On Feb. 9, California’s governor signed SB 114, which creates new Labor Code Section 248.6. The law takes effect immediately and is retroactive to Jan. 1, but an employer’s obligation to provide 2022 COVID-19 supplemental California paid sick leave (CPSL) does not begin until 10 days after the governor signed the law: Feb. 19…. [Read more]
No Cost OTC COVID-19 Test – Starting January 15, 2022
Starting January 15, 2022, employees and dependents covered by an employer-sponsored health plan can go online, to a pharmacy or store, buy a test approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and either get it paid for upfront by their health plan or get reimbursed… [Read more]
OSHA Announces a New Emergency Temporary Standard on COVID Vaccination and Testing for Employers
Earlier this year, the Biden Administration issued a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for those employers that have at least 100 employees. On November 4, 2021, OSHA announced a new Emergency Temporary Standard on Vaccination and Testing. Click on the link for details. Here are four things… [Read more]
President Biden Orders New COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements for Employers with 100+ Employees
President Joe Biden announced Sept. 9 a series of proposals to combat the COVID-19 pandemic more aggressively, including plans for a new rule requiring employers with 100 or more employees to mandate that their workers be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing. The president also signed… [Read more]
New IRS FAQs: Tax Credits for Paid Leave under the American Rescue Plan Act
The IRS posted two new sets of FAQs to address the tax credits available under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (the “ARP”) by employers with fewer than 500 employees and certain governmental employers without regard to the number of employees (“Eligible Employers”) for… [Read more]
COVID-19 Resources for Employers and Workers
Federal Resources The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) launched its Essential Workers – Essential Protections initiative to provide resources and offer information on common issues that employers and employees face during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the DOL website, WHD’s initiative offers information… [Read more]
America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) – Updated Model COBRA Notices
The DOL has issued updated model COBRA notices to incorporate information regarding the new COBRA subsidy included in the recent passing of the American Rescue Plan Act 2021 (ARPA) and has provided some additional guidance, in particular referencing those states with ‘mini-COBRA’, Cal-COBRA in California. … [Read more]
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) 2021 – COBRA Subsidies
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) 2021 – COBRA Subsidies Under the American Rescue Plan Act 2021 (ARPA), “assistance eligible individuals” (“AEIs”) will be entitled to free COBRA coverage (including the 2% administrative fee) for up to 6 months. The subsidy is available beginning on April 1,… [Read more]
California Launches Enhanced COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Network
Network designed to ensure equitable, efficient and safe vaccination for all Californians (By Rory J. O’Connor | February 26, 2021) Monday, March 1, marks the start of California’s transition to an enhanced provider vaccination Network that’s designed to make COVID-19 vaccines available to all… [Read more]
COVID-19 Special Enrollment Starts February 1st – For individuals and their families
California Joins President Biden in Responding to COVID-19 Pandemic by Announcing Special Enrollment to Help People Get Insurance Covered California announced that effective Feb. 1, anyone uninsured and eligible to enroll in health care coverage through Covered California can sign up through May 15. The… [Read more]