News

There are now so many exemptions to PPACA’s individual mandate that the CBO says the number who would face fines for lack of coverage has dropped from seven million to four million. That means that almost 90 percent of the nation’s uninsured population would not have to pay a penalty under PPACA in 2016, according […]

Most consumers believe subsidies should be legal on both the state-based and federal exchanges, according to a new poll. The study, out this week from Morning Consult, found that 58 percent of registered voters think all subsidies under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act exchanges — whether they’re state or federal run — should […]

Those four-letter federal employment statutes — FMLA and FLSA — can be a real pain in the neck, amirite? Today, let’s focus on a major employer pitfall: intermittent leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. The FMLA regulations define intermittently leave this way: “FMLA leave may be taken intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule under […]

As employers digest the tenets of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, most have not taken drastic measures to avoid triggering certain requirements of PPACA. Small employers have shown a stronger tendency to take actions such as freezing hiring or cutting back on fulltime workers to remain under the 50-employee trigger. But even small […]

Small businesses are taking a cautious approach to hiring, compensation and employee benefits, according to the 2014 Aflac WorkForces Report for Small Businesses. The study of businesses with three to 99 employees also found that benefits are a key component to employee hiring, retention and satisfaction. Although 63 percent of small-business employees are extremely or very […]

Sure, as evidenced by the growing numbers, consumers love their health savings accounts. Problem is, they just don’t really know much about them. A new survey from Alegeus Technologies says most consumers, and even account holders specifically, do not fully understand account-based health plans, including HSAs, flexible savings accounts and health reimbursement accounts. Only 30 percent […]

When the going gets tough, do employees get going? Or do they just go? A new study raises red flags about the commitment of today’s workforce to the companies for which they work, said Steven Glaser, CEO of Information Control Co. in Columbus, Ohio. Part of the challenge is a shift to a younger demographic […]

Many U.S. workers hate the idea of getting health coverage from the new Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) exchange plans. Jonathan Easley looks at workers’ views on public exchange SHOP plan coverage for The Morning Consult, in a summary of results from a voter poll the organization commissioned. Easley found that 63 percent of […]

The media and insurance industry circles frequently mention private exchanges as an alternative to public marketplace exchanges or traditional insurance plans. A recent survey of employers by Towers Watson and the National Business Group indicated that one-third plan to move their employee benefit plans to private exchanges within the next few years. They may be […]

There are certain things we don’t like to think about. Death, serious accidents and critical illnesses are likely near the top of everyone’s lists. While one is inevitable, many bury their heads in the sand when considering accidents and critical illnesses. Most would say: “I’m safety conscious.” “I’ll take my chances.” “I take good care […]