Digging in to private exchanges
Still in their infancy, private exchanges present a tremendous opportunity to rein in health care spending and help HR deal with more pressing issues. But what makes a good one, and how are they growing?]
Healthcare reform
Supreme Court backs Hobby Lobbys religious objection to contraception use
In a major 5-4 ruling on religious freedom, the Supreme Court of the United States Monday ruled that religious rights of two Christian company owners trumped the rights of its employees to receive full contraceptive coverage promised by mandates in the Affordable Care Act.
How to build alliances with CPAs
Benefit brokers and advisers know that an accountant can be a strong alliance for building business, especially in the post-ACA world. Heres how to maximize your proposition to CPAs.
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
Half of benefit advisers considering leaving the industry
While many brokers consider leaving the industry in response to the changing health care environment, most agree that reform has created a huge opportunity for advisers willing to adapt.
Auto-enrollment on ACA exchange wont hurt brokers
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Thursday announcement that consumers already enrolled in marketplace plans in 2014 can auto-enroll for 2015 is largely positive for brokers, though the decision is symbolically unsettling to some.
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.
Partnership versus acquisition: The future of the employee benefit brokerage
Either way, benefit firms are consolidating and its important for brokers and advisers to evaluate their options and find the right fit for their agency.
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.
Benefits Think What is Medicaid migration and how does it apply to brokers?
Road to Workplace Benefits Mania: Ahead of the July conference, keynote speaker Ben Geyerhahn previews his strategy for brokers to mitigate health costs Medicaid migration.
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.
As ACA rollout continues, advisers should prepare for client tax questions
As the Affordable Care Act continues to necessitate the evolution of the benefit advisers role with individual and employer clients, knowing about the tax ramifications of the health law is a must.
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
Private exchange innovation: Partner with the competition for success
How a father and daughter benefit broker team worked together to launch a private insurance marketplace that serves small and mid-size businesses as well as other local advisers.
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.
Warnings on Healthcare.gov flaws overlooked
A contractor the Obama administration hired to monitor progress on its health insurance website, Healthcare.gov, repeatedly warned the project was falling behind before the site failed in October, Senate Republicans said in a report.
By
Alex Wayne
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.