Employer Resources

We are here to help you manage the emerging regulatory changes to sick leave and other employee benefits, as well as the economic impact on employee retirement planning. Here, you’ll find compiled resources that keep you and your business on top of the changes happening that are relevant to you.

If you have questions or concerns about what is included in your employee benefit plan, please reach out to one of our Aldrich Benefit advisors.

Cost of COVID-19 Testing: While the CARES Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act indicated that costs associated with COVID-19 tests would be covered at 100%, the reality is that further government guidance has made the matter significantly more complicated. As employers consider utilizing COVID-19 testing as a tool for their return to work strategy, it is important that they understand who may end up footing the bill for such tests. Learn more.

Promoting Mental Health during the Pandemic: Amidst the ongoing pandemic, the mental health of employees is becoming a primary focus for many employers. HR leaders have a unique opportunity to deliver value to their organization and employees through the implementation of mental health support initiatives. Aldrich Benefits has identified five effective ways for HR to address and support the mental health of their employees. Learn more.

Updated COVID-19 Symptoms: The CDC continues to update their list of COVID-19 symptoms, and likely symptoms, and it is highly recommended that employers regularly check for updates. If employers are currently asking their employees to confirm the absence of specific COVID-19 symptoms, they should be sure to update their lists and screen for the four most recently added symptoms. Additionally, the CDC has added several new underlying conditions that could increase the severity of COVID-19’s effects. These underlying conditions may warrant ADA reasonable accommodations. Learn more.

Premium Flexibility: Numerous states have instructed insurance carriers to provide extra flexibility around paying premiums and extended grace periods. Learn more.

COBRA Changes: Significant changes to COBRA include updated model notices, COBRA election and premium extensions and participant options for coverage. Learn more.

Section 125 Plans: New flexibility that employers can choose to take advantage of if they choose. The options include allowing employees to make mid-year plan changes to their Health, FSA and/or DCAP without any qualifying event. Most of these changes are only in effect for 2020, however there is the option to change FSA rollover amounts permanently. Learn more.

HSA, FSA and HRA Changes: The CARES Act, along with IRS Notices, have provided several major changes to how HSAs, FSAs and HRAs can be utilized. Some of these changes, just as allowing menstrual care products to be considered a qualified expense, have no expiration dates while other changes have sunset dates associated with them. Learn more.

FFCRA: Mandatory sick pay and paid family leave for specific COVID-19 related reasons that must be made available to all employees. Learn more.

EEOC Changes: The EEOC is allowing employers more leeway in the questions and information that they can seek from their employees in an effort to keep the workplace safe and contain the spread of COVID-19. Learn more.

Download our guide on ensuring you will be able to properly disinfect your workplace, which will be different from normal cleaning practices.

• Article: 6 Strategies for HR Leaders to Help Employees Overcome Mental Health Challenges
• Article: The Remote Work Transition — 5 Tips for Creating a Policy That Works
• Article: Healthcare at a (Social) Distance: Virtual Treatment in the Midst of COVID-19
• Q&A: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Guide to COVID-19, the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act
• Download: A Guide to Social Distancing (Infographic)