Health care spending more complex than thought
Communities known for paying the most on health care may not be spending as much as once thought, according to new data released on Wednesday.
Healthcare reform
Many use health care despite MA reform
Health care reform in Massachusetts hasn't lessened the pressure on providers that care for the poor, a new study shows.
Access to child-only health plans declined under new health care law
Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), ranking member on the senate health, education, labor and pensions (HELP) committee, released a report Tuesday showing access to child-only health insurance plans has declined significantly since passage of the new health care law. Enzi says the Department of Health and Human Services has failed to take action to address problems created by the new regulations.
United States approves free birth control for women
U.S. health insurance companies must offer women free birth control and other preventive health care services under Obama administration rules released on Monday, a historic decision supported by family planning groups and opposed by conservative groups. The rules from the Health and Human Services Department are part of the nation's healthcare overhaul and largely follow recommendations from an advisory group released last month.
Study shows small employers negative on impact of the law on business
One year after the passage of sweeping health-insurance reform legislation, the lasting impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on the small business community remains to be seen. A new study by the National Federation of Independent Business Research Foundation indicates that the overwhelming majority of small business owners do not expect the law to reduce cost or regulatory burdens and nearly two-thirds agree that the law will result in premium increases but not in better care.
Take EBA’s PPACA challenge
It's long been said that what you don't know won't hurt you. Whoever said that clearly had no knowledge of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Since its enactment in March 2010, PPACA and its impact on health plans, wellness programs,long-term care and even adoption benefits can definitely harm benefits pros who aren't on top of its provisions.
Flurry seen ahead for health plan exchanges
Government and industry experts say recent guidance from the federal government will hasten development of state purchasing exchanges, which will in turn affect employers long-range benefit sponsorship decisions.
States invite brokers into exchange development
State officials developing health insurance purchasing exchanges have voiced growing appreciation for the roles that can be played by benefit advisers.
Federal agencies continue to issue clarifying PPACA guidance; employers must stay up to date
The one-year anniversary of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has come and gone, and federal agencies continue to issue clarifying guidance on several of its provisions, including the grandfathered health plan rules and the requirement to report the cost of employer-provided health coverage on employees' Forms W-2.
Giving up grandfathered status proves easier
While most companies go through their annual renewal process in the fall, at Ambrose we are wrapping it up and heading into open enrollment for an Aug. 1 effective date. For us, as well as other employers with renewals that fall in the middle of the year, health care reform regulations haven't kicked in until now
Benefits Think Health care reform brings opportunity for voluntary benefits
McKinsey & Co. caused quite a stir not only around the insurance world, when it recently revealed that 30% of employers will definitely or probably drop their coverage when PPACA takes effect in 2014. While the exact percentage of employers keeping or dropping their coverage in three years remains to be seen, voluntary programs will be valuable to employers and employees alike in either situation.
U.S. hopes states move soon on insurance exchanges
A U.S. health official overseeing the new insurance exchanges program said he expects recently released regulatory guidelines to spur activity in the states this summer.
By
Reuters
6 tips for making preventive care more prominent for employees
Liz Rowell, a senior consultant at Benz Communications, offers benefits pros tips for using health care reforms focus on preventive care to their strategic advantage and force employees to get serious about screenings.
By
Liz Rowell
Senator urges Sebelius to remove agent compensation from MLR rule
Louisiana Sen. Mary L. Landrieu urges Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to remove agent compensation from the medical loss ratio rule.
Bill would allow consumers to keep FSA funds
A new bill introduced in the Senate last week could help consumers keep their employer-sponsored flexible spending account funds at the end of the year.
Questions plague state health exchange program
On July 11 when Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, announced rules for the new state health insurance exchanges, she did so with an air of caution, telling stakeholders to expect more modifications before they become final. That may prove to be an understatement.
US senators talk CLASS Act repeal in budget negotiations
A group of U.S. senators has offered an ambitious budget plan that could help Congress find a way to raise the $14.3 trillion debt ceiling before an Aug. 2 default.
More PPACA waivers granted; tally increases to 1,471
As of the end of June, 39 new approvals have bumped the number of annual limit waivers to 1,471. The one-year waivers are designed to help organizations delay provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
White House stands behind Obama on mother’s insurance
The story of President Barack Obama's mother's fight with insurance companies as she suffered from cancer is still compelling, despite a recent book's suggestion it was embellished during the campaign, a White House spokesman said.
Health exchanges will change insurers
As major market changes loom, one report says health insurance providers that wish to access this giant pool of potential customers will need to shift toward a consumer-focused model.
By
Bill Kenealy