Have a Michigan business success story? Tag your company news, use hashtag michbusiness (#michbusiness) on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or any site you use to share information online with your network.
MichBusiness.com is and online community whose mission is to celebrate and promote business in Michigan. Powered by MBPA, MichBusiness shares its influence of over 150,000 business in Michigan – that’s one out of every three in the state!
New legislation signed by President Obama eliminates the Affordable Care Act’s 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 coverage for plan years beginning in 2014; however, certain small group plans were allowed to exceed the limits if necessary to reach a given level of coverage, or metal tier.
The annual limitation on out-of-pocket expenses for non-grandfathered group plans was not eliminated and remains in effect. Annual out-of-pocket expenses (including coinsurance and co-payments, but not premiums) for a plan year beginning in 2014 may not exceed $6,350 for self-only coverage or $12,700 for other than self-only coverage. For 2015, these limits increase to $6,600 and $13,200, respectively.
Note: Certain small businesses may be allowed to renew existing group coverage that does not comply with the annual limits on out-of-pocket expenses through policy years beginning on or before October 1, 2016. Not all states and insurers will permit coverage to renew. Businesses that are eligible to continue existing coverage will receive a notice from their insurance companies for each policy year.
https://michbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MichBusiness_logo_horizontal.png00michbusinesshttps://michbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MichBusiness_logo_horizontal.pngmichbusiness2014-04-09 15:27:282015-10-08 00:00:00New ACA Legislation Signed By President Obama
The Michigan Lottery is going to make Fantasy 5 and Classic Lotto 47 players do a double take with a new “add-on” game, EZmatch!
Starting April 15, players will be able to add EZmatch to a Fantasy 5 or Classic Lotto 47 wager for just $1. Five EZmatch numbers will print on the player’s ticket below the Fantasy 5 or Classic Lotto 47 numbers. If any of the EZmatch numbers match the numbers in the Fantasy 5 or Classic Lotto 47 above printed wager, the player instantly wins the prize amount printed next to the EZmatch number!
The EZmatch instant add-on game offering eleven tiers of prizes, so players can instantly win prizes of $2 up to $500! EZmatch prizes are in addition to the prizes that Fantasy 5 and Classic Lotto 47 already offer through their respective drawings.
We expect that players will respond positively to a new chance to win instantly on their favorite draw games and that the EZmatch add-on option will provide opportunities for increased sales.
$40,000 TAX-FREE RAFFLE: Sales of tickets for the all-new $40,000 Tax-Free Raffle are now in full swing!
The $10 tickets are available for purchase through mid-April at all Michigan Lottery retailers! Winners of the top prizes will take home $40,000 – tax free! This raffle has the best overall odds of any Michigan Lottery raffle to date: 1 in 6 tickets will win a prize!
On April 15, Tax Day, a drawing will be conducted to select the winning raffle numbers. There will be one $40,000 prize (net) for every 30,000 tickets sold. There will be 17 prizes of $100, 616 prizes of $50, and 1,033 prizes of $15 for every 10,000 tickets sold.
Remember, time is limited to purchase tickets so be sure to let players know they have to act fast in order to be part of the raffle action!
ALL NEW CASH FOR LIFE SERIES: Cash For Life instant games are extremely popular with players and have been since they originally debuted in 2012. The April 1 launch of the All New Cash for Life family of games includes the following enhancements:
• New ticket design
• The $1 ticket
– Four “$400 a week for life” top prizes.
– More than $15 million in total cash prizes available.
• The $2 ticket
– Four “$800 a week for life” top prizes.
– More than $30 million in total cash prizes available.
– Win up to 12 times on a single ticket.
• The $5 ticket
– Three “$2,000 a week for life” top prizes.
– More than $34 million in total cash prizes available.
– Win up to 15 times on a single ticket.
• The $10 ticket
– Three “$4,000 a week for life” top prizes.
– More than $38 million in total cash prizes available.
– Win up to 20 times on a single ticket.
NEW PULL TAB TICKETS: These tickets go on sale April 7:
MI # 527 Hot Streak $2
MI # 529 $1,000,000 Bonus $5
NEW INSTANT TICKETS: These tickets go on sale April 1:
IG # 684 Cash For Life $1
IG # 685 Cash For Life $2
IG # 686 Cash For Life $5
IG # 687 Cash For Life $10
PULL TAB TICKETS SET TO EXPIRE:
April 4
MI # 568 Cash Dash $.50
MI # 586 Money In The Bank $.50
INSTANT TICKETS SET TO EXPIRE:
April 5
IG # 631 Gifts Galore $2
April 7
IG # 609 Cloud 9 $1
IG # 612 Fast Cash $2
TICKET ACTIVATION: Retailers are reminded to activate all game tickets before putting them on sale to ensure winning tickets can be redeemed by players.
About 97 cents of every dollar spent on Lottery tickets is returned to the state in the form of contributions to the state School Aid Fund, prizes to players and commissions to retailers. In fiscal year 2013, the contribution to schools totaled $734.3 million. Since its inception in 1972, the Lottery has contributed over $18 billion to Michigan’s public education. For additional information, please visit the Lottery’s Web site at www.michiganlottery.com.
https://michbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MichBusiness_logo_horizontal.png00michbusinesshttps://michbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MichBusiness_logo_horizontal.pngmichbusiness2014-03-26 09:20:072015-10-08 00:00:00New “Add-On” Game Enhances Two Favorite Draw Games, Creates Sales Opportunities
Recently another delay was announced in regards to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by the U.S. Treasury Department, on February 10th, 2014. The U.S. Treasury Department states that, approximately 96 percent of employers are small businesses that have fewer than 50 workers.
This newest change to the ACA will allow more transition time for businesses ranging from 50-99 full time equivalent (FTEs) employees, and also loosen the leash on those employers with 100 or more FTEs in offering healthcare, temporarily.
To permit a more gradual phase-in for employers, highlights from the final rules state that:
–To be eligible, an employer must go through a certification process stating that during the time-frame beginning February 9th, 2014, and ending on December 31, 2104, the employer does not reduce the size of its workforce or the overall hours of service of its employees in order to appease the workforce size provision.
-The employer responsibility provision will generally apply to larger firms with 100 or more FTEs starting in 2015 and employers with 50 or more full-time employees starting in 2016.
-To prevent a payment for failing to offer health coverage, employers must offer coverage to 70 percent of their full-time employees in 2015 and 95 percent in 2016 and beyond. In addition, for example, this will aid employers that may want to only offer coverage to employees with 35 or more hours, but not yet to that sector working 30-34 hours.
-Employers may establish a six-month period in 2014 to count employees to determine if the mandate applies for the following year. If the employer uses the last few months of the year as its measurement period for applicability, the employer will not have to have a compliant plan in place for all employees by January 1st, 2015. The employer will not be subject to penalties for the first three months of the year if such an employer establishes a compliant plan and offers it to all eligible employees by April 1st, 2015.
-The rule that employers offer coverage to their full-time employee’s dependents will not apply in 2015 to employers that are taking steps to set up for such coverage in 2016.
-It retains the requirement for an employer to use when categorizing an employee with a break in service as a “rehire” with regard to the coverage rules, but reduces the length of the break in service required before returning employee may be treated as a new employee from 26 weeks, to 13 weeks. This does not apply to certain educational organization employers. To avoid educational employees being treated as rehires after summer break, the 26 week window is applied.
As always, please contact our government relations team if you have any questions. By phone: 586-393-8800 or by email: bbochniak@michbusiness.org.
Michigan voters could be deciding a lot more than who is simply elected Michigan’s 49th Governor in November should an activist organization named “Raise Michigan” have their way. The group submitted ballot proposal language to the Department of State’s Bureau of Elections for consideration on February 10, 2014. If they are successful in gathering the necessary 258,088 signatures of registered voters by May 28, Michigan voters would have the choice of raising the state’s minimum wage to $9.50 per hour by 2016.
The ballot proposal as written would increase the minimum wage to $7.90 in January 2015, then $8.40 in July 2015 before peaking at $9.50 in January 2016. Annual cost-of-living adjustments are also part of the proposal. Not surprisingly, the initiative is raising the ire of business groups across the state, but one element has restaurant owners particularly concerned; the ballot language proposes to increase the minimum wage for tipped workers by $0.85 cents annually until they reach $9.50 per hour as well. Tipped workers currently receive $2.65 per hour. Restaurant and small business owners alike believe the initiative could have serious repercussions for consumers and the state economy, which, in their opinion remains fragile. Many within the hospitality industry purport that any increase in wages would likely translate into increased food costs and businesses closing their doors. Opponents also assert Michigan is already competitive as the state’s current minimum wage of $7.40 is above the national minimum wage of $7.25, and thus should not be tinkered with.
Proponents believe they have public support on their side and are energized in moving forward. What’s obvious is the rhetoric is sure to heat up as this political and populous hot potato unfolds.
**Editorial Note: As of February 18, 2014 the “Raise Michigan” organization has reconsidered their original proposal and will now be pursuing a minimum wage increase of $10.10 by 2017.
https://michbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MichBusiness_logo_horizontal.png00michbusinesshttps://michbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MichBusiness_logo_horizontal.pngmichbusiness2014-03-12 16:00:502015-10-08 00:00:00Minimum Wage Increase Could be Heading for November Ballot
New consent agenda saves between 6 to 8 weeks of processing time.
As cold as it is, spring and summer are on their way! The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) began last year a new consent agenda permission process allowing for quicker turnaround time for outdoor service requests from existing on-premises locations. This was another step further in the consent agenda process that was started at the MLCC over two years ago.
Previously, outdoor service permissions were applied for and assigned to an Enforcement Investigator as the initial step of the investigation process. Investigators, on most occasions, have an extensive caseload of priority investigations and complaints that would restrict their ability to contact the establishment, conduct the investigation, and submit the investigative report on the outdoor service request. The next steps in the process were to forward the investigation to the Licensing Division for review and completeness, preparation for consideration by the Commission, and docketing the request for a Licensing Meeting. The last steps in the process were to prepare an Order of the Commission, release the Commission Order, and completion of a final inspection by the Enforcement Division.
“This consent agenda makes it more efficient and faster when compared to the former procedure,” said Andrew Deloney, Chairman of the MLCC. “This arguably saves between 4 to 8 weeks of processing time and is yet another expansion of the quick and easy consent agenda process which we started over a year ago. The process has been great, it’s allowing for quick and easy approvals, and now we’re expanding it further with this new opportunity.”
In order for a licensee to be considered for the outdoor service permission consent agenda, the licensee must submit the following information:
• Outdoor Service Application for Permission
• A detailed diagram of the currently licensed premises which includes the proposed Outdoor Service area. Exact measurements of the proposed Outdoor Service area must be included. Ingress/Egress must be included on the diagram. The licensee must describe how the proposed area will be well-defined and clearly marked.
• The proposed Outdoor Service area must be directly adjacent (connected) to the licensed premises with direct access to the proposed area.
• A property document that indicates that the licensee has control over the proposed area, i.e. warranty deed, lease agreement, letter or resolution from the local governmental unit indicating that the licensee has permission to use the municipally owned area, etc.
The request will then be submitted and put on the consent agenda if the following is met:
• The licensee does not have any pending violations
• The licensee is currently in good standing and the license is not currently in escrow
• The Commission is provided with a completed application
• The Commission is provided with a detailed diagram with exact measurements and ingress/egress markings
• The Commission is provided with a property document which indicates the licensee’s control over the proposed area
• The proposed Outdoor Service area is adjacent (connected) to the currently licensed premises and is directly accessed from within the establishment
• The proposed Outdoor Service area is not accessed by crossing an easement or thoroughfare
• The proposed Outdoor Service area does not exceed 10,000 square feet
• The proposed Outdoor Service area is not near a body of water, a sporting venue, or activities such as horseshoes, volleyball, softball, etc.
If the application does not qualify for the Consent agenda, an investigation by the Commission’s Enforcement Division will be conducted.
Under the new consent agenda process, if no issues exist, the licensee may be approved for this permission within 1-3 business days, which is subject to a final inspection by the Commission’s Enforcement Division.
There is no fee required for this permission or the new expedited process.
For more information about the MLCC, please visit www.michigan.gov/lcc. Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/MILiquorControl, “Like” us on Facebook.
For more information about LARA, please visit www.michigan.gov/lara. Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/michiganLARA, “Like” us on Facebook or find us on YouTube www.youtube.com/michiganLARA.
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, P.O. Box 30004, Ottawa Bldg., 4th Floor, Lansing, MI 48909 – LARA is an equal opportunity employer/program
https://michbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MichBusiness_logo_horizontal.png00michbusinesshttps://michbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MichBusiness_logo_horizontal.pngmichbusiness2014-03-12 16:00:402015-10-08 00:00:00Michigan Liquor Control Commission Speeds Up Outdoor Permission Process
By Bonnie Bochniak
Vice President, Government Relations
MBPA/MFBA
March 11, 2014 – This past January 28, 2014 on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. a very important piece of legislation, the “Save American Workers Act” (H.R. 2575), was heard in front of one of the most influential committees, Ways and Means, chaired by Michigan’s Congressman Dave Camp. The “Save American Workers Act” legislation redefines a regular work week back to the traditional 40 hours, instead of the new and current 30 hour work week due to changes imposed by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Our Association knows the importance of reverting back to the standard work week, as it will save people their jobs and maintain their livelihood. We have heard firsthand the issues employers and employees have with adhering and changing from the historic 40 hour work week, to the 30 hour ACA compliant work week. The Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA) submitted this letter in support of this legislation during the hearing. The letter is posted below.
January 23, 2014
The Honorable Dave Camp
Chairman of Ways and Means Committee
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative Camp:
The Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA) boasts a statewide sphere of influence that touches one out of every three businesses across the great state of Michigan. At MBPA we pride ourselves in proactively engaging with our members and keeping abreast of all policy that will be headed their way that positively or negatively affects their bottom line and livelihood. Which is why we are in full support of H.R. 2575 introduced by Representative Todd Young, the “Save American Workers Act,” which would redefine “full-time employment” in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to be consistent with the established 40-hour work week.
Currently in the new federal healthcare law, businesses with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) are mandated to offer affordable healthcare coverage to all its employees. If they do not offer healthcare to all their employees plus their dependents, the employer could possibly be responsible to pay substantial penalties. In addition to these penalties, an employer must now, per the PPACA, classify a full-time employee as working 30 hours per week averaged over the course of a month. This historic change from the traditional 40 hour work week to the 30 hour work week has given the business community no other choice than to restructure their workforce and reduce employees’ hours to save them from closing their front doors.
If America and its businesses can revert back to the traditional 40 hour work week to define a full-time employee, it would do a great service to the already struggling businesses as they try to acclimate to the other many changes brought upon them by the PPACA. In Michigan, we are slowly recovering from a weak economy, and would like nothing more than to shift our focus to growing our businesses, and employing more workers.
We look forward to continuing this discussion with our Michigan delegation and committee members. Please feel free to contact us at any time with questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Kluge, CEO
Michigan Business and Professional Association
https://michbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MichBusiness_logo_horizontal.png00michbusinesshttps://michbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MichBusiness_logo_horizontal.pngmichbusiness2014-02-19 16:00:302015-10-08 00:00:00Save American Workers Act
Recently President Barack Obama broadcast an executive decision to the American people stating that if they wanted to maintain their current healthcare plan, they could do so for an additional year. This was done in response to many concerns raised by individuals and groups who had received notification that their current plan would be discontinued as it was not complaint with the ACA requirements.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is tasked with administering the new healthcare law, issued a letter to state insurance commissioners. In the letter it details the “transitional policy” that the federal government is offering. It is critical to note that this new guidance by the President is an option, not a requirement. All states and their insurance commissioners, along with the insurance providers have to make that strategic decision to continue current plans.
Details of the new policy:
-Issuers would be permitted, but not required, to extend individual market and small group market policies that were in effect on October 1, 2013 without amending the policies to meet all ACA standards. The transition policy cannot apply to individuals or small businesses that obtain new coverage after October 1, 2013.
-This transition policy does not impact those who are uninsured or have Medicare, Medicaid or large employer coverage.
-The transition policy would apply to renewals of existing business occurring from January 1, 2014 until October 1, 2014. HHS indicated that it will re-evaluate this policy in 2014 and could extend it to additional renewal months.
– If issuers choose to use this transition policy to extend existing coverage, they must provide notification to enrollees in the extended coverage that includes the following:
1. Any changes in the options available to them which of the specified ACA market reforms would not be reflected in any coverage that continues their potential right to enroll in a qualified health plan offered through a Health Insurance Marketplace and possibly qualify for financial assistance
2. how to access such coverage through a Marketplace;
3. and their right to enroll in health insurance coverage outside of a Marketplace that complies with the specified market reforms.
-Policies that are extended using this transition relief are not technically grandfathered. The HHS guidance indicates that they will not be expected to comply with certain ACA market reforms, including:
• The requirement to limit premium variations to age, tobacco use and geography
• Essential health benefits (EHB)
• Actuarial value metal levels
• Restrictions on cost sharing
• Guaranteed availability of coverage
• Guaranteed renewability of coverage
• Non-discrimination against a provider operating within their scope of practice
• Non-discrimination in coverage for individuals participating in approved clinical trials
• Prohibition of pre-existing condition exclusions or waiting periods for adults (exclusion would not apply to small group)
• Prohibition on health status discrimination (exclusion would not apply to small group)
As this new policy continues to unfold MBPA will keep you up to date as to what your options are in planning for you and your employee’s healthcare options. If you have any questions please contact our Government Relations Team at bbochniak@michbusiness.org or by phone at : (586) 393-8800.
https://michbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MichBusiness_logo_horizontal.png00michbusinesshttps://michbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MichBusiness_logo_horizontal.pngmichbusiness2013-12-03 16:00:552015-10-08 00:00:00Affordable Care Act (ACA) Update – as of 11/20/13
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 fosters healthy behaviors to help decrease the rate of chronic diseases and to encourage overall health.
Background:
What kind of coverage will be provided?
-Coverage will include access to primary care doctors, preventative care and routine checkups.
How much will it cost Michigan?
-There is no net cost to the state over the next 21 years, and Michigan will save $320 million in uncompensated care costs by 2022 and $206 million in General Fund costs in 2014 alone.
Who will pay for the expansion?
-Federal funds will cover 100% of the cost of Medicaid expansion from 2014 to 2016, 95 percent in 2017, 94 percent in 2018, 93 percent in 2019 and 90 percent in 2020 and subsequent years.
With the Medicaid expansion, the federal government will cover expenses Michigan pays for today, saving the state $206 million in in General Fund costs in 2014 alone. The proposed budget deposits $103 million of those savings into a new health savings fund to cover Michigan’s future health care liabilities.
Will Michiganders who already have insurance benefit?
-Yes. Today, uninsured citizens often turn to emergency rooms for non-urgent care because they don’t have access to primary care doctors — leading to crowded emergency rooms, longer wait times and higher cost. By expanding Medicaid, those without insurance will have access to primary care, lowering costs and improving overall health.
Will businesses benefit?
-Yes. Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government is mandating that businesses either provide health care to their employees or pay a $2,000-per-employee penalty. By expanding Medicaid, Michigan can provide an affordable option that will help businesses stay open.*
Michigan’s Medicaid Expansion will provide eligibility to about 450,000 people state-wide, once it is enacted on April 1, 2014. Michigan Community Health Director Jim Havemen said the state department had been holding discussions with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) since August and is confident of its approval before the end of this calendar year. CMS is an arm of the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Department, tasked with administering sections of the Affordable Care Act.
The State of Michigan will soon provide information to the public through websites and toll-free numbers in the upcoming weeks. Michiganders eligible to sign up will begin receiving benefits on April 1st, 2014, and in the meantime, may utilize an employer sponsored plan, or the federal exchange.
As always, MBPA’s legislative team will keep you up to date as more information is announced. Please feel free to contact our team with any questions at 586-393-8800 or by email: BBochniak@michbusiness.org
*Italicized information provided by Michigan.gov/MiBudget2014
https://michbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MichBusiness_logo_horizontal.png00michbusinesshttps://michbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MichBusiness_logo_horizontal.pngmichbusiness2013-12-03 16:00:502015-10-08 00:00:00Medicaid Expansion Waiver Filed by State – November 2013
Michigan was one of only six states, and the only Great Lakes state, that applied its sales tax to the full sales price of a new or used car, RV or boat — even if the sale included a trade-in.
It was an unfair policy that put in-state businesses at a serious competitive disadvantage to out-of-state sellers and cost Michigan consumers more in extra taxes. It was a clear example of how bad laws can negatively impact real people.
Thankfully, years of hard work have resulted in a new law that will positively impact the state economy, Michigan consumers and local dealers.
This reform will give buyers significant tax relief for the value of their trade-in. For example, once fully implemented, if a car valued at $5,000 is traded in and the owner applies the trade-in value toward the purchase of a $25,000 car, the sales tax would only be applied to the $20,000 difference. This is a savings of $300 for the consumer.
https://michbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MichBusiness_logo_horizontal.png00michbusinesshttps://michbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MichBusiness_logo_horizontal.pngmichbusiness2013-12-03 16:00:452015-10-08 00:00:00Impact of Sales Tax on the Difference Bill – 11/18/13