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The Growing Challenge of Healthcare Costs for Businesses For businesses in the automotive, roads, and fuel industries, and businesses with 5 or more vehicles, managing employee healthcare costs [...]
The Evolving Health Benefits Landscape for Essential Businesses The conversation around employee health benefits has traditionally centered on a single metric: premium costs. However, forward-thinking businesses across America's [...]
The True Price of Postponing Healthcare Decisions In today's volatile healthcare landscape, many businesses find themselves trapped in a cycle of indecision. The numbers tell a sobering story: [...]
In the fast-paced world of automotive, roads, fuel, and fleet industries, your workforce is your most valuable asset. Keeping employees healthy and productive is crucial for business success. [...]
A Healthcare Crisis Hitting New Hampshire Businesses Hard New Hampshire’s healthcare system is in turmoil, and employers like you are bearing the brunt. Hidden costs, workforce shortages, and [...]
The Healthcare Crisis in Massachusetts Small businesses in Massachusetts are grappling with a healthcare system in turmoil. Layoffs, carrier losses, soaring drug costs, and limited access to care [...]
Chronic diseases are becoming a major issue in the workplace, making up a large share of workers' compensation claims in Massachusetts. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and [...]
Healthcare costs in New England are among the highest in the country, putting significant pressure on businesses, and in many cases are surpassing national averages. With Massachusetts leading [...]
New England residents face some of the highest healthcare costs in the nation. For example, recent data shows that the average annual premium for employer-sponsored health insurance in [...]
In today's complex healthcare landscape, organizations face unprecedented challenges in managing escalating healthcare costs while maintaining quality coverage for their employees. Level funding emerges as a sophisticated solution, [...]
Winter presents unique challenges for businesses operating across automotive, infrastructure, and energy sectors. The combination of cold temperatures, precipitation, and reduced daylight creates complex safety considerations that affect [...]
Winter facility maintenance demands precision, preparation, and unwavering attention to safety protocols. The challenges of operating heavy equipment in harsh winter conditions, combined with the need to maintain [...]
Elevate Your Business with NARFA's Exclusive Advantages At NARFA, we understand that the key to a thriving business in the automotive, roads, fuel, and fleet sectors lies in [...]
Introduction to OSHA Form 300A The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to maintain records of work-related injuries and illnesses, one of which is the OSHA [...]
In a significant move towards wage equity and transparency, Massachusetts has passed the Frances Perkins Workplace Equity Act, commonly referred to as the Massachusetts Pay Transparency Law. This [...]
When workplace injuries occur, understanding temporary disability benefits becomes crucial for both employers and employees. For companies in the automotive, roads, fuel, transportation, fleet and industrial sectors, managing [...]
The transition period after holiday breaks represents a critical safety window across industrial sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' most recent data reveals sobering statistics about workplace injuries [...]
Effective January 1, a new law in New Hampshire requires most employers to allow employees to keep loaded firearms in their vehicles while parked at work. Signed by [...]
Understanding the Evolution of Benefits Management in Today's Business Landscape In today's business environment, benefits administration has evolved far beyond the traditional annual enrollment period. As businesses face [...]
The Evolution of Benefits Administration: A Game-Changing Solution In today's complex business environment, managing employee benefits can consume up to 30% of HR professionals' time. The NARFA [...]
The Hidden Cost of Flu Season to Your Business Every year, flu season takes a significant toll on workplace productivity. According to the CDC, U.S. employees miss approximately [...]
Redefining Workers' Compensation Success When a workplace accident occurs, the true test of a workers' compensation program lies in its ability to coordinate multiple specialties while maintaining focus [...]
In the world of workers' compensation, timing and coordination are everything. A recent case managed by the Automotive Industries Compensation Corporation (AICC) demonstrates how early intervention and integrated [...]
Key TakeawaysNew age-based catch-up contribution limits for workers 60-63Updated thresholds for retirement accounts and HSAsInflation-adjusted welfare and retirement benefit limitsChanges implemented under SECURE 2.0 ActUnderstanding the 2025 IRS [...]
The Rising Tide of Healthcare Costs In recent years, employees across various industries have experienced a significant uptick in their out-of-pocket costs for health coverage. This trend [...]
Beginning January 1, 2025, Connecticut’s paid sick leave law—which currently covers employers with 50 or more employees in the state and only applies to service workers—will be significantly [...]
The American workforce is aging rapidly, particularly in industries with physical demands. This demographic shift presents unique challenges and opportunities for businesses in the automotive, roads, fuel, fleet, [...]
In recent years, a new class of drugs has gained significant attention in the medical world, promising substantial weight loss and potential changes in healthcare costs. These medications, [...]
In an era where student debt is skyrocketing and job markets are increasingly volatile, one career path stands out for its stability, earning potential, and accessibility: skilled trades. [...]
Are rising health insurance costs eating into your small business's budget? Are your employees struggling to afford quality healthcare? Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) might be [...]
In workers' compensation, particularly for industries served by the National Automotive Roads Fuel Association (NARFA) and the Automotive Industries Compensation Corporation (AICC), physical therapy is key to employee [...]
As we approach 2025, businesses in the automotive, roads, fuel, fleet, and related industries face an increasingly complex healthcare landscape. With health insurance costs continuing to rise, [...]
In today's challenging economic climate, employers are constantly seeking innovative solutions to manage rising healthcare costs. NARFA (National Automotive Roads Fuel Association) offers a comprehensive range of [...]
In today's fast-paced world of automotive, roads, fuel, and fleet management, safety is critical. As technology evolves and new challenges emerge, our approach to safety training must keep [...]
For many employers, healthcare costs are a high-wire act. You want to offer competitive benefits packages to attract and retain top talent, but rising costs threaten to throw [...]
The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a new rule aimed at protecting workers from extreme heat hazards. This initiative seeks to safeguard approximately 36 million indoor and [...]
The landscape of federal regulation is set for a seismic shift following a recent Supreme Court decision. On June 28, in Loper Bright Enterprises, et al, v. Raimondo, [...]
In today's complex regulatory environment, businesses in the automotive, roads, fuel, and related industries face unprecedented challenges in managing employee benefits. Recent studies show that compliance issues are [...]
As summer temperatures begin to soar, it's crucial to be aware of the dangers posed by extreme heat. Recent heat waves to become more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting, [...]
The following changes to Colorado employment law apply to employers of all sizes. APPLICANT AGE-RELATED INQUIRIES PROHIBITED Beginning July 1, 2024, employers will be prohibited from asking for [...]
In the automotive, roads, fuel, fleet, and related industries, indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical factor that significantly impacts the health, safety, and productivity of employees. As [...]
If your business offers health insurance benefits to employees, you've likely heard of alternative funding models like self-funding or level-funding. But what exactly do these alternative approaches entail, [...]
For decades, the narrative has been that after high school, you go to a four-year university and earn a bachelor's degree. While college is certainly the right path [...]
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced the finalization of its overtime rule, significantly impacting how employers classify employees as exempt from overtime pay requirements under the [...]
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that certainly applies to your health. In today's busy world, it's easy to let routine [...]
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently highlighted that costs associated with nutrition, wellness, and general health do not typically qualify as reimbursable medical expenses under Section 213 [...]
The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and in 2024, rising costs remain a top concern for both employers and employees. Fortunately, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer a unique [...]
Spring is here, and with it comes April's designation as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. While the changing seasons and blooming flowers might tempt you to take your eyes [...]
The annual open enrollment scramble is a familiar scene for many HR professionals. But what if there was a better way? Recent trends point toward a shift [...]
In the fast-paced world of automotive repair, car dealerships, and businesses in the roads, fuel, fleet, and related industries, keeping your team safe and your business running smoothly [...]
As a business owner, you're navigating an increasingly complex landscape. Rising costs across the board, from operational expenses to employee benefits, can squeeze your bottom line and leave [...]
A startling 45% of retirement plan sponsors are unaware of their fiduciary responsibilities within their organization’s retirement scheme. As fiduciaries, it's imperative to adhere to the established best [...]
In a fast-paced work environment across various industries, ensuring the safety of employees and customers against slips, trips, and falls (STF) is crucial. These incidents, ranging from minor [...]
Washing your hands regularly isn't just good manners, it's a powerful shield against illness and lost productivity. Let's dive into some eye-opening facts: Illnesses and the Dirty Truth: [...]
Remember struggling for appointments, battling traffic, and waiting in stuffy exam rooms? Telehealth, the magic of healthcare delivered virtually, is changing the game! What is Telehealth? Imagine connecting [...]
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has recently issued final guidance on differentiating between employees and independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The DOL Independent [...]
Operating a carwash, whether automatic or manual, demands stringent health and safety measures. In this industry, risks range from chemical exposure to physical hazards, affecting both employees and [...]
As 2024 unfolds, Congress faces a narrowing timeframe to enact significant health initiatives. The fiscal year's spending bills offer a crucial opportunity for legislation. The process faces two [...]
With the Inflation Reduction Act's passage, an unprecedented path unfolds for organizations to embrace clean energy advancements while potentially easing tax implications. This landmark legislation earmarks $369 billion [...]
The emergency room is absolutely where you should go for life-threatening illnesses or injuries, such as chest pain, head trauma, and other serious conditions. However, ERs see far too [...]
In the Northeast, winters are predominantly cold, so we want to highlight various winter hazards and provide guidance on measures to stay safe during this season. Here are [...]
The year 2024 has just begun, but things continue to rapidly change in the employee benefits landscape. Rising healthcare costs, shifting workforce priorities, and a complex regulatory environment [...]
In the U.S., December 2022 through January 2023 saw an increase in every type of winter claim. Driven by Winter Storm Elliot, freeze claims jumped 428%, followed by [...]
As we head into 2024, the conversation around healthcare continues to evolve, and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are emerging as a powerful tool for both employers and [...]
Employers understand the importance of workers' compensation insurance as a fundamental requirement for any organization. It not only provides essential medical benefits and wage replacement to injured workers [...]
The IRS has released its annual guidance on inflation adjustments for retirement provisions in 2024. The key updates include: For 401(k) and similar defined contribution plans, the contribution [...]
In the dynamic world of the automotive, roads, and fuel sectors, trade associations play a critical role in supporting businesses to navigate the complexities of the industry. NARFA [...]
What is pre-diabetes? Pre-diabetes means your blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. However, without intervention, [...]
Imagine you’ve developed a series of company safety policies and programs, but as a small business owner, you aren’t certain how to communicate them to your employees. This [...]
On August 30, the White House proposed a rule through the Department of Labor to extend overtime pay eligibility to an additional 3 million workers. This move echoes [...]
The automotive industry encompasses a diverse workforce that requires a specialized approach to employee benefits. NARFA, with its longstanding history and expertise, stands as an invaluable ally for [...]
Many people overlook mental illness and substance abuse and their costs to American businesses and families. Millions of dollars are lost due to absenteeism, reduced and impaired productivity, [...]
Knowing where to go if you get sick or hurt can save you lots of time and money, and help you get the best medical care. How do [...]
Helpful Tips to Prevent Wintertime Slips, Trips, Falls: Adequately plow all lots throughout the snowstorm and ensure the lots are clear. Salting / sanding of the lots should [...]
When a fire ripped through an Alabama dealership's service department in 2017, killing three shop employees and injuring two others, the accident was a grim reminder that auto [...]
The automotive industry is about more than just vehicles. It's a complex ecosystem that includes road infrastructure and fuel innovation, which are critical components driving the sector forward. [...]
The IRS has announced a two-year delay of the SECURE 2.0 Act's Roth catch-up requirement, which was set to take effect on January 1, 2024. This means that [...]
Connecticut has made significant changes to its pass-through entity tax (PET) in recent years. The most recent changes took effect in 2022. The original PET was enacted in [...]
Workplace Injury Costs When workplace injuries occur, it’s easy to see the immediate and direct costs, but there are a multitude of ongoing and indirect costs that should [...]
The Workers’ Compensation market could currently best be characterized as stable, but changes in the nation’s workforce—coupled with rapid-fire technological advancements—threaten to upset the balance of the industry. [...]
The summer of 2023 has been a warm one in the United States. The heat can have a significant impact on workers, both indoor and outdoor. Heat illness [...]
Fleet trade associations, such as the National Automotive, Roads, Fuel Association (NARFA) are organizations that represent the interests of fleet owners and operators. They provide a variety of [...]
Trade associations play a pivotal role in strengthening industry sectors by uniting companies around common goals and interests. For businesses in the automotive, roads, and fuel sectors, NARFA [...]
The following changes to Colorado employment law apply to employers of all sizes. While our math indicates that these laws take effect August 8, the state legislature’s website [...]
UPDATED FORM I-9 A new Form I-9 (Rev. 08/01/23) will be available for employers to use on or after August 1, 2023, and once released can be found [...]
Creating a culture of safety within a workplace begins and ends with the implementation of a quality company safety committee. Businesses both large and small utilize these committees [...]
The following piece is based on the experiences of one of the NARFA Loss Control Specialists. The Automotive Industries Compensation Corporation (AICC) in Massachusetts provides members with one [...]
COBRA is short for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985. It’s a federal law that allows certain employees and covered dependents to elect to continue their [...]
In the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive, roads, and fuel sectors, fleet trade associations have become more crucial than ever. Amidst economic fluctuations and regulatory changes, NARFA stands [...]
Employees will be able to save more money in their health savings accounts (HSAs) in 2024, thanks to inflation-driven increases in contribution limits. The IRS announced on May [...]
Workplace injuries are a major problem, costing businesses billions of dollars each year in lost productivity, medical expenses, and workers' compensation claims. Fortunately, there are a number of [...]
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) is a federal law that prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The PWFA was signed [...]
A new right to repair law in Massachusetts recently got the go-ahead from a federal judge for enforcement. The law went into effect on Thursday, June 1st amid efforts [...]
The trucking industry faces unique challenges when it comes to health insurance. With a highly mobile workforce operating in an environment of rising healthcare costs, traditional insurance models [...]
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it's important to seek help if you're struggling. But mental health care can be expensive, which is why [...]
As we let you know last October, the end date for the COVID-related I-9 verification flexibility was (and still is) scheduled for July 31, 2023. Given the number [...]
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are confidential, short-term counseling and referral services offered by employers to their employees and their families. EAPs can provide assistance with a variety of [...]
The automotive industry is a vital component of the American economy, and ensuring that the workforce is healthy and supported is essential for its continued success. NARFA, with [...]
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) recently held webinars to guide users on upcoming changes to the Form ETA 9089. The objective [...]
An effective safety culture is widely accepted as an essential component in the development and implementation of any program supporting safety in the workplace. The safety culture reflects [...]
Employee assistance programs, or EAPs, provide a win-win solution for both employees and organizations. By offering access to mental health assistance programs such as therapy services, and short-term [...]
Brief: President Joe Biden’s proposed fiscal year 2024 budget would increase funding for OSHA by $106.4 million, or 17%, to $738.7 million. As part of the increase, the agency seeks [...]
March is National Ladder Safety Month, let’s look at ladder selection. Before you get started on your next project, you have to choose a ladder, but how do [...]
Editors Note: Each anecdote has been taken from the archives of NARFA’s Automotive Industries Compensation Corporation (AICC) program and is designed to help inform, prepare, and protect [...]
Do you need an annual checkup? From blood work to a complete physical exam, many patients want the works. But, what’s really necessary each year? A group of [...]
Employers that had 11 or more employees at any point in 2022 are required to post Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Form 300A from February 1 through [...]
Information as of January 10, 2023 As sales of electric vehicles continue to surge, many new and prospective customers have questions about qualifying for federal tax credit on [...]
On December 23, 2022, the House passed a 4,155-page funding bill, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (“CAA-23”), that includes a two year extension on telehealth relief for [...]
The following changes to Colorado employment law apply as of January 1, 2023. MINIMUM WAGE Statewide Colorado’s minimum wage will increase to $13.65 per hour. The minimum base [...]
Ohio’s minimum wage is scheduled to increase on Jan. 1, 2023, to $10.10 per hour for non-tipped employees and $5.05 per hour for tipped employees. The minimum wage [...]
The CARES Act and subsequent COVID-19 legislation created and enhanced the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) as a means of incentivizing employers to keep employees on payroll despite operational [...]
Beginning on January 1, 2023, employers of all sizes will be prohibited from discriminating against applicants and employees on the basis of their erased criminal history records. This [...]
Learn more about Massachusetts' minimum wage increase and hour changes will take effect on January 1, 2023. Minimum Wage Massachusetts’ minimum wage will increase to $15 per hour. [...]
In this article, you will learn more about Maine employment law changes requiring employers to pay out unused vacation payout and a minimum wage increase beginning January 1, [...]
Why should employers care about their experience modification (e-mod) factor? Without knowing it, some employers are being overcharged for workers’ compensation premium year after year. They have the [...]
Winter 2022-2023 is predicted to be a cold one for the U.S. According to the Farmers’ Almanac, much of the country will experience weather ranging from chilly to “hibernation [...]
A nutritious eating plan, weight and stress management, exercise, and smoking cessation can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that making lifestyle changes [...]
Keeping an eye out for hazards that could lead to a blow to the head – and safeguarding against them – is vital in the workplace. It’s also [...]
Plan sponsors of group health plans must submit information annually about prescription drugs and healthcare spending to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”). The first deadline [...]
Federal programs like the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) mandated periods of paid leave—short and long—for qualifying employees and offset the expense on businesses with a payroll [...]
Colorado’s paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI) will launch next year. FAMLI benefits include partial wage replacement, job protection, and continuation of group health care coverage. [...]
Every year, nearly five million workers experience an occupational injury or illness on the job, and it is an employer’s responsibility in these cases to meet OSHA requirements. [...]
Although the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) was passed nearly two years ago, several requirements that impact health and welfare plans have largely gone unnoticed by many brokers [...]
Mental health challenges have tested many workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. And as the pandemic reaches the two-and-a-half-year mark, experts say employers need to make employees’ mental health [...]
Applicable large employers must adhere to many Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules to maintain compliance regarding group health plan offerings. We offer the following checklist of the five [...]
Connecticut has amended its human rights law to broaden coverage to all employers—regardless of their employee count—and to add domestic violence protections. The changes take effect on October [...]
A hiring manager, eager to fill an exciting new role in the company, reacquaints himself with a candidate’s resume as that candidate takes a seat across from him. [...]
Connecticut has adopted new family and medical leave (CT FMLA) regulations. While the updated regulations primarily incorporate the changes to the law that took effect on January 1, [...]
You'll be glad you took the tax breaks. Outside of housing and maybe transportation costs, healthcare will likely be your largest retirement expense. It's unfortunate, but doctor visits become more [...]
The DOL, HHS, and IRS issued a report to Congress on the failure by group health plans to comply with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The [...]
At the end of last year, the IRS raised the fee that insurers or sponsors of self-insured health plans pay annually to fund the federal Patient-Centered Outcomes Research [...]
Seventy-seven percent of employees who ranked their benefits education experience as “fair or poor” also rated their employer as “fair or poor,” according to a survey by the [...]
When it comes to promoting worker safety, employers have a vested interest. U.S. employers spend more than $1 billion a week on workers’ compensation costs for non-fatal injuries. In an [...]
The following laws take effect in Connecticut on July 1, 2022. They apply to employers of all sizes. MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES Connecticut’s state minimum wage will increase to [...]
The Internal Revenue Service today announced an increase in the optional standard mileage rate for the final 6 months of 2022. Taxpayers may use the optional standard mileage [...]
Employment benefits that improve quality of life, increase flexibility, and enable people to attend to their personal needs rank high among both employees and job-seekers. And yet, according [...]
Falls are the second leading cause of unintentional death in the United States and the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (CDC). While not all falls are [...]
Memorial Day Weekend is just around the corner. Every year, millions of Americans travel on this holiday and this year is no different. AAA estimates that nearly 39.2 million people [...]
For the first time, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched a National Emphasis Program to protect millions of workers from heat illness and injuries. Through the program, [...]
For months, employers have been eagerly awaiting updated regulations that address the revisions to the Connecticut Family and Medical Leave Act. At last, on March 22, 2022, the Connecticut [...]
Paced by a continuing increase in marijuana positivity rates, the positive drug test rate for U.S. workers reached its highest level in two decades in 2021, according to [...]
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing amendments to its occupational injury and illness recordkeeping regulation, 29 CFR 1904.41. The current regulation requires [...]
Employers have a large opportunity to reduce absenteeism, cut workers’ compensation claims and improve staff engagement by adapting how they manage mental and behavioral health in the workplace. [...]
One of the things we are most proud of is our reputation when it comes to helping to build a strong safety culture for our members. The Automotive [...]
The best Safety and Health Management Systems (S&HMS) involve every level of the organization, instilling a safety culture that reduces accidents for workers and improves the bottom line [...]
Up to $50M designated for equity partnerships, pre-apprenticeship activities The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a grant program to strengthen, modernize, expand and diversify its Registered Apprenticeship Program [...]
Question: An employee in a job that regularly requires lifting 50 pounds now says they can only regularly lift 25 because of an off-the-job injury. Can we terminate? [...]
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor announced today a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking by the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration to improve worker safety and health by ensuring the [...]
On January 11, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced updated guidelines for preventive care and screening for women and infants, children, [...]
We wanted to share with you this great content from the Society of Human Resources Management This guide is designed to help employers that sponsor group health plans [...]
Joining a professional, industry-specific trade association is a very wise investment in your business. At NARFA, we are committed to bringing all of our automotive, roads and fuel [...]
If your resolutions have anything to do with improving your health, here’s a great tip: pick up the phone or go online and schedule your yearly physical with [...]
The Supreme Court on Thursday, January 13, 2022 issued mixed rulings in a pair of cases challenging Biden administration COVID-19 vaccine mandates, allowing the requirement for certain health [...]
The IRS released final Instructions for Forms 1094-C and 1095-C for calendar year 2021 reporting. Applicable large employers (“ALEs”) must furnish Form 1095-C to full-time employees and file [...]