Gowrie Group Extends Health Insurance to Shore-based VIPCA Members Starting February 1, 2022 Gowrie Group, a Division of Risk Strategies, a leading marine insurance agency that manages the comprehensive crew health insurance and yacht insurance programs offered to active members of the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), is pleased to announce that starting February 1, 2022, coverage will be extended to shore-based active VIPCA members. “The VIPCA Crew Medical Program has been such a large success, that the shore-based membership has asked to be included in the group association health plan for the year too. The U.S. Virgin Islands does not offer individual health plans and small group policies are extremely pricey and hard for a group to access. Working with CIGNA and VIPCA, plus understanding the needs of health insurance in the territory, Gowrie has been able to secure affordable health insurance to the shore-based vendors and businesses that are part of the active VIPCA membership,” says Rick Bagnall, Senior Vice President, Gowrie Group, Division of Risk Strategies. Read more »

Crew Medical & Health Insurance for Members & Business Partners of Virgin Island Professional Charter Association (VIPCA). VIPCA and Gowrie are proud to offer a comprehensive, creditable health plan to active, VIPCA members. This health insurance program is underwritten by CIGNA and managed by the insurance specialist at Gowrie Group. CIGNA provides global benefits and assistance services to millions of members in almost every country of the world. With 24/7 medical management services, multilingual claims administrators and highly trained customer service professionals, this health insurance plan brings VIPCA members the products they need, backed by the service they deserve. This new land-based offering to business partner members of VIPCA is available starting January 1, 2022. Our Crew Medical offering to VIPCA members is available now, and with new plans offered January 1, 2022. Read more »

Crew Medical & Health Insurance Program for Active Members of VIPCA (Virgin Island Professional Charter Association). This health insurance program is underwritten by CIGNA and managed by the insurance experts at Gowrie Group. Read more »

Health Insurance Program for Business Partner Members of VIPCA (Virgin Island Professional Charter Association). This health insurance program is underwritten by CIGNA and managed by the insurance experts at Gowrie Group. Available to qualifying members starting January 1, 2022. Read more »

Gowrie Group, a leading marine insurance agency that manages the comprehensive health insurance and yacht insurance programs offered to active members of the Virgin Island Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), has been named by VIPCA as the official insurance supplier of the USVI Charter Yacht Show for the fifth year in a row. The 2021 VIPCA-organized Show is set for November 7-10, at IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande St Thomas, and offers in-person and virtual elements with COVID-19 Safety Protocols designed to assure the well-being of attendees and island residents alike. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - September 2021 Read more »

HR Insights: COVID-19 Vaccine Surcharges, Mandates and Incentives: What Employers Should Know Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Outdoor Exercise Safety Tips, Healthy Benefits of Gardening, and 3 Ways to Snack Smartly Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - May 2021 Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Self-care and Your Mental Health, Skin Cancer and You and Fast Food and Heart Health. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Alcohol Awareness Month During COVID-19 Pandemic, Moving 11 minutes per day can improve your health and Mental Health Support During the Pandemic. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Making Every Bite Count, Prioritize Your Sleep and Properly Cleaning Your Earbuds Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Consolidated Appropriations Act: Employee Benefit Provisions and ACA Reporting Deadlines in 2021. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - 3 Ways to Boost Your Heart Health, Dealing With Job Burnout During the Pandemic, and Don't Delay Preventive Care. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - 5 Ways to Start Your Year Off Right, Kick Stress Eating to the Curb, 5 Stress-reducing Foods, and It's National Blood Donor Month Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Combating Pandemic Fatigue, Benefits of Buying Seasonal Produce, and How to Stay Physically Active Read more »

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is off to a record start with a surge of early storms and is predicted to continue to be a very destructive and powerful season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center updated their Hurricane Outlook in August of this year, with both a change in the likelihood of an above-normal season (85% probability), and an increase from a previous 19 to now up to 25 Named Storms. NOAA expects we will continue to see more, stronger, and longer lasting storms as we brace for the rest of the Atlantic Hurricane Season (which runs until November 30, 2020). We invite you to visit Gowrie Group’s Severe Storm Center to access resources that will help you plan, prepare, respond, and recover from hurricanes, flooding, and severe wind storms at www.gowrie.com/hurricane. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Choosing an Effective Hand Sanitizer, Low-stress Diet Tips, and How to Make Better Decisions When Feeling Anxious Read more »

Supreme Court to Hear Arguments in Lawsuit Challenging ACA's Constitutionality This Fall and Employers Have Flexibility with Contraceptive Coverage Plan Designs Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Sorting Out Coronavirus Fact From Fiction, Summer Sun Safety Tips and Probiotics and You. Read more »

Now more than ever, having the right health insurance matters. If you lead an active lifestyle on and around the water, in the US or Internationally, Gowrie Group has a health insurance solution to meet your needs. Open Enrollment Period for US Sailing members for the SailorsHealth Insurance by Gowrie Group plan runs from July 1 to August 31. Eligible US Sailing members include: pro-sailors, certified instructors, college sailors, international cruisers, and paid crew/captains. This best-in-class annual health insurance plan features worldwide coverage, prompt access to doctors and hospitals, English speaking customer service, and paperless claims. Questions, contact Gowrie Group at SailorsHealth@gowrie.com or 860.399.3634. To learn more and enroll online now, click here.

Live Well, Work Well - Boost Your Mental Well-being During These Uncertain Times, Survive the Summer Heat and Socially Distance Yourself This Summer Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Updated Model COBRA Notices Available, and COVID-19 Relief for Benefit Plan Deadlines. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Why Cleaning Your Home Can Boost Overall Well-being, and Grilling Safety Tips and How to Reduce Your Food Waste. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - IRS Allows HDHPs to Cover COVID-19 Costs and COVID-19 Relief Laws Require Paid Employee Leave Read more »

This communication is part of Gowrie’s ongoing commitment to proactively provide you with critical COVID-19 information during the actively evolving pandemic. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to be a rapidly evolving situation that presents health and business risks on a global level. This document includes high-level guidelines and links to help you navigate your business operations, decisions, and return to work strategies during this complex time. Read more »

COVID-19 Scenarios and Benefits Available Guide Read more »

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of the current workplace, and soon, employers will begin planning for what their post-coronavirus office will look like. Previously, social distancing and COVID-19-related best practices hadn’t been a topic on the mind of most employers or employees. By updating office layouts, encouraging new behaviors and expanding remote work options, employers can help prevent the spread of future diseases, and protect the health and safety of employees. Read more »

Return to Work Plans Following the COVID-19 Pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted many businesses across the country. While it’s unclear how long COVID-19 will continue to affect organizations, many employers are looking to the future of employees returning to work. Echoing the sentiments of public health officials, a return to normalcy won’t be like flipping a switch, but rather a gradual effort. In preparation for reopening your business and asking employees to come back to work, it’s imperative that your company thoughtfully constructs a return to work plan for its employees to keep everyone healthy and safe following the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Celebrate World No Tobacco Day by Learning About Smoking Cessation, Sugar Substitutes and You, and Combatting the Loneliness Epidemic at Work. Read more »

This informative table gives a general picture of benefits that may be available in certain COVID-19 work-related situations. The information is for informational purposes only, is not an exhaustive list of benefits, and should not be construed as legal advice. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - U.S. Supreme Court Will Hear Challenge to ACA and No Statute of Limitations Applies for ACA Pay or Play Penalties Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Laughter May Be a Key in Fighting Workplace Stress, Are You Getting Enough Calcium? and Healthy Snacks to Satisfy Your Workday Hunger. Read more »

Live Well Work Well - Eating Healthy Doesn't have to be expensive, 5 Sleep Habits You Need to Adopt and Experts are warning of another bad flu season. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Cadillac Tax and Other Key ACA Taxes Repealed and PCORI Fees Extended for 10 Years Read more »

Live Well Work Well - February is American Heart Month, A Cold is Contagious for Longer Than You'd Think and Ergonomics Is the Way to a Pain-Free Workday Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Don't Fall Into This New Year's Resolution Trap, It's National Blood Donor Month and This Superfood May Help Prevent Diabetes. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - It's That Time of the Year Again: Flu Season Is Here, An Apple a Day May Help Keep the Doctor Away and This Popular Beverage Is Linked to Earlier Death Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Deadline Approaching: Medicare Part D Notices Are Due Before October 15th and Employers are Expected to Spend More on Health Care and Wellness in the Next Year Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and The Dangers of Vaping Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Acting DOL Secretary May Bring Change of Pace and Financial Industry Experienced 3,500 Cyber Attacks in 2019 So Far Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Open Enrollment: What's Changing in 2020? and Hospitals to Publish Retail Prices Under a New Proposed Rule Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Getting Outside May Be the Key to Boosting Your Physical and Psychological Well-being, Making Smart Food Choices at a Restaurant and An Increasing Number of Americans Are Making the Switch to Veganism. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Why You Should Be Encouraging Employees to Use PTO and EEO Deadlines Approaching, Here's Where You Can Find Help Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Executive Order On Health Costs To Affect Employer Health Plans and Final Rule Expands Options for HRAs Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - 1 in 5 Deaths Worldwide Associated With Poor Diets, Your Heart Rate: Indicator for Health and Fitness and Introducing Foods Early May Help Prevent Allergies Read more »

Employer HR Brief - HSA and HDHP 2020 Limits released and Making Emotional Intelligence Work for You. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - IRS Releases Inflation-adjusted Limits for HSAs and HDHPs for 2020 and EEOC Delays Amending Wellness Program Regulations to End of 2019 Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Going Camping? Here's the Rundown of What You Need to Know, Sunscreen and You and Wearable Tech and Your Health in 2019 Read more »

Employer HR Brief - DOL Enforcement Actions Are up and Expected to Stay That Way and Lowest Unemployment in Decades Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Final Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2020 and DOL Issues Opinion Letter on Gig Worker Classification Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Fuel Your Workout the Right Way, Summer Picnic Safety Tips and Superbug Fungus Poses Serious Global Health Threat Read more »

Employer HR Brief - May 2019 Vote on Health Care Won't Come Until After 2020 Elections and DOL's Newly Proposed Overtime Rule: What's Included Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - DOJ Supports Federal Court Ruling Invalidating the ACA and Parts of AHP Final Rule Are Struck Down by Federal Court Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - 5 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Daily Mental Health, Eye Health 101 and The Unexpected Ingredient in Your Oats Read more »

Employer HR Brief - When it Comes to Employee Engagement, Communication is Key and The EEOC is Changing Things up by Moving Online Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Deadline Extended for EEO-1 Filing from March to May 31, 2019 and BLS Data on Worker Access to Family Leave in 2018 Now Available Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Don't Let Tax Filing Season Get the Best of You, Air Pollution Affects More than Your Overall Health, and 3 Reasons Why Your Stomach Always Hurts Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Workplace Wellness Is About More Than Just Physical Health and Retaliation Claims Are Up, Are You Prepared? Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Proposed Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2020 and DOL Increases Civil Penalty Amounts for 2019 Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Don't Let Spring Allergies Bring You Down, Your Body May Need a Break, Here's Why and Strengthen Your Financial Wellness Plan with These 3 Tips. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - February 2019 Retaining Talent: Are Your Leaders the Problem? and Calculating OT? Double-check Your Math Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - It's That Time of the Year Again for ACA Reporting and Wellness Plan Incentive Limits Removed By EEOC Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - 2 Chronic Conditions That Can Cause Cancer and A Common Cold Can Be Contagious for Longer Than You Think Read more »

Employer HR Brief - 2019 Plan Limits and Gen Z is coming: Are You Prepared? Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - IRS is Beginning 2016 Pay or Play Enforcement: Here's What You Need to Know and FSA Limit to Increase for 2019 Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Beware: New Year = New Fad Diets, Your Guide to Avoiding Winter Illnesses and 3 Tips to Beat the Post-holiday Blues Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - 2018 ACA Reporting Draft Forms Now Available, and Two HSA Bills Passed by the House. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - HBP Guidelines Have Changed: Do You Know Your Risk?, Foodborne Illness is on the Rise: Protect Yourself, and Fruits and Veggies: How Much is Enough? Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Association Health Plans Expansion, Critical HIPAA Compliance Gaps Exposed by HHS and Amazon announced it will be purchasing the online pharmacy PillPack. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Sunrays Aren't the Only Thing You Can Catch at the Pool, Trouble Sleeping? Your Phone May Be to Blame, and Are You Up to Date on Your Immunizations? Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - ACA Affordability Percentages Will Increase for 2019 and the IRS Announces HSA Limits for 2019 Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - WHO Calls for a Ban on Artificially Produced Trans Fat, Sweating More Doesn't Necessarily Mean You Burn More Calories and Snack Smart, Save Money, Time and Calories Read more »

Warm Weather is in the Forecast, Remind Employees About Your Dress Code and the HSA limit changed again! Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - IRS Announces Second Change to HSA Family Contribution Limit, and DOL Releases New Resources for Mental Health Parity Compliance Read more »

Live Well, Work Well: Strawberries named dirtiest produce for 3rd year in a row by EWG, Over 200 rare antibiotic-resistant genes found in 27 states, and Intermittent Fasting: What it is and why people are doing it. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - May 2018 Worried about DOL Audits? Get Paid and Education Benefits: A trending way to retain talent. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Did You Miss the April 2 ACA Reporting Deadline? Here's What's Next and IRS Updates Employer Guide for 2018 Tax Changes to Fringe Benefits Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Despite CDC Recommendation, Many Adults Still Refusing Shingles Vaccine, Researchers Link New Danger to E-cigarettes, and May is Food Allergy Action Month Read more »

IRS Announces Revision on HSA Limit for Family Coverage for 2018 Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Compensable Time: What You Need to Know, FBI Warns of Direct Deposit Phishing Attacks Read more »

Benefits Newsletter: How to Handle an ACA Penalty Letter and The Importance of Plan Document Review Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - 5 Healthy Snacks to Satisfy Your Workday Hunger, Signs of a Kidney Stone, and Don't be a Distracted Driver Read more »

New HHS Secretary is Focused on Opioid Crisis, You Should Be Too and 4 Things You Can Do to Manage Worst Flu in Decades Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Spending Resolution Affects ACA Taxes, and New Rules for Disability Claims Take Effect Soon Read more »

IRS Reduces HSA Limits for Family Coverage for 2018. Read more »

Live well, Work well: Eating Healthy Doesn't Have to Be Expensive, This Deadly Flu Season is the Worst in Nearly a Decade, and Sleep and your health. Read more »

Live well, Work well: 2 Chronic Conditions that can cause cancer, Avocados: A Legitimately Healthy Food Craze and A common cold can be contagious for longer than you think. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Online Portal for Employment Discrimination Claims and Senate Tax Bill Repercussions Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - DOL Delays New Rules for Disability Benefit Claims and ACA Reporting Read more »

Live well, Work well: January is Thyroid Awareness Month, Winter Sports Safety Tips, and 3 Steps to an Injury-free Workout Read more »

Live well, Work well: Fight the flu with these simple tips, Starting planning today for a stress-free holiday season, and 6 tips for diabetes prevention Read more »

Live Well, Work Well: Halloween Safety Tips and Hidden dangers at your child's bedtime Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Senate rejects ACA repeal efforts, and Updated Form I-9 required beginning Sept. 18 Read more »

Live well, Work well: Do you know the signs of Opioid Addiction? Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - HIPAA Cyber Attack Response Checklist and New Fiduciary Rules Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Prevent Heat Illness, Hepatitis C Rates Triple and Broccoli Strawberry Orzo Salad. Read more »

In the event you have employees in New York or if there is a possibility you will in the future, Gowrie Group would like to share with you information on the New York Paid Family Leave legislation which will go into effect as of January 1, 2018. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - House passes changes to Overtime rules Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - What Happens if the ACA Employer Mandate is Repealed? Read more »

Live Well, Work Well: Simple Summer Activities Your Kids are Sure to Love, Do You Know Seizure First Aid?, Grilling Safety Reminders for Your Summer BBQ and Turkey Burger recipe. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Only One-third of Employees are Engaged at Work and Prevent a PR Crisis from Turning into a PR Disaster Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - American Health Care Act (AHCA) passes House and Pre-existing Conditions under the ACA Read more »

Live Well, Work Well: Tick and Tick-borne Disease Season is Here, Shop for seasonal produce this summer., and National Fireworks Safety Month: June 1 to July 4. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) plans to maintain its Bipartisan Enforcement Plan, Trump's Secretary of Labor Nominee Questioned on Overtime Rule Read more »

Live well, Work well: Spring Allergy Alleviation, A Breath of Fresh Air, and Age well in the Workplace Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - ACA Replacement Bill Withdrawn, Now what? and Cost-saving Strategy: Generic Drugs Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Retirement Uncertainty and Where to Turn, and Saving with Health Care Literacy Read more »

Employee Live Well, Work Well - Monitor your rice intake to minimize arsenic consumption, Phlegm: A key player in fighting off illness, and recipe Basic Quiche. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter: House Republicans release legislation to repeal and replace the ACA, American Health Care Act: What won't change. Read more »

Employer Benefits Bulletin - ACA Replacement Bill Announced, Health Care Literacy Pays off, and IRS Change Affecting Individual Mandate Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Company Culture might be more important than you think and DOL Overtime Rule: Update. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well: Workplace Stress Levels Dropping, Prepare for Tax Season, and Spring Break Travel Tips Read more »

Benefits Newsletter: ACA and Employer Health Plans under President Trump, and Block Grants: What you need to know. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Stay Protected from Phone Tax Scams and Employee Leave-sharing and Donation Programs. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well: Protect your child from E-cigarettes, February is American Heart Month, 3 Tips for Hosting a safe big game party and Recipe of the month "Chicken Vegetable Soup with Kale". Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - New stand-alone HRA option available for eligible small employers, and 2018 Final Notice of benefit and payment parameters released Read more »

The New Year and How it May Affect Your Benefits, New Year's Resolutions: Lifestyle Changes vs. Quick Changes, and January is National Blood Donor Month. Read more »

Employee Benefits Bulletin - Department of Labor overtime rule update, 2016 Kaiser Health Benefits Summary, The Presidential Election's Impact on Health Care, and 2017 Health Care Compliance Highlights. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Overtime and the FMLA Leave Entitlement and IRS ACA Penalty Assessments are Forthcoming. Read more »

Live well, Work well - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Prevent backpack-related injuries, and Halloween safety tips. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Get Ready for ACA Reporting Deadlines and Marketplaces to offer "simple choice plans" for 2017 Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Green Tea - more than just a drink?, Taking responsibility for your retirement fund,and Pokémon Go: Advice for parents Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Significant changes proposed to Form 5500, and DOL's New Fiduciary Rule Impacts HSAs Read more »

Employer HR Brief - August 2016 Employee Leave: Clarifying STD, FMLA, and ADA and The FMLA and Absence Notification: Is Your Policy Being Followed? Read more »

Live well, Work well: Zika: Why men should be concerned too, Exercising the body and brain, and avoiding sports-related eye injuries in children. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - U.K. Votes to Leave the European Union and New Task Force to Focus on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - The Final White Collar Exemption Rule is Here, EEOC Issues Welcome Guidance on Leave as a Reasonable Accommodation. Read more »

Gowrie Group is proud to offer US Sailing members an annual Crew Medical Health Insurance Program. This specialized health insurance provides worldwide coverage and is ACA compliant. Open Enrollment is from July 1st to August 31st for a September 1st start date. http://www.gowrie.com/USSailingPrograms/CrewMedicalHealth.aspx

Employee Brochure "live well, work well": SPF claims fall short for many sunscreens, FDA moves to regulate the sale of e-cigarettes, Food labels get a makeover and recipe for California Avocado Summer Wraps Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - DOL issues new overtime payment rules, EEOC Finalizes wellness rules under ADA and GINA and Guidance for employers on bathroom access rights for transgender employees. Read more »

Employee Benefits Bulletin - DOL issues new overtime payment rules, EEOC finalizes Wellness Rules under ADA and GINA, HHS Launches Phase 2 of HIPAA audit program, and ACA's affordability contribution percentage increased for 2017 Read more »

Health Care Reform: PCORI Fees due August 1, 2016 Read more »

For the past few months, employees at Gowrie Group have been taking advantage of the company’s unique new employee benefit program called GFit. GFit by Gowrie Group is an original initiative that includes exercise classes with a range of focus and difficulty, including GRun, GFree GYoga, GTone, GZoomDance, and a GFit Lecture Series. Through these programs, employees spend an hour or two a week exercising and learning about fitness and nutrition, under the guidance of two trainers Gowrie Group has recently partnered with, Jessica DaSilva and Margot Sherwin. GFit has been a huge success for Gowrie Group so far. On Sunday June 19th, a group of 11 Gowrie Group employees in the GRun program, who had been training since the end of March, participated in the Branford Road Race. Gowrie had competitors in the five mile race as well as the two mile health walk – everyone crossed the finish line. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Knowing the difference between exempt and nonexempt; compensation is a rising factor in job satisfaction, and the Department of Labor (DOL) has issued the Employer's Guide to The Family and Medical Leave Act. Read more »

Employee brochure "live well, work well": How to turn a bad day around, Detergent packet poisoning and potential Zika spread mapped by NASA. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - ACA's Affordability contribution percentage increases for 2017, Updated HIPAA self-audit tools, and this spring Exchanges will begin notifying employers that they may be subject to ACA penalties if any of their employees are deemed eligible for health insurance subsidies through an Exchange. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Tips for Implementing Progressive Discipline and Continue to Use Current Form I-9 Read more »

Live well, Work well - Healthy Lifestyles and May is National Stroke Awareness Month Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Supreme Court hears contraceptive coverage case, Phase 2 of HIPAA Audit program and a tweak to the tax code could allow employers to pay back employees' student debt. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - EEOC proposes revised guidance on retaliation, and IRS: Payroll and HR Targets of new phishing scheme. Read more »

Live well, Work well: Coffee may combat alcohol's effect on the liver, Loneliness considered a public health problem, and avoiding spring allergies. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Affordable Care Act litigation may affect employers and ACA rule changes for 2017 Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Department of Labor Standards for Joint Employment and Political Discussions in the Workplace Read more »

Employee Brochure "live well, work well": Lead Water Poisoning, Zika: What you should know, and 3 diets to help you follow the new dietary guidelines. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Recent court rulings raise questions about FMLA and IRS clarifies ACA rules for employer-provided coverage Read more »

Employer HR Brief - February 2016: Form I-9 Self-audit Guidance and educate employees on 401(k) loans Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - The Importance of Good Posture, FDA aims to ban minors from tanning beds, and preventing foodborne illnesses. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - ACA reporting deadlines delayed and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposes increased out-of-pocket maximums Read more »

Employer Benefits Bulletin - New spending bill delays Cadillac Tax, Final ACA market reform rules released, IRS releases tax guidance on same-sex marriage issues,and ACA automatic enrollment requirement repealed. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - ACA Reporting Requirements - A Basic Overview, and End-of-year Employee Communications. Read more »

Employee Brochure "live well, work well": In defense of coffee, sugar substitutes, and New Year's Resolutions Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - ACA repeal passes Senate, Veto Expected and Government investigating rising drug costs Read more »

ACA Reporting Deadlines Delayed - On December 28, 2015, the IRS issues Notice 2016-4 which extends the deadlines for 2015 ACA reporting under Sections 6055 and 6056. Read more »

Live well, Work well: Remember to get a flu shot, Simple tips to reduce food waste, Pack a work lunch to stay healthy and save money and vegetable chili. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Be Informed on Transgender Accommodation, Uber Case Highlights Employee Classification Enforcement, and Did you know giving employees the option to telecommute and work flexible hours may garner loyalty from your current employees and help attract and retain new ones. Read more »

Live well, Work well: Monitor physical activity with a fitness tracker, Sleep and your health, and Health benefits of Oatmeal. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Guidelines finalized for electronic reporting under sections 6055 and 6056,IRS clarifies section 6055 reporting for HRAs and some workplaces are considering offering repayment assistance for student loan debt. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Department of Labor (DOL) clarifies worker classification and educate employees on cyber security. Read more »

Live Well, Work well - September is fruit and veggie month, Blood pressure readings demystified, understanding food expiration dates and storing food in the refrigerator. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Final Rule on Religious Exemptions to Contraceptive Coverage, PCORI Fee FAQs and did you know the IRS released the 2015 draft instructions for reporting under Code Sections 6055 and 6056. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - U.S. Supreme Court Legalizes Same-sex Marriage and DOL Issues Proposed Rule to Expand Overtime Protections Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - U.S Supreme Court Upholds ACA Subsidies in Federal Exchanges, Final Rule Updates the SBC Requirement, the IRS releases 2015 draft versions of the forms that employers will use to report under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6055 and 6056. Read more »

Employer HR Brief - Supreme Court Rules on Abercrombie Religious Discrimination Case, Department of Labor sends proposed Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Regulations to OMB, Department of Labor has posted new model FMLA medical certifications and notices with an expiration date of May 31, 2018. Read more »

Health Care Reform: PCORI Fees due July 31, 2015 Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - The Effect of E-cigarettes on Health, Shop the Farmers Market, Outdoor summer activities, Pesticides and Produce, and a delicious recipe for Ratatouille. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Family plans must embed out-of-pocket limits in 2016, IRS issues new Q&As on section 6056 reporting, the ACAs excise tax (or the "Cadillac tax") is set to take effect in 2018. Read more »

Employer Benefits Bulletin - Quarter 3 Abercrombie discrimination case, King v. Burwell on ACA subsidies, Embedded out-of-pocket maximum for family coverage, PTO trends revealed in recent survey Read more »

Employer HR Brief - June 2015: Making the Case for Good Job Descriptions, EEOC Issues Proposed Rule on ADA and Wellness Programs and Recent survey conducted by Gallup regarding female managers. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - The health benefits of sunlight exposure, swimming for exercise, and cataract awareness month. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter: Agencies plan to issue final rules for SBC Requirements, Plan offerings now diverging by group size and IRS releases inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) for calendar year 2016. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - May is skin cancer detection and prevention month, The importance of resistance training, Save money by shopping for In-Season Produce, and monthly recipe. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Issues Final Rule affecting ACA for 2016, Few employers cutting hours to avoid ACA fines, and introducing Telemedicine. Read more »

Portable fire extinguishers can be found everywhere; in homes, in the workplace, on boats, in vehicles. But just having extinguishers around is not enough, especially in the workplace. When extinguishers are provided for use by employees, OSHA’s standards for placement, use, maintenance, and testing must be complied with – both for safety and to avoid multiple $7,000 fines. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well: New guidelines - cholesterol is not so bad, Spring training - 5K run, Google has partnered with the Mayo Clinic, Identity Theft Protection and monthly recipe. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - New guidance for employer payments of individual premiums, IRS releases ACA reporting forms and instructions, and Cadillac Tax. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well: March is National Nutrition Month, How much exercise do you need?, Acid Reflux, Re-evaluating binge drinking, monthly recipe. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - Individual mandate penalty cap, Supreme Court rejects presumption of lifetime retiree benefits, and wellness programs. Read more »

Message from Gowrie about the Cyber Attack on Anthem - Anthem Inc., parent company of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, is the victim of a highly-sophisticated cyber attack. This attack affects current and former members. For more in-depth and ongoing information Anthem has created a website www.anthemfacts.com for more information. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well - Avoiding the flu, take care of your eyes, 10 minute workouts and going gluten free. Read more »

Employee Benefits Bulletin - Agencies prohibit all employer reimbursement of individual premiums, Health Plan Identifier (HPID) delayed indefinitely, Minimum Wage increases, and Overview of trends from the 2014 Wellness Benefits Survey. Read more »

Live well, work well - Goal setting in 2015, National Blood Donor month, battling January gym crowds and calories outside the kitchen. Read more »

Benefits Newsletter - HHS issues proposed benefit and payment parameters for 2016, ACA affordability percentages increase for 2016 and HIPPA certificates of creditable coverage no longer necessary due to the prohibition of pre-existing condition exclusions (PCEs) by the ACA. Read more »

Gowrie Group's Benefits division is featured in Rough Notes magazine for providing outstanding service, growth, and innovation in employee benefits and health insurance solutions. Read Article

Gowrie Group October 2014 BenefitsBuzz newsletter includes: communicating with employees during Open Enrollment, new rules on contraception for Religious Employers, and new IRS reporting requirements for IRS Code 6055 and 6056. Read more »

Live Well, Work Well. Tips on how to bust fat myths, practice safe stretches such as Pilates, information on strokes/stroke awareness month, and how to save monthly for an unexpected emergency. Read more »

Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 eliminated the Affordable Care Act annual deductible limit for small group health plans. Read more »

Sailors are known for enjoying themselves in the party tent after a day on the water. How can your sailing organization ensure members and sailors drink responsibly and ensure the organization is protected if an accident does occur? Read more »

Superstitious people consider walking under a ladder to be bad luck, but most real ladder danger arises from misuse or defective ladders. Falls are a common occupational hazards; falls from ladders make up nearly a third of fall related deaths. Common sense, thinking before climbing, and following safe usage and selection guidelines can help prevent ladder falls, injuries, and deaths Read more »

An engaged group of business owners and HR professionals participated in an interactive Affordable Care Act seminar lead by expert Tom Davidson, Benefits Consultant from Gowrie Group. The seminar was hosted by the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce in Norwich, CT on March 6th. The seminar educated the group on the 2014 modifications to the law and the interactive discussion focused on lessons learned since the law went into effect on 1/1/2014. The group had a lively discussion on several topics including rating changes, ACA associated fees, new prescription drug coverage, delays to the employer mandate, and the status of the exchange. Contact Tom Davidson to schedule a seminar at your location or to learn more, 860.399.3676 or tomd@gowrie.com

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to post OSHA Form 300A each year from February 1st to April 30th. This summary form must include the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2013 and that were logged on OSHA Form 300, Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses Read more »

A new OSHA standard is being put in place to bring the US into alignment with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. Chemical users need to continue to update safety data sheets when new ones become available, provide training on the new label elements and update hazard communication programs if new hazards are identified. Chemical producers must review hazard information for all chemicals produced or imported, classify chemicals according to the new classification criteria, and update labels and safety data sheets Read more »

Volunteer workers are often the lifeblood of a non-profit. Whether it’s performing hands-on labor, working at a front desk, delivering meals or cleaning animal cages, volunteers help an organization further its mission in the community. Have you ever thought about what happens if one of your volunteers get injured or hurt? Remedies made available to your employees through workers compensation are not typically extended to volunteer workers. Read more »

Many New England boaters choose in-the-water winter storage during their lay-up period. Following these smart tips will help to keep your boat damage free in the cold months. Read more »

Gowrie Group is quickly becoming known as the preeminent expert on how Healthcare Reform will affect Connecticut businesses. Skip Young, President and Principal of Gowrie’s Benefits Division, is presenting a series of seminars on this topic. The first two sessions filled quickly and were extremely well received; additional sessions have been schedule. Read more »

Healthcare Reform is here and there are things employers need to know. Twenty-five clients attended Gowrie Group’s Healthcare Reform Seminar on February 26th to learn about the new requirements, timelines, and how this will affect their businesses. Topics covered included: Legal Status of the Affordable Care Act, Reforms Currently in Place, 2013 & 2014 Compliance Deadlines, and The Health Insurance Exchange. The next Healthcare Reform Seminars will be held at Gowrie on March 12th and April 4th.

January has delivered a mix of nearly record highs, bitter lows, and some wild storms across much of the country. To help you stay safe, protect your property, and prepare for more winter storms and deep freezes to come, Gowrie Group invites you to visit our Winter Weather Center. Read more »

Gowrie Group's Winter Weather Guidelines and Tips. Visit our Storm Center at http://www.gowrie.com/stormcenter. Read more »

News Alert: For Immediate Release

As you are aware, the House of Representatives passed the Senate health care bill and a reconciliation bill on Sunday, March 21, 2010. This bill has significant implications for employers who offer health care benefits and the employees and families covered by those plans.

We know you have a lot of questions and concerns about health care reform and how the legislation will impact your benefits. We have been closely following the health care reform legislation and the implications for employer-sponsored health care and benefits.

Listed below are some of the package's provisions that will affect employers:

• Employer Mandates. Effective in 2014, most employers with 50 or more employees must offer coverage to employees. Employers who do not do so may be subject to hefty penalties. The benefit plans offered will also have to meet certain requirements.
• Individual Mandates. Citizens and legal residents will be required to have a certain level of health coverage, or pay a tax penalty. These rules could restrict the usage of high deductible health plans and will decrease the chance that your employees will decline coverage under your plan.
• Coverage Subsidies. Small employers that provide health insurance for employees will be eligible for a tax credit. Also, employers who provide insurance to retirees over age 55 who are not eligible for Medicare are eligible for a temporary reinsurance program.
• Health Benefit Exchanges. In 2014, state exchanges will be established for small businesses and individuals to shop for health insurance. Larger businesses will be able purchase coverage in the exchanges in the future.
• Insurance Reforms. These reforms require policies to provide dependent coverage for children through age 26. They prohibit lifetime coverage limits, rescission of coverage except in cases of fraud, and imposing pre-existing condition exclusions on children. Many of these provisions will take effect in 2010. They may affect your benefits and how you administer your benefit programs.

Gowrie Group Can Help You Get Ready for Changes

Health care reform will almost certainly involve sweeping changes to the benefits you provide your employees and how you provide them. However, it will most likely affect each business differently. Gowrie Group will review your company's current employee benefits to make sure you are prepared for the changing landscape. We will work with you to maximize the value of your employee benefits and minimize your costs and risk. As always, we will continue to monitor the developments regarding health care and keep you informed.

Please contact your Gowrie Group employee benefits representative at 800.262.8911 with any questions.