From: BenefitsPro By Kathryn Mayer, October 31, 2013 Nov. 26, 2013 – Use-it-or-lose-it is no more. The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS on Thursday issued a notice modifying the longstanding “use-or-lose” rule for health flexible spending arrangements. Participants now can carry over up to $500 of their unused balances remaining at the […]
By Scott Foster President, Wellco Nov. 26, 2013 – In the words of actress Lauren Bacall, “Standing still is the fastest way of moving backward in a rapidly changing world.” Businesses today face many challenges in their efforts to keep moving forward. One of the most pressing, especially for companies with their eyes on the […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-11-25 17:00:002015-10-08 00:00:00Don’t let Your Health and Wellness Plan Fall Behind
By Kristi R. Gauthier, Esq. Clark Hill PLC Nov. 26, 2013 – The concept of “affordable” coverage comes up frequently when trying to navigate the complex rules under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”). While it is a defined term, it has different meanings depending on whether you are trying to understand compliance […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-11-25 17:00:002015-10-08 00:00:00Determining ‘Affordability’ of Coverage under PPACA
Nov. 26, 2013 – The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury on Nov. 8, 2013 jointly issued a final rule increasing parity between mental health/substance use disorder benefits and medical/surgical benefits in group and individual health plans. The final rule issued implements the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health […]
By Bonnie Bochniak Vice President, Government Relations MBPA/MFBA Nov. 26, 2013 – The office of Governor Rick Snyder has submitted the waiver amendment needed to expand Michigan’s Medicaid eligibility, capturing individuals with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level, which is roughly $15,000 a year for a single person. This waiver also […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-11-25 17:00:002015-10-08 00:00:00Medicaid Expansion Waiver Filed by State
By Larry Grudzien, J.D. Nov. 26, 2013 President Obama announced on November 14, 2013 that the Administration will allow health insurers to continue certain coverage in the individual and small group market which would have not otherwise met the market reform requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This change raises significant questions and operational […]
Discover New Health Care Reform Connect™ 2.0 with exclusive content for MBPA Agents and Members New! Redesigned Health Care Reform Connect website to make it easier for you to find and use valuable information. Topics have been divided into the following sections: ACA Overview Mandates Compliance Insurance Articles Resources Events Visit http://michbusiness.org/hcrc/ and sign in […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-11-18 12:23:252015-10-08 00:00:00Discover New Health Care Reform Connect
President Obama announced today that Americans that currently have individual health care policies can keep the policies for a period of one year. The decision is designed to ease the impact on individuals who have received cancellation notices from their health insurance company because the policies do not meet essential benefits requirements under the Accountable […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-11-14 13:48:542015-10-08 00:00:00Current Individual Health Care Policies Can be Kept for One Year
Join us for a health care reform webinar on November 20th Michigan Business & Professional Association is offering a free webinar focused on how to determine full-time status for Employer Mandate purposes under Health Reform on November 20 at 10 AM EST. The webinar will review important dates and deadlines, who […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-10-29 10:21:542015-10-08 00:00:00Join us for “Full-Time Determination under the Employer Mandate”
Oct. 29, 2013 On Oct. 23, 2013, the Obama administration announced that as long as people obtain health insurance by March 31, 2014, they will not face tax penalties for being uninsured during those first three months of 2014. An earlier interpretation had some people thinking they needed to sign up by Feb. 15, […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-10-28 17:00:002015-10-08 00:00:00Clarification on Individual Insurance Date
By Larry Grudzien, J.D. Oct. 29, 2013 On September 13, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2013-54 and the Department of Labor (DOL) issued Technical Release 2013-03. The two pieces of guidance are substantially identical and address many previously unanswered questions regarding how market reform and other provisions of the Affordable Care Act […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-10-28 17:00:002015-10-08 00:00:00Review of Recent Guidance on the Impact of Health Reform on Cafeteria Plans
By Kristi R. Gauthier, Esq. Clark Hill PLC Oct. 29, 2013 In order to make health insurance coverage more affordable to individuals and families with lower and moderate incomes, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) provides financial assistance, in the form of premium subsidies, for individuals purchasing insurance coverage on the Marketplace (also […]
By Bonnie Bochniak Vice President, Government Relations MBPA/MFBA Oct. 29, 2013 – The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the United States Department of Labor (DOL) have recently sent up a flare to warn businesses who try to avoid the Affordable Care Act (ACA) penalties by classifying employees as “independent contractors.” Due to the penalties that […]
Special Features: BASIC has eliminated the first year set up fee of $450.00 and the annual renewal fee of $395.00. (This removes any barrier for the employer to switch to BASIC) BASIC has lowered the monthly Flex fee per participant from $4.50 plus $0.50 for the debit card, to a flat $3.95 pppm. (A […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-10-24 11:53:282015-10-08 00:00:00Agents – BASIC is Running a Promotion On Their Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) through 12/31/13!
As many of you are aware the Michigan Business & Professional Association launched its Health Care Reform Connect™ website and e-publication last fall. We wanted to take a moment to update you on what we have been working on as it relates to supporting Michigan Businesses and your clients through the implementation of health care […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-10-22 16:00:552015-10-08 00:00:00Agent Health Care Reform – Updates
Keep sticking with AL and writing your Blues business with the MBPA. 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 […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-10-22 16:00:452015-10-08 00:00:00When You Write Your Blues With Sponsored Code AL, You Get Enormous Value for Your Clients
The MBPA Provides Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs) at No Cost to our Members!
The Employer Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) guidelines make it mandatory for all businesses with 2 or more employees to provide employees with a Summary Plan Description (SPD). The MBPA continues to take a leading role in informing and helping our members meet their obligations under ERISA.
Types of benefits covered by Summary Plan Descriptions include: Medical, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Life/AD&D and freestanding Dental/Vision.
The MBPA SPD is a comprehensive document that satisfies all of the Department of Labor (DOL) requirements.
The MBPA SPD is essentially a “wrap plan SPD” under which an employer can combine all of its benefits into one plan and one plan document for ease of administration and for purposes of DOL reporting requirements (e.g. Form 5500s) for those employers subject to such reporting.
The MBPA SPD can be used for both insured and self-insured benefits.
NOW, Two Easy Ways to Get Your Client’s SPD for Active Members:
1. Let Us Do It For You:
Access an SPD adoption agreement from our Agent Pavilion
Complete it and e-mail it back to us IN WORD FORMAT at info@michbusiness.org, being sure to provide your complete contact information
We will complete and return the documents within two business days.
2. Create Your Own On-Line (NEW):
Go to our Agent Pavilion and click on Summary Plan Description on the main menu.
Follow the instructions to create your client’s plan…..you can save it in your client’s ‘library’ for their/your future use.
Remember: SPDs are FREE for members and $125.00 for non-members.
We look forward to continuing to provide you and your clients with the most up to date and easily accessible services in this important area. If you have questions or are in need of assistance, please contact our Member Services Team at 1-888-277-6464 or 1-586-393-8800.
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.pngmichbusiness2013-10-22 16:00:402015-10-08 00:00:00Are You Concerned with the Random DOL Audits?
Beginning with January 2014 renewals, Blue Care Network will now use experience rating for groups with 100 or more contracts enrolled. Previously, BCN used community rating by class, which based premiums on the demographic profile of the geographic region or the total population covered on the policy. Under community rating by class, the expenses of […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-10-22 16:00:352015-10-08 00:00:00BCN Will Now Begin Experience Rating for Groups 100+
The Internal Revenue Services Bureau (IRS) and the United States Department of Labor (DOL) have recently sent up a flare to warn businesses who try to avoid the Affordable Care Act (ACA) penalties by classifying employees as “independent contractors.” Due to the penalities that are forthcoming in 2015 for businesses with 50 or more full-time […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-10-22 16:00:252015-10-08 00:00:00Worker Classification: Independent Contractor vs. an Employee
The Michigan Business and Professionals Association boasts a statewide sphere of influence that no other organization of its kind can claim, leveraging a depth of programs and community initiatives that positively impact more than 150,000 businesses. MBPA’s impact is felt by approximately one out of every three businesses in the state. The employees of these […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-10-15 16:00:572015-10-08 00:00:00MBPA: The Most Powerful Influence on Business in the State of Michigan
FSA use-it-or-lose-it rule changed
/in Implementation Connection, Political Landscape, Political UpdateFrom: BenefitsPro By Kathryn Mayer, October 31, 2013 Nov. 26, 2013 – Use-it-or-lose-it is no more. The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS on Thursday issued a notice modifying the longstanding “use-or-lose” rule for health flexible spending arrangements. Participants now can carry over up to $500 of their unused balances remaining at the […]
Don’t let Your Health and Wellness Plan Fall Behind
/in Expert Advice, Health ReformBy Scott Foster President, Wellco Nov. 26, 2013 – In the words of actress Lauren Bacall, “Standing still is the fastest way of moving backward in a rapidly changing world.” Businesses today face many challenges in their efforts to keep moving forward. One of the most pressing, especially for companies with their eyes on the […]
Determining ‘Affordability’ of Coverage under PPACA
/in Expert Advice, Health ReformBy Kristi R. Gauthier, Esq. Clark Hill PLC Nov. 26, 2013 – The concept of “affordable” coverage comes up frequently when trying to navigate the complex rules under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”). While it is a defined term, it has different meanings depending on whether you are trying to understand compliance […]
Departments Issue Final Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder Parity Regulations
/in Implementation Connection, Political Landscape, Political UpdateNov. 26, 2013 – The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury on Nov. 8, 2013 jointly issued a final rule increasing parity between mental health/substance use disorder benefits and medical/surgical benefits in group and individual health plans. The final rule issued implements the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health […]
Medicaid Expansion Waiver Filed by State
/in Implementation Connection, Political Landscape, Political UpdateBy Bonnie Bochniak Vice President, Government Relations MBPA/MFBA Nov. 26, 2013 – The office of Governor Rick Snyder has submitted the waiver amendment needed to expand Michigan’s Medicaid eligibility, capturing individuals with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level, which is roughly $15,000 a year for a single person. This waiver also […]
Analysis of President’s Announcement Regarding Americans Receiving Insurance Cancellation Notices
/in Implementation Connection, Political Landscape, Political UpdateBy Larry Grudzien, J.D. Nov. 26, 2013 President Obama announced on November 14, 2013 that the Administration will allow health insurers to continue certain coverage in the individual and small group market which would have not otherwise met the market reform requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This change raises significant questions and operational […]
Discover New Health Care Reform Connect
/in HCR Connect PublicataionsDiscover New Health Care Reform Connect™ 2.0 with exclusive content for MBPA Agents and Members New! Redesigned Health Care Reform Connect website to make it easier for you to find and use valuable information. Topics have been divided into the following sections: ACA Overview Mandates Compliance Insurance Articles Resources Events Visit http://michbusiness.org/hcrc/ and sign in […]
Current Individual Health Care Policies Can be Kept for One Year
/in HCR Connect PublicataionsPresident Obama announced today that Americans that currently have individual health care policies can keep the policies for a period of one year. The decision is designed to ease the impact on individuals who have received cancellation notices from their health insurance company because the policies do not meet essential benefits requirements under the Accountable […]
Join us for “Full-Time Determination under the Employer Mandate”
/in Business KnowledgeJoin us for a health care reform webinar on November 20th Michigan Business & Professional Association is offering a free webinar focused on how to determine full-time status for Employer Mandate purposes under Health Reform on November 20 at 10 AM EST. The webinar will review important dates and deadlines, who […]
Clarification on Individual Insurance Date
/in Implementation Connection, Political Landscape, Political UpdateOct. 29, 2013 On Oct. 23, 2013, the Obama administration announced that as long as people obtain health insurance by March 31, 2014, they will not face tax penalties for being uninsured during those first three months of 2014. An earlier interpretation had some people thinking they needed to sign up by Feb. 15, […]
Review of Recent Guidance on the Impact of Health Reform on Cafeteria Plans
/in Expert Advice, Health ReformBy Larry Grudzien, J.D. Oct. 29, 2013 On September 13, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2013-54 and the Department of Labor (DOL) issued Technical Release 2013-03. The two pieces of guidance are substantially identical and address many previously unanswered questions regarding how market reform and other provisions of the Affordable Care Act […]
Understanding PPACAs Exchange Premium Subsidies
/in Expert Advice, Health ReformBy Kristi R. Gauthier, Esq. Clark Hill PLC Oct. 29, 2013 In order to make health insurance coverage more affordable to individuals and families with lower and moderate incomes, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) provides financial assistance, in the form of premium subsidies, for individuals purchasing insurance coverage on the Marketplace (also […]
Worker Classification: Independent Contractor vs. Employee
/in Implementation Connection, Political Landscape, Political UpdateBy Bonnie Bochniak Vice President, Government Relations MBPA/MFBA Oct. 29, 2013 – The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the United States Department of Labor (DOL) have recently sent up a flare to warn businesses who try to avoid the Affordable Care Act (ACA) penalties by classifying employees as “independent contractors.” Due to the penalties that […]
Agents – BASIC is Running a Promotion On Their Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) through 12/31/13!
/in Agent CommunitySpecial Features: BASIC has eliminated the first year set up fee of $450.00 and the annual renewal fee of $395.00. (This removes any barrier for the employer to switch to BASIC) BASIC has lowered the monthly Flex fee per participant from $4.50 plus $0.50 for the debit card, to a flat $3.95 pppm. (A […]
Agent Health Care Reform – Updates
/in Agent CommunityAs many of you are aware the Michigan Business & Professional Association launched its Health Care Reform Connect™ website and e-publication last fall. We wanted to take a moment to update you on what we have been working on as it relates to supporting Michigan Businesses and your clients through the implementation of health care […]
When You Write Your Blues With Sponsored Code AL, You Get Enormous Value for Your Clients
/in Agent CommunityKeep sticking with AL and writing your Blues business with the MBPA. 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 […]
Are You Concerned with the Random DOL Audits?
/in Agent CommunityThe MBPA Provides Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs) at No Cost to our Members!
The Employer Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) guidelines make it mandatory for all businesses with 2 or more employees to provide employees with a Summary Plan Description (SPD). The MBPA continues to take a leading role in informing and helping our members meet their obligations under ERISA.
NOW, Two Easy Ways to Get Your Client’s SPD for Active Members:
1. Let Us Do It For You:
2. Create Your Own On-Line (NEW):
Remember: SPDs are FREE for members and $125.00 for non-members.
We look forward to continuing to provide you and your clients with the most up to date and easily accessible services in this important area. If you have questions or are in need of assistance, please contact our Member Services Team at 1-888-277-6464 or 1-586-393-8800.
BCN Will Now Begin Experience Rating for Groups 100+
/in Agent CommunityBeginning with January 2014 renewals, Blue Care Network will now use experience rating for groups with 100 or more contracts enrolled. Previously, BCN used community rating by class, which based premiums on the demographic profile of the geographic region or the total population covered on the policy. Under community rating by class, the expenses of […]
Worker Classification: Independent Contractor vs. an Employee
/in Agent CommunityThe Internal Revenue Services Bureau (IRS) and the United States Department of Labor (DOL) have recently sent up a flare to warn businesses who try to avoid the Affordable Care Act (ACA) penalties by classifying employees as “independent contractors.” Due to the penalities that are forthcoming in 2015 for businesses with 50 or more full-time […]
MBPA: The Most Powerful Influence on Business in the State of Michigan
/in Business KnowledgeThe Michigan Business and Professionals Association boasts a statewide sphere of influence that no other organization of its kind can claim, leveraging a depth of programs and community initiatives that positively impact more than 150,000 businesses. MBPA’s impact is felt by approximately one out of every three businesses in the state. The employees of these […]