How did our health insurance become tied to our employer?
Ever wonder how the U.S. health insurance system evolved into this system that largely ties health insurance to your employer? Most other countries do not have this employer-based insurance system. The New York Times published a great summary of how we got where we are today: https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/09/05/upshot/the-real-reason-the-us-has-employer-sponsored-health-insurance.html
How to Notify Employees About the Health Care Reform Exchange
In most cases, yes, you must distribute a Health Care Reform Exchange Notice by October 1st, 2013. The rule applies to any business that falls under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The main qualifications are companies that have more than 1 employee, engage in interstate commerce, produce goods for commerce, or have >$500,000 in annual…
Could Using a Broker Help Your Business Get Lower Insurance Premiums?
As health insurance agents, it is a somewhat nerve-wracking time for us and our industry. With the implementation of Health Care Reform and the entrance of navigators and other consumer assistance personnel into the world of health insurance, what will our role be? Lower Insurance Premiums and Increased Health Coverage An article out today by Employee…
How Can Small Businesses Prepare For Health Care Reform?
Health Care Reform Guidelines for Small Business If you do not currently offer benefits to employees and don’t want to start, under the new Health Care Reform guidelines you are not required to offer health insurance if you have less than 50 employees. If you have more than 50 employees, you do not face any…
Why is the Employer Mandate being delayed?
The Employer Mandate is the portion of Health Care Reform that penalizes large employers for not offering affordable health-coverage to its full-time employees. The penalties apply to employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees. On July 2nd, President Obama announced that the Employer Mandate would be delayed until 2015. The reason given was to…
What Is Going To Happen With UPMC And Highmark?
Currently, UPMC and Highmark have an agreement through December 31, 2014. This means that any Highmark member (except those with Community Blue) will be able to use all UPMC facilities and doctors at in-network rates through the end of 2014. In June, UPMC announced that, because of Highmark’s recent acquisition of the Allegheny General/West Penn…
