Instant Insights How the Coronavirus Affects HR, Benefits, and Retirement Professionals

The COBRA election period will end 120 days after the COVID-19 national emergency ends, EBSA says.

Amazon, Walmart and Target are among the major names ramping up hiring--and offering bonuses to current workers.

In the past few weeks, key industries for voluntary benefits such as restaurants, hotels, public schools, and other service sectors have shuttered for an indeterminate period of time. And unfortunately, voluntary benefits are disproportionately skewed towards these hourly workers and sectors.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act will provide financial relief for a broad swath of people, including the self-employed.

Retirement industry advocates, including the American Retirement Association, and individual service providers, lobbied for the changes.

Maybe we should settle down, remain vigilant and listen to scientists and other experts when a threat arises.

Here are answers to some of the questions benefits advisors, employer and employees may have now about the coronavirus and it's potential ramifications.

Clients and prospects want ideas right now. Are you ready to talk to them?

Coronavirus can live on some surfaces longer than others. Which should you be most concerned about?

Now's the time to be your own best client and get that succession and estate planning out of the way.

Cornavirus scams and cybersecurity tips for employers.

The talent and engagement of your workforce can help your business survive and recover -- and financial wellness programs should be part of that process.

ERISA never sleeps: Here are 4 strategies plan fiduciaries might consider during the coronavirus-caused market turmoil.

Each state is taking its own approach to Covid-19 health insurance regulation. Here's a directory.

Success is measured by helping workers get access to retirement plans -- whether CalSavers, or in the private sector.

Coronavirus-fueled market panic prompting up to 8 times the usual call volume for some recordkeepers.

The pandemic has shuttered the SSA's 1,200-office field network, along with offices that hear disability insurance appeals.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned that the U.S. unemployment rate could rise to 20 percent if something isn't done.

A financial and insurance professional who frequently travels to China shares his take on the coronavirus.

Now is a good time to discuss how telemedicine can improve access to care, curb costs and potentially curtail the spread of a virus.

Coronavirus stress is affecting just about everyone -- CEO Mark Mitchnick, M.D., offers tips for communicating with anxious clients and employees.

"Companies are facing really hard questions about what they can and cannot ask employees," says one legal expert.

It turns out that the CARES Act student loan relief doesn't apply to everyone who has a student loan.

Google, arguably the gatekeeper for the flow of information, is stepping up its efforts to ensure the right information is being shared.

States are taking the threat of a coronavirus outbreak seriously, and some are acting swiftly and decisively to stop the virus in its tracks.

Here are some possible coping strategies to suggest to retirement savers and the employers trying to calm their anxieties.

If passed, the bill would extend far beyond the reach of existing federal leave laws and create additional leave requirements for employers who already offer paid sick leave.

No comment on extension of Form CRS, Reg BI deadline.

Here are some of the key issues and steps that should be considered to minimize the risk to keep everyone—and company data—safe.

Insurers are offering no-fee telemedicine consults, free prescription drug delivery and other cost-sharing accommodations.

Excepted benefits issuers, such as short-term health insurers, don't have to cover coronavirus testing. But some will anyway.

News from Augmentir, Benefitfocus, Bluestream Health, Capitol BlueCross, Cigna, eVisit, Evolve IP, GeoBlue, Gulf Guaranty, Health Recovery Solutions, Higher Logic, HRAcuity, LiveSafe, OpenWater, Orbit Health Telepsychiatry, and more.

The attack involved overloading the HHS servers with millions of hits.

Just as thousands of people have gone uncounted as "silent carriers" of the virus, countless more may have died as a result of the virus without it being detected.

A new report utilizes data related to typical costs for pneumonia cases to estimate the financial impact of coronavirus on patients.

During Sunday's debate, the two candidates offered two starkly different images of leadership in a time of crisis.

They're putting together communication strategies and plans to deal with staffing disruptions, among other issues.

The declaration will "open up access to up to $50 billion" for states, territories and localities "in our shared fight against this disease."

Treasury Secretary Mnuchin told a congressional committee an extension would increase liquidity into the U.S. economy.

President Trump this week said that insurers would cover the costs of testing and treatment. That's not quite true.

When evaluating a financial wellness tool, look for one that addresses health care costs and potential savings options, such as HSAs.

Here are a few actions companies and their HR departments should take to ensure they're prepared for a potential outbreak.

The long-term effect of COVID-19? Employees more financially strapped and stressed than ever.

If insurers see a significant uptick in spending on medical care due to the outbreak, they'll need to recoup the expenses somehow.

Employers are quickly adopting new strategies to communicate with employees in a virtual environment, and some of those changes may be permanent.

Workers who can't afford to stay home and miss a paycheck while sick put others at risk of contracting coronavirus.

Josh Brown, Liz Ann Sonders, Ron Carson and Daniel Crosby speak out about how advisors can help clients and themselves.

If brick-and-mortar facilities are overloaded, "keeping people out of the health care system physically could be in everybody's interest."

Coronavirus is causing some 401(k) savers to make ill-advised choices -- but managed accounts offer a built-in safety net courtesy of call center pros.

Many American workers are concerned that an outbreak would limit their ability to work--and bring in income.

It's a good start, some say. Others are relieved, or at least glad something has been done.

AHIP members say they'll ease any barriers to testing and treatment to testing for the virus.

When citizens are quarantined during a public health emergency, there's no clear rule on who pays the medical bills.

To prepare for a potential coronavirus outbreak, employers need to focus on prevention, anticipate concerns, implement pro-active procedures, and avoid legal pitfalls.

Company travel bans, re-examination of sick leave policies and -- placing desks farther apart?

Take our quiz and see how much you know about two pandemics, 102 years apart.

Are some savers not getting the memo to stay put?

Many consumers are thinking about Covid-19. Some are acting on their thoughts.

Stay calm and don't shake hands. (Fist bumps are probably okay.) And maybe fund the CDC better, improve public health awareness, and stop panicking in the stock market.

Other economists forecasting limited impact, assuming the virus is contained.

But also, take this opportunity to update your sick leave and remote work policies.

The reaction to the coronavirus suggests savers in 401(k)s are more prone to erratic trading in down markets, Alight Solutions says.

Here's what we've discovered so far about the virus the CDC is calling 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV.

Riskalyze co-founder Mike McDaniel on how advisors can grow in times of volatility.

The prospect of a global pandemic has Democrats across the country calling for expanded public health care services.

All testing and treatment related to the virus can be covered pre-deductible without violating the rules of HDHPs, the IRS says.

Second tranche of loans may go even quicker than first.

As more companies turn to remote work arrangements, there are cybersecurity risks they should be aware of and work to mitigate.

One's chances of procuring blood plasma treatment depend on accidents of geography, social-media savvy and the willingness of treating physicians.

Companies and employee teams are scrambling to adapt to the work-from-home environment. What skills do they need?

Federal government employees who were planning on retiring might want to hold onto their paperwork.

Despite being hotbeds for coronavirus, neither New York nor California are among the states with the greatest spikes in unemployment.

Meanwhile, 49 percent of employers are considering layoffs while more than a third are freezing new hires.

Consider the time you are spending working from home as a gift. And take a look at these suggestions for how to use it.

You can take some actions to help yourself.

Jeff Levine of Kitces.com and Buckingham Wealth breaks down the details of how direct payments and RMD waivers work in the stimulus bill.

If the coronavirus has taken over your mental wellness, here are 5 ways to reduce anxiety and take your life back.

"The impact on physicians from COVID-19 is going to be transformative," says one industry expert.

Although those who lose their jobs qualify to enroll in health care plans through the ACA markets, many likely will not.

'Research shows women are unfairly impacted financially in times of crises like the current coronavirus epidemic,' says one researcher.

Mercer study shows employers need to 'win with empathy' both now and in the future.

Employers can make the difference between an employee having to stop working or being able to manage work and life.

Here's what you can do to ensure that your company's pension plan can adapt appropriately to changing conditions.

Employees are looking to their employers for the resources, tools and motivation to get their finances right in a time like this.

Transitioning to a work-from-home model. Furloughing and laying off workers. Complying with new regulations from the CARES and Families First Coronavirus…

The CEO of Pivot Health says most short-term health insurers are waiving COVID-19 testing out-of-pocket costs.

With so many variables at play, those numbers could be lower--or higher.

People in communities of color are more more likely to lack health insurance and to be without a usual source of care.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread through the U.S., employers must be as mindful of the state of their self-funded health plan as they are the health of their employees. Here are key steps to ensure the plan's financial viability during this crisis.

Upwards of one-third of plans are candidates for termination, unless sponsors at least get "some breathing room on notices, contributions, and testing," ARA says.

Schumer and Pelosi want to expand PPP loans and other aid as lawmakers discuss a broader follow-up to the CARES Act.

As millions of Americans lose employer-sponsored insurance, some will enroll in an ACA or Medicaid plan, and some will simply go without.

Now that we've all learned to use our hampers as desks and to mute our phones during a Zoom meeting, it's time to shift our focus.

Integrated Benefits Institute outlines how three possible scenarios will play out when it comes to employer spending.

If there is one clear take away from the current situation, it's the need to plan ahead for the unexpected.

At this point, most health insurers are predicting that COVID-19 will have little effect on 2021.

In addition to testing, the guidance clarifies what related services, including antibody testing, insurers must cover without cost-sharing.

According to a recent survey, 46 percent would think twice about seeking medical care right now because of cost.

The SEC urged companies to disclose where the company stands today and how its operations and financial condition may change.

Over a one-month period, the number of prescriptions filled for antidepressant, anti-anxiety and anti-insomnia medications increased 21 percent.

Hospitals are blasting the government's decision to take a one-size-fits-all approach to distributing $30 billion in emergency grants.

The following testing options, pricing, and logistics solutions provide guidance for employer groups wanting to test employees for Coronavirus (COVID-19) when returning to work.

The new online tool was designed to help millions who don't usually file a tax return.

Judge Gallagher did acknowledge that BofA's criteria "undoubtedly made it materially harder for some small businesses to access the PPP."

CVS's top lawyer, Thomas Moriarty, talks about leading his team through the maze of complex legal and regulatory issues CVS faces from COVID-19.

Regardless of your industry, your people are looking to you, their employer, for trusted information and support right now.

Employers may 'step up' vesting of employer contributions in the case of an involuntary dismissal -- but they can also protect retirement plan loans.

Back at the turn of the new year, few people imagined the havoc that the COVID-19 outbreak would cause during the first quarter of 2020. The broad…

Large sponsors quicker to implement retirement provision of CARES Act.

While they don't expect to emerge completely unscathed, many advisors see a silver lining.

Helping employees cope with the economic fallout of COVID-19 is a win-win. Here are some ideas for what you can do.

There are a number of issues simmering in the employee benefits pot beneath the FFCRA and CARES Act that employers should watch.

In the short-term, business leaders need to focus on crisis management and managing the immediate impact. And after that?

In this guidance, legal experts at Sidley address frequently asked questions from employers across industries in light of the continuing COVID-19 crisis.…

In the realm of cybersecurity and data privacy, lawmakers may have their eyes on issues that have emerged from the pandemic.

June 30 deadline for employers with 100 or more workers pushed back; support services to be added to help employers.

The plan will allow governors to take "a phased and deliberate approach to re-opening their states," Trump said.

Treasury Department denies that adding Trump's name to the memo line on checks is causing any delays of paper checks.

This article discusses certain considerations for employers that sponsor nonqualified deferred compensation plans, in light of business/market conditions and employee needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular emphasis on the strict requirements of IRC § 409A.

Right now is the time to double down on what we know are the best practices in benefit design and employee engagement.

AICPA's quarterly economic gauge finds a big drop in how we view our financial situations in the U.S. -- but how bad is it?

The COVID-19 situation is a trial by fire for companies and employees new to working from home.

It's no surprise that Americans are stressed out about the pandemic, but who is suffering the most?

While many executives expect a "u-shaped" recovery, over 20 percent expect a "w-shaped" recovery, that is, with several ups and downs.

And several other potential reasons why large-plan sponsors have already made decisions smaller-plan sponsors are still considering.

This widespread loss of income has stark impacts, as consumers worry about being able to pay their debts and afford medical costs.

Long-term financial goals are discarded as focus shifts to meeting day-to-day expenses.

There's an idea under discussion that has supporters in both parties, the Center for Retirement Research director.

The private data of nearly 8,000 small-business applicants may have been exposed to others, the agency stated.

Here's a program that could help your clients. And, maybe, you.

Most Americans' retirement plans are based on reaching certain milestones, which COVID-19 has erased.

At least 18 states have taken or are considering steps to ease requirements for workers compensation as the virus puts a wider range of front-line employees in danger.

A new poll shows that so far, only a limited number of respondents have instituted furloughs or reduced employee pay.

These financial tips might help you bring order to your thoughts and maybe convince you there is a future after Covid-19.

Your employees no doubt have a lot of questions about health care coverage right now, but here are the three big ones.

A Q&A with Dan Keady, CFP, RMA, Chief Financial Planning Strategist at TIAA.

The ACA's protections "are more important than ever, as the coronavirus crisis shatters the lives and livelihoods of millions," says Nancy Pelosi.

A pandemic isn't an excuse for advisors to relax compliance — in fact, the pressure is greater.

"President Trump is probably now overseeing one of the biggest expansions in government health spending in one year ever," says one expert.

Increased reliance on digital brought on by the coronavirus means greater focus on cybersecurity -- and who bears the risk.

Not all employer groups are having the same struggle delivering proper health care to their employee populations.

How you feel about the the pandemic and our country's response depends a lot on who you are and where you live.

Want more information about the employee retention credit or employer payroll tax deferral? Look no further.

The pandemic will cause long-term economic fallout and lasting behavior changes, the economist and advisor says.

Products for the employee benefits industry related to the coronavirus, from SWORD Health, SixFifty, PC Matic, OptimizeRX,MeMD, Conversion Labs, and more.

Because of the coronavirus, individual and corporate taxpayers now have until July 15 to file and pay their 2019 taxes and first quarter 2020 estimated…

Social determinants of health play a major role in how well employees will weather this chaotic time.

Your self-funded employer clients may have more options than they think to continue serving members' health care needs, even with the uncertainty and unparalleled strain the pandemic is placing on their business and the work their members do.

Here are some FAQs regarding ESOP-related issues we've been discussing with clients during the coronavirus pandemic.

The final costs will depend on a number of factors, including how many Americans are infected and the availability of testing.

Hospitals receiving funding as a result of the stimulus package will be banned from charging more than in-network rates.

A Q&A with Rhian Horgan, founder and CEO of Kindur.

Public health specialists say a range of tools, high-tech strategies and public health interventions could curb the spread of COVID-19.

The key to saving tens of thousands of retirement plans of small to mid-sized businesses lies in one program within the CARES Act.

TDFs better off during the coronavirus selloff than the financial crisis, but still much pain among 2020 vintages across investment styles.

Telehealth platforms are frantically adding doctors to their networks and adding staff to deal with the deluge of new patients.

Nearly 90 percent of companies say they're grappling with whether to pay employees during absences related to the coronavirus.

In addition to the usual cyber threats consumers have to be on the watch for, the current situation presents opportunities for new scams.

Insurers have been experiencing a short-term increase in profits and are passing those savings back.

Massachusetts is putting people to work as "contact tracers" to help trace and limit the spread of coronavirus.

The number of doctors, nurses and other medical staff losing their jobs in the thick of the pandemic is just the tip of the iceberg.

Aon, Mercer and OneDigital have developed predictive modeling apps to help employers plan for changing medical costs.

Legal experts say the coronavirus is certain to be raised in briefs filed in GOP officials' lawsuit against the ACA.

Now is the perfect time for assessing how online platforms and telecommuting might be used to improve your operations.

Here's a look at answers to the top 10 questions employers are asking during this chaotic time.

The American Benefits Council is asking Congress to fund a reinsurance or risk corridor programs aimed at stabilizing premiums.

Key element was how plan sponsors allocated between treasuries and credit, says Willis Towers Watson's McEvoy.

The federal agency has posted a 45-minute webinar responding to a range of inquiries about privacy and disclosure.

8 provisions of the Paycheck Protection Program that plan advisors can help plan sponsor clients understand.

WalletHub ranked 180 cities based on the change in the jobless rate from a year ago.

Estimate based on projections that 66–198 million Americans may become infected, and 4.9–19.8 million may have to be hospitalized.

After financial crisis, 30-day notice requirement of suspended matches was waived -- but no mention in CARES Act.

HR managers need to think of ways to keep employees engaged, productive and protected in this chaotic time.

Insurers, for their part, say they're adapting.

In the worst-case scenario, employers would be looking at an additional 5 to 7 percent increase.

Pharmacies are working to block panicked Americans from squirreling away meds touted as potential treatments for coronavirus.

6 advisors and how they're helping pre-retirees and retirees meet their income needs.

This episode of The ShiftShapers Podcast is called "What is stress and how can we cope? – with Lynn Jonen, Ph.D." Host and Chief Transformation…

While suspending 401(k) matching will not fully cover the revenue the firm anticipates it will lose, layoffs are not expected.

An immediate dollar-for-dollar tax offset against payroll taxes will be provided to eligible employers.

One solution they see to ease one of their biggest worries could be automation.

Leaders of both companies called it the right thing to do to help alleviate financial stress for their members.

A Q&A with Edward Gottfried, Director of Product at Betterment for Business

Is a $0 visit fee telehealth service considered significant care? Regulators have not answered this question, although millions of Americans have access to telehealth and HDHP plans.

Not all employers have the option to have employees work remotely, but they're still doing what they can to accommodate workers.

About $100 billion is intended to reimburse "eligible health care providers for health care-related expenses or lost revenue."

Bill passed despite efforts by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky) will provide employer and worker relief in multitude of areas.

The following outlines the The Families First Coronavirus Response Act's provisions specific to employers:

The House is scheduled to bring the CARES Act to a vote on Friday, March 27.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services considering reopening the Affordable Care Act exchanges.

Here are resources, because it's certainly not making anxiety, substance abuse, parenting issues and other mental and emotional burdens any easier.

Employers are waiving cost-sharing and increasing access to prescription drugs for their employees, among other strategies.

Some employees will suspect that they were terminated not merely for economic reasons, but also for retaliatory ones.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES Act, now heads to the House.

Harder to reinstate retirement benefits once they've been stripped.

You can see the future of the workplace from your house, because the future workplace is your house. Are 401(k) plan sponsors ready for it?

Covered California's actuarial/policy brief recommends that Congress consider three actions now to mitigate impact.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic raises many employee benefit and compensation considerations for employers. We examine key issues relating to COVID-19 and provide suggested strategies for employers to prepare for these issues.

A Q&A with Jim Scheinberg, North Pier Search Consulting founder and CIO

American Council of Life Insurers CEO Neely vows to maintain commitments to retirees.

Employers can also choose to designate an authorized representative to act on their behalf to complete Section 2.

Multiemployer plans facing insolvency would be bailed out, furloughed time would count toward retirement plans, and more.

Losses due to unemployment, corporate cost-cutting and incentives to dip into retirement accounts may be hard to compensate for later.

One solution to avoid more layoffs is "work-sharing" or "short--time compensation" programs -- except in the food biz.

Bill stalled in Senate.

Remote work isn't 'business as usual '-- it's perhaps the biggest change in the way businesses operate. Here's how HR can help.

Trump has defended his actions as recently as Sunday and told reporters, "What we want to do is get rid of the bad health care and put in great health care."

Among consumers, 64 percent overall say they couldn't cover their deductible if they end up hospitalized for COVID-19.

During this chaotic time, employers need to be cognizant of the mental and emotional stress employees are facing.

Key drug manufacturing facilities in China were sidelined by the COVID-19 outbreak. How will it affect Americans?

Regulators at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners have developed a guide to COVID-19 insurance.

The list of measures goes beyond the loan relief that is part of the GOP's Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.