As employers digest the tenets of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, most have not taken drastic measures to avoid triggering certain requirements of PPACA. Small employers have shown a stronger tendency to take actions such as freezing hiring or cutting back on fulltime workers to remain under the 50-employee trigger. But even small […]
Category: News
Carriers push for PPACA changes
The nation’s carrier group is urging the administration to add a new lower-cost plan under the exchanges — as well as a couple other changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act — “to enhance the affordability, stability and accessibility of health care.” On Wednesday, America’s Health Insurance Plans proposed a series of changes to the law […]
PPACA plan gotchas
Your employer clients have to be careful when looking at dental and vision plan options. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) now requires every new, non-grandfathered, insured small group health plan to offer an“essential health benefits” (EHB)package that includes pediatric and pediatric vision benefits. But the PPACA EHB requirements do not apply to grandfathered plans, self-insured plans […]
Exchanges plans are cheaper, report finds
BY KATHRYN MAYER The debate over Obamacare prices — and data supporting both sides — rages on. New analysis from HealthPocket indicates plans are cheaper on the exchanges than off them. Analyzing premium prices from four major carriers that are offered off the exchanges with comparable bronze, silver and gold plans on the exchanges, researchers found that […]
Brokers’ big role? Clearing up PPACA confusion
We’ve heard it all before. Survey after survey finds consumers are still blissfully unaware of or simply confused by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This despite the fact that the exchanges have been open for weeks now and the law’s other main provisions go live in just a few weeks. Many are even confused […]
PPACA expected to lower workers’ comp claims
BY BRUCE JACOBS Add “Obamacare” to the phrase “unintended consequences” and a lot of people sprint straight to the storm cellar. But the unintended consequences (none of which are direct) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on the workers’ compensation system may present employers, workers and carriers with perhaps more silver lining than cloud. […]
5 steps to better meetings
BY DAN COOK Are meetings leaving you feeling drained, frustrated and concerned about how much of your life has been spent in pointless banter with colleagues who’d rather be anywhere than in a meeting? Guess what — you’re in the majority. According to a Robert Half Management Resources survey of more than 400 employees who attend meetings, […]
Employers still in the dark about PPACA costs
BY KATHRYN MAYER Though it’s the talk — and concern — of companies nationwide (and has been for years, now), most employers still haven’t gotten around to measuring the cost impact of Obamacare. That’s the significant finding from a new survey of more than 1,000 employers from broker Willis. Only 37 percent of respondents said they’ve […]
California Senate OKs boost in minimum wage to $13 an hour
BY MICHAEL B. MAROIS May 29 (Bloomberg) — California’s minimum wage would increase to $13 a hour, the highest in the nation, under a bill approved by the state Senate and sent to the Assembly. The legislation by Mark Leno, a San Francisco Democrat, would phase in the increase to $11 next year, $12 in 2016 […]
Is payroll deduction really necessary?
BY GIL LOWERRE AND BONNIE BRAZZELL Sometimes, payroll deduction for voluntary products isn’t an option. Whether for technical reasons, employee demographics, or employer preference, payroll deduction might not be available. But when it is, it’s usually the preferred methodology. But only considering what is easiest for us and the HR department is risky. It’s just as […]