CURRENT NEWS AND
REGULATORY UPDATES

All News & Updates

DOL Issues Model Notices, FAQs for COBRA Subsidy in the ARPA

On April 7, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued FAQs and model notices for the COBRA premium assistance provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

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BCBS Settlement Important Update

April 7, 2021 – As of right now, members affected by the Blue Cross Blue Shield anti-trust lawsuit (also known as members of the Damages Class) will begin receiving notification by email and mail about the related settlement.

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Paycheck Protection Program Extended

April 5, 2021 – Congress has passed the PPP Extension Act of 2021, a 60-day extension of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Payment Protection Program (PPP), which was set to expire on March 31.

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COBRA Subsidy Provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act

March 26, 2021 – The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides a 100% subsidy of premiums for employer-sponsored group health insurance continued under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA).

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American Rescue Plan Contains Employment-related Provisions

March 16, 2021 – President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) into law on March 11, 2021.

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American Agency in the Twin Cities Joins North Risk Partners

Effective March 1, American Agency in the Twin Cities metro area joined North Risk Partners. Twenty-one American Agency team members joined the firm, growing North…

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Blue Cross Anti-Trust Lawsuit: Timing of Settlement Still Unknown

March 1, 2021 – In Sept. 2020, a settlement agreement was reached in the Blue Cross Blue Shield (Blue Cross) antitrust class-action lawsuit and recently the proposed settlement received preliminary approval.

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Biden Proposed Stimulus Package

Jan. 22, 2021 – In a recent speech, President Joe Biden outlined a proposed $1.9 trillion stimulus package to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and provide economic relief.

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Premier Benefits Group in Fargo Joins North Risk Partners

Jan. 20, 2021 – Premier Benefits Group, an employee benefits agency in Fargo, has joined North Risk Partners. Al Berg founded Premier Benefits Group in…

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Bernie Lowe & Associates, Inc. of Grinnell Joins North Risk Partners

Effective Jan. 1, employee benefits insurance agency Bernie Lowe & Associates, Inc. (BLA) of Grinnell, Ia. joined North Risk Partners. BLA’s Grinnell office has become…

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COVID-19: OSHA Recordable Illness if Work-Related

Jan. 15, 2021 – Since the onset of COVID-19, some employees have contracted the illness in work-related environments. OSHA has provided guidelines for scenarios in which COVID-19 is a recordable illness.

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DOL Issues Final Rule on Independent Contractor Status

On Jan. 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule that clarifies how to determine whether a worker is an employee who is protected under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) or an independent contractor who is exempt from it.

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