Consultstu LLC provides
fractional HR support to small/mid businesses. We develop and deliver customized solutions to meet each companies' budget and needs. Our team will support your HR needs, keep you in compliance and share new trends and solutions. Stay up to date with the latest HR, risk management, safety, recruiting and benefit news.
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| Health Benefit cost growth slows to 2.4% in 2016
Increasing use of High Deductible Plans controls costs
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NEW YORK, NY - The total health benefit cost per employee is the smallest in decades because employees are choosing to move into lower-cost medical plans at work. 2016's average increase of
2.4% is the lowest since 2013 and, before that, since 1997. According to
Mercer's National Survey of Employer Sponsored Health Plans, total health benefits cost averaged $11,920 per employee in 2016. This cost includes both employer and employee contributions for medical, dental and other health coverage, for all covered employees and dependents. Small employers (10-499 employees) again reported lower cost -- $11,271 -- compared to $12,288 for large employers with 500 employees or more. Over 2,500 employers participated in Mercer's 2016 Survey.
Employee's are quickly moving to enroll in CDHP plans, and away from traditional HMO and PPO plans because the average cost savings is substantial - an average more than 30% nationally.
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| OSHA delays its new anti-retaliation rule again
Employers need to review post accident drug testing and safety incentives
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WASHINGTON - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has agreed to further delay enforcement of the anti-retaliation provisions in its injury and illness rule until Dec. 1, 2016. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas requested the delay to allow additional time to consider a motion challenging the new provisions.
Under the rule, employers are required to inform workers of their right to report work-related injuries and illnesses without fear of retaliation; implement procedures for reporting injuries and illnesses that are reasonable and do not deter workers from reporting; and incorporate the existing statutory prohibition on retaliating against workers for reporting injuries and illnesses.
Read OSHA press release.
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Florida Minimum Wage increasing on Jan 1, 2017
Download the FREE poster
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Tallahassee - The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has announced that the minimum wage in Florida will rise to $8.10 per hour (from $8.05 per hour), effective January 1, 2017. Also effective January 1, 2017, the minimum wage will rise to $5.08 per hour for tipped employees who meet the eligibility requirements for the tip credit under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Click here for the new Florida poster. Download, print and display the poster by January 1, 2017.
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Social Security Administration announces .3% COLA
Low inflation means tiny increase for SSA recipients
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Washington DC - The Social Security Administration
announced that monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will increase 0.3% in 2017. The 0.3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to Social Security beneficiaries in January 2017. The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Read the fact sheet.
Payroll Change for 2017 - Adjust the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) to $127,200 (increased from $118,500 in 2016). |
| Are there any voting leave rules in Florida?
No guidelines for private employers
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Florida does not have any voting leave laws for private sector employers. Since polling places have morning and evening hours, mail in and early voting, employees have many options for casting a ballot. Check with your local county supervisor of elections for more information. For more information,
find your county supervisor of elections and county voting information.
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Individual Marketplace open enrollment starts Nov 1
Important Health Care information for Florida residents
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Open enrollment for 2017 health plans on the Individual Health Insurance Exchange (
Marketplace) begins
November 1, 2016 and ends January 31, 2017. After that date, an individual can enroll or change plans only if he or she qualifies for a Special Enrollment Period. Please note that the last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1, 2017 is December 15, 2016. The maximum fee for not having individual health insurance in 2016 is $2,085.
Read how the individual fee is calculated,
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How is my company's SUTA rate calculated?
After first 10 quarters, a new business is taxed based on experience rating
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Florida assigns new employers an initial tax rate of 2.7%. This rate stays in effect for the first 10 quarters. At the end of this period, an employer has enough history to qualify for an experience-based tax rate. The formula for calculating the rate combines
three major factors: The key factor is the individual benefit ratio which makes up the greatest portion of the employer's final tax rate. This ratio is calculated by dividing the previous 3 years of benefit charges for former employees by the taxable payroll for that same
3-year period. So the benefits charged and the size of the payroll have a direct effect on the employer's tax rate. In short, each employer's contribution rate is his or her benefit cost, plus a share of unassigned costs.
Read more.
Is your unemployment rate too high?Call Stuart Charlson for strategies to lower your company's unemployment tax rate.
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Decision of the Month - Workers' Comp JCC Order
No misconduct for not disclosing out of state DUI during employment
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Tip: Maintain a written Driver policy that requires disclosure of driving violations (like DUI) to cut off WC liability for TPD benefits. A 48 year old Claimant was involved in a motor vehicle accident driving a company truck. The employer accommodated his restrictions post-accident, but terminated his employment after the insurance company refused to insure Claimant because his GA license was suspended due to his DUI conviction. He also had a FL Driver's license.
Was this misconduct that stops liability for Temp Partial Disability (TPD) benefits? No, because his Driver Application was filled out
before his DUI incident. Although the employer had good reason to terminate, the Claimant's actions did not rise to the level of misconduct sufficient to bar the receipt of TPD benefits under F.S. 440.15(4)(e) and TPD benefits were granted.
Read the decision.
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Thank you for reading our HR newsletter. We strive to provide you with trending information to assist with compliance, prevent costly HR mistakes, control HR cost and improve overall employee satisfaction with HR and safety.
Sincerely,
Stuart Charlson, JD
HR for Business - ConsultStu, LLC
Fractional HR Services for Growing Businesses
Advisor on "Unbundling" HR services
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Disclaimer/Reminder
This newsletter does not constitute legal advice or legal services, and is solely provided for informational purposes only.
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