Employers and New Health Care Requirments

Health care reform creates a variety of new rules and requirements for employers.

In the wake of March 23, 2010, the day the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) was signed into law, employers find themselves flooded with questions regarding health care.  It’s prevalent in all businesses - small and large - and many are left wondering How is this going to affect my business?

Individual Medical Grandfathered Plans

There's a considerable amount of information available to consumers discussing how health plans can keep their grandfathered status.  Assurant Health, one of the companies we represent, recently published this video discussing the actions that may result in maintaining or losing your grandfathered status.

The Affordable Care Act's New Rules on Preventive Care and You

If you have a new health insurance plan or insurance policy beginning on or after September 23, 2010, preventive services must be covered without your having to pay a copayment or coinsurance or meet your deductible.  Visit www.healthcare.gov to learn more about preventive care.

Young Adult Coverage to Age 26

Under the new law, young adults will be allowed to stay on their parent's plan until they turn 26 years old. (In the case of existing group health plans, this right does not apply if the young adult is offered insurance at work.)  Some insurers began implementing this practice early. Check with your insurance company or employer to see if you qualify. Effective for health plan years beginning on or after September 23, 2010.  Visit Health and Human Services to learn more.

Dudley Bain Named 2009 Outstanding Member of the Year

This year’s outstanding member of the year recipient, Dudley Bain with Benefit Consultants Northwest, has more than 40 years of extensive leadership experience serving business owners in the Northwest with management, marketing and administration.  Read more at ASA of Washington.

BCNW Starts Health Care Reform Blog

Benefit Consultants Northwest has started its very own health care reform blog!  We are dedicated to the principle that our clients should be educated and informed on any and all decisions they make regarding their insurance and health care coverage.  As changes begin to occur, be sure to view the resources we have gathered for you which are found at www.bcnw.com/getinformed.

Small Business Tax Credits (From the IRS)

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued new guidance to make it easier for small businesses to determine whether they are eligible for the new health
care tax credit under the Affordable Care Act and how large a credit they will receive.

The guidance makes clear that small businesses receiving state health care tax credits may still qualify for the full federal tax credit. Additionally, the guidance allows small businesses to receive the credit not only for regular health insurance but also for add-on dental and vision coverage.