<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1602061480087256&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

R&R Insurance Blog

House of Representatives Passes the American Health Care Act

Posted by Pete Frittitta

Capital BuildingOn May 4, 2017, members of the U.S. House of Representatives voted along party lines to pass an amended version of the American Health Care Act - proposed legislation to repeal and replace the ACA. The AHCA will now move on to be considered by the Senate.

ACA Provisions Not Impacted

The majority of the ACA would not be affected by the AHCA. The MacArthur amendments specifically maintain most of the ACA’s market reforms. For example, the following key ACA provisions would remain in place:

  • Cost-sharing limits on essential health benefits (EHBs) for non-grandfathered plans (currently $7,150 for self-only coverage and $14,300 for family coverage)
  • Prohibition on lifetime and annual limits for EHBs
  • Requirements to cover pre-existing conditions
  • Coverage for adult children up to age 26
  • Guaranteed availability and renewability of coverage
  • Nondiscrimination rules (on the basis of race, nationality, disability, age or sex)
  • Prohibition on health status underwriting

Click here to download the ACA Compliance Bulletin - which provides an overview of the proposed legislation and its potential impact going forward.

 

Topics: ObamaCare, ACA

Buyer Beware: Review Your Enrollment from Healthcare.gov

Posted by Pete Frittitta

Email_verificationBy now, the deadline for registering for individual health insurance on healthcare.gov has come and gone. However the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) is warning consumers to verify the status of their health insurance. The OCI has received numerous reports of consumers enrolled in incorrect plans. Much of the confusion is coming from a technical problem dealing with the zip code: either the pulled premium rate was for the wrong area or some insurers didn’t even have plans for listed zip code. In the most extreme cases, consumers are left without coverage but may not have been informed.

What to do? Be proactive and verify your coverage:

  • Confirm you have received your enrollment materials
  • If you have NOT received your enrollment materials within the expected time frame, check the status with your agent or insurance company
  • Verify payment has been received by the insurance company
  • Review policy documents that deductibles and co-pays match what you were expecting
  • See discrepancies? Contact your insurance company immediately

Wisconsin residents, still have questions about your individual health insurance? Contact Donna Wahl.

Topics: ObamaCare, Health Reform, Healthcare.gove, Individual Health Insurance, double check

Individual Marketplace Exchange: 41% Rate Increase for 40 Year Olds In Milwaukee

Posted by Jane Shevey

Steth_MoneyWith the onset of Obamacare and the need for individuals to make decisions about their own health insurance purchases, I thought it appropriate to share the information we received from the Wisconsin Office of the Commisstioner of Insurance, (OCI).

Taken directly from the press release dated September 3, 2013:
The Wisconsin Office of Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) has completed its initial analysis of rate filings in the individual market.

View Percent Increase Chart published by the OCI.

"While the exchange in Wisconsin will be run by the federal government, insurers wanting to offer coverage in the exchange had to file their rates with OCI. With our review of the exchange rate filings completed, we have attempted to compare what Wisconsin consumers are paying today to what plans will cost post 2014 under the new federal health law," stated Commissioner Nickel. "The truth is that comparisons are difficult because rates are going to vary based on age and where you live."

"With that said, from our analysis, it appears premiums will increase for most consumers. And, while there is no question that some consumers will have subsidies and may not pay these higher rates," Commissioner Nickel continued, "someone will pay for the increased premiums whether it is the consumer or the federal government."

Wisconsin Health Exchanges Offer Slim Pickins

How to Get, or Keep, Health Insurance if You Are Self Employed

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Individual Health Insurance

7 Tips on How To Pick The Best Individual Health Insurance Coverage

Wisconsin residents: for more information about Obamacare, PPACA or individual health insurance, please contact knowledgebroker Jane Shevey.

Join our group on LinkedIn: Obamacare: Strategies for Business to Survive. We welcome you to join in the conversation with our LinkedIn group dedicated to discussions for business owners on Obamacare: Strategies for Business To Survive. Read articles, download documents, join the conversation, and add your expertise!

Topics: ObamaCare, Health Reform, Wisconsin Health Exchanges, Voluntary Benefits, Commissioner Nickel, Wisconsin Office of Commissioner of Insurance (OCI, Jane Shevey, Individual Health Insurance, PPACA, Individual Marketplace Exchange

Health Benefits Continue to Be Key for Employers Despite Obamacare

Posted by Jane Shevey

Emp Benefits Policy82% of mid-to-large size employers surveyed in a recent Towers Watson survey will continue to view health care benefits as a key element of their employee’s compensation in 2014. Despite the impending Obamacare mandates and ACA excise tax - known as the Cadillac Tax - employers continue to value health insurance benefits.

As employers move forward they will be looking to keep their plans affordable and viable - maintaining a sustainable plan amidst cost increases (5.2% increase projected for 2014). Full article on Towers Watson survey results.

Wisconsin based employers are considering a self-funding approach or adding additional voluntary benefits such as dental, vision, life insurance and disability insurance to offset any changes they may be implementing.

We've always known that offering quality health insurance coverage is a critical part of remaining competitive in today's talent marketplace. This news is just a reiteration of what I am seeing on the street when I talk to my customers and prospects. Smart, educated decisions moving forward will help curtail any pain PPACA might inflict.

For Wisconsin employers interested in self funding options or voluntary benefits for their plans, please contact me.

Topics: ObamaCare, Employee Benefits, Health Reform, Voluntary Benefits, Towers Watson, Jane Shevey, ACA excise tax, Self Funded Health Insurance, PPACA, ACA, cadillac tax