A Q&A on the CLASS Act
Currently, more than 12 million people in the United States need some kind of long-term care, with costs ranging from $20/hour for home health care to over $3,000/month for assisted living.
Healthcare reform
PPACA: Regulators delay claims, appeals enforcement
Government regulators responsible for enforcing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act recently announced that they plan to wait until Jan. 1, 2012 to enforce certain provisions related to internal claims and appeals.
Database tracks state reform-related bills
The National Conference of State Legislatures has developed a free database of legislation introduced in the states related to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Locktons president warns Congress about PPACAs burdens
Mike Brewer, president of Lockton Benefit Group, urged a U.S. House Committee March 10 to help employers reduce the costs and administrative burdens of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Health coverage still tough to get for individuals
Nearly three quarters of those seeking health insurance in the U.S. individual market in recent years faced roadblocks or were turned down due to prior medical conditions, a report released on Wednesday said.
By
Reuters
IRS tags $62 million for PPACA in 2012 budget
The IRS is asking for $62 million to prepare for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2012, IRS Commissioner Douglas H. Shulman told the House Appropriations Committee in testimony earlier this month.
NAIC proposes MLR solution
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners on March 3 released for comment draft legislation that would remove broker compensation from the medical loss ratio calculation. Reportedly nearly identical to upcoming legislation from Michigan Rep. Mike Rogers (R), the National Association of Health Underwriters Jessica Waltman calls the bill a significant step.
Health reform discord still pervasive
Against a groundswell of state-based unrest, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act continues to churn forward under a blanket of contention.
Obama offers states flexibility on health care law
President Barack Obama extended an olive branch on Monday to states struggling to implement his health care law, offering support for a proposal that would give them some flexibility in carrying out its key parts.
By
Lisa Lambert
President refuses to regress on health care reform
Days after delivering what he called a "little speech" (also known as the State of the Union address), President Obama vehemently defended the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, rallying the audience at a Families USA conference in Washington, D.C., that "we are moving forward."
PPACA heightens the need to benchmark benefit programs
Employers like to look over one another's shoulder when it comes to benefits programs, and benchmarking data provides this opportunity.
PPACAs impact on nonmedical plans examined
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has triggered considerable angst about the fate of group health insurance coverage since its passage, but recent research suggests that its not expected to affect non-medical benefits.
White House officials called to task on health reform
At Jan. 26 hearings on health care reform held by both the House Budget and Ways and Means Committees, the new Republican majority took the opportunity to question Obama Administration officials on the economic repercussions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
President refuses to regress on health reform
Days after delivering what he called a little speech (also known as the State of the Union address), President Obama vehemently defended the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, rallying the audience of a Families USA conference in Washington, D.C., that we are moving forward.
Health care reforms next steps
As the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act approaches its one-year anniversary, the focus on the law is shifting from the issues of extending coverage and insurance reforms to the structure of the upcoming insurance exchanges, accountable care organizations and the definition of "essential benefits."
Segal studies PPACA impact on dental, vision
Employers with dental or vision benefits have gritted teeth and winced about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Acts impact on such coverage, but a recent Segal Co. analysis seeks to clear up any confusion about compliance.
Two-minute drill: Talking to senior execs about health care reform
You're on the third floor waiting for the elevator, on the way down to grab your morning cup of coffee. The elevator doors open and standing there is the CEO. It's just the two of you in the elevator.
Va. court decision sets stage for PPACA Supreme Court battle
As the first ruling in federal court to declare a portion of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act unconstitutional, Virginia Judge Henry Hudsons Dec. 13 finding that the individual mandate provision falls outside "constitutional boundaries puts a kink in the armor of President Barack Obamas health reform package but the battle over PPACA is just beginning.
Lawmakers contest value of mini-meds
A Senate panel last week deepened a probe of co-pay based mini-meds that raised pointed questions about the plans' value and transparency for workers, even when employers are unable to sponsor more comprehensive coverage.
IRS releases forms and guidance on small business health care tax credit
The IRS released final guidance Dec. 2 for small employers eligible to claim the new small business health care tax credit for the 2010 tax year including a the one-page form small employers will use to claim the credit for the 2010 tax year.