Blog
2022 Ohio BWC Year in Review
After a three-year hiatus, Ohio Safety Congress has finally scheduled an in-person return! This three-day event is scheduled for March 8-10, 2023, and is free to all Ohio BWC state-fund employers. The keynote address and several other sessions will be livestreamed online during the event. This is one of our favorite events, and we’re excited to see you all there!
Reinstated Safety Intervention Grant Program – $3 to $1 match on safety investments is back. More here!
Safety Council rebates finally returned! The program transitioned to virtual meetings in March 2020 and a hybrid option was offered for the 2021 policy year, but they also did away with the premium rebate benefit during those two policy years. Now that the program has returned to 100% in person, virtually any private or public state fund employer can earn a 2% premium rebate for attending at least ten meetings each policy year.
The Substance Abuse Recovery Program is funded by millions that the DeWine administration committed toward helping Ohio employers hire, manage and retain employees in recovery. The funds can be used to reimburse employers for employee drug testing (with some caveats), training, and related policy development.
As Governor Mike DeWine begins his second term in 2023, he’ll have a new Chief of Staff in Stephanie McCloud, formerly the Administrator (CEO) for Ohio BWC. John Logue will succeed her as the Administrator next year. Logue currently serves as BWC’s Chief of Strategic Direction, and has previously served as interim Administrator for the organization.
2022’s unpredictable market had a similar impact on BWC’s investments as it did on many of our own. The chart below tracks October ’21 through October ’22, which shows a $3.2 billion loss, but as of November 10, the fund had lost a bit more, totaling $3.6 billion in losses.
Update on Non-Compete Ban for 2025
Posted By Brandy King
December 16, 2024
Category: Non Compete, Employment Law, Non Solicitation Agreement, Ohio
FTC’s Non-Compete Ban Blocked, But Gray Area Remains In early 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) introduced and finalized a rule banning the use of non-competes. Employers, Chambers of Commerce and trade organizations rallied against the new rule claiming it was anti-employer, some going as far as calling it “blatantly awful.” As expected, the change was met with litigation and in August of 2024, the ban was struck down by a federal judge in Texas who claimed the FTC overstepped its authority by issuing the rule. A non-compete (or non-competition agreement) is an agreement in which the employee agrees not to engage in conduct or activities that could increase competition for their employer. These types of arrangements are prevalent in finance, healthcare, design, tech and all types of sales or business development roles. They’re meant to protect things like trade secrets, privileged info and client retention. Non-competes aren’t the same as non-solicitation clauses. These agreements err more toward not calling on your former clients in your new role. Here’s an example of differentiating between the two. Non-Compete: “Upon leaving ABC Company, you may not engage in a similar role for another insurance company within a 50-mile radius.” Non-Solicitation: “Upon leaving ABC Company, you may not solicit (contact/call on) clients of ABC Company in your new role with another insurance company.” For now, bo
Benefits Recap: Reminders for 2024 & Changes for 2025
Posted By Brandy King
December 16, 2024
Category: Contribution Limits, Employee Benefits, Retirement Plans, HSA, FSA, ACA
ACA Updates & Reminders It’s almost time for ACA reporting! There aren’t any major changes this year, but here are some items to be aware of for the 2024 tax year. The employee distribution deadline for the 1095-C forms is March 3, 2025. Since the 2023 tax year, the IRS requires all employers with more than ten (10) forms to report electronically. Employers can complete this either directly through the IRS website or through a third-party provider. Corrected forms are also required to be submitted electronically. If you’re submitting 10 or fewer forms, you can still file on paper. The deadline for this is February 28, 2025. The deadline for e-filing 1095-C and 1094-C forms to the IRS is March 31, 2025. Keep in mind that there could be additional ACA state reporting requirements for your organization with differing deadlines. The states to pay special attention to are California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia. Updated penalties and affordability percentages. The ACA penalizes Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) that don’t offer what’s considered affordable coverage to full-time employees (FTEs). The affordability percentage is the maximum amount of an employee’s pay that “Employee Only” coverage can cost the employee in order to be considered affordable by ACA. For 2024, that percentage is 8.39%. The affordability percentage will jump to 9.02% for 2025, and the associated fines will
Additional Drug-Free Program Savings for Spooner Clients
Posted By Brandy King
December 16, 2024
Category: Dfsp, Drug Testing, Drug Screens, Ohio Bwc, Sur Program, Substance Abuse Recovery
Ohio’s recreational marijuana sales have started! Spooner clients who haven't had a recent review of their drug-free policy can take advantage of a no-cost, no-obligation policy review by First Connect Corporate Services. Our clients who need an update or new policy development will have access to discounted pricing when they mention Spooner. To take advantage of this offer, email your drug free policy to lisawade@firstconnectplus.com and identify your company as a Spooner client. Don’t forget, there is a reimbursement available to Ohio employers current on their workers’ compensation premium that will cover the costs of policy development or update, employee or supervisor training or Train the Trainer programs. Some drug testing is even included. For most employers, the reimbursement means zero out of pocket when using First Connect as the provider. Since 2004, First Connect has been a leading provider of drug free program development and training services in the state of Ohio. For more information, please visit their website at www.firstconnectplus.com or call 855.990.5500 and speak to Lisa
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Westlake, Ohio 44145
Phone: 440-249-5260 ext. 153
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