Insurance

Minnesota backs away from edge of retirement ‘cliff’

06/18/2012

The Minnesota state government has settled the last age discrimination claims resulting from early retirement packages offered to state employees.

Payroll on the hook for medical loss ratio rebates

06/15/2012

Group health insurers that don’t spend between 80 and 85 cents of every premium dollar on medical care and health care quality improvement must make so-called medical loss ratio (MLR) rebates to employees, beginning Aug. 1, 2012.

IRS announces 2013 HSA inflation adjustments

06/12/2012

The IRS has announced the 2013 inflation-adjusted figures for health savings accounts (HSAs) and high-deductible health plans.

Self-insured plans must pony up fees for research

06/04/2012

The Affordable Care Act health care reform law requires plan sponsors of self-insured plans, including self-insured plans that cover retirees, to pay fees to support medical research for seven years, beginning with plan years ending on or after Oct. 1, 2012. Sponsors of insured plans who offer employees HRAs and certain health FSAs must also pay the fees.

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.