At Work: Solutions for Employers & Employees

by: Susan L. Swatski

Wage and hour matters are prominent in employment law news these days as a result of the new Federal health care laws - the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, Pub. L. 111-148 and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, Pub. L. 111-152 (collectively, the “Health Care Laws”). These laws not only will change the availability of health insurance, but also how health care is delivered in America, specifically with respect to direct-care staff.

Continue reading "Expanding Wage & Hour Protections Will Be a Hot Topic for the 112th Congress" »

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The Economic Stimulus Package signed into law with fanfare on February 17, 2009 provides help for employees who have lost their jobs or will lose their jobs between September 2008 and December 2009. Under the new law, many employees who are eligible for COBRA will be allowed to continue their benefits by paying only 35 % of COBRA premiums. The other 65% must be paid by the former employers, who will then be entitled to a tax credit for those payments.

For employees: Am I eligible?
You are an “eligible individual” under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (“ARRA” or “Stimulus Package”) if:
• Your employment was involuntarily terminated between September 1, 2008 and December 2009
• You are otherwise eligible under COBRA
• You are not eligible for another group health coverage (such as Medicare or your spouse’s plan)
• Your adjusted gross income is less than $125,000. (If your income is between $125,000 and $145,000 you will be eligible for a partial subsidy.)

Continue reading "Economic Stimulus Package Provides COBRA Subsidy for Employees, Administrative Burdens for Employers" »

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