HANYS Benefit Services

The Biden administration will inherit the coronavirus pandemic, and while this remains a top priority for both the Biden administration and many Americans, the administration also hopes to address and expand health care access.  In addition to addressing COVID-19, the Biden administration's core focus is to expand the ACA incrementally. Employers should begin to consider how this administration’s platform might affect healthcare and employee benefits. This article explores the Biden administration's proposed COVID-19 response, general healthcare platform and top agenda items. For more information on healthcare and employee benefits changes, read this edition of Benefits Insights and contact HANYS Benefit Services by email or by calling (800) 388-1963. This is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. © 2020 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

New York state has enacted a sick leave law that, depending on their size, requires employers to provide between 40 and 56 hours of paid leave per year for reasons relating to the health and safety of the employee or the employee’s family. Employers with fewer than five employees and an annual income no greater than $1 million may satisfy the law’s leave requirement by providing unpaid leave of 40 hours annually. Employees begin accruing leave on Sept. 30, 2020, but may not use the leave until Jan. 1, 2021. Leave is accrued at the rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked; the law contains frontloading and carryover provisions.