We trust this finds you doing well (all things considered), staying well, and ready for the New Year.  January is fast approaching and with it comes another edition of your Crane Benefits Update. 

This month's Crane Benefits Newsletter includes a number of updates including Reminders of the Importance of Focusing on Employee Mental Health, FAQ from Final Rule on Tip Regulations, COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage, an Attraction and Retention Newsletter, and Highlights of the Stimulus Bill including Special Rules for FSA's. The FSA rules are very important to pay attention to as the Act provides temporary special rules for health and dependent care FSA's that would give employees additional time to use these funds.

We have also included our January Wellness Newsletter, Benefits and Me Newsletter, HR Brief & Benefits Buzz.

Thank you for your continued confidence in the Benefits Department of the Crane Agency. Please do not hesitate to contact your agent or service representative with any additional questions or suggestions.

The Crane Agency is a full-line insurance agency offering Employee Benefits, Key-Person Life Insurance, Disability Income, Business, Workers Compensation, Management Liability, Surety and Home/Auto Personal Lines needs. We can also assist in your review of payroll services, PEO's and other administrative duties to further compliment your benefits program. 

Crane Agency
1-800-264-8722
100 North Broadway, Suite 900, St. Louis, MO 63102
400 Chesterfield Center, Suite 320, Chesterfield, MO 63017
1220 E. Walnut Lawn Street, Springfield, MO 65804
800 E. 101st Terrace, Suite 350, Kansas City, MO

Employee Mental Health, the Holidays and the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of daily life—including how employees celebrate for the holidays. This article discusses ways to support employees during this unprecedented holiday season.

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Benefits and Me Newsletter - January 2021

This month's Benefits and Me discusses what happens if you miss open enrollment, strategies for saving on prescription drugs and the basics of HRAs.

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HR Brief Newsletter - January 2021

This month's HR Brief looks at ways to encourage employees to use telehealth services, and developing important employee skills for the post-pandemic workplace.

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Remote Employee Well-being - Infographic

Learn more about remote employee well-being with this infographic.

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DOL FAQs: Final Rule on Employee Tip Regulations Under the FLSA

On Dec. 22, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule revising its tipped employee regulations to address amendments made to section 3(m) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 (CAA). This Compliance Bulletin provides the DOL's answers to frequently asked questions about this new final rule.

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Health Plans Must Cover COVID-19 Vaccine Without Cost Sharing

On Dec. 12, 2020, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended use of Pfizer Inc.’s COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 16 years of age and older. The ACIP recommendation triggers the requirement for non-grandfathered group health plans and health insurance issuers to cover the vaccine without cost sharing. This Legal Update provides an overview of the COVID-19 vaccine coverage requirements.

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Live Well, Work Well Newsletter - January 2021

The Live Well, Work Well newsletter is an employee newsletter that is produced monthly and covers topics like health, wellness, fitness, nutrition and personal finance. This month's newsletter discusses ways to start your year off right, how to kick stress eating to the curb and National Blood Donor Month.

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Stimulus Bill Includes Temporary Special Rules for FSAs

On Dec. 21, 2020, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. If signed into law, the Act would provide temporary special rules for health and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs) that would give employees additional time to use these funds.

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Final Regulations Issued for Transportation Fringe Benefits

On Dec. 16, 2020, the IRS and the Treasury Department published final regulations for qualified transportation fringe benefits and commuting expenses. The regulations follow changes to deductions in this area made by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This Legal Update discusses the final regulations.

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Stimulus Bill Includes Ban on Surprise Medical Bills

On Dec. 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 into law. The Act includes a $900 billion coronavirus relief package. It also includes the No Surprises Act, a ban on surprise medical bills, which takes effect beginning in 2022.

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In the Know: Understanding the $900B Stimulus Package

On Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, Congress passed an emergency stimulus package designed to deliver approximately $900 billion in COVID-19-related aid. Notably, the bill provides funding for unemployment benefits, small businesses, direct economic payments to individuals, vaccine distribution and rental assistance. This article provides an overview of what is included within the emergency relief bill.

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Attraction and Retention Newsletter - 1st Quarter 2021

This month's Attraction and Retention newsletter looks at employment trends to watch in the new year, discusses why skills can be more valuable than experience and offers tips for crafting job postings.

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