If you went into Kmart (Costco, Target… pick your favorite retailer) filled up your cart and were expected to pay whatever was charged, would you do so? No! Yet, we do it in health care every day. I recently saw… Continue Reading
As the saying goes, “Nothing is so constant as change”. We are likely going to face major changes in the health insurance industry once again. If the President Elect’s campaign promises are to be met, then the ACA (Affordable Care… Continue Reading
For several years north state small business owners have been unable to take advantage of the Small Business Tax Credit established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare) for employee benefits. This has been due to the fact there… Continue Reading
Open enrollment season has started. This is the time when folks can choose any insurance plan, regardless of health status and not have any limitations for pre-existing conditions. Dates are different depending on the type of plan. Medicare Part D… Continue Reading
Let’s start with some good news. The governor signed AB 72 giving some protections to individuals when a non-contracting individual health care professional provides services in a contracting health care facility. This new law will take effect in July 2017.… Continue Reading
There was a time in my life I absolutely hated surprises, particularly ones that put me at the center of attention. I am not proud of the fact that I once walked out on a surprise party that was thrown… Continue Reading
I listened with interest to the recent news stories about the exorbitant inflation in the price of the Epi-pen. The “breaking news” reported that this medication had increased in cost by about 500% in a short time. I really wish… Continue Reading
“What scares me the most is getting to the end before I’ve finished.” These are the words of Winston Churchill, to his nurse, Millie Appleyard, as he struggles to recover from a series of debilitating strokes. With it, he touches… Continue Reading
First things first, a correction. Last column I discussed the two different “play or pay” penalties which an employer of 50 or more employees might pay if they did not comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA, also known as… Continue Reading
It’s never too early to start planning. Now is the time for mid-size employers (50-500 employees), to start planning for 2017. Following are a few items to consider. 1) Determine if the group is subject to the “shared responsibility” provision… Continue Reading
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