IRS Guidelines – Indexed Figures for 2015
FICA Social Security 6.2% to $118,500 Medicare unlimited 1.45% to Unlimited High Deductible Health Plans Minimum Annual Deductible (Individual/Family) $1,300 / $2,600 Maximum Out-of-Pocket Limit (Individual/Family) $6,450 / $12,900 Health Savings Accounts Individual / Family $3,350 / $6,650 Catch-up Contribution $1,000 Flexible Spending Accounts Health Care Flexible Spending Account Maximums $2,550 Dependent Care Spending Account […]
Useful Website: healthgrades
The website, www.healthgrades.com, allows individuals to search for a doctor based on name, specialty, condition, procedure, and/or geographic location. Users can filter results by many options including Insurance Provider. While the home page does not have a field to input insurance, once you enter a search (see screen shot below), on the far right you […]
2015 HSA Contribution Limits
A health savings account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account available to those who are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). The funds contributed to an account are not subject to federal income tax at the time of deposit. Unlike a flexible spending account (FSA), funds roll over and accumulate year to year if not spent. HSAs are owned […]
No More Certificates of Credible Coverage
Effective December 31, 2014, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act no longer requires certificates of credible coverage to be issued. Previously, HIPAA required these certificates to be issued as proof of previous health coverage.
Fat People Have Issues!
Medical issues Before offending anyone – I posted the politically incorrect title in hopes of getting more people to read. I like fat people, many of my friends are fat. So please take it in good humor. I don’t need hate mail. I also recognize some people have genetic challenges. The following was posted by […]
Supreme Court to Hear Subsidies Case
Employee Benefit Advisors blogged Oct 9, 2013 and July 7, 2014 about court cases that had been falling under the radar. EBA said “These cases could dismantle health care reform as we know it.” Friday, Nov 7, 2014, the Supreme Court announced that they will take up the challenges to whether subsidies should be available […]
1 Month Orientation & 90 Day Waiting Periods
For plan years beginning in 2015, employers may require an employee to satisfy a one-month orientation/evaluation period in addition to a 90 day waiting period before he or she becomes eligible for benefits. The orientation period must be a reasonable and bonafide employment-based condition of eligibility in a position that is otherwise eligible for coverage […]
Voting? – Average Health Premiums “Skyrocketed” After ACA
The Washington Times is reporting that a new study of insurance policies before and after the implementation of the Affordable Care Act “shows that average premiums have skyrocketed, for some groups by as much as 78 percent.” Average premiums for the 23-year-old demographic rose “dramatically,” with men in that age group seeing a 78.2 percent […]
Useful App: Medfax (Listed as One of the Best New Apps)
Need an independent, unbiased source of medical information about doctors, drugs, medical devices and hospitals? MedFax can be used to verify doctors, prescription drugs, medical devices and hospitals. It provides reports that allow consumers to make well-informed decisions regarding their healthcare. One of the largest information sources of its kind, MedFax has combined and cross-referenced […]
Section 125 Plans Allow Additional Mid-Year Changes
The IRS announced two new situations in which a participant may revoke his or her cafeteria plan election in order to purchase coverage through a marketplace (Exchange) established under the ACA. These provisions do not apply to FSAs. Change is permitted provided: Employee Enrolls in Marketplace Coverage The employee is eligible for a special enrollment period […]