On May 13, 2014, the IRS issued Q&A guidance restating the conclusion in Notice 2013-54, that an employer is considered to establish a type of group health plan-called an “employer payment plan”-if it reimburses employees’ premiums for individual health insurance policies. In Notice 2013-54, the IRS states that because employer payment plans cannot […]
May 2, 2014 WASHINGTON – The Obama administration today announced updates to model notices informing workers of their eligibility to continue health-care coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. The updates make it clear to workers that if they are eligible for COBRA continuation coverage when leaving a job, they may choose […]
Health Savings Account limits to increase in 2015 The Internal Revenue Service has released 2015 minimums and maximums for HSAs and related high-deductible health plans. The limits are adjusted annually based on cost-of-living calculations. The 2015 limits will go into effect Jan. 1, 2015. Here is a comparison of the 2014 and 2015 limits. 2014 […]
In early May, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has provided the new public health insurance exchanges rules for reporting on the private health coverage they have sold. This new batch of final regulations titled, “Information Reporting for Affordable Insurance Exchanges,” dictates how the exchanges will communicate whether they have enrolled consumers in individual qualified health […]
By: Kristi R. Gauthier Clark Hill PLC Employers who employ workers on a seasonal basis face unique challenges when trying to comply with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”) employer-shared responsibility provisions. These challenges were exacerbated by the lack of clear guidance from the Agencies as to how these types of employees are […]
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Agent Alert: Quick ERISA Compliant SPD’s are Available The MBPA and the Blues continue to have a strong relationship, and most of all we remain committed to providing the best and most efficient ways to assist you and your clients’ needs. The MBPA offers over 100 member programs, 40 business conferences each year, and has […]
By Bonnie Bochniak Vice President, Govt. Relations MBPA/MFBA April 29, 2014 – New legislation signed by President Obama eliminates the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) annual limitation on deductibles for non-grandfathered plans in the small group market, effective retroactively to 2010. Those limits were set at $2,000 for self-only coverage and $4,000 for other than self-only […]
By Kristi R. Gauthier, Esq. Clark Hill PLC April 29, 2014 – Generally speaking, the employer-shared responsibility provisions under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”) take effect on January 1, 2015. However, the recently released final regulations provide for much anticipated transition relief for group health plans maintained on a non-calendar year basis. […]
April 29, 2014 – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are moving forward with offering ACA-compliant plans in the small group market and will not be extending legacy plans. Small Group Market Throughout 2014, Blue Cross will continue to work with small groups to move them into ACA- compliant products on […]
