Entries by Simon Carlson

CARES Act FAQ: Over-The-Counter Drugs & Medicines

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) that was signed into law on March 27, 2020 permanently eliminates the ACA-imposed restriction that requires employees to obtain a prescription in order to be reimbursed for non-prescription “Over-The-Counter” drugs and medicines from a Health FSA, HSA, and certain HRA plans. This common sense change […]

DOL Publishes 4th Round of FFCRA Guidance and FAQs

The DOL has released rules related to administration of leaves under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and answered more common questions on their Questions and Answers page. Below you’ll find FFCRA guidance and some key highlights to keep in mind when administering these leaves. Documentation: Employers may not require more documentation from employees […]

Webinar: Understanding COBRA Regulations 4/28/20

1.0 HRCI & SHRM: Understanding COBRA Regulations – Including Continuation Coverage During COVID-19 DATE: Tues, April 28, 2020 TIME: Eastern 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm – Pacific 11:00 am to 12:30 pm Register for the webinar here After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Request a recording here if […]

Webinar: Full-Service Payroll & Timekeeping Demonstration 5/7/20

Register for the webinar here After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Request a recording here if you are unable to attend the live session. BASIC’s Regional Director, Jordan Salton, will be presenting the services and solutions of BASIC Payroll Plus. BASIC’s full-service Payroll, Timekeeping, and Human Capital Management […]

CARES Act Benefit Updates: Over-the-Counter-Drug Eligibility

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law on Friday. This CARES Act contains an important provision that will affect HSAs, HRAs, and FSAs. Effective Immediately: FSAs, HRAs, and HSAs can now reimburse or pay for over-the-counter drugs and medicines without a note of medical necessity or prescription from a physician. Menstrual […]

DOL Publishes Third Round of Updates to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Since the enactment of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act on March 18, new information and guidance has been released every few days, though still much slower than employers would like. We have summarized what we believe to be the most relevant new information below. We will continue to […]

COVID-19: April 1 Effective Date for FFCRA Leaves

On Tuesday, March 24, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced that the effective date of the leaves available through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) will be April 1, 2020. Based on the language in the bill, the effective date was widely believed to be April 2. The DOL announced the effective date in […]

The Impact of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

On March 18, 2020, the Senate voted to approve, and President Trump signed, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the Act). The Act is substantively the same as the version approved by the House of Representatives on March 16, 2020, is effective no later than 15 days after the date of the enactment, and sunsets […]