While healthcare is expected to continue to be discussed when Congress reconvenes in September, some state governments are taking steps of their own to shore up the Affordable Care Act …
Health Care Coverage
-
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
Congressional Budget Office Expects Health Insurance Premiums to Increase
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenGross premiums for silver-level health insurance plans purchased through the healthcare marketplace would be 20 percent higher in 2018 and 25 percent higher by 2020 if cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) payments …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
Americans Want a Bipartisan Approach to Healthcare, According to a New KFF Poll
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenNow that the great Affordable Care Act (ACA) repeal and replace debate has seemingly ended in Congress, we’ve seen movement by members of Congress towards a bipartisan approach to healthcare …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
Health Insurance Brokers Help Employers Lower Healthcare Costs
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenWhen it comes to providing healthcare as an employer, cost is a major concern. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), applicable large employers – organizations with 50 or more full-time …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care CoverageLawsuits
ACA Discrimination Suit Sheds Light On Transgender Child Rights
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenOver the last few years, the rights of transgender workers within organizations have continued to fall under the microscope. From anti-discrimination rules surrounding hiring to adequately reporting the gender of …
-
Health Care CoverageIRS
IRS Memorandum Sheds Light on Taxability Of Benefits Paid by Self-Funded Health Plans
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenMany employers which provide self-funded healthcare for their employees have taken to covering the cost of employee participation in associated wellness plans. It’s a practice the IRS is well aware …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
As Trump Seeks To Change Birth Control Rights, States Provide Aid For Women
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenIt’s far from coincidental that timed with Donald Trump’s move into the White House as President of the United States, women marched for reproductive rights. Trump made it part of …
-
Health Care CoverageHealth Insurance Marketplace
Iowa Seeks Help From ACA During Healthcare Crisis
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenCome 2018, Iowa has the potential threat of losing health care provider options within their exchange for a significant number of residents. Now, the Iowa insurance commission is requesting a …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
Texas And Other States Await Possible Return Of Blue Cross-Blue Shield Insurer
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenOver the last few years, we’ve witnessed major health insurers withdrawing from offering coverage on various states’ exchanges under the Affordable Care Act. Companies like UnitedHealth and Aetna arguably led …
-
Health Care CoverageHealth Insurance Marketplace
Deadline Nearing to Provide HHS Comments On How To Improve Health Insurance Markets
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenWhile Congress has been discussing new directions for healthcare reform from the Affordable Care Act, President Trump has been talking about the death of that current healthcare law. However, as …
-
American Health Care Act (AHCA)Health Care Coverage
The AHCA May Cost Seniors Almost Half Of Their Annual Income In Premiums
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenThe American Health Care Act (AHCA) is still sitting in the Senate, awaiting a verdict on being modified or dismantled to something unrecognizable. While in limbo, analyses continue to surface, …
-
Health Care CoverageHealth Care Reform
Two New Health Care Tax Bills Approved Pending AHCA Passing
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenThere was a time in the early stages of the ACA repeal where the Trump Administration shrugged off any ACA-mandated taxes going forward. The growing concern was that a repeal …
-
Health Care CoverageMedicaid
Seniors And Medicaid: The Real Connection
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenFor many Americans, the understanding of healthcare when it comes to senior citizens is that their benefits are derived from Medicare. While that may be true for millions, there are …
-
American Health Care Act (AHCA)Health Care Coverage
Older Americans Are Among The Greatest Affected By The Proposed AHCA
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenCurrently, Senate GOP may be deliberating over potentially holding off on the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act until after the 2018 elections. This news arrives on the …
-
Health Care CoverageMedicaid
Will Medicaid Be A Casualty Of The AHCA? New Study Shows Americans Are Concerned
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenWhile the Affordable Care Act made significant strides in Medicaid Expansion, that may all change should the American Health Care Act (AHCA) be put into action. While federal funding for …
-
American Health Care Act (AHCA)Health Care Coverage
President Trump’s Budget Proposal Poses Continued Threat To Medicaid And Planned Parenthood
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenLast week, news broke that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that Trump’s newly revamped American Health Care Act (AHCA) will leave 23 million more people uninsured in 2026 than …
-
American Health Care Act (AHCA)Health Care Coverage
Anti-AHCA Protesters Kick Their Efforts Up A Notch
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenIf there is one thing that President Trump has placed into the hearts of the American people, it’s the need to speak out. Since arriving in office at the top …
-
American Health Care Act (AHCA)Health Care Coverage
CBO Scoring Shows 23 Million Will Lose Insurance by 2026 Under the Revised House Healthcare Bill
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenSo much of Senate’s decisions appear to be surrounding the House GOP’s proposed healthcare bill rested on a score from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The scoring was guaranteed by …
-
American Health Care Act (AHCA)Health Care Coverage
Paralyzed Veterans of America Reject the AHCA
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenDonald Trump’s entire “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan was footnoted with a promise to help both the working class and United States Veterans. However, a specific group of veterans …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
New Delays Prove The ACA Will Be Around For A While
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenOn Monday (May 22), a motion was filed by both the White House and Congress requesting a 90-day delay regarding an appeal surrounding cost-sharing reduction payments (CSR). The case, known …
-
American Health Care Act (AHCA)Health Care Coverage
Warren Buffett Says The One Thing About Trumpcare That We Needed To Hear
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenEarlier this month, Warren Buffett appeared on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” and had several things to say in his interview; especially about Trump’s American Health Care Act. While many speculated that …
-
Affordable Care ActAmerican Health Care Act (AHCA)Health Care Coverage
Republican Congress Members Maintain Their ACA Benefits In The Midst Of A Repeal
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenWhen Trump’s revamp of his American Health Care Act (AHCA) was green lit by the House, Republicans who were anti-ACA found this to be a win. Despite the Senate feeling …
-
Health Care CoverageMedicaid
New Study Finds Staggering Number Of Uninsured Medicaid Recipients Should AHCA Be Passed
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenAs the newly revamped AHCA has been given House approval and moves onto the Senate floor, a new study shows how the revamped bill’s effect on Medicaid Expansion could prove …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
New KFF Study Shows Healthcare Insurers May Be Financially Stable on the ACA Exchanges
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenIt was just last year when healthcare giants like UnitedHealth and Aetna were exiting out of certain ACA exchanges—citing the ACA as the cause for financial dips in their bottom …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
GOP Health Care Bill Now Faces Uphill Battle in Senate
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenToday, with a vote count of 217 for and 213 against, the heavily Republican majority House passed the amended American Healthcare Act (AHCA). This rushed vote came with less than …
-
ACA ComplianceACA ReportingHealth Care Coverage
Preparing Your 2016 ACA Forms – Better Late Than Never
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenNow that the dust has settled that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is here to stay and the 2016 ACA reporting deadline is just behind us, employers …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
The ACA In Numbers: An Infographic
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenWhen the Trump Administration reluctantly agreed to keep the ACA around, many breathed a collective sigh of relief. While some were unaware that the Affordable Care Act was synonymous with …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
Did Tennessee Hurt Itself With Healthcare?
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenIf you reside in Tennessee, there’s a likely chance that next year you may be without options within the federally facilitated healthcare exchange under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
New Bill Allows Non-Exchange Health Plan Purchases With ACA Credits
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenWhen Senate Republicans proposed the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a major point of focus was the elimination of ACA-mandated taxes, including the Employer and Individual …
-
Health Care CoverageTax Reform
Awaiting Announcements on Tax Reform, Healthcare Votes May Be Next
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenPresident Trump appears to be planning a tax reform announcement this week and as early as tomorrow (April 26). Trump tweeted his intent to unveil some new plans this past …
-
Health Care Coverage
These New Healthcare Staffers Were Added By The Trump Administration
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenHere’s a quick staffing update regarding new hires to come to the Department of Health and Human Services and the White House: The role of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
As The ACA Stays, Should States Readjust Their Employer Mandate Demands?
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenIn a matter of two weeks, everything seems to have changed for the fate of states and their
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
Another Attempt to Repeal the ACA in the Foreseeable Future? Unlikely.
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenIt’s been more than seven years since the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and there were some 60 plus attempts to repeal by Republicans during …
-
Affordable Care ActAmerican Health Care Act (AHCA)Health Care Coverage
Would American Health Care Act Dis-incentivize Employers From Offering Healthcare?
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenOp-Ed Published on LA Biz Journal on March 21, 2017 Starting in the 1940’s, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) made employer-based healthcare tax free. Employers were not required to offer …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
Infographic: Healthcare Affordability Has Been On The Decline Since 2015
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenMany have said the Affordable Care Actis still not affordable, and that might be true as a matter of opinion. “Affordability” is defined by the ACA to be below 9.5% …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
The ACA Replacement Plan Likely To Save Money But Add 24 Million Uninsured
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenRepublican House Speaker Paul Ryanrecently released the House leadership’s plan for an ACA repeal and replacement. While more light was shed on previously unanswered questions such as the fate of …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care CoverageRegulations
Uber Is Triumphant In California Misclassification Case
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenUber made a huge stride in their favor at the top of March, when a California courtnamed them victorious in yet another misclassification case. The case surrounded once again classifications …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
When It Comes To Healthcare, Are You Grandfathered Or Grandmothered?
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenThe Center for Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight (CCIIO), under the Centers for Medicare& Medicaid Services (CMS), released a notice at the close of February, announcing that insurance companies may …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
The American Health Care Act Prohibits Tax Credits for Abortion Coverage
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenThe Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) did not change state law on abortions and expressly allowed states to elect out of abortion coverage in qualified health plans offered …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care CoverageReporting
IRS Extends Transition Relief For QSE HRA Notice
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenAt the close of February, the IRSreleased a notice regarding qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement (QSE HRA) notices and an extension until further guidance is provided. These notices are …
-
Health Care CoverageMedicaid
Are Medicaid Recipients Always Below The Federal Poverty Line? The Short Answer Is No.
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenWhen it comes to Medicaid, there is a lot of confusion as to what it means to be eligible on a state by state basis. The assumption may be that …
-
Health Care CoverageReporting
Employer Reporting Continues Under House Republican Leadership Proposed Bill
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenOn March 6, 2017, the House Leadership recently unveiled its proposed bill called “American Health Care Act.”Among its provisions, the bill calls for termination of the issuance of premium tax …
-
ACA ReformHealth Care Coverage
President Trump Proposes New Rule To Stabilize ACA Marketplace
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenDetails on President Trump’s plans for an ACA repeal and replacement are finally coming to light. In a new proposed rule, the stabilization of the exchange is placed at the …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care CoveragePolls/Surveys
New KFF Study Shows A Change In The Perception of The ACA
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenAs the Trump Administration begins the rollout for changes to healthcare reform—namely a repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act—there appears to be changes in American opinions of the …
-
ACA AuditACA ComplianceAffordable Care ActHealth Care CoverageReporting
The ACA Exchange Appeals Process
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenThe Exchanges in the Health Insurance Marketplace have been issuing out notices to employers. Each such Notice indicates to the employer that it may be subject to penalties for failing …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
ACA Complexities Increase Among States
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenAs the Affordable Care Act remains under the magnifying glass—debating on a repeal, replace, or fix—states are feeling the brunt of the confusion. States with the ways and means to …
-
ACA ComplianceHealth Care Coverage
Uber Decision in Florida and The Gig Economy
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenIn a recent decision within the Florida courts, Uber was victorious in a misclassification case that left Uber drivers classified as independent contractors and not employees. It speaks to the …
-
Health Care CoverageMedicaid
Keeping Up With The GOP And Medicaid Expansion
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenNew remarks from President Trump are now suggesting that the Affordable Care Act won’t see an immediate repeal or replacement until well into the next year. While that may be …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
2016-2017 Healthcare.Gov Open Enrollment Figures: An Infographic
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenFrom November 1, 2016 through January 31, 2017, Healthcare.gov launched its open enrollment period for new and returning consumers to obtain coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Our infographic shows …
-
Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
The Fate Of The ACA In Kentucky
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenWhile the Trump Administration is slowly putting the wheels in motion to repeal the Affordable Care Act, one state governor has been trying for over a year to do so …