February Newsletter

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Newsletter

Dear EBPA Member,

If you are like me, you’re glad to be past 2020 and looking forward to an exciting 2021! 2020 certainly tested all of us in the employee benefits industry. From clients downsizing or trying to cut benefit costs to creating virtual environments for employees to work safely from home, we were all pushed to be better at advising our clients through turbulent times.

With that in mind, the EBPA Board set out to answer one very simple question,

“How can we be a valuable and relevant resource to our members in the area of employee benefits?”

After numerous meetings, surveys and discussions, I’m very pleased to answer that question and tell you what’s ahead for 2021:

You will notice a new look for EBPA of Southern California with a redesigned logo and a revitalized website (in progress).
A new monthly Newsletter (this is the inaugural edition) designed to be a go-to resource for all things related to employee benefits. Featuring curated news from carriers, brokers, and vendors.
A new updated LinkedIn profile for EBPA of Southern California.
A new EBPA Monthly Webinar Series starting Tuesday, February 23^rd. Webinar free to members and topics guided by our members.
Our 49^th Annual Golf Scramble on June 18, 2021. Golf, food and prizes!
Affordable Annual Dues starting at $129.00.
A special webinar focused on “Employee Benefits - Economic Trends/New Strategies” coming in late March.
Our Annual Carrier Panel Discussion coming in September.
And more to come…

A lot has changed since the EBPA was founded in 1948, but our commitment to the industry, our community, and you remain the same. The future looks bright, and we look forward to continuing to push our industry to do better and be better. We encourage and welcome your input as we continue to make EBPA of Southern California YOUR association!

Rick Sutherland

President – EBPA of Southern California

rsutherland@rxbenefits.com

(469) 853-1810

Events

Mark your calendars!

EBPA's Monthly Webinar Series has begun! All webinars are free to members and $30 per webinar for non-members. Next 3 sessions are on March 16, April 16, and May 13. Topics to be announced.
49th Annual Golf Scramble, June 18 at Brookside Golf Club. Registration coming soon.

Membership

EBPA is moving to calendar year membership. Contact admin@ebpa.net for assistance paying dues. Companies who wish to apply for membership for multiple employees shall qualify for a discounted individual member. The corporate discount rate is based on the number of employee members applying (see chart below).

Memberships are non-transferable and renew annually.

3-5 Employees - $123/member
6-9 Employees - $116/member
10-15 Employees - $110/member
16-25 Employees - $97/member
26-39 Employees- $65/member

I Am A Proud Member of EBPA!

As you may have noticed, we’ve updated our EBPA logo and we encourage you to download the new graphic for use in your email signatures, social media and on your website. If you haven't already, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for up to date information.

Download member badge here

Industry News

News you ought to know!

“You Can Do More Than Survive. You Can Thrive.” - Insurance Journal, January 5, 2021
“The Company You Keep Can Make All the Difference for Your Small Business Clients” - Insurance Journal, January 25, 2021
"California Carrier Partner Updates"- World & Brown, February 2, 2021
"Participation and Alongside Guidelines" - World & Brown, February 9, 2021
“Employers will keep expanding virtual benefits” - Benefit News , February 17, 2021
“EAPs have never been more important to employees” - Benefit News, February 17, 2021
“Diversity in Insurance Industry For Including Different Mindsets and Experiences” - Insurance Journal, February 17, 2021

Government

Federal Update: COVID-19 Vaccines, Testing, & Treatment & Benefit Plans

Written by Marilyn A. Monahan

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress has passed three major pieces of legislation: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA); the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the CARES Act); and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the CAA). In addition, to help implement these laws and to provide further relief, the powers that be in Washington’s benefits world—specifically, the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury—have issued a series of rules, notices, guidance documents, FAQs, etc., to help employers and employees navigate the complexities and challenges of the pandemic and the impact the pandemic is having on benefit plans.

Some provisions in these federal laws and the relief offered by the Departments have already expired, but some provisions have a longer lifespan. It can be a challenge to keep track of all of these changes, their impact, and their expiration dates. This brief focuses on a hot topic these days: COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccines, with an emphasis of what is covered by your health plan and what is not.