Play or Pay Penalty Delayed To 2015
On July 2, 2013 the Department of the Treasury and the White House used their blogs to announce that the employer reporting requirements, and the employer shared responsibility/Play or Pay penalty, are being delayed until 2015. The Treasury said that it will provide a formal announcement and additional details next week. Background The employer shared […]
PPACA: Individual Grace Period
Effective Date for Individual Mandate Delayed For Some People On June 26, 2013 the IRS unexpectedly issued a notice that gives individuals who are eligible for coverage under an employer-sponsored health plan, but who have not elected coverage under that plan, until the start of the 2014 plan year to enroll in the plan. Employees […]
U.S. Supreme Court Rules Legally-Married Same-Sex Spouses Entitled to Federal Recognition and Lifts California Ban on Same-Sex Marriage
The United States Supreme Court has issued two decisions that expand same-sex marriage rights. In the first, United States v. Windsor, No. 12-307 (June 26, 2013), the Court ruled unconstitutional a law denying federal recognition of legally-married same-sex couples. In the second, Hollingsworth, et al. v. Perry, No. 12-144 (June 26, 2013), the Court effectively […]
The 2013 UBA Health Plan Benchmarking Survey Has Closed And The Winner Of The iPad Is…
THE WINNER IS: The Philadelphia Zoo!!! We had an overwhelming response to our 2013 UBA Health Plan Benchmarking Survey and we are happy to announce that we have randomly picked the winner for the Apple 32 GB iPad! With over 18,000 plans participating, including more than 75 plans from our local office, congratulations goes out […]
Have You Made Any “Material Modifications” To Your Plan Since Your Last SBC Was Issued?
If a group health plan or health insurance issuer have made any material modification (during the plan year) in terms of the plan or coverage involved that’s not reflected in the most recent Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC), the plan or issuer must provide notice of the modification to enrollees within 60 days of […]
COMPLIANCE ALERT!! Final “SHOP” Regulations Issued
On June 4, 2013, the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”), issued final regulations implementing the provisions of the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) related to the establishment and operation of the Small Business Health Options Program (“SHOP”). The final regulations delay by one year the implementation of […]
PCORI Fee Due Date
By July 31, 2013, most issuers of health insurance policies and plan sponsors of self-insured health plans must pay a fee of $1 per covered life as a result of new provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The fee will partially fund the Patient-Centered Outcome Research Institute (“PCORI”), which is a private, […]
PPACA: Certificates of Creditable Coverage
Affects all plans, whether fully insured, self-funded or grandfathered, and regardless of employer size, as of Jan. 1, 2015. Because pre-existing condition limitations will not be permitted after the start of the 2014 plan year, certificates of creditable coverage would not need to be provided after Dec. 31, 2014. (This date would apply regardless of […]
AGENCIES ISSUE FINAL RULES ON WELLNESS PROGRAMS
On May 29, 2013 the Department of Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Labor jointly issued a final rule that addresses how wellness programs must operate under PPACA beginning in 2014. In many respects the final rules carry forward the rules that have been in effect for wellness programs […]
Do You Know What The Summary Of Benefits & Coverage Requirements Are Under Health Care Reform?
A Summary of Benefits & Coverage (SBC) is required starting the first day of the first plan year after September 23, 2012, or the first day of the first open enrollment period after this date. Health insurers and group health plans must provide the SBC and the Uniform Glossary to consumers. Please note that the […]
