NFP's Insights from the Experts

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley outline the Biden administration’s recently announced vaccine mandate and COVID-19 testing alternative for employers. Chase begins with an overview of the mandate, the testing alternative and which employers are impacted by the requirements. The two spend the rest of the podcast issue spotting for employers — discussing questions that will hopefully be answered in upcoming OSHA guidance. Suzanne and Chase close with a discussion of the vaccine mandate’s impact on benefits compliance, including vaccine surcharges and paid time off for vaccines and testing.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley discuss the compliance angle of employer-initiated vaccine mandates and incentives. Chase begins by outlining the ADA and EEOC rules relating to vaccine mandates, while Suzanne jumps in for a discussion on reasonable accommodations for those that have legitimate medical or religious objections to taking the vaccine and the confidentiality and administrative challenges relating to vaccine inquiries. Chase and Suzanne then turn their attention to other alternative strategies, including the pros and cons and compliance challenges relating to plan design exclusions and vaccine incentives. The two close with their thoughts on the huge hurdles surrounding vaccine surcharges or other incentives tied to the group health plan.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley review and discuss three upcoming mid-summer compliance obligations with a July 31 due date: Form 5500 (an oldie), PCOR Fee (a revival) and ARPA COBRA subsidy tax credits (a newbie). Chase outlines the requirements, forms and challenges relating to those obligations as Suzanne relays some frequently asked questions that employers ask as they seek to comply. The two close by discussing a quick scenario relating to the ARPA tax credit filing process.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Patrick Myers discuss the interim final rules relating to the federal No Surprise Billing Act. Patrick begins with an explanation for the need for these rules. Patrick and Chase then look at how the rules address the problem of balance billings. Patrick closes with a discussion of the interaction between the rules and state laws and looks forward to the next wave of rules.

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Patrick Myers discuss the Supreme Court’s ruling in the latest challenge to the ACA. Suzanne begins with a history of legal challenges to the ACA, and then discusses the Supreme Court’s recent opinion. Patrick and Suzanne then look at how the Supreme Court’s decision impacts employers and what we can expect from the current administration in response. Suzanne closes with a discussion of the future of health care reform, both at the state level and the federal level.

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon discuss rising prescription drug costs as a challenge for employers and consumers. Suzanne begins with an overview of the issue at a federal and state level, and then digs into state proposals addressing drug price transparency and affordability review boards. Chase and Suzanne then look at drug importation and other programs aimed at sourcing drugs in different countries, primarily Canada. Suzanne closes with a discussion on the role pharmacy benefit managers play in prescription drug pricing and costs.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley discuss the recently published IRS FAQ guidance on ARPA COBRA premium subsidies. Chase gives an overview of six steps employers need to take to ensure compliance. Chase and Suzanne discuss IRS FAQs addressing what constitutes a reduction in hours or involuntary termination, including employment contract and severance situations. Chase outlines the IRS guidance on employer involvement in claiming the tax credit, including documentation and substantiation issues. The two close with thoughts on the overall process for employers.

In this special episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon discuss the COBRA subsidies that are a big part of the recently-enacted ARPA. Suzanne starts the discussion with a history of past COBRA subsidies, including in 2002 and 2008/09, comparing them to the ARPA subsidies. Suzanne then answers Chase’s rapid fire questions on the ARPA COBRA subsidies, including the amount and duration, who is eligible, employer involvement, notice requirements, and interactions with COBRA administrators and vendors.

In this podcast, NFP’s John Deem, regional VP Benefits Compliance, and Lucia Fan, VP Corporate Benefits in Mid-Atlantic, wrap up the ins and outs of Medicare and how to enroll.

In this podcast, NFP’s John Deem, regional VP Benefits Compliance, and Lucia Fan, VP Corporate Benefits in Mid-Atlantic, dive into what Medicare is, the different types of Medicare plans, what each plan covers, and how to know what you're eligible for. This is a two-part podcast — look for Understanding Medicare Pt.2 to hear the rest of the deep dive.