• The HR Specialist - Print Newsletter
  • HR Specialist: Employment Law
  • The HR Weekly

Insurance

States settle deceptive practices lawsuit against Express Scripts

07/14/2008
Pharmacy benefits management giant Express Scripts has agreed to pay $9.5 million to 28 states, including Florida, to settle lawsuits alleging deceptive business practices. The lawsuits claimed the company convinced doctors to change patients’ cholesterol drug prescriptions to brands that offered Express Scripts a rebate …

Back pain and workers’ compensation

07/11/2008
Q. We have an employee who has a “bad back.” We have medical reports indicating he has a congenital back problem that frequently causes severe pain. Although he has a light-duty job, he frequently misses work because of his back pain and often seeks workers’ compensation benefits during his absences. Are we always going to be liable for workers’ compensation benefits when his back prevents him from working? …

Before canceling health insurance, beware FMLA trap that could cost big bucks

07/09/2008
If, like many employers, you provide health insurance benefits to full-time employees but not part-time ones, you may be tempted to cancel coverage as soon as an employee falls to part-time status. But what if the employee is eligible for FMLA leave? Canceling may not be an option—and can lead to a big jury award …

Metropolis kicks butts

07/09/2008
The city of Metropolis—Illinois’ adopted home of Superman—has offered to pay its employees $1,000 each if they can give up smoking for one year …

Roseville company sued for pocketing health insurance funds

07/08/2008
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has filed suit against Catherine Ellingen, owner and president of Plywood Industries in Roseville, over violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) …

Companies try doctors’ bonuses to reduce employee depression

07/08/2008
A group of Minnesota employers is piloting a pay-for-performance program to combat employee depression. The program is sponsored by the Buyers Health Care Action Group (BHCAG) …

Preserve flex, work/life benefits during tough economy

07/03/2008

The stormy economy hasn’t dampened employers’ interests in offering work/life benefits to their employees, says a new study. Even as organizations severely cut contributions to health care, disability programs and pension plans, they continue to offer flexible schedules, child and elder care support, and employee assistance with family and personal problems …

Domestic partners, families partake of company benefits

07/03/2008
Like a growing number of organizations, Richmond, Va.-based CarMax includes employees, their domestic partners and their families in its health plan. But the new- and used-car retailer doesn’t stop there. Domestic partners and their families also take advantage of CarMax associate discounts on cars, auto insurance, parts and service …

Covering in vitro could save on high-Cost alternatives

07/03/2008
Most progressive companies help employees who have young children by offering benefits such as child care and parenting advice. But a few are helping employees become parents—with a benefit that helps them pay for in vitro fertilization …

IRS sets 2009 limits for HSAs

07/03/2008
The IRS has announced the new maximum annual Health Savings Account contributions …