CURRENT NEWS AND
REGULATORY UPDATES

May 27, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) recently released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application (Application) and instructions (Instructions) for small businesses to use when applying for PPP loan forgiveness with their lender.

May 19, 2020 – Several benefits carriers across a number of states have announced premium credits for health or dental coverage due to COVID-19 and lower than normal claim volumes.

On May 7, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) filed its final Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2021.

On May 12, 2020, the IRS announced they are providing temporary flexibility for mid-year election changes during calendar year 2020 and more options for unused funds in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and dependent care assistance programs (DCAPs).

May 7, 2020 – As states begin to reopen during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many employers are preparing for their employees to return to work.

On April 28, 2020, the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Treasury (Departments) issued deadline relief to help employee benefit plans, plan participants and plan service providers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

April 22, 2020 – In the wake of most state governors issuing executive orders that require business closures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, many commercial real estate spaces have become unoccupied and may eventually be vacant.

April 15, 2020 – As employers apply for the federal government Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll during the COVID-19 crisis, they are also taking action to recall their laid off and furloughed employees.

April 14, 2020 – Employers should set up separate pay codes in their payroll system for COVID-19-related payments.

April 13, 2020 – We’ve complied a list of answers to COVID-19 questions frequently asked by our clients. Read through the questions and answers here.

April 6, 2020 – Federal agencies have not issued guidance regarding the ACA’s employer shared responsibility rules in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. This update provides information for employers regarding how the look-back measurements method applies to COVID-19 related absences.

April 1, 2020 – The $2 trillion stimulus package recently passed by Congress is the largest economic stimulus measure in modern history. This relief promises to provide help for struggling American families and businesses, as well as health care workers on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak.