IBP Insurance Services

Two New Studies: Health Reform Benefits Small Business

Administrator — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 17:51:21 +0000

Under the old health care system, many businesses found it difficult, if not impossible to provide health insurance benefits to their workers. Over the past decade the percentage of small firms offering coverage decreased and many businesses have suffered under the weight of high health care costs.

The Affordable Care Act helps make it easier for employers to provide health benefits. This year, small businesses are eligible for health care tax credits and starting in 2014, small businesses with up to 100 employees will have access to state-based Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Exchanges, which will expand their purchasing power. Additionally, the Business Roundtable estimated that provisions in the legislation could save $3,000 per person in health costs

To see more information on the studies click here

10 Things Every Employer Should Consider About Health Reform

Administrator — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:28:18 +0000

While there are over 2,000 plus pages of rules and regulations associated with health care reform we have created a listing that will help identify some of the most important items employers should pay attention to over the next several years.

Just had this article published today.

See the complete article

2010 Kaiser/HRET Employer Health Benefits Survey (EHBS)

Administrator — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:00:20 +0000

Family Health Premiums Rise 3 Percent to $13,770 in 2010, but Workers’ Share Jumps 14 Percent

This annual survey of employers provides a detailed look at trends in employer-sponsored health coverage, including premiums, employee contributions, cost-sharing provisions, and other relevant information. The survey continued to document the prevalence of high-deductible health plans associated with a savings option and included questions on wellness benefits and health risk assessments. The 2010 survey included 3,143 randomly selected public and private firms with three or more employees (2,046 of which responded to the full survey and 1,097 of which responded to an additional question about offering coverage). Researchers at the Kaiser Family Foundation, the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, and Health Research & Educational Trust designed and analyzed the survey.

See the Complete Survey

Mandated Changes and Other Considerations for the Upcoming Plan Year

Administrator — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 02:42:03 +0000

Certain plan design changes must be made for the upcoming plan year, even if the plan is grandfathered. Other provisions of the Act may impact design and administration so sponsors will want to consider them now.

The first chart below applies to grandfathered and non-grandfathered plans.

The second chart lists those issues that only will apply to non-grandfathered plans. To the extent any of these items results in plan changes, employees will need to be notified, plan documents and open enrollment materials will need to be updated and administration will need to be changed accordingly.

View PDF

The “Hospital Compare” Tool at HealthCare.gov

Administrator — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 02:38:54 +0000

When you are sick and have to go to the hospital, you want to know that you’re getting the highest quality care. And if you’re choosing between hospitals, you should be able to make an informed choice and compare the quality of hospitals in your area. That’s where HealthCare.gov comes in.

By visiting HealthCare.gov, you can quickly access the Hospital Compare tool which analyzes and compares data about the quality of care at more than 4,700 hospitals across the country. Simply type in your zip code or city and state to access a wealth of information, including data on 44 quality measures such as how well your local hospitals handle conditions like heart attacks and diabetes.