Posted on December 6, 2016
While campaigning, Donald Trump called for a complete repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It is still too early, however, to be sure of how things will change. Since the election, President-elect Trump has indicated that he would keep parts of the ACA, including allowing adult children to stay on their parents’ health insurance […]
Posted on February 11, 2014
On February 10, 2014, the U.S. Treasury Department issued a Fact Sheet and Final Regulations Implementing Employer Shared Responsibility under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for 2015. Highlights of the Final Regulations include: Employers with fewer than 100 employees get a 1-year delay: They will not have to comply until 2016. This applies to employers […]
Posted on November 19, 2013
In response to President Obama’s declaration late last week that health plans may allow individuals to continue receiving health insurance coverage through their existing plans, we have received word this morning from Governor Patrick’s office that Massachusetts has chosen not to implement this extension and will not allow health plans offered in Massachusetts to renew existing […]
Posted on August 12, 2013
OVERVIEW: On June 26, the Supreme Court has ruled that Section 3 of the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. As a result, the federal government generally will recognize marriages valid under state law, including those between same-sex couples. Health New England plans already cover same sex spouses. Why is HNE offering a […]
Posted on June 25, 2013
(print) OVERVIEW: On May 8, 2013, the Department of Labor (DOL) provided temporary guidance on the Employee Notice of Exchange. The Affordable Care Act created a new section of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), requiring certain employers to provide notice to employees of coverage options available through the health insurance Marketplace or an exchange, […]
Posted on May 15, 2013
(Print) Minimum Creditable Coverage (MCC), Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC), Essential Health Benefits (EHBs) MASSACHUSETTS HEALTHCARE REFORM FEDERAL HEALTHCARE REFORM Affordable Care Act (ACA) Term Minimum Creditable Coverage (MCC) Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) Essential Health Benefits (EHBs) What Is It? State MCC is the minimum level of benefits that must be included in a person’s health […]
Posted on May 15, 2013
If you have a suggestion for something you think we should add to the ‘What will change’ column, let us know.
Posted on May 15, 2013
OVERVIEW: This is a temporary fee, beginning in 2014, to fund a reinsurance pool to help stabilize premiums in the individual health insurance market for those with pre-existing conditions. This annual fee is based on a cost per covered member in employer plans during calendar years 2014 through 2016. The 2014 rate is $63 per year ($5.25 per month) […]
Posted on May 8, 2013
Posted on May 2, 2013
PPACA added Employer Shared Responsibility provisions, also called the “Play or Pay” mandate, to the Internal Revenue Code. On January 2, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) issued proposed rules to implement the mandate. Though the proposed rules are not finalized, the IRS has stated that employers may rely on the guidance for months after […]