Consumer Education Lacking in the Marketplace
A recent study from the Episcopal Health Foundation and the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University concluded a majority of the consumers who purchased health insurance coverage through the marketplace have less understanding of the coverage than their counterparts covered by employer sponsored plans or those covered by Medicaid or Medicare. The study… Read More
Overtime Pay – What Business Owners Need to Know about the Proposed Changes
Employers across the country are struggling with proposed changes that could affect their ability to make payroll. The Department of Labor and the Obama Administration are in the process of updating the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). WHAT BUSINESS OWNERS NEED TO KNOW The revised rule is expected to increase the salary levels for non-exempt… Read More
Final DOL Fiduciary Rule Applies to HSA Plan Advisors
Last Friday, the Department of Labor released its highly anticipated final version of the fiduciary rule that includes a significant expansion of those who will fall under the definition of a fiduciary. The rule will now apply to advisors who offer advice on health savings accounts (HSAs). HISTORY In 2010, the DOL began to develop… Read More
CMS April 7, 2016 Webinar MARKETPLACE 101
CMS National Training Program Marketplace 101 Webinar April 7, 2016 1:00 – 2:30 pm ET This webinar provides a high-level overview of the Affordable Care Act and the Health Insurance Marketplace, including information on coverage, tax credits, and fees. To register for the free webinar visit https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1093375
Blue Cross Blue Shield Study: Obamacare Enrollees Use More Medical Care and Are Sicker
According to a report released last week by Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Obamacare enrollees in 2014 and 2015 used more medical services and are sicker than their counterparts who obtained coverage prior to the mandate. Though expected, the lower enrollment of younger, healthier, adults still plague the industry. The Findings: Members who newly enrolled… Read More
Obama Medicare Imitative Seeks New Pay Scale for Drugs –Some Specialties Crying “Irresponsible”
In a move that some physician groups are calling irresponsible, the Obama Administration unveiled a Part B. Medicare initiative to seek new avenues for the payment of outpatient drugs to doctors and hospitals. Hundreds of groups including consumers and drug manufacturers have called for the withdrawal of the initiative. Eliminate Profit Motive? Every year, more… Read More
Obamacare & your Taxes – Reminders on What’s New this Year
This year marks the second year that your health insurance choices could have an impact on your taxes. Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing to file your 2015 taxes: You will receive Tax form 1095-B or 1095-C from your employer, an insurance company (if you have an individual plan), or from… Read More
Recent CMS Guidance Impacts Humana’s Payment Process
The following information is from Humana. If you have any questions, please contact AMAC Broker Services at 1-888-776-6565 or via email at info@inspiring-elgamal.67-205-186-182.plesk.page Or contact Humana at agentsupport@humana.com. Amendments to contracts containing information about The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) recently issued updated guidance regarding when an agent should be paid full or… Read More
CBO Report –Millions Expected to lose Employer-Sponsored Health Plans by 2026
A new report released by the Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Commission on Taxation projects that millions less people under the age of 65 will be covered by employer-sponsored health plans by 2026 than they are today. The report also projects that more people will become insured through Medicaid. As of 2016, the CBO… Read More
Healthcare.gov to add Network-Breadth Ratings
Starting in 2017, consumers will be able to obtain information on network breadth ratings when comparing health care plans. This rating will show the number of doctors, hospitals, and specialists, within each network to help consumers can make informed decisions when choosing the best health plan for their needs. The third annual health care open-enrollment… Read More