Insurance

EPLI coverage: Shopping for lawsuit security

01/01/2002

Even if you draft airtight employment policies and provide expert training, your company could still end up among the increasing number of businesses facing …

‘Gross Misconduct’ Cancels COBRA Coverage

01/01/2002

Q. Do I have to provide a COBRA notice for an employee who is terminated for a positive drug test shortly after starting work? —D.W., Colorado

Paid family leave: Lots of talk in states but little action

12/01/2001

Despite dozens of bills being introduced on paid family leave in state legislatures this year, only one made it into law. Oklahoma passed legislation requiring employers to allow workers to …

The countersuit: How to fire back at frivolous lawsuits

12/01/2001

When a disgruntled employee files a meritless lawsuit against your company, don’t just defend yourself. Call his bluff by filing a …

Independent contractors, others can be plan beneficiaries

11/01/2001

J.L. Hollis worked as a sales rep for Hendrick Graduate Supply House for more than 10 years. Then he signed an agreement that reclassified him as an independent contractor. He still …

EEOC rewriting rules on retiree health benefits

10/01/2001

The U.S. Equal Employment Oppor-tunity Commission (EEOC) is taking a fresh look at age discrimination in retiree health benefit plans. The commission rescinded its policy that had said employer plans …

Mental health benefits: Know federal, state parity laws

09/01/2001

When Congress reconvenes, one of the hottest issues will be whether to add new teeth to a five-year-old federal mental-health parity law. Under the law, companies offering mental health coverage …

Push for contraceptive coverage gets shove from federal court

08/01/2001

If you’re not already covering prescription contraceptives with your health plan, there’s new pressure to do so. For the first time, a federal court has ruled that excluding …

Rx for drug testing: A firm policy, legal knowledge

08/01/2001

If you’re not testing employees for drugs yet, some of your best excuses are going up in smoke. New testing devices are cheaper and less invasive than urine tests. Example: Products …

You can limit domestic partner benefits to same-sex couples

07/01/2001

If you’re thinking about extending benefits to employees’ domestic partners, be prepared to defend any limits. When the Chicago school board decided to extend spousal health benefits to domestic partners …