Tax Forms & Affordable Care Act
January 1, 2015
Check out this blog on filling out tax forms if you have minimum essential health coverage or if you received a subsidy.
» Blog & News
GreenLight Pitch Competition in Port Huron
December 1, 2014
Blue Water area’s first GreenLight Pitch Competition finals, a competition created to encourage entrepreneurship, are set for Dec. 9 at St. Clair County Community College Fine Arts Theatre building. The 10 finalists will pitch their business models at 5:30 p.m. with a reception to follow at TechPort, 208 Huron Ave. Winners will be announced at …
Open Enrollment Checklist
October 1, 2014
Open enrollment can be a challenging time for HR staff. Take a moment to review this document (PDF) for the steps necessary to ensure a smooth implementation. For a more detailed checklist that will ensure you are in compliance with changes mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), please contact us at robbinsgroup@robbinsgroup.com.
COBRA Notices and Marketplace Enrollment Period
June 8, 2014
The federal regulatory agencies issued a bulletin announcing an extended special enrollment period for individuals currently enrolled in (or eligible for) COBRA. The special enrollment opportunity gives eligible individuals until July 1, 2014 to enroll in Marketplace coverage. In order to encourage COBRA beneficiaries to consider Marketplace coverage as an alternative to COBRA, employers may …
Top 10 COBRA Mistakes
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 …
The DOL and HHS Issue Clarifying Guidance Regarding COBRA
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 …
ACA-Final Pay or Play Mandate
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.
Michigan to Allow Health Insurance Carriers to Reinstate Canceled Policies
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
ACA and Small Group Health Plan Cancellations – Not So Easy
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.
Benefit and Rate Shocks with Health Insurance Exchanges
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.