WASHINGTON — Health spending in the United States last year topped $3 trillion — an average of $9,500 a person — as five years of exceptionally slow growth gave way to the Affordable Care Act’s expansion of Medicaid and private insurance coverage, and as prescription drug prices resumed their sharp climbs, the government said Wednesday. Continue reading
Earlier in 2015 when we filed our taxes for 2014 with our tax adviser, either in person or online, we were asked if we had individual medical insurance. Everyone was on the honor system; the individual mandate of the law states you will have to pay an annual fee or fine for not having health coverage. The penalty or fee is related to gross wages and family size. However, the IRS had no way to track this information until now. Welcome to the filing requirements under the ACA. Continue reading
Small businesses report that the cost of benefits is the number one operating challenge, and close to 90 percent of employers are prepared for insurance costs to rise each year. These facts suggest that a way to offer health insurance without concern about rising costs can be a huge benefit to any business – regardless of the size. Continue reading
It is estimated that the average American will spend at least $700 on gifts this holiday season. For the commercial industry that is good news. From importers, manufactures, distributors, wholesalers to retail stores, products have a long road to travel before they end up in American homes for the holidays. Product liability insurance plays a huge role in all entities that create products because defects can rest with any party in the products chain of distribution. Continue reading
The passing of the Affordable Care Act (otherwise known as Obamacare) usheredin an era of all Americans being put in charge of their own health insurance. Those without insurance are now required to purchase it, and some are eligible for help from the government. The real question for small businesses is how does Obamacare affect us? For small and medium-sized businesses, the following facts may be important to you. Continue reading
WASHINGTON — Obama administration officials, urging people to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, have trumpeted the low premiums available on the law’s new marketplaces. Continue reading
Labor Secretary Thomas Perez today announced a proposed safe harbor amendment that is expected to bring states around the country one step closer to getting into the retirement plan administration business. Continue reading
The nation’s insurance commissioners are recommending sweeping new standards to address complaints from consumers about limited access to doctors and hospitals in health plans sold under the Affordable Care Act. Continue reading
