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Insurance

Health care reporting: What’s reportable?

05/24/2012
Q: Are amounts paid for wellness programs and on-site medical clinics reportable in Box 12 of employees’ W-2s? Also, can you explain when dental and vision plan costs are reportable on Form W-2? What qualifies these benefits as “separate” plans?

Play ball! But limit your liability at summer social events

05/12/2012
Say your marketing director breaks his leg during an after-hours employee softball game against a crosstown company. Who’s responsible? You might be surprised.

4 questions to ask about supplemental insurance

05/11/2012

Supplemental health insurance plans can build good will among employees, make your benefits package more competitive and enhance HR’s image. To make sure you secure the best coverage at the best prices, ask insurance brokers about the following topics.

Sex-change spouse covered by health insurance

05/10/2012
Does your health insurance or other benefit plan specifically state that it covers those who are married under Minnesota law? Then your policy terms probably apply in some unique circumstances—including when an employee is married to someone who has undergone gender reassignment surgery.

Plan ahead now for W-2 health care reporting

05/10/2012
By the end of June, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to let us know whether some or all of the Affordable Care Act health care reform law will stand—or be struck down. The highly anticipated decision notwithstanding, it’s a good idea to get your W-2 reporting ducks in a row now.

TIGTA: Employers not taking the health care credit

05/07/2012
Few eligible small employers are claiming the health care tax credit, despite the IRS’ numerous public relations efforts, according to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Among the reasons given for the low take-up rate: It took too long and it was too hard to claim the credit.

350-employee firm has its own on-site physician

04/30/2012

Louisville-based Appriss offers its 350-plus employees free access to an on-site doctor’s office. The technology-solutions company also waives health care insurance premiums for workers who do not use tobacco.

Barbeque chain extends benefits to franchisees

04/26/2012
Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants is giving its 200 franchise owners, their families and their employees access to group purchasing power for medical benefits, dental coverage and legal and financial services.

California federal court rules: Government agency must insure employee’s same-sex spouse

04/19/2012
In a case that’s already being appealed, a federal district court has ruled that a federal agency must enroll an employee’s same-sex spouse in the employee’s health care plan.

U.S. Supreme Court will decide the fate of health care reform

04/10/2012
The U.S. Supreme Court will decide the fate of health care reform before the end of June. No matter how the court rules on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, its decision will affect employer-provided benefits for years to come.