Category Archives: Benefits Consulting

Jim Hopkins Explains Obamacare on the Mike Trivisonno Show

Jim Hopkins, CEO of CPI-HR and President of the Benefit Advisors Network (BAN), was interviewed by Cleveland’s Mike Trivisonno on WTAM’s Triv Show on March 7th, 2013. Listen to how the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), also referred … Continue reading

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Nearly 100,000 Employment Discrimination Charges Filed in Fiscal Year 2012

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 99,412 private sector workplace discrimination charges during fiscal year 2012 (which runs from October 1 to September 30), down slightly from the previous year. Retaliation, race, and sex discrimination (including allegations of … Continue reading

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Health Insurance Exchange Deadline Postponed for Employer

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has delayed the original March 1 deadline for employers to comply with the new requirement under Health Care Reform to provide employees a written notice explaining certain information related to Exchanges. The timing for … Continue reading

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When Weather Strikes: 3 Employee Pay & Attendance Issues

It’s that time of year again, when snow and slippery conditions may make it difficult for your employees to travel to work. Consider the following guidelines that can help your company be prepared when bad weather strikes. 1. When an … Continue reading

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2013 Standard Mileage Rates

The IRS has issued the 2013 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2013, the standard mileage rates for the use of … Continue reading

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10 States Adjust Minimum Wage Rates for 2013

The following states have announced increases in minimum wage rates effective January 1, 2013: Arizona: The minimum wage in Arizona will increase to $7.80 per hour, and $4.80 for tipped employees. Colorado: The proposed state minimum wage is $7.78 per … Continue reading

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‘Tis the Season: Dos and Don’ts of Employee Performance Reviews

For many employers, wrapping up the old year includes holding annual employee performance reviews. While reviews may take place at any time of the year (for example, on the anniversary of an employee’s start date), you may want to end … Continue reading

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4 Tips for Fighting Flu in the Workplace

Flu activity most commonly peaks in January or February and it can be a big disruption for business. Employees who are sick may not be as productive when it comes to getting work done, and symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, … Continue reading

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Survey Reports Limited Employer Interest in Health Insurance Exchanges

According to a recent survey by the non-profit Midwest Business Group on Health, only 9% of employers surveyed expected to participate in state health insurance exchanges when they begin in 2014. Exchanges are state-based competitive marketplaces, established under Health Care … Continue reading

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Many Retirement Plan Limits Will Change for 2013

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced cost-of-living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement-related items for tax year 2013. Federal tax law provides for dollar limitations on benefits and contributions under qualified retirement plans, and requires … Continue reading

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