Entries by sparkadmin

BASIC FSA Client Notice: $2,500 Cap

For BASIC FSA clients, starting with plans that begin 1/1/2013 and after, BASIC will automatically amend your Medical Reimbursement Account (MRA) plan renewal maximum to $2,500 (if your current limit is greater than $2,500). BASIC will provide an updated SPD and plan document reflecting the change. This change does not impact your company if your […]

Offer FSA Solutions to Your Employees, Worry-Free

The benefits of a FSA account are clear; your employees enjoy federal tax deductions  on contributions, withdrawals for qualified exspenses are tax free, and you can easily pair FSA accounts with HRA accounts – customizable to your needs. As industry experts, BASIC offers a cloud computing solution designed to provide you with the functionality, reliability, […]

BASIC’s Certified Customer Service Representatives

BASIC’s Customer Service Representatives have always been industry experts, now they have the certification to prove it! Our determined Payroll, COBRA, FMLA, FSA, HRA, and HSA Representatives have the energy, analytical insight, and technical skills to understand every HR aspect of your business, allowing you to focus on operations and active employees. BASIC finds success […]

Department of Labor Attempts to Make FMLA More Accessible

According to the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WDH), one of the greatest challenges they face in enforcing the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is “that too often, employees are unaware that they have rights under the FMLA, or that the FMLA even exists.” The FMLA is described as “very technical, unwieldy, […]

The Supreme Court Adds Clarity to a Much Disputed Overtime Pay Issue

In a closely watched case, Christopher v. SmithKline Beecham Corp., the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on the claim of two former pharmaceutical sales representatives, backed by the Department of Labor (DOL), who believed they were owed overtime pay. On June 18, the nine Supreme Court Justices voted 5 to 4 to reject that claim. Here’s […]

Healthcare Tax Changes that Remain in Place

On June 28, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. Numerous tax changes are included in the law. Some have already gone into effect and others are scheduled to kick in over the next several years. This chart briefly summarizes some of the most important tax changes, […]

Job Descriptions: A Smart Move — But Only If Done Correctly

The benefits of having a good system of employee job descriptions in place (and the risks when you do not) are worth the effort. To name a few:  Legal protection. In the absence of a reasonably detailed job description, employers can be sitting ducks if an employment relationship goes awry and a disgruntled or terminated […]

Six Issues for Businesses to Consider When Managing Remote Employees

Allowing employees to work from home can provide significant benefits for employers and employees. It can improve morale, reduce real estate and facility costs — and even reduce traffic congestion and make the environment cleaner. However, when the appropriate oversight is lacking, fraud and abuse can result and wipe out many, if not all of the […]

New Version of BASIC Guru

For Immediate Release New Version of BASIC Guru Enables Agents, Brokers, and their Employer Clients to Simplify Compliance with New SBC Requirements   BASIC Guru, a web-based agency management platform, facilitates the distribution, access, and tracking of Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) documents within branded benefits portals. Portage, MI — July 23, 2012 — […]

Are You Prepared for a COBRA Audit?

After nearly a decade, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued updated COBRA Audit Guidelines. Following the Department of Labor’s increase in examining COBRA compliance, the IRS is preparing to look at compliance with a new level of scrutiny.  Learn how BASIC’s COBRA Administration reduces your risk and frees valuable time and resources, allowing you […]