No Surprises Act FAQ and Independent Dispute Resolution Process

Departments Issue No Surprises Act FAQ and Clarify Independent Dispute Resolution Process The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury (the “Departments”) recently released final rules regarding the No Surprises Act. The rules specifically address required independent dispute resolution (IDR) of certain claims and expenses and finalize prior interim final rules […]

Departments Issue Final Rules to Clarify Dispute Resolution and Transparency under the No Surprises Act

On August 19, the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury (the Departments) released final rules regarding the No Surprises Act provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. The rules address the No Surprises Act’s required independent dispute resolution (IDR) process and finalize prior interim final rules relating to information that […]

Relational Welcomes Bryce McLain

Bryce McLain is a Benefits Advisor with Relational Advisors. He works closely with our partnerships to ensure that each client’s specific needs are met. He assists with enhancing their benefits portfolio, improving internal administrative efficiencies, deploying employee communications, and assisting in renewal negotiations.  By overseeing the entire renewal process he is able to bridge the […]

Good things are happening at Relational!

We are pleased to announce that Amelia Trujillo has been promoted to the position of Relationship Manager.  Amelia has grown tremendously over the last two years and we are excited for her to step into her new role. Additionally, please help us welcome our newest team member, Norma Ruiz.  Norma joins us with over 15 years in Human Resources […]

Baby Formula Resources

In February, Abbott, the largest producer of baby formula in the U.S., and the maker of Similac, was ordered by the FDA to shut down their production facility which produces Similac, EleCare and several other leading powdered baby formulas. Cronobacter bacteria had been found in infants who consumed formulas produced at the plant. Two infants […]

workplace mindfulness

In-Person Event: Cultivating Employee Wellbeing

Cultivating Employee Wellbeing:The Importance of Mindfulness in the Workplace Now, more than ever, nurturing employee wellbeing and mentalhealth is critical to developing workplace resilience. Join us asJessica Drew de Paz, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist and Director ofMindfulness Programs at UC Irvine’s Susan Samueli IntegrativeHealth Institute, shares about evidence-based mindfulness andcompassion programs embraced by various organizations duringthese […]

HDHPs Can Waive Deductible for Telehealth for Remainder of Year

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (CAA), recently signed into law to avoid a government shutdown, includes a provision that will reinstate COVID-related telehealth coverage relief for high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) that choose to permit it. The CAA allows HDHP plan sponsors to allow participants to access non-preventive telehealth services before satisfying a plan’s deductible – […]

Hiring (and Retaining) Like it’s 1999

Some of us remember what it was like trying to hire and retain good talent in 1999, when the dot-com boom was driving a race for talent. Employers were scrambling for talent with incredible raises, hiring bonuses, and enticing perks. It felt like a game of musical chairs, with employers competing to keep a seat. […]

Federal Government Offering Free At-home COVID-19 Test Kits

Free at-home COVID-19 test kits are now available. Every household is eligible to order 4 tests.  Orders will ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them. Information is provided by Relational Advisors and written by Mike Rankin, a non-affiliate of Cetera Advisor Networks LLC.

Ideas and Information for Human Resource Professionals

Engagement Survey Evolution — What’s Next? Are annual engagement surveys outdated? If you look strictly at the numbers, the answer is no. As recently as 2019, 74% of companies still planned on using traditional methods to survey their staff on job and workplace sentiment. However, this number is on the decline from 89% in 2015. […]