TruPay HR Alerts - January 2012
IRS Mileage Rate. Beginning on January 1, 2012, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be 55.5 cents per mile for business miles, 23 cents per mile for medical or moving purposes miles, and 14 cents per mile for service of charitable organization miles.
HHS Final Rule on Medical Loss Ratio Requirements. Regarding the Affordable Care Act's Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) requirements, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a final rule that is effective January 3, 2012. The new health care law mandates that health insurance companies in the small group markets spend at least 80% of premium dollars on medical care and health care quality improvement. In addition, employer-sponsored group health plans receiving rebates must ensure that the enrollee portion of the rebate is properly distributed for the benefit of enrollees.
Mobile Phone Use Restriction. Effective January 3, 2012, a new Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation restricts commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers from holding, reaching for, or pressing more than one button to operate mobile phone devices while operating their vehicles. CMV drivers may still use devices as long as usage is in compliance with the new rule (i.e. devices must be mounted or securely within reach of the driver’s control panel).
Required NLRA Labor Law Posting. As a reminder, do not forget that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued a Final Rule that requires employers to notify employees of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Private-sector employers, including labor organizations, are required to post the NLRA employee rights notice where other workplace notices are typically posted. Based on a recent NLRB announcement, this notice must be posted no later thanApril 30, 2012; the previous date was January 31, 2012.
Form W-2. Employers must complete Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, to report wages, tips and other compensation paid to an employee. A copy of this form must be given to the employee by January 31st.