
Proposed overtime rule calls for fresh look at worker classification
In March, the U.S. Department of Labor proposed a new rule that would update the minimum salary threshold that largely determines whether or not an employee is exempt from overtime pay under federal law.

New benefit lets employees choose between paid vacation and student loan relief
Beginning in 2020, Unum employees can give up five paid vacation days in exchange for a student loan payment that is equivalent to the total hourly wages.

Government hints it may make grandfathered health plans easier to continue
It appears that federal regulators are seeking ways to help keep grandfathered health plans in business, even though some benefit advisors believe it’s past time that they retired.

Critical court case illustrates high cost of COBRA noncompliance
The Morehouse v. Steak N Shake, Inc. should prove instructive for plan administrators, who would be wise to review exactly what notices are required by COBRA.

New overtime rule would set salary limit at $35,308
On March 7, 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a proposed rule that would extend overtime pay eligibility to over one million American workers.

Proposed HRA expansion met with praise and pushback
The government has released a proposed rule to expand the use of HRAs so that they could be used to pay for medical coverage.

Remembering the human touch in human resources compliance
One of the most challenging aspects of being an HR professional is knowing when to exercise discretion in a difficult decision, rather than simply go by the book.

The pros and cons of employee monitoring
The most efficient way to improve productivity is to study your workforce’s current output, analyze the behavior and then make the necessary adjustments.

Social Security wage base increased for 2019
The Social Security Administration recently announced that the Social Security wage base will be raised to $132,900 for 2019, which represents a $4,500 increase from the 2018 wage base.

The State of the Union Address and the Employee Benefits Market
View this new brief regarding the 2019 State of the Union Address and how it relates to the Employee Benefits Market.