Benefits Think How data drives better ACA plan decisions
Commentary: Why understanding the impact of health plan costs, employer contribution and employee demographics is vital to sponsoring benefits in 2015.
Healthcare reform
Benefits Think How data drives better ACA plan decisions
Commentary: Why understanding the impact of health plan costs, employer contribution and employee demographics is vital to sponsoring benefits in 2015.
Polls show preference to fix, not repeal, ACA
Most folks would agree that if something isnt broken, then theres no need to fix it, but few believe that argument applies to the Affordable Care Act. A flurry of recent research suggests that Americans think the polarizing law deserves public patience, while other findings note that its still unpopular.
Feds propose wraparound coverage for employees going to the exchange
The Obama administration says it will propose to let employers offer wraparound coverage to certain low-wage employees purchasing individual health insurance on and off the exchanges.
Appropriate tools necessary in choosing a private exchange
To really dig deep into private exchanges, it would behoove employers to understand some of the characteristics different exchanges offer.
The year in exchanges: Where private exchanges go from here
Its been a year of massive growth for private exchanges, with estimates of more than three million people receiving employer health benefits through them by mid-2014, according to business management consultancy Accenture. Yet, 2015 is expected to see even more growth and acquisitions.
Healthcare.govs best week yet brings 1 million new sign-ups
More than 1 million people used the U.S. Healthcare.gov system to sign up for Affordable Care Act plans in the seven days ending Dec. 12, the best week yet for enrollment in the programs second year.
By
Alex Wayne
The year in health care: adjusting to change
From the first open enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act to the unveiling of Apples HealthWatch, the health care industry has seen some big advancements and major changes in 2014, making it a year of constant adjustment for benefit advisers.
Health plan renewal delays skyrocket
Delaying health plan renewals appears to be the new normal under the Affordable Care Act, especially for small businesses.
ACA employer mandate in action: Avoiding the missteps of 2014
The employer mandate will be in effect for many employers in a matter of weeks. And one thing is certain; the most detrimental compliance strategy is to deny the need to comply. Heres how to help your clients avoid some of the more common ACA compliance mistakes.
By
Deborah Hyde
Caution to employers: Dont masquerade cost shifting as savings
When evaluating the merits of a private exchange, one industry insider suggests pursuing an overall financial strategy built around achieving true savings rather than simply shifting costs onto employees a warning that has been sounded for years in the traditional marketplace.
Common questions on ACA Jan. 1 compliance deadline answered
The Jan. 1, 2015 ACA compliance deadline for large employers is quickly approaching and your employer clients may have unanswered questions. Here are some of the most common employer concerns still looming and the answers you can provide them.
Enrollments costing brokers time, money
As if employee benefit brokers and advisers in California havent had enough uphill battles trying to preserve their standing along the changing HIX landscape, some of them also now have to worry about being paid for helping enroll more than 500,000 residents in the state-run public exchange. But at least one industry insider believes its much ado about nothing.
Top brokers address the industry’s pressing challenges
Employers racing to keep up with changing regulations and stay ahead in the talent war are increasingly turning to their benefit advisers for help. In EBAs ongoing series, executives at some of the top brokerages share challenges the industry is facing, as well as tips for firms of all sizes on how to tackle those challenges head-on.
NAIC outlines new rules for health plan provider networks
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has released highly anticipated draft regulations expected to impact the makeup of health plan provider networks on a state and federal level, including on the ACA exchanges.
IRS issues rules on hardship exemptions from ACA individual mandate
The IRS has issued a notice, regulations and other guidance related to the ACA, including information on getting a hardship exemption from the individual mandate for health insurance coverage.
Private exchanges: ‘An evolutionary process’
Towers Watson has spent nearly a billion dollars of its own capital to build out its private exchange offering, OneExchange, through acquisitions. Jim Foreman, Towers Watsons director of exchange solutions, shares how voluntary continues to grow in a private HIX marketplace and why more and more employers are expressing interest in the offerings.
Obama administration to alter ACA enrollment in 2016
HHS is proposing to make some significant changes to the rules governing the Affordable Care Act, including a shortened time period for open enrollment and training requirements for brokers and agents.
ACA approval hits record low as those with HIX plans satisfied with coverage
Americans approval of the Affordable Care Act is at a record low yet those uninsured who purchased coverage through the exchange are overall pleased with the quality of coverage they obtained.
Employer mandate focus of House Republicans’ lawsuit
U.S. House Republicans made good on a vote to sue the Obama administration over implementation of the 2010 health-care law with a lawsuit naming the Department of Health and Human Services and the Treasury as defendants in what they claim to be a case of constitutional overreach.