Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan Extended
HHS has announced that the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) also has been extended through January 31, 2014. The PCIP will be replaced by marketplace coverage, but to accommodate PCIP […]
New Option for Individuals Who Have Lost Coverage to Purchase a Catastrophic Policy
Currently, catastrophic coverage only is available in the marketplace to people under age 30 and to those who do not need to meet the individual mandate either because the cost […]
IRS Issues Notice about Same-Sex Spouses under Section 125 Plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Health Savings Accounts
On Dec. 16, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2014-1 which provides some answers about covering same-sex spouses under Section 125 plans in light of the Windsor decision. In […]
Do You Understand the 2014 Requirements for Your Wellness Program?
The wellness program rules provide an exception to the general rule that employers may not take a person’s health status into account with respect to eligibility, benefits, or premiums under […]
7 Healthy Eating Strategies For The Holidays
Some of our most cherished traditions are centered on food, particularly at this time of year. Most dieters will tell you that December is a tough time to follow a […]
Changes Affecting Small Insured Plans
Beginning in 2015, if an insurer agrees to use a composite rate, the rate could not be changed during the year, even if the composition of the group changes. Insurers […]
Maximum Deductible for 2015 – Affects Small Employers With Fully Insured Plans
HHS has announced that it expects that in 2015 the maximum deductible for insured small group plans will be $2,150 for employee-only coverage and $4,300 for family coverage (up from […]
Open Enrollment for the Marketplaces – May Affect Large and Small Employers, Whether Fully Insured or Self-Funded
Open enrollment for the individual marketplaces for 2015 coverage will run from Nov. 15, 2014, through Jan. 15, 2015. Coverage would begin on Jan. 1, 2015, for individuals enrolling from […]
Transitional Reinsurance Fee – Affects Large and Small Employers, Whether Fully Insured or Self-Funded
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently issued an update on the Transitional Reinsurance Fee (TRF) as follows: A Transitional Reinsurance Fee […]
Additional Medicare Withholding For High Earners
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published Final Regulations on the Additional Medicare Tax (AMT) on Nov. 29, 2013, and an updated and comprehensive FAQ on Dec. 2, 2013. There are few changes […]
