Executive Order Ends the “Out-of-Pocket” Subsidy Only; the “Premium” Subsidy Remains in Place

Some folks may think that Friday’s Executive Order did away with Obamacare subsidies altogether.  It didn’t. There are two subsidies. One was cut.  One wasn’t. In a nutshell, one subsidy lowers the cost of premium (aka premium tax credits) for those qualified...

The Check’s in the Mail — MLR Premium Rebate Checks and What Do We Do with Them

Some BBG employer clients are reporting that they have received MLR rebate checks from their carrier. What are MLR rebate checks and why do only some employers receive them? Affordable Care Act rules stipulate that insurance carriers must spend a certain percentage of...

Now That ACA Remains in Place Maybe We Should Keep An Eye On This Recent HHS Letter to Governors.

“……We are seeking to empower states with new opportunities that will strengthen their health insurance markets.” Thomas E. Price, M.D., The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), A Letter To Governors, dated March 13, 2017   On March 13, 2017, the...

It’s Official — Transitional Relief or “Keep Your Plan” for Small Groups Extended Through 2018

The Transitional Relief Provision has been extended as expected at least through December 31, 2018. We reported on it last week here. Small employers with non-ACA compliant or “grandmothered” plans will once again have the option to keep those plans in...

UnitedHealthcare News Release Indicates Small Group Transitional Relief Plans (pre-ACA) Are Likely To Be Extended Beyond 2017

While we wait to see what happens with the New Trump Administration’s plans to repeal and replace…………. In a recent field communication pertaining to Small Group renewals, UnitedHealthcare (UHC) announced that they were making provisions for small employers with...