Benefit Strategies | Health Care Reform

Hatching a Better HSA

April 13th, 2017

During the past three years, we’ve seen a dramatic change, as a growing number of plans impose coinsurance after the deductible. This change increases members’ potential financial responsibility to as much as $6,550 for self-only coverage and $13,100 for family coverage – figures far above the $3,400 (self-only) and $6,750 (family) HSA contribution limits. William.. Read more

The Insurance Market Landscape Now

March 30th, 2017

Medicaid is on an unsustainable course, but Republicans were unwilling to accept the changes proposed under the AHCA. By William G. (Bill) Stuart Director of Strategy and Compliance March 30, 2017 The equivalent of a major shift in seismic plates occurred last Thursday and Friday in the nation’s capital as the Republican medical insurance and.. Read more

Zero Hour for Health Care Reform

March 16th, 2017

Republicans are in a position to line up as a firing squad and take direct aim at the ACA. Unfortunately for opponents of the existing law, the Republicans firing squad appears to be arranged as a circle. By William G. (Bill) Stuart Director of Strategy and Compliance March 16, 2017 I spent much of last week.. Read more

My Experiences on the Hill

March 2nd, 2017

An employer isn’t going to continue a program that saves an employee between 22% and 38% in taxes if the employer has to pay a 40% excise tax on that money. For a family with a $2,600 Health FSA contribution, that means a tax increase of $600 to $900 annually. By William G. (Bill) Stuart.. Read more

Reform Effort Lands In Byrd Bath

February 16th, 2017

Their sentiment is consistent with the limits on Republicans’ power. They simply don’t have the numbers to repeal the law in full. They’re going to attack it piecemeal, eliminating what they consider the most onerous parts of the ACA. William G. (Bill) Stuart Director of Strategy and Compliance February 16, 2017 One of the benefits.. Read more

Is Reference Pricing a Part of the Solution?

February 2nd, 2017

Patients were given information before they underwent surgery and understood that they would be responsible for costs above a certain figure. This change gives patients a tremendous incentive to choose the right facility to deliver their care. By William G. (Bill) Stuart Director of Strategy and Compliance February 2, 2017 In the battle to control.. Read more

The QSEHRA Opportunity

January 19th, 2017

President Obama signs the 21st Century Cures Act. Employers: Are you willing to share your expertise with other benefits professionals? Healthcare Trends Institute, a leader in analyzing and disseminating information about employee benefits, is seeking input. You can find more information and the link to a five-minute survey here. “QSEHRAs give employers a fourth option:.. Read more

What to Expect with Health Care Reform

January 5th, 2017

By William G. (Bill) Stuart Director of Strategy and Compliance Jan. 5, 2017 With the 115th Congress convening in the nation’s capital this week, all eyes will be on Republicans and their approach to the Affordable Care Act. Readers know that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (dubbed the ACA or ObamaCare) passed Congress.. Read more

Where Are Accounts Headed?

December 9th, 2016

By William G. (Bill) Stuart Director of Strategy and Compliance December 9, 2016 A business colleague recently called me to secure some information for his annual white paper on the reimbursement industry. He asked me questions about the future of Health FSAs, HRAs and HSAs. Here are the thoughts that I shared with him: Overall.. Read more

Rebuilding Healthcare

November 23rd, 2016

By William G. (Bill) Stuart Director of Strategy and Compliance November 23, 2016 What do this month’s national election results mean for healthcare in 2017 and beyond? We’ll have some solid answers soon enough. Healthcare is likely to be on the agenda for early action when the 115th Congress convenes in early January and President-elect.. Read more

Category: Health Care Reform