By Ron Present May 2013 – Nearly a year has passed since the Supreme Court upheld the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). When President Obama was re-elected in November, reform became a certainty. Since that time, organizations, large and small, have struggled to understand the Act and how to comply. […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-05-28 17:00:002015-10-08 00:00:00Big Picture: Don’t Lose Sight of it as You Focus on Health Care Costs
May 2013 – Beginning January 1, 2014, individuals and employees of small businesses will have access to health care coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Open enrollment of health insurance coverage through the Marketplace begins October 1, 2013. Under the ACA, employers must provide a notice of coverage options to each employee, regardless of plan […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-05-28 17:00:002015-10-08 00:00:00U.S. Department of Labor Provides Guidance on the Notice to Employees of Coverage Options under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)
May 2013 – One of the objectives of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is to standardize products in the individual and small employer markets through “Metal Levels.” Four metal levels will determine the type of health insurance that can be offered to individuals and small employers: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Additionally, the ACA outlines […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-05-28 17:00:002015-10-08 00:00:00Understanding Standardized Health Care Products Under the Affordable Care Act
In the January 30, 2013 BluesMarketplace, Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Michigan and Blue Care Network (BCBSM and BCN) announced significant changes to the lead time requirements for 1-49 New Business groups. A 21 calendar-day lead time is required for all New Business, except for those groups enrolling in a BCBSM Health Equity CDH […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-05-28 16:00:552015-10-08 00:00:00Agents…New BCBS Lead Time Requirements Reminder
Blues agents must complete sales training to meet accreditation requirements. To sell our products in the ACA’s Health Insurance Marketplace, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan must become accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, also known as NCQA. Blue Care Network’s accreditation process is managed separately. NCQA has outlined requirements that […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-05-28 16:00:502015-10-08 00:00:00Affordable Care Act Requires Blues Accreditation by National Committee for Quality Assurance
Beginning January 1, 2014, individuals and employees of small businesses will have access to health care coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Open enrollment of health insurance coverage through the Marketplace begins October 1, 2013. Under the ACA, Employers must provide a notice of coverage options to each employee, regardless of plan enrollment status or […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-05-28 16:00:452015-10-08 00:00:00U.S. Department of Labor Provides Guidance On The Notice To Employees of Coverage Options Under The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
• Hotlink – FREE health care reform answers for your clients who are members of the MBPA / MFBA - Click Here • Calculators – Tax Credit and Full Time Equivalent (FTE) – Click Here Based on Agent feedback the FTE Calculator has been updated. • Over 50 / Under 50 Checklist – The rules you MUST know – […]
As a courtesy of the Michigan Business & Professional Association and the Michigan Food & Beverage Association, and working with our partner, Larry Grudzien, we’re pleased to offer you access to a FREE HSA Guide. The guide explains every aspect of HSAs in fifty questions and answers format. It also includes the NEW 2014 […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-05-28 16:00:302015-10-08 00:00:00FREE HSA Guide for 2014 Now Available
By Bonnie Bochniak MBPA Government Relations The Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA) strongly opposed State House and Senate approved legislation, Senate Bill 335, which is now headed to Governor Snyder to sign into law that extends the Health Insurance Claims Assessment (HICA) Act. Senate Bill 335 extends the life of a 1 percent […]
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is tasked with eliminating or at least lessening the gap between what older consumers pay for health care compared to what a younger consumer would pay for their individual health care coverage. Inside the new health insurance exchange program, it can create newfound gaps in the rate […]
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 SPD’s 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 SPD’s 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 of 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.pngmichbusiness2013-04-30 16:00:502015-10-08 00:00:00Agents the MBPA Is Here To Help You With FREE SPDs and Your Blues Enrollment Changes!
On March 21, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Service (DIFS) issued an Insurance Bulletin with key information regarding requirements that apply on and off the Marketplace for individual and small group plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2014. Small group definition Agents, DIFS defines small employer as an employer […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-04-30 16:00:452015-10-08 00:00:00Agents, Michigan Issues Individual and Small Group 2014 Market Rules For Plans Sold On and Off The Marketplace – April, 2013
The MBPA can provide you with state-of-the-art COBRA administration for as little as $25 per month through BASIC, a Michigan-based award winning company that provides HR Solutions for businesses. Best of all, the Associations’ COBRA Administration program is open to all members. Our COBRA Administration program with BASIC reduces risk and frees up valuable resources, allowing […]
IRS has just issued Revenue Procedure 2013-25, which provides the 2014 cost-of-living contribution and coverage adjustments for HSAs, as required under Code Section 223(g). Most contribution limits and the out-of-pocket amounts have been increased for 2014. The deductible amount limits have not changed. HSA Contribution Amounts 2013 - 2014 Coverage Levels Individual $3,250 – […]
By Larry Grudzien, J.D. Attorney At Law April 2013 – Question: As part of the employer mandate, employers will be required to offer health coverage to the dependent children of their full-time employees. One of my clients has never offered dependent coverage in the past and plans to offer coverage to dependent children 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.pngmichbusiness2013-04-29 17:01:002015-10-08 00:00:00Time Line Requirements for Implementing Dependent Coverage
By Evie Zois Sweeney Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates Senior Lobbyist April 2013 – The newest chapter in Michigan’s journey with the Patient Protection and Affordable Act (ACA) was unveiled on April 17, 2013 when a bill sponsored by Senator Jim Marleau (R), Lake Orion was introduced in the Michigan Senate. Senate Bill 324 […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-04-29 17:01:002015-10-08 00:00:00Navigating the Navigator: Senate Bill 324
Determining Full-Time Employees for Purposes of PPACA’s Employer Shared Responsibility Provisions By Kristi R. Gauthier, Esq. Clark Hill PLC April 2013 – Beginning in 2014, applicable large employers who fail to offer affordable minimum essential health coverage to at least 95 percent of full-time employees and their dependent children that provides minimum value […]
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.pngmichbusiness2013-04-29 17:00:592015-10-08 00:00:00Measurement Periods, Stability Periods and Administrative Periods
By Craig B. Garner Adjunct Professor of Law Pepperdine University School of Law April 2013 – When it comes to health care, our nation has reached a crossroads. President Obama’s fledgling Affordable Care Act is a multifaceted, aggressive program designed to overhaul the delivery of health care by effectively restructuring its foundations from 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.pngmichbusiness2013-04-29 17:00:592015-10-08 00:00:00Roadblocks to Reform: The Influence of HIPAA and HITECH on the Affordable Care Act
By Steve Sarns Vice President, Sales & Marketing NuStep April 2013 – I’ve been in the business of health and wellness for 25 years. And I’ve been pleased to witness that, in just the past 10 years, there’s been a 13 percent uptick in the number of organizations that offer some type of 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.pngmichbusiness2013-04-29 17:00:402015-10-08 00:00:00How to Design a Corporate Wellness Program that Benefits the Employee and the Employer
By Larry Grudzien, J.D. Attorney At Law April 2013 – On April 3, 2013, HHS issued proposed regulations that would create standards for Navigator and non-Navigator assistance personnel in Federally Facilitated Exchanges (FFEs) (including state partnership Exchanges) and for federally funded non-Navigator assistance personnel in state-based Exchanges. These proposed regulations will clarify that any […]
Big Picture: Don’t Lose Sight of it as You Focus on Health Care Costs
/in Expert Advice, Health ReformBy Ron Present May 2013 – Nearly a year has passed since the Supreme Court upheld the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). When President Obama was re-elected in November, reform became a certainty. Since that time, organizations, large and small, have struggled to understand the Act and how to comply. […]
U.S. Department of Labor Provides Guidance on the Notice to Employees of Coverage Options under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)
/in Expert Advice, Health ReformMay 2013 – Beginning January 1, 2014, individuals and employees of small businesses will have access to health care coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Open enrollment of health insurance coverage through the Marketplace begins October 1, 2013. Under the ACA, employers must provide a notice of coverage options to each employee, regardless of plan […]
Understanding Standardized Health Care Products Under the Affordable Care Act
/in Expert Advice, Health ReformMay 2013 – One of the objectives of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is to standardize products in the individual and small employer markets through “Metal Levels.” Four metal levels will determine the type of health insurance that can be offered to individuals and small employers: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Additionally, the ACA outlines […]
Agents…New BCBS Lead Time Requirements Reminder
/in Agent CommunityIn the January 30, 2013 BluesMarketplace, Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Michigan and Blue Care Network (BCBSM and BCN) announced significant changes to the lead time requirements for 1-49 New Business groups. A 21 calendar-day lead time is required for all New Business, except for those groups enrolling in a BCBSM Health Equity CDH […]
Affordable Care Act Requires Blues Accreditation by National Committee for Quality Assurance
/in Agent CommunityBlues agents must complete sales training to meet accreditation requirements. To sell our products in the ACA’s Health Insurance Marketplace, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan must become accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, also known as NCQA. Blue Care Network’s accreditation process is managed separately. NCQA has outlined requirements that […]
U.S. Department of Labor Provides Guidance On The Notice To Employees of Coverage Options Under The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
/in Agent CommunityBeginning January 1, 2014, individuals and employees of small businesses will have access to health care coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Open enrollment of health insurance coverage through the Marketplace begins October 1, 2013. Under the ACA, Employers must provide a notice of coverage options to each employee, regardless of plan enrollment status or […]
We’ve Got Your Back!
/in Agent Community• Hotlink – FREE health care reform answers for your clients who are members of the MBPA / MFBA - Click Here • Calculators – Tax Credit and Full Time Equivalent (FTE) – Click Here Based on Agent feedback the FTE Calculator has been updated. • Over 50 / Under 50 Checklist – The rules you MUST know – […]
FREE HSA Guide for 2014 Now Available
/in Agent CommunityAs a courtesy of the Michigan Business & Professional Association and the Michigan Food & Beverage Association, and working with our partner, Larry Grudzien, we’re pleased to offer you access to a FREE HSA Guide. The guide explains every aspect of HSAs in fifty questions and answers format. It also includes the NEW 2014 […]
Health Insurance Claims Assessment – June 2013
/in Agent CommunityBy Bonnie Bochniak MBPA Government Relations The Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA) strongly opposed State House and Senate approved legislation, Senate Bill 335, which is now headed to Governor Snyder to sign into law that extends the Health Insurance Claims Assessment (HICA) Act. Senate Bill 335 extends the life of a 1 percent […]
Employer Exchange Plans – May 2013
/in Agent CommunityThe Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is tasked with eliminating or at least lessening the gap between what older consumers pay for health care compared to what a younger consumer would pay for their individual health care coverage. Inside the new health insurance exchange program, it can create newfound gaps in the rate […]
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 SPD’s 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.
Agents, Michigan Issues Individual and Small Group 2014 Market Rules For Plans Sold On and Off The Marketplace – April, 2013
/in Agent CommunityOn March 21, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Service (DIFS) issued an Insurance Bulletin with key information regarding requirements that apply on and off the Marketplace for individual and small group plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2014. Small group definition Agents, DIFS defines small employer as an employer […]
State-of-the-Art COBRA Administration Through BASIC!
/in Agent CommunityThe MBPA can provide you with state-of-the-art COBRA administration for as little as $25 per month through BASIC, a Michigan-based award winning company that provides HR Solutions for businesses. Best of all, the Associations’ COBRA Administration program is open to all members. Our COBRA Administration program with BASIC reduces risk and frees up valuable resources, allowing […]
IRS Announces HSA Contribution & Coverage Limits for 2014 – May, 2013
/in Agent CommunityIRS has just issued Revenue Procedure 2013-25, which provides the 2014 cost-of-living contribution and coverage adjustments for HSAs, as required under Code Section 223(g). Most contribution limits and the out-of-pocket amounts have been increased for 2014. The deductible amount limits have not changed. HSA Contribution Amounts 2013 - 2014 Coverage Levels Individual $3,250 – […]
Time Line Requirements for Implementing Dependent Coverage
/in Expert Advice, Health ReformBy Larry Grudzien, J.D. Attorney At Law April 2013 – Question: As part of the employer mandate, employers will be required to offer health coverage to the dependent children of their full-time employees. One of my clients has never offered dependent coverage in the past and plans to offer coverage to dependent children in […]
Navigating the Navigator: Senate Bill 324
/in Expert Advice, Health ReformBy Evie Zois Sweeney Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates Senior Lobbyist April 2013 – The newest chapter in Michigan’s journey with the Patient Protection and Affordable Act (ACA) was unveiled on April 17, 2013 when a bill sponsored by Senator Jim Marleau (R), Lake Orion was introduced in the Michigan Senate. Senate Bill 324 […]
Measurement Periods, Stability Periods and Administrative Periods
/in Expert Advice, Health ReformDetermining Full-Time Employees for Purposes of PPACA’s Employer Shared Responsibility Provisions By Kristi R. Gauthier, Esq. Clark Hill PLC April 2013 – Beginning in 2014, applicable large employers who fail to offer affordable minimum essential health coverage to at least 95 percent of full-time employees and their dependent children that provides minimum value […]
Roadblocks to Reform: The Influence of HIPAA and HITECH on the Affordable Care Act
/in Expert Advice, Health Reform, Implementation Connection, Political Landscape, Political UpdateBy Craig B. Garner Adjunct Professor of Law Pepperdine University School of Law April 2013 – When it comes to health care, our nation has reached a crossroads. President Obama’s fledgling Affordable Care Act is a multifaceted, aggressive program designed to overhaul the delivery of health care by effectively restructuring its foundations from the […]
How to Design a Corporate Wellness Program that Benefits the Employee and the Employer
/in Expert Advice, Health ReformBy Steve Sarns Vice President, Sales & Marketing NuStep April 2013 – I’ve been in the business of health and wellness for 25 years. And I’ve been pleased to witness that, in just the past 10 years, there’s been a 13 percent uptick in the number of organizations that offer some type of health […]
HHS Issues Proposed Regulations Relating to Standards for Exchange Navigators
/in Expert Advice, Health ReformBy Larry Grudzien, J.D. Attorney At Law April 2013 – On April 3, 2013, HHS issued proposed regulations that would create standards for Navigator and non-Navigator assistance personnel in Federally Facilitated Exchanges (FFEs) (including state partnership Exchanges) and for federally funded non-Navigator assistance personnel in state-based Exchanges. These proposed regulations will clarify that any […]