October 1, 2013 – To help finance health care reform initiatives created under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government established new taxes and fees that impact health insurers and customers. The Blues are committed to helping customers understand what the taxes and fees are for and what they will cost. Regardless of the customer’s […]
Oct. 1, 2013 – The Office for Civil Rights and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology have collaborated to develop model Notices of Privacy Practices for health care providers and health plans to use to communicate with their patients and plan members. The HIPAA Privacy Rule gives individuals a fundamental right to […]
By Larry Grudzien, J.D. October 1, 2013 On Friday, September 13, 2013 the Departments of Labor, Treasury and Health and Human Services provided guidance on the application of certain provisions of the Affordable Care Act (Act) on health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), certain health flexible spending arrangements (Health FSAs) and employee assistance programs (EAPs). The following […]
By Kristi R. Gauthier, Esq. Clark Hill PLC October 1, 2013 – Even HIPAA Wellness Programs are impacted by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The final regulations issued by the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury update the existing HIPAA wellness program rules and are applicable for plan years […]
By Fritz Teutsch President BASIC October 1, 2013 – COBRA has not been eliminated under Health Reform. All the same rules and regulations continue for health plans including those for vision and dental. On May 8, 2013 the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a revised model notice which added additional language to the qualifying event […]
By Bonnie Bochniak Vice President, Government Relations MBPA/MFBA October 1, 2013 – In an attempt to better streamline reporting requirements, on September 5, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued two proposed regulations to implement the information reporting requirements for insurers and certain employers under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). One proposed rule would […]
Technical Release 2013-03 (Sept. 2013) I. Purpose and Overview This Technical Release provides guidance on the application of certain provisions of the Affordable Care Act(1) to the following types of arrangements: (1) health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), including HRAs integrated with a group health plan; (2) group health plans under which an employer reimburses […]
Online ACA enrollment for small businesses delayed News outlets around the country reported this afternoon that small businesses seeking to buy health insurance under President Barack Obama’s health care law will have to wait a couple of months before they can complete the process online, according to Obama Administration officials today. On Tuesday, Oct. 1, the […]
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 keep you informed on what we have been working on as it related to supporting Michigan business through the implementation of health care reform. […]
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 by providing SPD’s at no charge for all […]
