News Bulletins

Reports Of Troubles Surrounding HealthCare.gov Piling Up. This Report from NAHU.org Reports continue to pile up of growing troubles surrounding healthcare.gov, the Federally-run insurance marketplace set up under the Affordable Care Act which opened for enrollment October 1. Whether technical, financial, or political, the issues will likely be brought to the forefront as the budget negotiations fade from view. Thursday night, NBC Nightly News reported, “Had it not been for the government shutdown becoming our lead story for these past 16 days and nights, it may well have been Obamacare and the incredibly rocky rollout for the Federal government’s healthcare website.” The report continued, “Some Republicans are saying the Secretary… Read More

We are pleased to help our clients get enrolled and compare plans on the new health insurance marketplace. However please follow the instructions below so that we can assist you. Please note that we will not have access to your record to work with you if you do not complete the registration properly. The agent/broker should work with the consumer to make sure that the consumer enters the agent’s/broker’s identifying information, including National Producer Number (NPN), so that the FFM can associate the transaction with the agent/broker so that an issuer may facilitate compensation. Log in at http://www.healthcare.gov and register… When the consumer is logged in to the healthcare.gov page,… Read More

Health insurance exchanges open, users can’t get in Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/health/healthcare-exchange/Health_insurance_exchanges_open_users_cant_get_in.html#2x1EoEfcyXeZyOyb.99

At the end of the day today, health insurance as we have known it will begin it’s final lap. When  the clock turns to 12:01 AM tomorrow, October 1st 2013 a new era begins. With effective dates of January 1st 2014, the new healthcare marketplaces will open online for consumers, and on paper for small businesses. Available will be plans from multiple insurers in each state, with more to come in the future. The most important differences will be that all plans will cover pre-existing conditions. No applicants will be turned away because of their current health conditions, or ones in the past. New rating methodologies will change which will… Read More

MARC LEVY, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS POSTED: Wednesday, September 25, 2013, 12:47 PM HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) – Pennsylvania residents who buy health insurance in the federally run online marketplace that opens next week will pay below the national average, and the state ranks 10th-lowest out of 47 for which data were available, according to figures released by the Obama administration Wednesday Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/health/healthcare-exchange/20130925_ap_a538678248dd48d4a01aeac5a317bd89.html#FC6ES4fPLzY6X3Ve.99   click here to read the story

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS September 25, 2013 • Reprints TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A report out Wednesday from the federal government finds that health insurance prices on New Jersey’s exchange will be among the most expensive in the country for those without subsidies. The report from the federal Department of Health and Human Services comes less than a week before the launch of the state health exchanges that are a key element of President Barack Obama’s health insurance overhaul. The idea is that the exchange offers otherwise uninsured people a way to get their own insurance, in many cases with a federal subsidies. Residents will be able to sign up for coverage… Read More

In June 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) as unconstitutional. This opened the door for federal recognition of same-sex marriages in states that recognize such unions. The Obama administration has pledged a thorough and expedited review of federal laws, including federal benefit laws. We expect the agencies to release guidance soon with regard to various health and welfare compliance requirements associated with the tax guidance, potentially including, but not limited to, COBRA qualified beneficiary determinations, Form W-2 reporting changes, plan document, SPD and cafeteria plan document amendments, open enrollment and new hire packet language changes, etc. Click here to download… Read More

There have been many questions regarding whether employers can be penalized for failing to provide employees with the Exchange Notice, due by October 1, 2013. On September 11, 2013, the U.S. Department of Labor issued an FAQ regarding the Exchange Notice. The DOL has provided that while employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act should provide the Exchange Notice by October 1, there is no fine or penalty under the law for failing to provide the notice. Click here to download today’s exchange notice

What is a HRA / defined contribution plan? Total Benefit Solutions has partnered with Zane Benefits to offer our clients an affordable, state of the art, compliant HRA/Defined Contribution plan. With reform fast approaching, many employers large and small will consider this arrangement to offer their employees a quality, flexible, easy to use  and competitive benefit package. Click here to learn more.

Most employers must provide their employees with written notice that includes information regarding the Exchange (now called the Health Insurance Marketplace). The deadline to provide the notice is approaching; the notice must be provided to each employee not later than October 1, 2013. Employers are free to move forward with providing this notice, but may want to wait until closer to the deadline (perhaps early-mid September) in the event additional guidance is issued or the Exchanges are further delayed.  Click the link below to download the notice. Exchange Notice Reminder – 82113R

Wondering how the new Health Insurance Exchange or Marketplace is going to work? the SHOP Marketplace is for small businesses with 2 to 49 employees. This simple graphic should help. Contact Total Benefit Solutions at (215)355-2121 or www.totalbenefits.net for professional assistance!  

Wondering how the new Health Insurance Exchange or Marketplace is going to work? This simple graphic should help. Contact Total Benefit Solutions at (215)355-2121 or www.totalbenefits.net for professional assistance!