The jury is still out on the ROI of various wellness program strategies, measurability and time frame of results. Some studies show a reduction in the number and size of claims mainly as a result of disease management programs. While other studies show great protection against shock claims by instituting biometric screening, exercise programs and…
DetailsIt’s hard to say whether Hobby Lobby is becoming more famous or infamous as a result of the recent contraceptive decision. In addition, the political argument has been twisted in many interesting ways in the media. Although some media outlets report that Hobby Lobby will not cover contraception for it’s employees, the methods of contraception…
Details“On June 20, 2014, the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Treasury released new final regulations on application of the 30-day orientation period under the 90-day waiting period limit, [60 days in California]. The proposed regulations had provided that one month be the maximum allowed length of of any reasonable…
DetailsAs employers continue to look for ways to control the cost of group medical insurance, the topic of spousal coverage is coming up more frequently. Each company views the issue differently and will implement different strategies. Some strategies include: eliminating spousal coverage offering spousal coverage but requiring spouses with access to medical insurance through their…
DetailsThis is information you will need to know for reporting as a large employer under PPACA, also known as Obamacare, ACA and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
The answer to this question depends, as it always does, on the needs of your employees’ families. Certainly, an employee may save money on a monthly premium basis by covering children only under the dental and vision coverage through the medical insurance plan. However, there can still be gaps in coverage and the children will…
DetailsSmall employers with group medical renewals later this 2014 year, mostly Q4, will have the option to keep their current plan for another 12 month period. Prior to the recent passage of SB 1446, the ‘grandmothering’ bill signed by Governor Jerry Brown, small employers renewing in 2014 were required to change to new ACA compliant…
DetailsThe American Medical Association (AMA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and multiple other involved entities are spending a great amount of time addressing our access to care issues as well as the cost of care. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with physicians over the phone, email and Skype to provide care faster, cheaper…
DetailsI have been saying since the initial rumblings of Health Care Reform that tax treatment of group medical insurance may be on its way to great change. As soon as it became mandatory to list the full premium of group medical insurance on W-2’s, even though it is noted that there are presently ‘no tax…
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