CURRENT NEWS AND
REGULATORY UPDATES

April 13, 2020 – We’ve complied a list of answers to COVID-19 questions frequently asked by our clients. Read through the questions and answers here.

April 6, 2020 – Federal agencies have not issued guidance regarding the ACA’s employer shared responsibility rules in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. This update provides information for employers regarding how the look-back measurements method applies to COVID-19 related absences.

April 1, 2020 – The $2 trillion stimulus package recently passed by Congress is the largest economic stimulus measure in modern history. This relief promises to provide help for struggling American families and businesses, as well as health care workers on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak.

March 31, 2020 – Over the weekend, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a third round of Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Questions and Answers.

Yesterday, March 25, Governor Walz announced the Stay-at-Home Executive Order for Minnesota, restricting the operation of “non-critical businesses” in order to control the spread of the coronavirus.

Yesterday, March 24, the DOL announced its first round of guidance to provide information to employees and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

March 24, 2020 – Small and midsize employers may begin using two new refundable payroll tax credits to obtain reimbursement for the costs of providing coronavirus-related leave to their employees.

March 23, 2020 – A Shelter in Place order is being seriously considered by multiple states in the Midwest in response to the spread of COVID-19.

March 21, 2020 – As part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act signed into law by President Trump on March 18, 2020, two laws were enacted that provide workers with paid leave for reasons related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the Act) into law.

On March 11, 2020, the IRS issued Notice 2020-15, which allows high deductible health plans (HDHPs) to pay for COVID-19 testing and treatment without a deductible.

The Department of Labor (DOL) has released updated versions of its model COBRA General Notice and model COBRA Election Notice, both with an expiration date of Jan. 31, 2023.