September 24, 2013 • 8:00am – 1:30pm MSU Management Education Center, Troy The conference is critical for any business or trusted advisor preparing for the immediate rules related to Health Care Reform. Tax penalties, credits, full time employee status and health benefits changes will all be covered. These are must attend for any business […]
https://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.png00michbusinesshttps://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.pngmichbusiness2013-08-20 16:00:352015-10-08 00:00:00Save The Date For The Next MBPA Health Care Reform Conference
MBPA is actively monitoring the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) implementation and the impact on Michigan businesses. We urge you to use this brief while conducting final ACA preparations; these are the key ACA provisions you must know about as we approach 2014. Links to files referenced below will be posted on the MBPA member website. […]
https://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.png00michbusinesshttps://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.pngmichbusiness2013-08-20 16:00:302015-10-08 00:00:00Countdown To Affordable Care Act Implementation: Key Information For Michigan Businesses
The Blues explained how small groups would have the opportunity to shift their 2014 renewal date to November or December. Based on feedback from the agent community, they’re extending the deadline for submission of the Renewal Date Change Request form to August 30. The form remains available through the 2014 Small Group Transition Tool […]
https://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.png00michbusinesshttps://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.pngmichbusiness2013-08-20 16:00:252015-10-08 00:00:00Deadline Extended For Submitting Renewal Date Change Request Form
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released information regarding navigators that will help uninsured Americans purchase insurance on the healthcare exchanges. CMS states that the federal exchange navigators will have a tough work load, with a pay scale to match certain levels. The client-level navigator/caseworkers should be paid about $20 per hour, […]
https://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.png00michbusinesshttps://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.pngmichbusiness2013-08-20 16:00:202015-10-08 00:00:00PPACA To Pay Navigators $20-$48 An Hour
Health Care Reform Connect™ is your resource for implementing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA or ACA). We’ve pulled together the latest information from experts to help keep you updated on the newest developments about Michigan’s implementation of Obamacare, along with online tools to aid you with decision making. As a writing […]
https://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.png00michbusinesshttps://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.pngmichbusiness2013-08-20 16:00:152015-10-08 00:00:00Health Reform Connect™ Exclusive For MBPA Agents and Members
August 7, 2013 – Warren, MI – As part of its ongoing commitment to help Michigan businesses prepare for health care reform, the Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA) is hosting a Health Care Reform Connect Conference. The conference will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.at the MSU […]
https://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.png00michbusinesshttps://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.pngmichbusiness2013-08-13 16:00:502015-10-08 00:00:00MBPA Welcomes HHS Speaker at Health Care Reform Connect Conference – Save The Date: Sept. 24, 2013
By Jennifer Buckley If you read business headlines in trade publications these days, you have probably seen warnings about “Misclassification” of workers. You may be wondering what the recent fuss about “misclassification” is all about. While the law as to who may be an independent contractor rather than an employee has not become more […]
https://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.png00michbusinesshttps://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.pngmichbusiness2013-08-13 16:00:402015-10-08 00:00:00Misclassification of Employees as Independent Contractors
By Paul A. Kiewiet You are a Brand. Your brand is you and you take it with you wherever you go, whether you work for yourself or for someone else. It even follows you if you change industries. But here’s the thing, Brand YOU is constantly evolving and you can continuously build your brand. […]
https://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.png00michbusinesshttps://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.pngmichbusiness2013-08-13 16:00:352015-10-08 00:00:00Nine Ways To Build Your Personal Brand
By Daron Powers Websites are an important tool for establishing credibility, informing, educating and driving more traffic into your business pipeline. However, websites with only plain text, pictures or graphics miss opportunities to grab and keep the attention of viewers. Today Online Video Marketing helps to fill that attention and informational gap and […]
https://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.png00michbusinesshttps://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.pngmichbusiness2013-08-13 16:00:302015-10-08 00:00:00How To Use Online Video To Make Your Website Come Alive and Grow Your Business
Agent/Broker Training: Recently, the Agent/broker training for the Federally-facilitated Marketplace (FFM) went live. All training will occur online. Agents and brokers may begin their training immediately, and the second part of the agent/broker FFM registration process will be available later in August. At that time, agents/brokers will be able to obtain an active FFM User […]
https://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.png00michbusinesshttps://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.pngmichbusiness2013-08-12 10:27:542015-10-08 00:00:00Agent/Broker Training
The Michigan Business & Professional Association (MBPA) and the Michigan Food & Beverage Association (MFBA) continue to offer members and the agent community tools and resources to help with navigating health care reform. Monthly Health Care Reform Webinars – Covering timely reform content Health Care Reform Conferences – A must attend for every business owner […]
https://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.png00michbusinesshttps://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.pngmichbusiness2013-08-12 00:00:002015-10-08 00:00:00Health Care Reform Education and Training
Excerpted from New York Times online, August 12, 2013, http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/13/us/a-limit-on-consumer-costs-is-delayed-in-health-care-law.html?ref=politics&_r=0 By Robert Pear WASHINGTON — In another setback for President Obama’s health care initiative, the administration has delayed until 2015 a significant consumer protection in the law that limits how much people may have to spend on their own health care. The limit on out-of-pocket […]
https://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.png00michbusinesshttps://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.pngmichbusiness2013-08-03 13:53:292015-10-08 00:00:00A Limit on Consumer Costs Is Delayed in Health Care Law
August 12, 2013 – As part of its ongoing commitment to help Michigan businesses prepare for health care reform, the Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA) is hosting a Health Care Reform Connect Conference. The conference will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.at the MSU Management Education Center, […]
https://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.png00michbusinesshttps://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.pngmichbusiness2013-08-02 14:41:572015-10-08 00:00:00MBPA Welcomes HHS Speaker at Health Care Reform Connect Conference
By Kristi R. Gauthier, Esq. Clark Hill PLC August 12, 2013 – As the cost of complying with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”) continues to increase, employers are growing concerned over the number of hidden fees in PPACA and the impact that these fees will have on their bottom line. This article […]
By Larry Grudzien, JD August 12, 2013 – The IRS issued Notice 2013-45 on July 9, 2013, which provided guidance on the delay of enforcement of the employer mandate under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This guidance followed the July 2, 2013 announcement from Mark J. Mazur, Assistant Treasury for Tax Policy at the U.S. […]
https://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.png00michbusinesshttps://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.pngmichbusiness2013-07-24 17:00:002015-10-08 00:00:00IRS Issues Guidance on Delay of Enforcement of Employer Mandate
By Larry Grudzien, J.D. August 12, 2013 – On June 26, 20013, the Supreme Court, in U.S. v. Windsor, ruled that Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”) is unconstitutional. Section 3 of DOMA had provided that only persons of the opposite sex could be recognized as “spouses” and “married” for purposes […]
https://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.png00michbusinesshttps://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.pngmichbusiness2013-07-24 17:00:002015-10-08 00:00:00How Will Recent Supreme Court Ruling on Federal Defense of Marriage Act Impact ERISA Benefit Plans?
When you write your Blues with sponsored code AL you get enormous value for your clients:
MBPA is proud to reach over 150,000 businesses with the vast array of programs, conferences and educational resources provided to the business community. That’s one out of three businesses in Michigan.
Health Care Reform Connect™: MBPA’s exclusive tool to help answer all your questions and provide tangible resources and education for your clients. Over 50 health care reform resources available and serviced by the MBPA team.
Reform Compliant SPDs – Free for all association members.
Low dues structure – only $75 for the first year – pays for itself in financial value.
Over 100 member programs and 30 educational conferences per year.
Keep sticking with AL and writing your Blues business with the MBPA.
In addition to the valuable membership benefits we offer to your clients, the MBPA continues contest and bonus rewards with our program partners. Choose from the following contests:
1. Staples Summer Sizzler: For all your new 10+ groups signed up with MBPA membership, now through July 31, 2013 receive an extra $100 in addition to the $500 you normally receive. That’s $600 thru July!
-or-
2. BASIC’s COBRA Bonanza: Receive one year of complimentary COBRA Administration for qualifying groups of 20-99 lives, plus a $250 bonus.
Retention Rewards:
Agents that continue to keep their clients with the MBPA for renewals are part of our Retention Rewards perks and have opportunities for additional bonuses, contests and prizes throughout the year brought to you by the MBPA Community Partners.
https://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.png00michbusinesshttps://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.pngmichbusiness2013-07-16 16:00:552015-10-08 00:00:00Agents: Stick with “AL” and write MBPA
Based on input from Agents and Member Companies the MBPA has developed The Health Care Reform Road Map to help you explain and determine whether your clients are classified as a small or large employer under the ACA. It also summarizes the types of penalties associated with being classified as a large employer. Click Here […]
With national health care reform driving changes in the marketplace for both health care and health insurance providers, we’re taking steps to meet the increasing demand for high quality, low cost coverage. Today, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network and Mercy Health are announcing a partnership to offer affordable, coordinated health […]
https://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.png00michbusinesshttps://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.pngmichbusiness2013-07-16 16:00:452015-10-08 00:00:00Blue Care Network and Mercy Health Announce Plans To Offer Low-Cost Health Products in Kent, Muskegon and Oceana Counties Through Mercy Health Physicians and Hospitals
ACA Compliant Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs)
Need to change your client’s plan year? Some carriers are allowing plan year changes to assist your clients to prepare for ACA. MBPA has complimentary ACA Compliant Summary Plan Description (SPD) services for members. All dues paying members can receive a complimentary SPD as part of their membership benefits with the MBPA. Many agents are telling us they need to update all of their clients’ SPDs to ensure they are in alignment with ACA changes. Please ensure all your health benefit clients have SPDs with the MBPA. The MBPA can handle all your clients’ needs at one time. For more information Email: lbennett@michbusiness.org or call 888-277-6464 with your SPD requests.
NOTE: Effective June 1st 2013 SPDs and Section 125s will only be available to members of the Association.
Advantages of the MBPA SPDs:
The MBPA SPD is a comprehensive document that satisfies all Department of Labor (DOL) requirements for SPDs.
You can choose between our easy to use online SPDs or have our team assist you for your specific needs.
The MBPA SPDs includes all types of benefits including medical, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Life/AD&D and freestanding Dental/Vision.
MBPA attorneys frequently review the SPDs for changes in the law and compliance requirements.
The MBPA can combine your SPD’s with your Summary of Benefits Coverage as an option.
A Reminder: Outsource Your Blues Enrollment Changes to MBPA
As agents have more work and less time, they are relying more upon the MBPA service team for timely and accurate BCBSM/BCN enrollment changes. If you have not considered outsourcing your Blues enrollment changes to us, now is the time. The MBPA team has accurate and timely changes and personal service for you and your team members. To learn more email msnip@michbusiness.org or call Tina at 888-277-6464 with your enrollment needs.
https://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.png00michbusinesshttps://mb-wp-uploads.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2024/04/MichBusiness-logo.pngmichbusiness2013-07-16 16:00:402015-10-08 00:00:00Agents, the MBPA Is Here To Help You With Free SPDs and Your Blues Enrollment Changes!
Save The Date For The Next MBPA Health Care Reform Conference
/in Agent CommunitySeptember 24, 2013 • 8:00am – 1:30pm MSU Management Education Center, Troy The conference is critical for any business or trusted advisor preparing for the immediate rules related to Health Care Reform. Tax penalties, credits, full time employee status and health benefits changes will all be covered. These are must attend for any business […]
Countdown To Affordable Care Act Implementation: Key Information For Michigan Businesses
/in Agent CommunityMBPA is actively monitoring the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) implementation and the impact on Michigan businesses. We urge you to use this brief while conducting final ACA preparations; these are the key ACA provisions you must know about as we approach 2014. Links to files referenced below will be posted on the MBPA member website. […]
Deadline Extended For Submitting Renewal Date Change Request Form
/in Agent CommunityThe Blues explained how small groups would have the opportunity to shift their 2014 renewal date to November or December. Based on feedback from the agent community, they’re extending the deadline for submission of the Renewal Date Change Request form to August 30. The form remains available through the 2014 Small Group Transition Tool […]
PPACA To Pay Navigators $20-$48 An Hour
/in Agent CommunityThe Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released information regarding navigators that will help uninsured Americans purchase insurance on the healthcare exchanges. CMS states that the federal exchange navigators will have a tough work load, with a pay scale to match certain levels. The client-level navigator/caseworkers should be paid about $20 per hour, […]
Health Reform Connect™ Exclusive For MBPA Agents and Members
/in Agent CommunityHealth Care Reform Connect™ is your resource for implementing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA or ACA). We’ve pulled together the latest information from experts to help keep you updated on the newest developments about Michigan’s implementation of Obamacare, along with online tools to aid you with decision making. As a writing […]
MBPA Welcomes HHS Speaker at Health Care Reform Connect Conference – Save The Date: Sept. 24, 2013
/in Business KnowledgeAugust 7, 2013 – Warren, MI – As part of its ongoing commitment to help Michigan businesses prepare for health care reform, the Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA) is hosting a Health Care Reform Connect Conference. The conference will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.at the MSU […]
Misclassification of Employees as Independent Contractors
/in Business KnowledgeBy Jennifer Buckley If you read business headlines in trade publications these days, you have probably seen warnings about “Misclassification” of workers. You may be wondering what the recent fuss about “misclassification” is all about. While the law as to who may be an independent contractor rather than an employee has not become more […]
Nine Ways To Build Your Personal Brand
/in Business KnowledgeBy Paul A. Kiewiet You are a Brand. Your brand is you and you take it with you wherever you go, whether you work for yourself or for someone else. It even follows you if you change industries. But here’s the thing, Brand YOU is constantly evolving and you can continuously build your brand. […]
How To Use Online Video To Make Your Website Come Alive and Grow Your Business
/in Business KnowledgeBy Daron Powers Websites are an important tool for establishing credibility, informing, educating and driving more traffic into your business pipeline. However, websites with only plain text, pictures or graphics miss opportunities to grab and keep the attention of viewers. Today Online Video Marketing helps to fill that attention and informational gap and […]
Agent/Broker Training
/in Agent Alert 130808Agent/Broker Training: Recently, the Agent/broker training for the Federally-facilitated Marketplace (FFM) went live. All training will occur online. Agents and brokers may begin their training immediately, and the second part of the agent/broker FFM registration process will be available later in August. At that time, agents/brokers will be able to obtain an active FFM User […]
Health Care Reform Education and Training
/in Business KnowledgeThe Michigan Business & Professional Association (MBPA) and the Michigan Food & Beverage Association (MFBA) continue to offer members and the agent community tools and resources to help with navigating health care reform. Monthly Health Care Reform Webinars – Covering timely reform content Health Care Reform Conferences – A must attend for every business owner […]
A Limit on Consumer Costs Is Delayed in Health Care Law
/in Implementation Connection, Political Landscape, Political UpdateExcerpted from New York Times online, August 12, 2013, http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/13/us/a-limit-on-consumer-costs-is-delayed-in-health-care-law.html?ref=politics&_r=0 By Robert Pear WASHINGTON — In another setback for President Obama’s health care initiative, the administration has delayed until 2015 a significant consumer protection in the law that limits how much people may have to spend on their own health care. The limit on out-of-pocket […]
MBPA Welcomes HHS Speaker at Health Care Reform Connect Conference
/in Expert Advice, Health ReformAugust 12, 2013 – As part of its ongoing commitment to help Michigan businesses prepare for health care reform, the Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA) is hosting a Health Care Reform Connect Conference. The conference will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.at the MSU Management Education Center, […]
Understanding PPACA’s Fees That Impact Employer Sponsored Health Plans
/in Expert Advice, Health ReformBy Kristi R. Gauthier, Esq. Clark Hill PLC August 12, 2013 – As the cost of complying with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”) continues to increase, employers are growing concerned over the number of hidden fees in PPACA and the impact that these fees will have on their bottom line. This article […]
IRS Issues Guidance on Delay of Enforcement of Employer Mandate
/in Implementation Connection, Political Landscape, Political UpdateBy Larry Grudzien, JD August 12, 2013 – The IRS issued Notice 2013-45 on July 9, 2013, which provided guidance on the delay of enforcement of the employer mandate under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This guidance followed the July 2, 2013 announcement from Mark J. Mazur, Assistant Treasury for Tax Policy at the U.S. […]
How Will Recent Supreme Court Ruling on Federal Defense of Marriage Act Impact ERISA Benefit Plans?
/in Implementation Connection, Political Landscape, Political UpdateBy Larry Grudzien, J.D. August 12, 2013 – On June 26, 20013, the Supreme Court, in U.S. v. Windsor, ruled that Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”) is unconstitutional. Section 3 of DOMA had provided that only persons of the opposite sex could be recognized as “spouses” and “married” for purposes […]
Agents: Stick with “AL” and write MBPA
/in Agent CommunityWhen you write your Blues with sponsored code AL you get enormous value for your clients:
Keep sticking with AL and writing your Blues business with the MBPA.
In addition to the valuable membership benefits we offer to your clients, the MBPA continues contest and bonus rewards with our program partners. Choose from the following contests:
1. Staples Summer Sizzler: For all your new 10+ groups signed up with MBPA membership, now through July 31, 2013 receive an extra $100 in addition to the $500 you normally receive. That’s $600 thru July!
-or-
2. BASIC’s COBRA Bonanza: Receive one year of complimentary COBRA Administration for qualifying groups of 20-99 lives, plus a $250 bonus.
Retention Rewards:
Agents that continue to keep their clients with the MBPA for renewals are part of our Retention Rewards perks and have opportunities for additional bonuses, contests and prizes throughout the year brought to you by the MBPA Community Partners.
CLICK HERE to Stick with AL!
Health Care Reform Road Map
/in Agent CommunityBased on input from Agents and Member Companies the MBPA has developed The Health Care Reform Road Map to help you explain and determine whether your clients are classified as a small or large employer under the ACA. It also summarizes the types of penalties associated with being classified as a large employer. Click Here […]
Blue Care Network and Mercy Health Announce Plans To Offer Low-Cost Health Products in Kent, Muskegon and Oceana Counties Through Mercy Health Physicians and Hospitals
/in Agent CommunityWith national health care reform driving changes in the marketplace for both health care and health insurance providers, we’re taking steps to meet the increasing demand for high quality, low cost coverage. Today, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network and Mercy Health are announcing a partnership to offer affordable, coordinated health […]
Agents, the MBPA Is Here To Help You With Free SPDs and Your Blues Enrollment Changes!
/in Agent CommunityACA Compliant Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs)
Need to change your client’s plan year? Some carriers are allowing plan year changes to assist your clients to prepare for ACA. MBPA has complimentary ACA Compliant Summary Plan Description (SPD) services for members. All dues paying members can receive a complimentary SPD as part of their membership benefits with the MBPA. Many agents are telling us they need to update all of their clients’ SPDs to ensure they are in alignment with ACA changes. Please ensure all your health benefit clients have SPDs with the MBPA. The MBPA can handle all your clients’ needs at one time. For more information Email: lbennett@michbusiness.org or call 888-277-6464 with your SPD requests.
NOTE: Effective June 1st 2013 SPDs and Section 125s will only be available to members of the Association.
Advantages of the MBPA SPDs:
A Reminder: Outsource Your Blues Enrollment Changes to MBPA
As agents have more work and less time, they are relying more upon the MBPA service team for timely and accurate BCBSM/BCN enrollment changes. If you have not considered outsourcing your Blues enrollment changes to us, now is the time. The MBPA team has accurate and timely changes and personal service for you and your team members. To learn more email msnip@michbusiness.org or call Tina at 888-277-6464 with your enrollment needs.