Times up for mini-med plans as skinny plans gain focus
With the major elements of the Affordable Care Act taking effect this year, mini-med plans have met their demise, but skinny plans are gaining traction in their place.
Benefit plan design
IRS finalizes regulations for health insurance tax credits for small employers
The IRS has issued final regulations clarifying tax credits for small employers offering coverage to their employees through the SHOP exchange.
Public benefits managers need to adopt private sector strategies
Public HR departments may need to tweak their traditional management and operational techniques to be more in line with the private sector, as tax revenues grow shorter and employees' needs become more complex.
10 ACA questions small employers should be asking
The majority of Americans, including many small business owners, are still confused about the health reform legislation, according to Health Partners America, a broker training and education organization. Here are 10 FAQs about the Affordable Care Act and its implications for small businesses.
By
Phil Albinus
A less-than-happy checkup
There are few smiles as the ACAs effect on dental coverage begins to be better understood. Coupling dental benefits with health care coverage may have unintended consequences and complicate access for employees.
Can employers reimburse employees for coverage purchased on the ACA exchanges?
Benefit broker and former lawyer David C. Smith breaks down this question that has been somewhat controversial in the past few months, yet he says has a very clear answer.
Employers identify barriers to private exchange adoption
Although some employers are considering and even implementing a private exchange option for their employees, many remain skeptical of the immaturity of the marketplace and employee readiness.
Feds clarify employee orientation periods under the ACA
In a final rule published today, the U.S. Departments of Labor, Treasury and Health and Human Services say employers can require employee orientation periods to become eligible for health benefits, but say they cannot last longer than one month.
Where do e-cigarettes fit into an ACA-compliant wellness program?
The ACA has increased incentives for employees to quit smoking, but employers are wondering where e-cigarettes fit into the equation.
U.S. hires UnitedHealth exec to lead Obamacare effort at CMS
The UnitedHealth Group Inc. executive whose Optum division helped states and the federal government fix Obamacare health exchanges will become second-in- command at the agency that runs the U.S. program.
By
Alex Wayne
Advisers poised to address consumer concerns with ACA premium hikes
Early health plan rate filings for 2015 signal premium rate hikes that could force individuals to consider switching plans. Confused consumers will be looking for help from benefit brokers and agents well-versed in plan options.
Why the ACA has opened a sales door for vision insurance
How the ACA has drawn attention to vision care coverage and prompted employers to ask advisers about this voluntary benefit.
FAQs about the ACA: Out-of-pockets and preventative care
Advisers working with employer clients on ACA compliance should pay close attention to the DOLs recent updates on out-of-pocket limits and preventive service requirements.
Emergence of single-carrier model expected in private HIX
Private exchanges increasingly will feature single-carrier rather than multicarrier networks as well as more expansive product lines.
An insiders view on re-launching Healthcare.gov, says changes should be fixed for 2015
Looking toward 2015 open enrollment, experts say Healthcare.gov will be a vastly better place but work continues on some back end functionality.
Sebelius and Beshear: Key decisions led to ACA success
Former HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear discuss what key factors led to Obamacares 8 million enrollees
Advisers at odds with AHIPs newly proposed cost level on ACA exchanges
Insurance carriers are proposing a series of solutions to make the ACA exchanges more consumer-friendly, but not all brokers and agents agree with the ideas.
Private exchange enrollment hits 3M
Estimated enrollment is three times the number consultancy predicted last year.
New ACA delay limits employee choice on SHOP exchange
CMS has granted 18 states a delay in enacting employee choice on the SHOP exchange, which some advisers feel is the only incentive for employers to enroll on the exchange at all.
Choice a major disruptor to health care system
The emergence of public and private health insurance exchanges, as well as the ongoing shift toward placing more responsibility on workers for health plan decisions, is creating a new normal for employers and employees alike.