CNN (1/3, Luhby) reported online that the ACA employer mandate takes effect this year, and "Companies will be fined if they don't offer coverage and even just one of their workers gets subsidized insurance on an Obamacare individual exchange." Coverage will need to be both affordable and comprehensive. A Kaiser/HRET Employer Health Benefits Survey found that almost all companies with 100 or … [Read more...]

The Hill (1/14, Ferris) reports that just "20 percent of Americans believe that employees clocking in 30 hours a week qualify as full-time, giving weight to the GOP argument to raise the government's threshold for full-time work under ObamaCare." A majority of Americans say they are in "total support" of the GOP position that employers should only have to provide health coverage for employees … [Read more...]

The Los Angeles Times (1/10, Terhune) reported that the first tax season involving the Affordable Care Act may hold "several surprises" for millions of Americans. Most taxpayers who received health coverage through their employer will see few changes. But for those who purchased a private plan on the exchanges or went without insurance, filing may be more complicated. Experts "project that 40% to … [Read more...]

At the beginning of each year, there are certain contribution limits for retirement plans and welfare plans that I check on just to make sure I am current on my numbers. While the list is not exhaustive, there are some that seem to jump out more often than others and I have compiled a list of the ones that I commonly refer to. The annual dollar limit for FSA contributions increases to … [Read more...]

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA or health care reform law), U.S. citizens and legal residents must have basic health insurance or face a penalty. This basic insurance is called minimum essential coverage (MEC).  Many people already get coverage that counts as MEC through their employers. Those who don't have it may have to pay a penalty to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  It's called the … [Read more...]

We want to let you know that we have just become aware that Anthem, Inc., the parent company of Anthem Blue Cross, is the victim of a highly-sophisticated cyber attack. Anthem has informed us that its member data was accessed, and information about our clients could be among the data. We are working closely with Anthem to better understand the impact on its members. Here is what we do … [Read more...]

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) encourages people to report a change in their circumstances to the Marketplace to avoid getting too much or too little advance payment of the premium tax credit. Getting too much means they may owe additional money or get a smaller refund when they file their taxes. Getting too little could mean missing out on premium assistance to reduce their monthly … [Read more...]

The Wall Street Journal (10/2, Loten, Needleman, Subscription Publication) reports that employers must bring their health plans into compliance with the Affordable Care Act by the end of the year. The employee mandate means must full-time employees must have health insurance or the company will face fines. Businesses with fewer than 50 employees are exempt from the mandate, and businesses with … [Read more...]

Employers who sponsor a group health plan with prescription drug benefits are required to notify their Medicare-eligible participants and beneficiaries as to whether the drug coverage provided under the plan is "creditable" or "non-creditable." This notification must be provided prior to October 15th each year. Click here to find detailed information regarding these … [Read more...]

Governor Jerry Brown signed a law Wednesday morning to provide at least three days of paid sick leave annually to every worker in California, extending the benefit to some 6.5 million employees, or about 40 percent of California's workforce. Beginning July 1, employers must now allow workers to begin accruing one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, among other parameters. The law … [Read more...]