Federal Agencies Issue Proposed Rule on Expatriate Health Plans

The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury, and Labor have issued a proposed rule implementing the Expatriate Health Coverage Clarification Act (EHCCA) and explaining, among other things, how various Affordable Care Act (ACA) market reforms apply to expatriate health plans. Learn more.

Reminder: Electronic Filing Deadline for ACA Information Returns Approaching

Employers subject to the new Affordable Care Act (ACA) information reporting requirements are reminded that the deadline to electronically file ACA information returns with the IRS, which reports their compliance with the "pay or play" provisions and the health care coverage they have offered, is quickly approaching. Learn more.

Western Highmark Commission Update

Every year, Highmark evaluates the existing commission structure in the small group market. Any necessary commission adjustments are typically made effective July 1 and aim to accomplish several key objectives. Read more.

Independence Launches Identity Theft Protection Services to Group Customers

Independence Blue Cross is pleased to offer a new service starting in 2016: identity theft protection. Read more.

New critics of Hershey-Pinnacle merger cite higher costs, less competition

Government agencies are continuing to build an argument against the merger between Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and PinnacleHealth System as a legal battle over the union continues. Read more.

Obamacare repeal would lead to 24 million more people without health insurance

If the next president and Congress repeal Obamacare — as many Republican elected officials want to do — there could end up being more people without health insurance than before the law went into effect, a new study says. Read more.

Federal regulators may try to kill critical illness insurance

Obama administration officials want to limit use of short-term health insurance in the United States to periods of three months or less. Read more.

Transgender health benefits may be required under new HHS guidance

New ACA regulations issued by the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services may require employer group health plans to provide coverage for transgender surgery and other transgender health benefits. Read more.

Shift to defined benefit health plans still ‘a steep climb’

As one tech entrepreneur sees it, the time has come for a movement — one involving brokers and advisers — that will steer employee populations from group health plans to what he sees as a far more efficient individual insurance market. Read more.

Rising Premiums Rattle Consumers Paying Their Own Way

Millions of people who pay the full cost of their health insurance will face the sting of rising premiums next year, with no financial help from government subsidies. Read more.

It's Working: Health Insurer Once Touted by Obama Proposes 40 Percent Premium Hike

Now that Barack Obama has formally backed Hillary Clinton for president, let's check in on how his signature domestic "accomplishment" is working for the American people -- bearing in mind that the policy was originally her brainchild. Read more.

Several bills with ACA tweaks set for markup

The House Ways and Means Committee will markup several healthcare-related bills Wednesday, including some exemptions to the Affordable Care Act employer mandate and the repeal of an ACA provision regarding high cost medical expense reductions. Read more.

CPAHU CE Meeting July 26, 2016

CPAHU is holding a 3 CE meeting July 26, 2016 at the URL offices in Harrisburg, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Topics include: "The Future of Group Insurance" and legislative update by Vince Phillip, "The Changing Worksite Benefits Market" by Elsie Fairchild, BenEchoice Enrollment Solutions, and "The Pharmacy Benefit: An Industry Update" by Joe Reardon, Serve You Custom Rx Management. Register now.

Weekly PPACA Update Conference Call

In a continuing effort to assist our agent-partners in getting the information needed to flourish within the under 65 group and individual markets in Pennsylvania, we are holding weekly live webinars. They will serve as a place to get your questions answered and discuss topics and strategies that will lead to your continued success in the health insurance market. Register once and you'll be signed up for all of the 2016 Weekly PPACA Conference Calls. Register now.

Weekly PPACA Conference Call Archives

Click here to view the archived recordings of the PPACA Conference Calls.