New Paid Sick Leave Mandate for All Employees in California

Effective in 2015, employers are required by law to provide a set amount of paid sick leave to employees working in California. Before 2015, employers were not required to provide paid sick leave to employees unless your business was in the City and County of San Francisco. While many employers chose to offer paid or … Continue reading “New Paid Sick Leave Mandate for All Employees in California”

Transition Relief for Small Employers Expires June 30, 2015

Small employers used to be able to reimburse employees for their Individual Plan premiums. This was called “Employer Payment Plans” or sometimes referred to as an “Employer Reimbursement Plan”. The Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor and Department of Health and Human Services have each issued frequently asked questions stating that Employer Payment Plans for … Continue reading “Transition Relief for Small Employers Expires June 30, 2015”

SB-1446 UPDATE – July 7th 2014

Recently we sent you information on SB-1446, the “Grandmothering” Bill, which would provide some small employers with non-grandfathered health insurance policies in effect as of December 31, 2013, the option to renew their existing coverage for one year, rather than be required to move to new coverage by the end of 2014. This Bill was … Continue reading “SB-1446 UPDATE – July 7th 2014”

SB-1446 “Grandmothering” Health Care Coverage

As your broker we find it imperative to the success of your business to follow the ever changing laws regarding the status of our health care system. Currently we have been following the progress of SB 1446, affectionately known as the Grandmothering Law, in the California Legislature. This SB-1446 is called “Grandmothering”, as opposed to … Continue reading “SB-1446 “Grandmothering” Health Care Coverage”

The Gap Plan Option

It is relatively easy to choose a health insurance plan that saves you or your company money. If you choose plans that have relatively high deductible rates then the cost of the plan to you is lower. It’s not rocket surgery, and most any agents only offer you a high deductible plan. Offering such high … Continue reading “The Gap Plan Option”

Community Rating Explained

Health care reform will change the way insurance premiums are calculated in the Individual and Small Business markets beginning January 1, 2014. This change will impact the cost to individuals and families purchasing plans through the health insurance exchange (CoveredCA). Current Method for Premium Calculations Today, health insurance premiums are calculated based on the subscriber’s … Continue reading “Community Rating Explained”

Full Time Equivalent Employees Explained

Beginning January 1, 2015, all large employers that do not offer affordable health insurance to their employees may be required to make an employer shared responsibility payment under the Affordable Care Act. Businesses will be subject to the penalty if one or more of their full-time employees gets health insurance for a lower rate in … Continue reading “Full Time Equivalent Employees Explained”

Notice of Coverage Options

During the past few months, all of the agents in the Group Health Insurance industry have been told that employers who don’t provide a Notice of Coverage Options or Notice of Exchanges to each one of their employees beginning October 1, 2013 will be subject to Department of Labor penalties. However, the Department of Labor … Continue reading “Notice of Coverage Options”

Early Renewal for Health Insurance Explained

In January 2014, changes from the Affordable Care Act will impact small group employers that offer health insurance to employees. Employers can expect to see a variety of changes that will affect rate calculations, coverage levels, out-of-pocket maximums, waiting periods and much more. Some of these changes are outlined below. All small businesses are required … Continue reading “Early Renewal for Health Insurance Explained”

Income Verification Delayed for Subsidzed Health Care for 2014

President Barack Obama’s healthcare reform law starts January 1st 2014. According to the law in order to receive tax subsidies to help buy insurance, enrollees must have verified incomes ranging from 100 percent to 400 percent of the federal poverty line and not have access to affordable insurance offered through an employer. On July 2nd, … Continue reading “Income Verification Delayed for Subsidzed Health Care for 2014”