U. S. SUPREME COURT DECLINES TO REVIEW ADA CASE ON REASSIGNMENT

The United States Supreme Court has declined to review a decision by the 7^th Circuit Court of Appeals regarding an employee with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and whether reassignment to an open position is a reasonable accommodation if there are better candidates.  This leaves a split in the Circuit Courts, which leaves employers in a difficult situation.

COVERED CALIFORNIA ANNOUNCES PLANS AND RATES FOR 2014

Covered California™ (the Health Benefits Exchange in California) has announced 13 health insurance plans that will offer health care coverage to millions of Californians in 2014.  The plans reflect a mix of large non-profit and commercial plans, along with well-known Medi-Cal and regional plans.

EEOC REVISES PUBLICATIONS ABOUT SPECIFIC DISABILITIES

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has updated a series of question-and-answer documents addressing particular disabilities in the workplace.  These documents explain how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to job applicants and employees who have or had cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and intellectual disabilities.

DOL RELEASES MODEL NOTICES REGARDING HEALTH MARKETPLACES

The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued guidance on the Affordable Care Act Exchange Notifications.  All employers are required to provide all of their employees copies of a notice beginning October 1, 2013.

2014 LIMITS FOR HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND OOP LIMITS UNDER ACA

The IRS has announced inflation adjustments for 2014 related to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

SPLIT DECISION BY 6th CIRCUIT UPHOLDS DISABILITY CLAIM DENIAL

The United States Court Of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has ruled that a denial of benefits was not arbitrary and capricious.  While the insurer prevailed, there are lessons to be learned that could make other cases more clear cut in the future.