If your firm offers or are thinking of offering a wellness program, hit the brakes. The compliance and regulatory requirements for some wellness programs could be significantly affected by AARP and EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) pending litigations. Generally those that are “health-contingent” or “outcome-based”. Currently there are many rules that control certain wellness programs such as: HIPAA (Health Insurance… read more →
Everything changes over time, the way things are done, thoughts and ideas. Sometimes customs go away and sometimes they evolve. Insurance falls into the evolution category. Over time we have seen the benefit of insurance protection – property, life, health. The plans of the past no longer exist, especially in the case of health insurance. Basically health insurance remains the… read more →
Unless you have been living under a rock you are aware of the Affordable Care Act or more affectionately called “ObamaCare”. Time is ticking and deadlines for its final actions are around the bend. Many of the requirements have already taken effect with many more around the bend. This will help you to understand the whats and whens of many… read more →
As tax season approaches, it’s important for small group employers who offer health care coverage to their employees to understand key tax credits in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). To help take advantage of these potentially valuable credits, some of the basics are outlined for you*: Eligibility: An eligible employer must provide health care coverage and must… read more →
Many people look forward to qualifying for Medicare as a benefit of growing older and they reach that threshold not really understanding what it’s all about. There are many parts to Medicare so let’s break them down and learn “Medicare 101”. Medicare Part A is the most basic portion of the plan, and simply put it covers hospital care. For… read more →
Most of those reading this article live in the area, the Hudson Valley. The area is beautiful, it has changes of seasons unlike any other area. Kingston our county seat was the state’s first capital, the area is steeped in history. It is peppered with incredible businesses, little nuggets waiting to be discovered and patronized. One of methods these businesses… read more →
Living in New York is a double edged sword when it comes to health insurance. We have the advantage of many mandated benefits – chiropractic care, maternity coverage, mental health coverage, portability of coverage, no medical underwriting etc. All these marvelous things come with a hefty price tag. Along comes Healthy New York, a plan subsidized by the state meant… read more →
Many people have formed opinions about insurance companies and many are negative due to their past experience. However some of those opinions have no basis. I’d like to take this time to help the reader know a little more about this mysterious entity. Many people believe that health insurance companies exist simply to keep their executives rolling in money. First… read more →
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving I attended the local annual “All Service Club Luncheon” and I was surprised to learn that New York Congressional Representative Maurice Hinchey was to be the speaker. My instant thought was to leave as I had heard his talks before and they all tended to be a big blame game. I decided to stay when I… read more →
November 1, 2010 The day before election day. Please think carefully about your choices, your vote is still very important. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is just a bundle of surprises at every turn. Next up is the portion of the Act that was enacted because and in memory of the late Ted Kennedy as it was an… read more →