We are less than 30 days away from the first deadlines for filing Affordable Care Act (ACA) information for the 2017 tax year. How time flies! Here is who must …
Health Insurance Marketplace
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Affordable Care ActDepartment of Labor (DOL)
DOL Seeking Comments On Extending Association Health Plans
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenUnder the Affordable Care Act (ACA), employers that do not meet the 50 or more full-time or full-time equivalent employee threshold to be Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) do not face …
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced it is extending the deadline to enroll in health coverage through the Federal Health Insurance Exchange until March 31, 2018, …
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Affordable Care ActHealth Care CoverageHealth Insurance Marketplace
ACA Health Insurance Marketplace May Stabilize In 2018
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenIt’s been a tumultuous year for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). From insurers withdrawing from providing health insurance on government exchanges to spiking premiums in the face of financial losses …
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Affordable Care ActHealthcare
Individual Healthcare Mandate Being Considered in Maryland [UPDATE]
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenSenate Republicans added repeal of the ACA’s individual mandate to the Senate’s tax reform bill to save nearly $340 billion in federal funds during the next decade to mitigate increases …
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Health Care CoverageMedicaid
New Guidance on Medicaid May Lead to More Choice for Employers and Employees
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenNew guidelines from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) support efforts by certain individual states to test incentives that make participation in work or other community engagement a …
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Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
The Affordable Care Act Has Helped Millions, But There’s More Work To Do
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenIn 2010, former President Barack Obama introduced the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in an effort to provide more Americans with health coverage. Over the course of its now-nearly eight-year run, …
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Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
As Congress Moves To Remove Individual Mandate, States Seek Their Own Version
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenIt was a decade ago when Massachusettsimplemented its own individual mandate that required state residents to obtain health insurance or face financial ramifications. Nationwide, that rule became the framework of …
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Affordable Care ActIRS 226J/226-J
Despite Tax Reform, Expect IRS to Enforce the ACA’s Individual and Employer Mandates
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenThe approval of tax reform legislation by Congress may ultimately have an impact on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2019. That’s when the legislation essentially repeals the individual mandate …
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Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
2018 Enrollment in Affordable Care Act Shows Americans’ Support
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenOpen enrollment to obtain insurance starting on January 2018 under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) ended on December 15 with more than 8.7 million Americans signing up for coverage, according …
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The late Kenneth J. Arrow, Nobel-winning economist and one of the most brilliant minds of the 20th century, would be dismayed at action being taken by Republicans in Congress to …
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Affordable Care ActIRS
The IRS Issues Guidance on the ACA’s Individual Mandate While Congress Looks to Repeal It
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenDuring 2017, the IRS has steadfastly avoided being swayed by the political breezes, even when they seemed to reach hurricane-level velocity. When President Trump and Republicans in Congress were readying …
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The IRS has announced the penalty amounts for companies with 50 or more full-time or full-time equivalent employees that do not comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for the …
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As we enter into the annual Thanksgiving break, there is much to be thankful for. Most lists will include giving thanks for family, friends, and employment. And almost 1.5 million …
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Affordable Care ActHealth Insurance Marketplace
The Healthcare Marketplace is Stabilizing Around the ACA
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenWe are well into open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Despite significant increases in premium rates for 2018, enrollment for healthcare coverage on HealthCare.gov is higher than …
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Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
New Kaiser Family Foundation Study Shows Number Of Uninsured In 2016
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenWhen the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was first enacted in 2010, the mission was clear: provide affordable healthcare to the millions of Americans without it. Depending on who you speak …
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Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
Efforts to Undermine the Start of Open Enrollment for 2018 Healthcare Coverage on November 1
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenOpen enrollment for individuals to purchase healthcare coverage through government exchanges begins tomorrow and runs through December 15. Both advocates and opponents of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are anxious …
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ACA ReformAffordable Care Act
Back to Congress: Changes to Modify the ACA to Continue Subsidy Payments to Insurers to Stabilize Insurance Markets Are Still In Play
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenBipartisan discussions spearheaded by the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions may lead to legislation that will continue cost-sharing reduction (CSR) payments to insurance companies providing health …
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The latest news surrounding our nation’s healthcare has kept many on the edges of their seats, but for the moment, those who most benefit from the Affordable Care Act can …
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Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
Temporary Shutdowns of Healthcare.gov Termed ACA Sabotage
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenIt’s become a bit of a sport. Websites and media outlets are tracking ways that the Trump administration has been working to undermine the Affordable Care Act. Organizations such as …
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ACA Compliance
The Two C’s of Open Enrollment Season: Communication and Compliance
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenThe Affordable Care Act raised the ante on providing health insurance to Americans for U. S. businesses. It mandated that applicable large employers (those with 50 or more full-time employees …
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Affordable Care ActHealth Care ReformHealth Insurance Marketplace
Trump, McConnell Indicate There May Be Movement Towards Limited Bipartisan ACA Legislation to Stabilize Insurance Markets in 2018 [NEW REPORT]
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenWith the GOP’s last-ditch attempt in Congress to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA)done for now, President Trump introduced the idea of working with Democrats to change healthcare …
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Affordable Care ActHealth Insurance Marketplace
Path Now Clear for U.S. Senate Committee to Address Stabilizing Health Insurance Markets
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenThe on again, off again effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) finally fizzled out yesterday when Republican leadership in the U.S. Senate declined to bring to …
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Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
U.S. Senate Health Committee Works to Reach Consensus With Healthcare Hearings Over
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenCan they reach a bipartisan consensus on fixing healthcare? That’s the question now that the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions has completed its hearings on stabilizing …
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The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made significant strides in making healthcare affordable thanks to subsidies like Premium Tax Credits (PTCs), but that assistance can ultimately affect tax liability. At …
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Affordable Care ActHealth Care Reform
U.S. Senate Committee Continues Healthcare Hearings Today After Hearing From Governors Last Week
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenThe U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions continues its hearings on healthcare policy today. The committee will hear testimony today on providing states greater flexibility in managing …
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Affordable Care Act
State Insurance Commissioners Ask Senators to Continue Subsidy Payments to Insurers
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenIt was a positive start to what the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hopes will be the start of a successful bipartisan effort to draft legislation …
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ACA ReformHealthcare
U.S. Senate Committee Starts Hearings Today on Bipartisan Approach to Fixing the ACA
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenThe U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions will start deliberations on a bipartisan bill to address issues with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) aimed at shoring up …
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Affordable Care ActHealth Care Coverage
MassHealth Changes Come With A Hefty Price Tag For Employers
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenWhile 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 …
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ACA ReportingIRS
IRS Reveals 2017 Average National Monthly Premium Needed to Calculate Individual Taxpayer Penalties for ACA
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenThe IRS has issued the 2017 Average National Monthly Premium of bronze-level qualified health plans for both individuals and shared responsibility families of five or more. That figure is the …
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Affordable Care Act
Surveys Show Public Support for ACA Continues to Grow
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenIt’s become clear that the American public is not so down on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), at least not anymore. The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) has been conducting regular …
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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 …
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Affordable Care ActHealth Insurance Exchanges
Ohio Residents Rest Easier as New Insurance Providers Bring ACA Exchange Plans To Counties
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenPockets of counties across the nation have endured some scares as insurance providers began withdrawing from ACA exchanges, creating limited competition and limited options for coverage. Twenty Ohio counties faced …
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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 …
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HealthcareLegislation
Congress Moves Toward Bipartisan Approaches to Address Healthcare Issues
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenA spirit of bipartisanship in Congress seems to be rising from the rubble of the failed Republican efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. The first test of …
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IRSTIGTA
2 Reasons Why Employers Should Care About the IRS Individual Mandate Report
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenA recently released report from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) on IRS notifications in regards to the ACA’s individual mandate has potential implications for employers. TIGTA, at …
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IRSPremium Tax Credit
The IRS Finalizes Regulations for ACA Premium Tax Credits
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenThe IRS on July 24 finalized regulations for the use of premium tax credits. These are the tax credits provided by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to help lower income …
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Affordable Care ActLegislation
Updated Better Care Reconciliation Act Released
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenThe U.S. Senate has released a new, updated draft of the Republican-proposed Better Care Reconciliation Act aimed at winning over Republican Senators who were not enamored of the initially proposed …
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Affordable Care Act
Pressure Mounts for Congressional Action on Healthcare as Congress Returns to Washington
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenAs Congress returns to Washington, D.C. from a quick Independence Day break, the question of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remains top of mind. Job one for …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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Affordable Care ActHealth Care Reform
Americans Dissatisfied With Senate ACA Replacement, Per KFF Study; Senate Vote is Delayed Until After July 4
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenThe fate of Obamacare will not be determined this week. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Senate Republicans that a vote on the Senate replacement plan called “Better Care Reconciliation …
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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 …
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Affordable Care ActHealth Care Reform
Senate GOP Views 2020 As Target For ACA Repeal
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenSince Trump took the seat as President at the top of 2017, the Republican Party has arguably been inching toward opposition within itself, particularly when it comes to healthcare reform. …
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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 …
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Affordable Care ActAmerican Health Care Act (AHCA)
Featured Press: 3 Issues For Business As The U.S. Senate Tackles Trumpcare
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenOp-Ed originally published in The Business Journals. After some false starts, Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives finally passed the American Health Care Act (AHCA), as amended, the first step …
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Health Insurance Marketplace
President Trump’s New Tax Plan May Affect The Health Care Market As We Know It
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenEarlier this month, we learned that President Trump attempted to yet again repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. This time it worked with the House passing the American Health …
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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 …
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Affordable Care ActHealth Care Reform
2018 Brings New Changes To ACA Exchange
by Robert Sheenby Robert SheenWhile the country still awaits the final cues for the U.S. Senate’s take on healthcare reform, more updates arrive for the coming year. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) …