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There's a LOT to know about insurance. So, whether you've got a specific question or just want the 411 on what we do, click around on the articles below.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Issues New Opioid Prescription Guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new guidelines to clinicians for when to prescribe opioids for pain. The CDC officials have stated that doctors, insurers, pharmacies and regulators have misapplied previous guidance.
Live Well, Work Well | December 2022
While the holiday season and end-of-year parties can be full of festive fun, they can also be stressful and take a toll on your emotional well-being. Putting your emotional wellness on the backburner may cause mood changes and feelings of irritability, hopelessness and isolation.
Managing End-of-Life Software
At some point, all software will reach the end of its life. This means manufacturers will no longer develop or service the product, discontinuing all technical support, upgrades, bug fixes and security fixes. As a result, end-of-life (EOL) software will have known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can easily exploit. This article discusses the risks of continuing to use EOL software and discusses best practices for organizations to mitigate this risk.
Combating Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome affects millions of workers. From time to time, you may question your abilities and qualifications, but it may become a problem when this feeling escalates. Imposter syndrome is when you don’t think you belong or deserve your job. It can present in various ways, such as having insecurities about abilities, second-guessing decisions and being afraid of failure.
Biden Administration Extends Student Loan Repayment Freeze
On Nov. 22, 2022, the Biden administration announced it would extend the repayment freeze on federal student loans while its debt relief plan remains blocked in the courts. The loan payment pause is now extended until after June or when the administration is able to move forward with its plan. Federal student loan payments were scheduled to resume in January.
Builders Risk Insurance: Understanding What’s Covered
Builders risk insurance is a specialized form of property coverage that can help protect buildings and other structures under construction. Also known as course of construction insurance, such coverage can assist with various expenses that may result from property damage amid construction projects.
Average Hospital Stay Costs Have Nearly Doubled Since 2004
According to recent data compiled by online personal finance website ValuePenguin, U.S. workers making $26.22—the national average hourly earnings—must work 504 hours to cover a typical out-of-pocket hospital stay. The data revealed that the average hospital stay is 4.6 days, and it costs patients without insurance an average of $2,873 per day for inpatient and outpatient treatment.
General Cybersecurity Best Practices for Modern Vehicles
Modern vehicle technology has transformed in the past several years as autonomous driving, vehicle electrification and car connectivity features have become more common. While these digital innovations in the automotive industry have added significant customer value, they have also exposed vehicles to cybercriminals attempting to gain access to critical in-vehicle electronic units and data.
Managing Work-life Balance During Return to School
According to a recent AARP and S&P Global study, 60% of women who juggle work and caregiving are providing more care now than pre-pandemic. But for anyone with caregiving responsibilities, balancing them with work can be a real challenge with no easy solutions. Work-life balance refers to a person equally prioritizing career demands with personal obligations.
Year-end HR Activities
The last months of the year are a great time for HR professionals to ensure they’re prepared for everything that needs to be done. It’s also an opportunity to evaluate which HR processes organizations want to take forward into the new year and which to leave behind.
Seasonal Employment
Many organizations rely on seasonal workers to supplement their regular workforce during peak times. This often occurs during busy seasons or holidays, as there’s an influx of business activity. While similarities exist, there are important differences between seasonal and regular employment.
Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meat and Cheese
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced an outbreak of listeria in six states linked to contaminated deli meat and cheese. A total of 16 people have been infected, and 13 have been hospitalized. One fatality was reported in Maryland, along with a lost pregnancy. There are currently six states being affected, including New York, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, California and New Jersey.
Health Plans Must Provide Price Comparison Tool for 2023
Beginning in 2023, group health plans and health insurance issuers must make an internet-based price comparison tool available to participants, beneficiaries and enrollees. The purpose of this tool is to provide consumers with real-time estimates of their cost-sharing liability from different providers for covered items and services, including prescription drugs, so they can shop and compare prices before receiving care.
Attack Surface Management Explained
An attack surface is the total possible entry points (a.k.a. attack vectors) for unauthorized access into any system. The recent increase in remote and hybrid work combined with the shift to the cloud and widespread implementation of software-as-a-service (SAAS) applications have made attack surfaces increasingly large, complex and difficult to defend against cyberattacks.
5 Things to Consider During Open Enrollment
Open enrollment season—the annual period when you enroll in a health insurance plan—is now in full swing. For employer-sponsored plans, you should expect your employer to provide information about open enrollment during this time. There are several things you may want to consider when selecting a health insurance plan and this article covers some common considerations.
What Employers Should Know About the WARN Act
The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) took effect in 1989 to protect workers, their families and communities by ensuring workers receive advance notice about qualified plant closings and mass layoffs. With sufficient notice, workers can better plan for and adjust to a loss of employment, and communities are better able to cope with large-scale job loss.
Understanding RSV
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. For many, RSV is recoverable within a week, but RSV can be serious for some. Infants and older adults are at the highest risk for RSV complications.
Patch Management Explained
Patch management is the process of acquiring and applying software updates to a variety of endpoints, including mobile devices, computers, servers and embedded devices. Installing patches regularly is necessary to correct errors, help protect data and optimize system functions. This article provides information on how a consistent approach to patching and updating software can limit exposure to various exploits.
Amazon Debuts New Virtual Health Care Service
On Nov. 15, 2022, Amazon launched Amazon Clinic, an online telehealth service. The service connects individuals with medical professionals through a secure, message-based portal. It’s currently available in 32 states, but Amazon plans to expand to additional states in the coming months.
Employer-reported Nonfatal Workplace Injuries and Illnesses Down 1.8% From 2020
Private industry employers reported a 1.8% decrease in nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2021 from 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The incidence rate of total recordable cases remained unchanged year over year, with a rate of 2.7 cases per 100 workers who are full-time equivalent (FTE).