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 […]
Medicare Advantage: Update for 2011
With individual and group health insurance rates on the rise, premiums for the average Medicare Advantage plan will actually drop by 1% for 2011. “Despite the claims of some, Medicare Advantage remains a strong, robust option for millions of seniors who choose to enroll or stay in a participating plan,” said Donald Berwick, the administrator […]
Cost of Healthcare Reform
A recent report that was released by the office of the chief Medicare actuary claims that healthcare reform will have a negligible effect on total national health care spending over the next decade. The report counters both the argument that reform will lead to explosive cost increases and the argument that it will slow these […]
Healthcare Reform Changes and the Impact on Grandfathered Plans
Grandfathered plans are required to meet some, but not all, of the health insurance reform changes as described in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. A “Grandfathered Health Plan” is defined as a group health plan or health insurance coverage in which an individual was enrolled on or before March 23, 2010. To learn […]
Recent Healthcare Reform Changes!
On September 23, 2010 new laws regarding health insurance were enacted as a result of the healthcare reform bill. Since then the following changes have been implemented:
Lifetime limits: Health insurance plans may not impose dollar limits on essential health benefits.
Rescissions: No rescissions are permitted, except in cases of fraud or misrepresentation.
Coverage for adult children: Children […]
Over 50 million uninsured according to U.S. Census Bureau
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, which released new figures this week regarding the number of Americans without health insurance, and the numbers of uninsured are on the rise. In 2009, 50.7 million people were without health insurance coverage, up from 46.3 million people in 2008.
In a press release, NAHU CEO Janet Trautwein commented “The […]
In Search of Support, Obama Takes Aim at Seniors
As the oil spill in the Gulf continues to dominate national news, President Obama appears to have refocused his energy toward the defense of the recent healthcare reform bill. Although his quest to drum up support may not surprise most, considering midterm elections are on the horizon, it’s Obama’s target audience that has […]
