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Insurance

HEXs and SHOPs: Welcome to the new world of health benefits

06/13/2013
Under the Affordable Care Act, open enrollment for the individual health exchanges, or HEXs, begins Oct. 1, 2013. The outlook for the Small Business Health Options Program, or SHOPs, through which small employers may buy health insurance is a bit more complicated. Here’s where things stand.

DOL issues revised model COBRA notice

06/12/2013
The DOL last month published an updated version of its model COBRA election notice, as well as model notices that employers can use to tell employees about their options for buying health insurance through the new state exchanges.

New wellness rules allow premium incentives

06/11/2013
Employers will be able to offer rich incentives for employees to participate in workplace wellness programs under final rules issued May 29 by the Obama administration.

6 key ACA terms benefits pros must know

06/10/2013
There’s lots of new lingo built into the Affordable Care Act. Understanding what these six terms mean can help you make better decisions about the health benefits you offer.

Status of States’ Positions on HEXs/SHOPs and Medicaid

06/10/2013

Under the Affordable Care Act, individuals will be able to buy health insurance ­policies through individual health exchanges (HEXs). States may create their own HEXs, and may create SHOPs (Small Business Health Options Program). This chart summarizes the states’ current positions on HEXs, SHOPs and whether they will expand their Medicaid rolls.

Health care reform: Prepare now for employer mandate in 2014

05/30/2013
Although the Affordable Care Act’s employer mandate takes effect in 2014, implementation of several requirements will depend on circumstances that unfold this year. Employers should plan ahead to avoid unexpected negative consequences. Immediate actions may be necessary.

ACA regs keep rolling along

05/23/2013
Full implementation of the Affordable Care Act health care reform law is mere months away, which means that the IRS and the Department of Health and Human Services have a lot of work to do in a short period of time. The latest regulations cover the 90-day waiting period for new employees and temporary reinsurance fees.

Sugar lockout comes to sweet conclusion for employer

05/10/2013
The 20-month-long American Crystal Sugar lockout is finally over. In April, 55% of the members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Local 167G ratified a contract that closely resembles a deal they rejected on four previous votes.

Firing because you suspect thievery: Better be prepared to prove it

05/09/2013
Employees who steal from their employers violate their duty of loyalty. That makes them ineligible for unemployment compensation. That’s true even if the theft is small. But you must be prepared with clear testimony if you want to contest the worker’s right to unemployment benefits.

Heard about the ACA’s $63 per head reinsurance fee?

05/09/2013
Tucked into the Affordable Care Act’s fine print is a requirement for most group health plans that provide major medical coverage to pay a reinsurance fee to the Department of Health and Human Services in 2014, 2015 and 2016.