2013 to make it tougher and more costly for Canadian employers to hire foreign workers.
Wells Fargo Scandal Shows Serious Lack of Effective Leadership
President Harry S. Truman famously had a plaque on his desk that read, “The buck stops here.” It was a reminder to himself that he couldn’t pass responsibility for the way the country was governed. Ultimately, he was responsible.
You’re hired? U.S.A., Inc., eyes Trump for CEO
by Kylie Crawford TenBrook Let’s say—hypothetically—you are conducting a search for your next CEO. One résumé in particular has caught your eye. The candidate’s qualifications include managing a real estate empire worth billions and owning a marginally successful enterprise whose business model is founded on judging women by their looks. Wanting to know more, you […]
Ain’t No Business Like Snow Business
Litigation Value: Not much, yet; but, potentially millions if Dwight goes on a murderous rampage. Is hurling snowballs really that big a deal?! Last week, it was the Cincinnati Bearcats mascot; this week, it’s Dwight Schrute and Jim Halpert — one gets arrested, the other two undergo corrective counseling. Having already addressed the tribulations of […]
Appeals Court: Same-Sex Spouse Had No COBRA Notice Claim
by Gwen Cofield To have standing to sue an employer for a Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) notice violation, the individual alleging the violation must be either a participant or a beneficiary, as those terms are defined in Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). COBRA coverage is designed to continue, for a limited time, […]
Proper Training Can Protect Employees from Lead Exposure
Yesterday’s Advisor reviewed the new training requirements for the recently amended Pesticide Worker Protection Standard. Today, we offer some tips for protecting workers in general industry from another dangerous environmental safety hazard—exposure to lead.