Author Archive
Republicans plan to chip away at Obamacare
As reported by the New York Times (Pear, Robert, 11/06/2010), “the incoming Republican leaders in the House say they intend to use their new muscle to cut off money for the [healthcare] law.” Pear continues his explanation: “Republican lawmakers said, for example, that they would propose limiting the money and personnel available to the Internal […]
Healthcare reform and its tax implications
Key tax changes affecting individuals as a result of healthcare reform:
Limits on reimbursement of over-the-counter medications from HRAs, HSAs, FSAs and MSAs. Over-the-counter drugs not prescribed by a doctor are excluded from being reimbursed through a health reimbursement account (HRA) or health flexible savings accounts (FSAs) and from being reimbursed on a tax-free basis through […]
Repealing healthcare law may take longer than anticipated
The New York Times (11/4, B4, Pear, Abelson) reports, “While Republicans cannot fulfill their campaign promise to repeal the new healthcare law any time soon, they can lead Congress in a sweeping re-examination of its more unpopular provisions, including new taxes and a requirement for most Americans to carry health insurance.” Rep. John A. Boehner […]
Republicans likely to repeal healthcare reform
As reported in the Dow Jones Newswire (11/3, Vaughan, subscription required): House Republicans intend to propose a vote to repeal the healthcare law early next year, although any such legislation will likely stall in the Senate, where Democrats are expected to retain the majority. Experts say that the real fight over implementation of the law […]
High deductible HSA plans becoming a more popular option to employers/employees
Cliff Peale of the Cincinnati Enquirer (11/1, Peale) writes this week about the open enrollment period that many businesses are facing between now and January 1, 2011. During this election period, employees select their health insurance coverage for the upcoming benefit year. Peale writes: “Disappearing fast is the health maintenance organization (HMO), the symbol of […]
Kasich: “Obamacare must be blocked”
Believed to be the favorite to win Ohio’s gubernatorial election on Tuesday, John Kasich is making promises to change the political landscape in Ohio. The first item on his agenda if elected? Repeal the health reform bill. Yesterday, Kasich wrote on his blog: “Today I signed The Ohio Project’s initiative petition to amend Ohio’s Constitution […]
The Growing Problem that is Medicare Fraud
As reported by the New York Times (10/29, Konrad), Medicare fraud is on the rise. “On Oct. 21, officials at a chain of mental health clinics in Miami were charged with making $200 million in fraudulent claims for group therapy sessions that authorities said were unnecessary or never provided.” Konrad continues: “Medicare scams like these […]
Medicare Advantage plans to see modest changes in 2011
CQ HealthBeat reported last week (10/16, Reichard, subscription required): “Seniors will see modest changes next year in Medicare’s private health plans, according to a study released Friday - a conclusion seemingly at odds with Republican warnings earlier in the week that enrollees in the plans face big new costs and vanishing choices because of the […]
Seniors urged to consider Medicare plans
As reported by the Los Angeles Times (10/18, Kritz), “The sign-up period for Medicare Part D (Medicare’s prescription drug program) for 2011 runs Nov. 15 to Dec. 31,” and seniors are urged to begin considering their options early. “Eligible seniors (anyone with Medicare Part A and/or Part B) can choose from among several dozen plans […]
Assurant offers alternative to Ohio’s high risk pool
As Ohio’s high risk pool continues to accept new members, the window of opportunity to enroll on this plan closes more and more every day. The high risk pool, which is administered by Medical Mutual of Ohio, was created as a result of the health care reform bill and is intended to provide affordable coverage […]
