Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

The following interim guidance may help prevent workplace exposures to acute respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, in non-healthcare settings. The guidance also provides planning considerations if there are more widespread, community outbreaks of COVID-19. To prevent stigma and discrimination in the workplace, use only the guidance described below to determine risk of COVID-19. Do not make…

Eat Well, Live Well – A Resource for Employees

A company – and employer – that takes an interest in employee well-being will benefit from a corps of more engaged and motivated employees, improved retention, and possibly even reduced `healthcare costs over time.  To keep your team focused on their wellness, share this resource on eating well and living well.  

PCORI Fees Extended for 10 Years

The same spending bill that repealed the Cadillac tax, the medical devices excise tax and the health insurance providers fee reinstated the annual Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fees for the 2020-2029 fiscal years. As a result, specified health insurance policies and applicable self-insured health plans must continue to pay these fees through 2029. What…

Section 6056 Employer Reporting Guide

Section 6056 reporting is the required reporting to the IRS of information relating to offers of health insurance coverage by employers that sponsor group health plans. A statement disclosing information about the offer of coverage must also be furnished to full-time employees. This guide is intended to provide information for employers on the Internal Revenue…

Background Information Regarding Section 6056

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created reporting requirements under Code Sections 6055 and 6056. Under these rules, certain employers must provide information to the IRS about the health plan coverage they offer (or do not offer) or provide to their employees. Each reporting entity must annually file all of the following with the IRS: A…

Final Forms for 2019 ACA Reporting Released – Upcoming Deadlines

Highlights Final forms and instructions for 2019 reporting under Section 6055 and Section 6056 are now available. These forms and instructions are substantially similar to the 2018 versions. Section 6055 reporting continues to be required, although limited penalty relief is available. SIMA provides employers with a comprehensive guide to Section 6056 reporting.  For more information…

Wellness 101 – What is a Company Wellness Program?

A wellness program is an organized program intended to assist employees and family members in making voluntary behavior changes that reduce their health risks and enhance their individual productivity. Wellness programs vary widely in design and may offer opportunities or incentives for improving health and wellness, such as increasing fitness, losing weight, managing chronic health…

Choosing the Right Wellness Program

According to a RAND survey, approximately half of U.S. employers with 50 or more employees sponsor some type of workplace wellness program. As the issues of rising health care costs and increased absenteeism due to health problems grow, wellness programs are an effective method of improving employee health and morale, decreasing health-related costs for employers.…

Workplace Wellness: Healthy Food Options

Most full-time employees eat at least one or two meals at work each workday. Not only are a significant number of meals eaten in the workplace, but work is also where employees are most susceptible to distracted or stress-related eating. As an employer, you can help your employees make healthy meal and snack choices. Good…

Workplace Wellness: Stress Management

Initiatives for Stress Management Stress is a leading contributor to many health problems, and the workplace can often be a major source of stress. Lowering stress can lower the risk of medical conditions and can help employees feel better on a day-to-day basis. You can implement various activities to help reduce employee stress, which can…