On October 3, 2016, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released final 2016 Forms 1094-C and 1095-C and their accompanying instructions. These forms and instructions will be used for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Applicable Large Employer reporting (for compliance with the ‘employer mandate’) and self-insured large group Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) reporting for coverage offered in calendar … [Read more...]

Gov. Jerry Brown signed off on a variety of bills in September that aim to protect patients and health care consumers. The following laws are set to go into effect in 2017. AB 72: “Surprise medical bill” legislation by Assemblyman Rob Bonta (D-Oakland) was among the most-talked-about measures of the year in Sacramento. It promises to better protect consumers against unexpected medical … [Read more...]

After Donald Trump's surprising upset in the presidential race, the question for employers is: Just what will a President Trump mean for healthcare and employee benefits? For one, it means another battle over the Affordable Care Act. "With Donald Trump in the White House, we can expect that every element of Obamacare will be challenged," says Mike Thompson, president and CEO of the National … [Read more...]

United Health Care clients please note a policy change for maintenance prescriptions. We would like to make you aware of the latest UnitedHealthcare (UHC) Broker Connection eblast regarding OptumRx® Mail Service Pharmacy.   Click here to see flyer … [Read more...]

Employers are in for a shock this July when Federal overtime rules change and many salaried supervisors will become eligible for overtime. The new rules will more than double the current minimum salary necessary to exempt a salaried employee from overtime...   Overtime rules … [Read more...]

Safeguarding member information is a top priority at Blue Shield of California.In 2015, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association announced its commitment to making identity protection services available to its customers nationwide.  BLUE SHIELD OF CALIFORNIA OFFERS IDENTITY PROTECTION SERVICES AT NO COST TO ALL ELIGIBLE HEALTH PLAN MEMBERS Safeguarding member information is a top priority at … [Read more...]

Tele-detectives are calling employers now to see whether some public health insurance exchange users lied when they swore they lacked access to a minimum level of employer-sponsored coverage. PPACA COVERAGE COPS HAVE STARTED CALLING EMPLOYERS Tele-detectives are calling employers now to see whether some public health insurance exchange users lied when they swore they lacked access to a … [Read more...]

The IRS released the 2017 inflation-adjusted amounts for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). HSA LIMITS RELEASED FOR 2017 The IRS released the 2017 inflation-adjusted amounts for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). The maximum contribution amounts for calendar year 2017 will increase by $50 for individuals with self-only coverage under a high deductible plan to $3,400, while the contribution maximum … [Read more...]

The biggest near-term threat to the industry comes from a California ballot initiative that would test a version of that idea in the most populous state.   DRUG MAKERS SPEND BIG TO FIGHT CALIFORNIA PRICE CONTROL REFERENDUM Source: Politico Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton give drug makers the jitters when they talk about Medicare negotiating the prices of prescription drugs. But the biggest … [Read more...]

May is Melanoma Awareness Month. Dermatologist Medical Group of North County, Inc. at their Encinitas Office is offering FREE skin screenings on Saturday, May 14.    Free Skin Cancer Screening … [Read more...]