Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in every 3 deaths was caused by a cardiovascular disease in 2023. In recognition of these dangers, February is designated as American Heart Month. This annual campaign focuses on raising awareness about cardiovascular...
Low health literacy is quite common in the United States. According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, only 12% of Americans have proficient health literacy skills, which means many adults have difficulty understanding drug labels, following prescription instructions or identifying credible health care resources. Given today’s complex health care system, health care literacy has...
Holiday weeks can pose an extra administrative challenge to employers with employees on leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). In addition to their regular FMLA obligations, employers must figure out how to calculate employees’ leave use when the leave coincides with a holiday. FMLA regulations and an opinion letter from the...
As the year draws to a close, December naturally invites a moment of pause. Between the flurry of holiday plans, year-end deadlines and the anticipation of a fresh start in January, it’s easy to overlook your emotional well-being. Yet, this month may be one of the most critical times to check in with yourself mentally...
Winter weather presents a host of difficulties for employers. Specifically, there are various workplace safety concerns and OSHA requirements to consider. It’s essential to be prepared for all scenarios associated with inclement weather before it arrives and ensure that employees are properly informed of all relevant policies and procedures. Preventing Cold Stress Working in extreme...
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created a federally financed subsidy, called the premium tax credit (PTC), to help eligible individuals and families with low or moderate incomes afford health insurance purchased through an Exchange. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress temporarily enhanced the PTC by eliminating the income cap for eligibility and increasing the amount of...
Understanding the latest employee benefits trends can help organizations plan ahead and offer a benefits package that meets the evolving needs of workers. Here are five trends shaping benefits in 2026: As the workforce’s needs continue to evolve, so must the benefits that companies offer to remain relevant and meaningful to employees. Every workplace is...
A forklift work platform is a safety cage or unit that securely attaches to the forks of a forklift, allowing workers to perform tasks at elevated heights. Sometimes used in place of scissor or boom lifts, work platforms are versatile and portable units that may provide a safer way to conduct tasks above ground level...
Starting Nov. 1, Americans can log on to HealthCare.gov and state-run exchanges, as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace) open enrollment period began for 2026 coverage. This year’s enrollment window runs through Jan. 15, 2026, in most states, with some extending deadlines into late January. The average Marketplace premium after tax credits...