Workplace culture is evolving. With employees today bringing bold expectations and setting fresh norms. One key priority is work-life balance. Flexible work schedules, remote options, and a strong focus on personal wellbeing have become essential. Employers who fail to meet these expectations risk more than just dissatisfied employees; they may face claims tied to workplace stress or unfair treatment. Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) can provide critical protection, helping businesses manage the financial risks of such claims while supporting a healthier, more balanced workforce.

EPLI coverage also provides a safety net, covering legal costs for disputes and supporting transparency in recruitment. Employers should avoid assumptions about tech skills based on age or experience when making hiring decisions, as these biases can lead to discrimination claims. Focusing on actual qualifications ensures fair and inclusive practices. 

With EPLI, businesses can shield themselves from financial strain while fostering a fair workplace. Diversity and inclusion are uber important. Employees expect fairness, equal opportunities, and a discrimination-free environment. Companies failing to create an inclusive culture or address hostile behavior risk serious legal repercussions. 

Career growth also matters. Employees today value continuous learning, advancement opportunities, and training programs. When these opportunities are lacking, workers may feel stagnant, leading to dissatisfaction or claims of unequal treatment. Prioritizing development programs not only keeps employees engaged but also mitigates the risks of legal disputes. EPLI coverage ensures that when claims do occur, businesses are equipped to handle them without significant financial impact. By embracing these evolving workplace norms and leveraging EPLI, employers can foster a thriving, productive culture while protecting themselves from potential risks.

Winter is coming, and no, not the Game of Thrones kind.  It’s the season of frosty mornings, chilly nights, and pretending your home’s insulation is better than it is.  But don’t worry! Prepping for winter isn’t rocket science, it’s more like survival 101.

First, let’s talk drafts.  If your doors and windows make your living room feel like a wind tunnel, grab some weather stripping or draft stoppers.  These simple fixes can save you from shivering and keep your heating bill from skyrocketing.  

Next, give your gutters some love.  Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which sound cool but are about as fun as a surprise dentist appointment.  Clear them out and save yourself a headache.

Don’t forget about your pipes!  Your pipes are high maintenance divas in winter.  Wrap them in foam insulation to keep them from freezing and bursting into a plumbing nightmare.  It’s like giving your pipes a snug winter coat.

Add a generator to your checklist too.  Power outages can happen, and nothing kills winter vibes faster than being left in the cold (literally).
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Stock up on essentials like blankets, candles, and hot cocoa.  Nevada’s winter might not always bring snow, but those crisp mornings and brisk nights call for a cozy hat and gloves.  Enjoy the stunning sunsets and mild weather without the hassle of shoveling.  A well-prepped home makes winter in the desert a season to savor.  So, stay cool, in all the best ways!

Every year, Medicare adjusts its Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance rates, keeping in step with Social Security Act requirements (and perhaps just to keep us all on our toes).  For 2025, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will be $185.00, a $10.30 bump up from the 2024 rate of $174.70.  The annual deductible for Part B also creeps up to $257, from $240 in 2024. This is the yearly deductible that you have to pay before your coverage starts if you have a Medigap Plan G or Plan N.

Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA) for Part B and Part D: Depending on your income level, you may have a bit more to pay on top of the $185 base Part B premium.  For Part D, this extra amount will be added to your standalone prescription drug plan (PDP) premium.  And if you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, expect a direct bill from your plan, regardless of whether you originally signed up for a $0 premium plan.  Since 2007, income-based Part B premiums have been the norm for about 8% of Medicare beneficiaries, adding a bit more spice to their bills each year.

Medicare Part A Premium & Deductible Costs for 2025:  Medicare Part A, covering hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and some home health services, has its own premiums and deductibles that update annually.  Understanding these costs is essential for planning out-of-pocket expenses for hospital care and related services.
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Medicare costs may keep changing, but with a little planning, you’ll be ready for what comes your way in 2025!

For more information, visit https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2025-medicare-parts-b-premiums-and-deductibles

So, you’re eligible for Medicare Part B, but you’re still enjoying your employer’s health coverage and thinking, “I’ll get to Medicare when I need to!”  We get it.  But Uncle Sam has a little surprise waiting if you take too long to sign up.  Here’s what happens if you miss the Medicare Part B boat when your employer coverage sails off into the sunset.

1. The "I'm Good While I’m Employed" Clause:
   As long as you’re actively employed and covered by a qualifying employer health plan, you can actually delay Medicare Part B without penalty.  Think of it as a hall pass to put off Medicare for a bit longer.  But don’t get too comfortable!
2. The Special Enrollment Period (SEP) aka "Your Safety Net":
   When your employer coverage ends, the clock starts ticking.  You’ve got an 8 month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to sign up for Medicare Part B without penalties.  Miss that SEP? You’re looking at a little extra on your Part B bill each month.
3. The Penalty:
   Here’s the not-so-fun part.  If you miss that 8 month SEP, the government adds a late enrollment penalty to your monthly Part B premium.  Usually, a 10% increase for every year you delayed enrollment.  So, if you were planning to skip out on Medicare, think again!  This penalty MAY still apply in 2025 and beyond.  We are still gathering information to confirm. 

Enjoy your employer's health plan while you have it, but don’t snooze on that 8 month SEP once it’s over!  Missing it could mean an annoying, recurring reminder on your premium bill that Uncle Sam’s always watching.

To learn more, try this link: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs/avoid-penalties