Smokers face stiff penalties under health care reform

by Eriksen Insurance | Jan 31, 2013 | Health Laws, Heath Care Costs

Oregon Live reports: “WASHINGTON — Millions of smokers could be priced out of health insurance because of tobacco penalties in President Barack Obama’s health care law, according to experts who are just now teasing out the potential impact of a...

House Democrats Make Another Go At Creating Public Option

by Eriksen Insurance | Jan 29, 2013 | Health Laws

Insurance News Net reports: “A group of 45 Democratic U.S. representatives have revived the idea of creating a government-run health insurance plan in a bill introduced to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce this week. The proposal has already drawn fire...

Mental Healthcare To Get Boost From ACA

by Eriksen Insurance | Jan 29, 2013 | Insurance Reform

Insurance News Net reports: “Mental health experts say healthcare reform will play a role in one of U.S. President Barack Obama’s proposals for reducing gun violence. Obama this week instructed the Department of Health and Human Services to complete...

Feds begin marketing push for exchanges

by Eriksen Insurance | Jan 25, 2013 | Exchange, Insurance Reform

Benefitspro reports: “The federal government wants to remind consumers of the health insurance mandate as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and they’re using a consumer-friendly website as a way to do it. The Department of Health and Human...

Legislative Update: Employers’ ACA Notice Requirement Delayed [All Markets]

by Eriksen Insurance | Jan 25, 2013 | Requirements

Legislative Update: IRS Releases FAQ on Employer Shared Responsibility [All Markets] The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently issued proposed rules regarding the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Employer Shared Responsibility provisions. Under these provisions, an...