Insurance

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.

Injured worker? Contest unemployment if worker quits before giving you a chance to help

05/06/2013

Here’s some good news: As long as you are willing to accommodate an employee’s medical condition, you won’t face liability for unemployment compensation if she quits. And the employee has to tell you she needs that accommodation. If she just quits, she won’t be eligible.

Know the regs that help avoid ACA free-rider penalties

05/02/2013

The bottom line for you to avoid free-rider penalties under the Affordable Care Act is not to have employees obtain health insurance on the individual exchange and qualify for premium tax credits or other cost sharing reductions.

Can the company ‘profit’ from the share of health premiums charged to employees?

05/01/2013

Q. After several large health insurance claims last year, our president decided to increase the premiums deducted from employees’ paychecks. However, the rate he has directed to be deducted is higher than the rate at which we are billed for the spouse and dependent coverage. Is it legal to make money off of the “premiums” we ask employees to pay?

Design health plan to attract low-wage workers

04/25/2013

With data showing how employee income and health-benefit plan participation are closely intertwined, a new study is sounding alarm bells for employers that must begin complying with the affordability mandates of the Affordable Care Act next year.