UA Blog
Wildfire Preparedness Info & Checklist: Keeping Your Home Safe
As most everyone is aware, wildfires are spreading across California and the west at an astonishing rate, leaving thousands of scorched homes and businesses in their wake. Flying embers from wildfires can ignite and destroy homes as far as one mile away.
Webinar, Oct. 22nd: Q4 Legislative Update – CFRA Changes, Sick Leave Reqs., Equal Pay Mandates & MORE
Governor Newsom has signed numerous measures into law that will impact California Employers immediately, in 2021 and beyond. Don’t wait to prepare. Join us to get quickly up to speed on the new laws so you are protected and prepared. We’ll be reviewing everything you need to know…and MORE!
Newsom Signs Law Requiring Employers with Over 100 Employees to File an Equal Pay Report
On the evening of Wednesday, September 30, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill 973, which requires businesses with 100 or more employees to submit an annual report with salary and wage information for specific job categories along with workers’ race, ethnicity, and sex to the Department of Fair Employment and Housing.
Some Insurers Move To Stop Waiving Telehealth Copays
Starting Oct. 1, several private health insurers will no longer fully pay for virtual visits under certain circumstances — effectively reinstituting costs for patients reliant on the virtual care that has been heralded as a lifeline at a time when Covid-19 is still killing more than 700 Americans each day.
Webinar, Oct. 7th – Worksite Safety: Update on New COVID-19 Regulations for Employers
Join us for a comprehensive update of new regulations and best practices around workplace safety and COVID-19. Employers need to be aware of the latest safety requirements for their workplaces and job-sites. We will cover newly signed legislation, SB 1159, and the latest directives from Cal-OSHA. There will also be time allowed for Q & A.
New Workers Comp Law Signed, Effective Through 2022
There are new changes to California Workers Compensation laws related to COVID-19 claims. These changes were passed by the California Legislature on 8/31/2020 and signed into law by Governor Newsom on 9/17/2020. They apply retroactively to July 6, 2020 and remain effective until January 1, 2023.
Governor Newsom Signs Bill Extending Job-Protected Family Leave to Nearly 6 Million Californians
SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today signed legislation ensuring millions more Californians can utilize Paid Family Leave benefits they pay for without the fear of job loss. SB 1383 was developed through the Paid Family Leave Task Force convened by the Administration last year and builds on previous work to extend Paid Family Leave benefits from six to eight weeks for each parent of a newborn.
Live in a Fire-Prone Area? What You Should Know About Insurance
Buying homeowners’ insurance in a fire-prone area was already tricky, and unfortunately, could get more challenging for residents of these areas, whether their homes were damaged or not. Homeowners who didn’t buy enough insurance before the fires may face thousands in repair costs. In addition, insurers could drop coverage or raise prices in fire-damaged areas in the years to come.
Reminder: Required Medicare Part D Notice for Your Employees by Oct. 15, 2020
It’s that time of year again! We want to make sure that all of our valued clients and friends are aware and have access to this required form, which must be provided to any of your employees who are eligible for Medicare Part D by no later than Thursday, October 15th.
Breaking News: WCIRB Releases New Class Code for Telecommuter Employees
The WCIRB has released a NEW class code (8871 – Clerical Telecommuter Employees – N.O.C.) for employees that work from home or “away from any location of their employer,” doing office clerical work. This code is available on policies effective 1/1/2021 or later. It will not be added mid-term, but as policies renew for those that have the 8810 Office Clerical Code.
Who To Call If You’re a Victim of the California Wildfires
Latest United Agencies Insurance News: Our heart goes out to the victims affected by the California Wildfires. If you need to make a claim, or have questions about possibly making a claim, please call one of the phone numbers below, which applies to your insurance coverage.
Webinar, Sept 15, 2020 – From Chaos to Clarity: The Case for Optimism
Please join United Agencies on September 15, 2020 for an educational webinar where we will take an in depth look at how the pandemic and the upcoming election has impacted our businesses, investments and 401k’s, and how we can benefit from long term strategies. There are a number of potential outcomes in front of us. We will discuss the tools and options that you can use confidently to move forward personally and professionally.
Job-Based Health Coverage Will Be More Expensive in 2021
Large employers expect the cost of providing health coverage to workers to increase next year, as employees seek care they put off during the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies anticipate that health benefit costs will grow 5.3% in 2021, an increase slightly higher than the 5% increases employers projected in each of the last five years, according to the latest annual survey big employers by the Business Group on Health.
Brush Fire Season is Upon Us: Are You Prepared?
Did you know? Brush fires cause billions of dollars worth of damages every year, destroying hundreds or even thousands of homes and properties. If you live in an area that is highly susceptible to brush fires, such as California, you are well aware of the danger – so take these precautionary measures to keep your family and home safe.
7 Steps to Take When an Employee Has COVID-19
While many experts thought the summer months would bring reprieve, COVID-19 cases have continued to rise in the United States, and as a result, more employers are dealing with employees testing positive for the coronavirus. Here are the 7 steps to take when addressing a positive COVID-19 case in the workplace.
11 Top Recommended Safety Features to Enable on Your Vehicle
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) concluded that some vehicle safety technology dramatically decreases the likelihood of an auto accident. However, some drivers disable this technology because they find the features take away their control of the vehicle. Other drivers simply find these features to be annoying.
It’s Official! California Judge Orders Uber, Lyft to Consider All Drivers Employees
A California judge ruled that Uber and Lyft must classify their drivers as employees in a stunning preliminary injunction issued Monday afternoon. The injunction is stayed for 10 days, however, giving Uber and Lyft an opportunity to appeal the decision. Uber said it planned to file an immediate emergency appeal to block the ruling from going into effect.
Important News for Blue Shield and Anthem Blue Cross Small Business Clients!
Anthem Small Group will have a medical loss ratio (MLR) rebate this year for the 2017-2019 coverage period. They continue to look for ways to ease the financial burden COVID-19 is creating for many of our employers and members. With that goal in mind, this year, they are fast-tracking the annual medical loss ratio (MLR) rebates that groups and Individual members typically receive in late September. The rebates will be issued in early to mid August
Mercury Premium Giveback Update
California, August 3, 2020 – Mercury is extending the Premium Giveback program through the month of July 2020. The Giveback of premiums will equate to 10% of June and July monthly premiums for both private passenger and business auto customers. Mercury will also be giving back 10% of June and July monthly premiums for Retail and Service commercial business policies, including restaurants.
Does Home Insurance Cover Working From Home? Understanding What Is & Isn’t Covered
Did You Know? The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that 29% of the labor force was capable of working from home back in 2018. Now in 2020, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, these statistics have substantially increased. Companies across the country have been moving to remote working, in an effort to keep their staff and consumers safe. If you are one of the millions of employees suddenly calling your kitchen table your workspace, this article answers some of the questions you may have, which go well beyond your ability to balance your newfound home/work life.
