Republicans weigh defunding health law, avoiding shutdown
House Republicans return to Washington today still at loggerheads over how to thwart the ACA without shutting down the federal government on Oct. 1.
Healthcare reform
Standalone HRAs are out, as expected
A recent ruling by the DOL prevents HRAs from being used by employers as the only vehicle for supplying medical benefits.
Maryland to bring exchange information to the grocery aisle
Effort to coincide with open enrollment.
House Republicans continue to target ACA
Republicans are strategizing a delay of the ACA to avoid a government shutdown later this month and also voted last week to delay new subsidies for the soon-to-be-open exchanges.
By
James Rowley
$100-a-day penalties: ACA non-compliance can be expensive
While most employers are focused on the larger 'Obamacare' fines than be levied against a plan, they shouldn't lose sight of a slew of smaller penalties that can really add up.
Obamacare computer hub completes information security tests
The computer hub, a frequent target of Republicans, is designed to route data on customers using new insurance exchanges from seven federal agencies including the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration.
By
Alex Wayne
AFL-CIO to urge changes in ACA as Republicans vow repeal
We want to offer some constructive suggestions to President Barack Obama, says Fred Redmond, a vice president with the United Steelworkers Union and a member of the AFL-CIO executive council.
ACA computer hub completes security tests
A computer system underpinning the U.S. health care overhaul has completed security testing and is ready to go, the federal government says.
By
Alex Wayne
IBM defends moving retirees to private exchange
As long as retirees enroll with the private insurance exchange, IBM will subsidize their health care premiums at a similar level, the company says.
Workers nudged to health exchanges seen costing U.S. taxpayers
The cost of Obamacare, is much more sensitive than people previously appreciated to employers decisions to drop coverage, says Jay Bhattacharya, an economist and Stanford associate professor of medicine.
By
Alex Wayne
House leaders may pair stopgap funding with ACA vote
House Republican leaders put together a plan to enact a stopgap government funding measure by forcing the Democratic-led Senate to take a largely symbolic vote on defunding President Barack Obamas Affordable Care Act.
Obama agency questions GOP scrutiny of health navigators
The navigators are considered crucial to the Obama administrations effort to enroll at least 7 million of those people in health plans through online marketplaces scheduled to open Oct. 1.
By
Alex Wayne
IRS loosens employer mandate reporting requirements
What are Department of the Treasury and IRS proposing to limit for employers now?
Transitional reinsurance program ‘complex’
Lawyer Garret Fenton offers advice on how employers can prepare for the Affordable Care Acts transitional reinsurance program.
The future of mini-meds
Altered by the ACA, limited medical plans may actually increase in popularity for some workers.
HHS clarifies ‘religious employer’ rules
Regulations outline the Affordable Care Acts contraceptive mandate.
Obamacare is best chance to improve system, Clinton says
The Affordable Care Act is the best chance for the U.S. to achieve near universal medical coverage and curb health care costs that hurt the nations global competitiveness, former President Bill Clinton said.
By
Alex Wayne
‘Obamacare insurance costs affordable, Kaiser survey finds
A 25-year-old New Yorker earning $25,000 a year will pay as little as $62 a month for health insurance next year, and a peer living in Vermont may pay nothing, according to a 17-state survey of premiums under the U.S. health care overhaul.
By
Alex Wayne
Does out-of-pocket delay actually apply to your client?
A recent delay on out-of-pocket spending could be complicated for those who think they have a single-vendor system, should their health care provider and pharmacy be considered separate internally.
Republican lawmakers probe of Obamacare groups spurs backlash
This is a blatant and shameful attempt to intimidate groups who will be working to inform Americans about their new health insurance options and help them enroll in coverage, says one spokeswoman.
By
Alex Wayne