June 1, 2014
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) requires that employers provide former employees and dependents who lose group health benefits with an opportunity to continue group health insurance coverage for a limited period of time. Compliance with the complex rules regarding COBRA coverage can be difficult and mistakes can be costly. Penalties for …
May 1, 2014
On May 2, 2014, the DOL released proposed regulations, which would amend the COBRA notice requirements to reflect changes made by the ACA. The DOL also released updated versions of the model general notice and model election notice under COBRA, which reflect that the Exchanges are now open, and which better describe special enrollment rights …
March 1, 2014
The IRS recently issued final regulations on the Affordable Care Act’s employer shared responsibility rules (“pay or play” mandate). The employer mandate generally requires applicable large employers to offer health coverage to their full-time employees or be subject to penalties. Review details (PDF) on this mandate and how it may affect you as an employer.
November 8, 2013
Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director, Ann Flood, announced that Michigan will allow health insurers to reinstate canceled policies. Note – health insurance companies are not mandated to reinstate policies and many major Michigan health insurers are not processing reinstatements. Please read the below announcement from the DIFS. https://www.michigan.gov/difs/0,5269,7-303-12902_35510-279964–,00.html
November 1, 2013
Bob Laszewski, an expert in health care reform, provides insight into ACA’s impact on smaller employers and how dropping group health insurance coverage for their employees is not as easy as it sounds. Read his blog for more information.
October 1, 2013
Health insurance rates and benefits through the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Exchanges won’t be what consumers expect. Read here for more information.
September 8, 2013
As the deadline to get health insurance marketplace notices out to employees looms, there are still a lot of questions about how these operate. Check here (PDF) to see answers to many common questions.
September 1, 2013
As required by the Affordable Care Act, employers must provide part-time and full-time employees with a notice regarding the Health Insurance Marketplace by October 1, 2013 and new hires must receive this notice within 14 days of the start date of employment. Please see the below for Model Exchange Notices Notice for Employers that Offer …
July 15, 2013
According to Bob Laszewski, a leading anaylyst regarding health care policy, health insurance exchanges will be granted the honor system – meaning that insurance exchanges can mostly rely upon the applicant’s statement regarding their income versus requiring proof of income. This issue leads to the question – is there something wrong with the Federal Data …
July 8, 2013
On July 9, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued formal guidance on the Employer Mandate Penalties Delay. See Notice 2013-45 as well as our Legislative Brief (Link didn’t work) for more details. The delay does not affect any other provision of the ACA, including individuals’ access to premium tax credits for coverage through an Exchange.