Keeping You Current
November 2013 Monthly Newsletter
Hi ,

As seems to be the case every month, there have been a number of new developments in the world of health care reform, and new developments continue to bring new questions and concerns.

Our company has generated a big push to help educate our clients and others seeking more information. Our "Master the Maze of Health Care Reform" webinar series is designed specifically for your group size and provides solutions. If you were unable to attend, we are happy to provide a copy of the slides upon request.

We've also received an encouraging turnout from our "Get Covered" Workshops, which are designed to assist people ineligible for their employer's coverage with their options. If you or any of your employees might benefit from these workshops, registration is available here.

It's not every day your company is mentioned in USA Today, but Sunday was that day for us. We were excited to help columnist Jayne O'Donnell understand the impact of health care reform on business in California.

Even if you feel like you know all there is to know, there's always more to learn. We are passionate about educating everyone about health care reform, and we welcome your calls and emails. Confused? Frustrated? Relax...you've got Benefit Done Right.

Best regards,

Laurie Rood, CEO
Will you be responsible for these new costs?  

Health care reform has brought with it a whole host of new taxes and fees employers will be responsible for paying. The expectation is that taxes and fees will account for 4 to 5 percent of 2014 premiums, which is a sizable increase.

See Laurie's explanation of these taxes and fees and how they'll impact the health insurance marketplace going forward in her latest blog.

Health FSA "Use It Or Lose It" Provision
Modifications and Commuter Benefits
 

The Department of Treasury has modified its FSA "Use It Or Lose It" provision to allow a limited rollover of FSA funds of up to $500.  The purpose of this change is to encourage more participation in these accounts.  

 

Also, beginning in 2014:

  1. Health FSA - It appears there will not be an increase to the $2500 annual maximum.   
  2. Parking and Transit - Under �132(f)(2)(A), the monthly limitation for transit is $130. Under �132(f)(2)(B), the monthly limitation for qualified parking is $250.

Existing contracts will need to be amended to allow these provisions; they are not automatic. Stay tuned for further details.

 


Policy Cancellations for Individuals       
What you need to know about plan mapping  

We have all been hearing the news that individual policies are getting cancelled effective January 1, 2014. In California, most of the carriers (with the exception of Health Net in Northern California counties and Aetna) are being mapped to other plan options.

The problem with the mapping is that these options are
generally more expensive. We are seeing individuals struggling to make enrollment decisions due to website malfunctions, particularly with physician searches.

Insurance commissioner Dave Jones announced yesterday that Blue Shield of California has agreed to delay individual policy cancellations on existing coverage until March 31, 2014 to give consumers more time to examine their options. This is welcome news and will allow everyone more time to make the best decision.

Cory Harris heads up our individual department and can be reached at charris@benefitsdoneright.com with any questions. We can support your part-time workers, friends, and family with individual coverage. Educational courses are also available in our office to understand Covered California in the form of our "Get Covered" Workshops; you can register for these workshops here.


Benefits Done Right Insurance Agency, Inc.
601 University Avenue, Suite 250 / Sacramento, CA  95825
800 482 1817 / 916 568 2345 / fax: 916 564 9228

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