5th Circuit Court of Appeals Extends Stay of OSHA ETS
On Nov. 12, 2021, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals (the Court) extended the preliminary stay it ordered for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) vaccine and testing emergency temporary standard (ETS) on Nov. 6, 2021. The judicial stay will remain in effect until the ETS’ legality is ultimately decided in the judicial system.
The Court granted the petitioners’ original request for a stay because it found cause to believe there are grave statutory and constitutional issues with the ETS. Both OSHA and parties challenging the ETS in court submitted responses to this legal challenge on Nov. 8, 2021, and Nov. 9, 2021, respectively.
Extending the Stay
After initial review, the Court found that the petitioners’ challenges merit a stay until the validity of OSHA’s ETS is determined. The Court found:
- A strong showing the petitioners are likely to succeed on the merits of their petition;
- Petitioners would be irreparably injured if a stay pending review is not granted;
- There is no substantial injury to OSHA by issuing the stay; and
- Issuing the stay is in the best interest of the public.
Additional Legal Challenges
Challenges to the OSHA ETS have also been filed in other federal court of appeals circuits. All challenges to the ETS are due by Nov. 16, 2021, in all circuit courts. On Nov. 16, 2021, all lawsuits filed challenging the ETS were consolidated for review in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Impact on Employers
As a result of this stay, OSHA has suspended implementation and enforcement of the ETS pending future developments in the litigation. This situation is fluid and additional action by the courts is expected. Employers may wish to become familiar with the ETS requirements and should monitor related legal developments in the event future compliance is required.
Final Forms for 2021 ACA Reporting Released
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released final 2021 forms for reporting under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Sections 6055 and 6056.
- 2021 Forms 1094-B and 1095-B are the forms that will be used by providers of minimum essential coverage (MEC), including self-insured plan sponsors that are not applicable large employers (ALEs), to report under Section 6055.
- 2021 Forms 1094-C and 1095-C are the forms that will be used by ALEs to report under Section 6056 and for combined Section 6055 and 6056 reporting by ALEs who sponsor self-insured plans.
Final instructions have not been released yet. However, draft instructions (for Forms 1094-B and 1095-B as well as for Forms 1094-C and 1095-C) are available, which include updated penalty maximums for 2021. Keep in mind that certain other changes may be made once the instructions are finalized.
Important Dates
Employers should note the upcoming deadlines for Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting:
- Individual statements for 2021 must be furnished by Jan. 31, 2022.
- Paper IRS returns for 2021 must be filed by Feb. 28, 2022.
- Electronic IRS returns for 2021 must be filed by March 31, 2022.
Employers should become familiar with these forms for reporting for the 2021 calendar year. Note that additional information may become available regarding these forms once final instructions are released.
3 Workplace Perks Part-time Workers Want Right Now
In some cases, part-time employees don’t qualify for benefits packages. In others, they are only offered limited perks. Employers can consider offering benefits that speak directly to the unique needs of part-time workers. Here are three to think about:
1. Scheduling Power
Scheduling autonomy is a huge perk for part-time employees. These workers might not work full time for a variety of reasons, scheduling conflicts chief among them. Allowing part-time employees to choose when they work can be a huge attraction and retention tool.
2. Early Wage Access
This is when an employee receives money they earned a few days ahead of their normal pay date. This early access can lead to greater overall employee productivity and well-being, as it saves employees from seeking high-interest loans that can lead to further debt. Moreover, since the employees have already earned the money they’re gaining access to, there is little risk to employers.
3. Streamlined Communication Solutions
Employers can consider streamlining communication using a consistent technology platform, such as a company webpage or app. On such a platform, employers could post scheduling information and communicate directly with employees in one spot rather than using individuals’ personal emails.
Summary
Part-time workers can be just as important to businesses as full-time employees. Offering workplace perks that speak to part-time employees’ unique needs can be critical for productivity, well-being and retention.
According to the study, the vast majority of consumers have reported facing hurdles in the past two years when receiving care. These challenges include issues understanding coverage levels, locating providers and navigating the insurance claims process. Issues like these were compounded for individuals with chronic conditions—90% of whom said they faced additional challenges, such as making sense of diagnoses or test results.
Employers spend a lot of time tailoring their health benefits to ensure they meet the needs of their employees. But, if only half of those employees can effectively use such benefits—let alone understand them—then employers may need to refocus their efforts. One of the best ways to help reduce employee confusion and maximize benefits value is through education.
Reach out to discuss a benefits communication plan and secure health literacy resources for your employees.
How to Conduct 1-on-1 Benefits Meetings
Employee benefits programs are a big part of attracting and retaining top talent. You’ve likely worked hard to develop a competitive benefits package, but you may be undermining your hard work by not communicating effectively. Learn some tips for holding 1-on-1 benefits meetings in the video below.
