Health Care Reform 2013 and beyond
Download in Word format (.doc) Updated June 2013
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) became law March 23, 2010. Over the next four years different parts of the act will become law. Already in 2011 many changes have already taken place. One of these is the removal of dollar limits on essential benefits. Another big change is that carriers may no longer put exclusion riders on children under 18 years old on individual medical policies. This has caused all the carriers in Illinois to stop selling "children only" policies however children can still be on their parents' policies. For more information, download and read this newsletter.
HIPAA Information
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On July 1, 1997, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) became law, enacting the most sweeping changes in federal health benefits legislation in over a decade. It established minimum standards for individual and group health plans. This law allows Americans greater access to health coverage, including the ability to move from job to job without losing coverage, commonly referred to as "portability".
Illinois Law - Insurance Continuation Rights
Download in Word format (.doc) Updated June 2013
The information in this newsletter is requested by our clients on a regular basis. In July 2009 the State Continuation law extended the length of continuation coverage from nine to twelve months. State and federal laws give certain employees, spouses and dependent children the right to continue employer-sponsored health benefits at group rates if they lose their benefits because of specific "qualifying events." The type of qualifying event determines who is qualified for continued coverage and for how long. The number of employees working for your company determines whether those employees insured on your health plan are eligible for COBRA or Illinois State Continuation.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
Download in Word format (.doc) Updated November 2018
On January 1, 2004 the use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) was authorized when the Medicare Prescription & Drug Act was passed. As of January 1, 2004 anyone with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) could establish a tax free Health Savings Account (HSA). The cost of the HDHP is lower than comprehensive first dollar health coverage and the ability to establish a Health Savings Account (HSA) offers various tax advantages, including:
- Tax-deductible - Contributions to the HSA are tax-deductible (same as an IRA)
- Tax-deferred - Earnings on any interest that accumulates is tax-deferred
- Tax-favored - Withdrawals for covered medical expenses are never taxed
This newsletter explains what a Health Savings Account is and what it can do for you as well as update you with the new contribution levels for 2017.
Adult Preventive Care tips
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As an adult, you may think that taking care of your own health needs is easier said than done. However, there are a number of medical tests and checkups you should schedule routinely in order to maintain your health. Read on for more information.