September 2021

What the Coronavirus Delta Variant Means for Return-to-Work Mask Policies

Provided by Deutsch & Associates, LLC

With a growing percentage of the U.S. population fully vaccinated against COVID-19, many localities and employers have eased mask mandates and policies. However, due to the spread of an emerging variant of coronavirus known as Delta, these policies may still need updating; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now announced updates to its mask guidelines.

According to health experts, while vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the spread of Delta, masks can continue to play a key role in preventing the spread of coronavirus and its variants, even for fully vaccinated individuals.

Updated CDC Guidance on Mask-wearing

The CDC’s updated guidance now recommends that fully vaccinated individuals wear masks in public indoor settings when in areas with high or substantial transmission of COVID-19. At the time of this writing, this includes over 75% of U.S. counties. This update from the CDC is, in part, a reversal from previous agency guidance, which allowed fully vaccinated individuals to stop wearing a mask in most settings.

The guidelines also advise that masks should be worn by all individuals in K-12 schools regardless of vaccination status. The agency continues to recommend that unvaccinated individuals wear a mask indoors and potentially in some crowded outdoor settings.

Employer Takeaway

Aside from CDC guidance, many variables may influence how an employer responds—such as local masks guidelines and mandates, community levels of transmission or vaccination, employee attitudes or even the nature of the business.

Employers should note that these guidelines from the CDC are recommendations and are not legally binding. Even if mask-wearing is not a requirement for an organization, employers must consider any revisions to mask policies that may help ease employee concerns and keep their workforce safe.

COVID-19 and Open Enrollment 2021

The pandemic continues to impact today’s workplaces and employees’ needs. Even as its effects begin to taper, many employees may be more likely to consider a career move. With open enrollment season right around the corner, now is the time for HR professionals to be on top of their open enrollment planning and communications to retain and attract employees.

What’s Happening?

As employees juggled their personal responsibilities in front of their managers and colleagues, many employers adjusted benefits plans to accommodate this new pandemic reality. The most common benefits changes during the pandemic, driven by employee desires, include the following:

• • Increased access to mental health benefits
• • Flexibility for child care and elder care
• • Changes in vacation and paid-time-off policies

Are You Ready?

An effective process begins with reviewing benefits packages to ensure they include competitive offerings employees want and expect as a result of the pandemic. Then, a comprehensive communication strategy can help employees understand their options and encourage participation. Sharing information over an extended time period via multiple channels gives employees more opportunities to review all of their available options and make the best decisions for themselves and their families in the coming year. It may also help to give employees a preview of benefits changes.

Even if open enrollment is still months away, it’s critical to plan ahead and start engaging employees with open enrollment materials so they know about new or expanded offerings. This year, more than ever, benefits will play a crucial role in recruiting and retaining top talent. Contact Deutsch & Associates, LLC today for more open enrollment resources. Read pdf

SEPTEMBER 2021

On Aug. 20, 2021, the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Treasury (Departments) issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the implementation of the No Surprises Act and transparency provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA).

The FAQs provide that Departments will defer enforcement of the rules regarding:

• • Publishing transparency in coverage machine-readable files related to prescription drug pricing (pending further rulemaking);
• • Publishing other types of machine-readable files (until July 1, 2022);
• • Providing a price comparison tool (until Jan. 1, 2023);
• • Providing a good faith estimate of expected charges and Advanced
• Explanation of Benefits to certain individuals (pending further rulemaking); and
• • Reporting of pharmacy benefit and drug costs (pending further rulemaking).

The Departments plan to issue regulations on several other issues, including the interaction of the CAA and the transparency in coverage final rules, as well as the provider directory and continuity of care requirements. Regulations may not be issued until after Jan. 1, 2022. Until then, plans and issuers should use good faith, reasonable interpretations of the statute.

They do not expect to issue regulations on provisions prohibiting gag clauses or balance billing disclosure requirements. Plans and issuers are expected to use good faith, reasonable interpretations of the statutory requirements.

Proposed Rule Would Expand Electronic Filing

On July 23, 2021, the IRS published a proposed rule that would expand the requirement to file certain information returns electronically, including those under the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) reporting requirements in Internal Revenue Code Section 6055 and Section 6056.

• • For Form 1094 series, Forms 1095-B and 1095-C, Form 1099 series and Form 5498 series, electronic filing would be required for entities that file 100 or more returns for due dates in 2022, and 10 or more returns after that. The proposal would also require aggregation of most information returns when calculating these thresholds.

Provided to You by

Deutsch & Associates, LLC

• Entities that file at least 10 returns of any type would be required to

electronically file Form 5330 for tax years ending on or after the date final rules are published, and Form 8955-SSA for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2022.

• For entities required to file Form 5500, the proposed rule would require entities that file at least 10 returns of any type to file Form 5500 electronically for plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2021.

This proposal would effectively eliminate paper filings for most employers. However, the proposed rule has not been finalized and is not effective at this time. Read pdf

As millions of Americans get vaccinated against COVID-19 and businesses resume normal operations, people are likely making plans to travel this summer.

Of those planning to travel, 74% will take a domestic trip and 13% will travel internationally. Also, millennials report being the most excited to plan trips and get back out there this summer.

If you’re trading your staycation for a getaway, here are some tips to keep you as safe as possible this summer:

• • Get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends delaying travel until you are able to get fully vaccinated.
• • Stay domestic. Although Europe continues to open up to fully vaccinated U.S. travelers, the global travel situation is in flux. Some countries are closing their borders again or enforcing strict curfews and mandates.
• • Take a road trip. Traveling by car is still safer than flying as it involves less exposure to people.
• • Explore the outdoors. Outdoor activities are generally safer. Get outdoorsy or visit small towns to distance yourself from others easily.
• • Check travel restrictions. Be flexible and continue checking state and local policies for where you are, along your route and where you are going.
• • Keep up with COVID-19 safety precautions. Pack extra masks and hand sanitizer for any outing. Regardless of your vaccination status, you should still wear a mask, avoid crowds and wash your hands frequently when traveling.

If you’re not traveling this summer, use your vacation time to reconnect with friends and family who you’ve missed.

CDC Travel Considerations

If you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and travel within the United States, the CDC says you do not need to get tested or self-quarantine after travel. If you are traveling with young children who aren’t eligible yet for vaccination, check out these CDC recommendations.

The most important aspect of traveling is to stay safe and healthy. If you’re not comfortable traveling this summer, you can always start planning your 2022 dream getaway. Read More (pdf)