Friday, May 6, 2011
New York Workers Compensation Maximum Benefit
Beginning July 1, 2010, the maximum weekly benefit rate for workers' compensation is two-thirds of the New York State average weekly wage for the previous calendar year, as determined by the New York State Department of Labor. Workers' Compensation Law §§ 2(16); 15(6). On March 31, 2011, the Department of Labor reported to the Superintendent of Insurance that the New York State average weekly wage for 2010 was $1,159.44. Accordingly, for workers' compensation claims with dates of accident or dates of disablement during the period from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012, the maximum weekly benefit rate will be $772.96.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
HF&C Consultants in Washington, DC!
Haylor, Freyer & Coon Consultants Attend NAHU’s Capitol Conference
It’s a New World: Health Reform Hits Home
(Syracuse, NY) – Michael Grinnell, Kirsten Tudman and Rock Schneider of Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc. attended the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) twenty-first annual Capitol Conference on February 14-16 in Washington, DC. Grinnell, Tudman and Schneider met with local Congress representatives to discuss the specific impacts of the health care reform law as written on behalf of Upstate New York employers.
They visited with Representative Bill Owens for New York’s 23rd congressional district, Representative Richard Hanna from New York’s 24th congressional district, Representative Ann Marie Buerkle for New York’s 25th congressional district and with Abe Hiatt, Legislative Correspondent, from Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s office. Grinnell and Tudman are active NAHU members and Schneider serves as the Membership Chair of the Greater Central New York Association of Health Underwriters Board of Directors.
Capitol Conference’s guest speakers included key Congressional leaders from both sides of the aisle charged with implementing the new health care reform law. Other presentations addressed significant market reforms brought about by health care reform, the scope and structure of state-based exchanges, and how businesses need to adapt to the new market reality.
Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc. is one of the largest independent insurance agencies in the US, employing over 200 insurance professionals. HF&C can service the needs of various size employer groups ranging from 2 to 15,000+ employees. HF&C can customize Employee Benefit Programs to meet their client’s specific business needs to attract and maintain quality employees. For more information, please call Rock Schneider at (315) 703.3217 or rschneider@haylor.com.
It’s a New World: Health Reform Hits Home
(Syracuse, NY) – Michael Grinnell, Kirsten Tudman and Rock Schneider of Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc. attended the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) twenty-first annual Capitol Conference on February 14-16 in Washington, DC. Grinnell, Tudman and Schneider met with local Congress representatives to discuss the specific impacts of the health care reform law as written on behalf of Upstate New York employers.
They visited with Representative Bill Owens for New York’s 23rd congressional district, Representative Richard Hanna from New York’s 24th congressional district, Representative Ann Marie Buerkle for New York’s 25th congressional district and with Abe Hiatt, Legislative Correspondent, from Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s office. Grinnell and Tudman are active NAHU members and Schneider serves as the Membership Chair of the Greater Central New York Association of Health Underwriters Board of Directors.
Capitol Conference’s guest speakers included key Congressional leaders from both sides of the aisle charged with implementing the new health care reform law. Other presentations addressed significant market reforms brought about by health care reform, the scope and structure of state-based exchanges, and how businesses need to adapt to the new market reality.
Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc. is one of the largest independent insurance agencies in the US, employing over 200 insurance professionals. HF&C can service the needs of various size employer groups ranging from 2 to 15,000+ employees. HF&C can customize Employee Benefit Programs to meet their client’s specific business needs to attract and maintain quality employees. For more information, please call Rock Schneider at (315) 703.3217 or rschneider@haylor.com.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Health Care Reform Questions #3
How do I keep my grandfathered group plan?
Employer groups can keep their current policy on a grandfathered basis only if plan changes made are to add or delete new employees or new dependents. Another exception is made for employers that have scheduled plan changes as a result of a collective bargaining agreement.
When will the elimination of lifetime limits be in force? Does this apply to self-insured groups?
Lifetime limits on the dollar value of essential benefits is prohibited by current law beginning plan years after September 23, 2010. This applies to all fully insured, self-insured, and individual plans.
If an employer offers more than one health plan, on which plan is the voucher based?
Lifetime limits on the dollar value of essential benefits is prohibited by current law beginning plan years after September 23, 2010. This applies to all fully insured, self-insured, and individual plans.
Does the auto enroll apply to employees only?
Groups of more than 200 full-time employees are required to automatically enroll employees as they become eligible in a health care plan and provide notice of the opportunity to opt-out of such coverage if they choose to do so.
If you have any questions, please fee free to contact Mike Grinnell, Vice President of Employee Benefits, at any time. Mike's phone number is 315-453-2168. His e-mail address is mgrinnell@haylor.com.
Employer groups can keep their current policy on a grandfathered basis only if plan changes made are to add or delete new employees or new dependents. Another exception is made for employers that have scheduled plan changes as a result of a collective bargaining agreement.
When will the elimination of lifetime limits be in force? Does this apply to self-insured groups?
Lifetime limits on the dollar value of essential benefits is prohibited by current law beginning plan years after September 23, 2010. This applies to all fully insured, self-insured, and individual plans.
If an employer offers more than one health plan, on which plan is the voucher based?
Lifetime limits on the dollar value of essential benefits is prohibited by current law beginning plan years after September 23, 2010. This applies to all fully insured, self-insured, and individual plans.
Does the auto enroll apply to employees only?
Groups of more than 200 full-time employees are required to automatically enroll employees as they become eligible in a health care plan and provide notice of the opportunity to opt-out of such coverage if they choose to do so.
If you have any questions, please fee free to contact Mike Grinnell, Vice President of Employee Benefits, at any time. Mike's phone number is 315-453-2168. His e-mail address is mgrinnell@haylor.com.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Health Care Reform Answers, Part 2
Below Mike Grinnell, HF&C's Vice President of Group Benefits, answers more questions asked during a recent seminar on the new Health Care Reform:
When does the over the counter drug change become effective?
Beginning in 2011, Over The Counter (OTC) drugs will no longer be reimbursable under HSA's, medical FSA's, HRA's, and Archer MSA's unless they are prescribed by a doctor.
Will the Reform Bill effect my FSA contributions?
Yes. Beginning in 2011, the amount of contributions to health FSA's is limited to $2500 per year.
When does the reporting of health benefits on the W-2's begin?
Employers are required to start reporting the aggregate cost of employer-sponsored health benefits payable during the taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010.
What is the CLASS Act?
Beginning January 1, 2011 the Community Living Assistant Services and Supports (CLASS) Act states that all employers would be required to enroll employees in a new national public long-term care program, unless the employee elects to opt out.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Mike at 315-451-1500 or mgrinnell@haylor.com.
When does the over the counter drug change become effective?
Beginning in 2011, Over The Counter (OTC) drugs will no longer be reimbursable under HSA's, medical FSA's, HRA's, and Archer MSA's unless they are prescribed by a doctor.
Will the Reform Bill effect my FSA contributions?
Yes. Beginning in 2011, the amount of contributions to health FSA's is limited to $2500 per year.
When does the reporting of health benefits on the W-2's begin?
Employers are required to start reporting the aggregate cost of employer-sponsored health benefits payable during the taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010.
What is the CLASS Act?
Beginning January 1, 2011 the Community Living Assistant Services and Supports (CLASS) Act states that all employers would be required to enroll employees in a new national public long-term care program, unless the employee elects to opt out.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Mike at 315-451-1500 or mgrinnell@haylor.com.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Your Health Care Reform Questions Answered
Below Mike Grinnell, HF&C's Vice President of Group Benefits, answers several questions that were asked during a recent seminar on the new Health Care Reform:
What does auto enroll mean?
Employers with more than 200 full-time employees and that offer enrollment in one or more health benefit plans are required to automatically enroll new full-time employees in a health benefits plan after enabling regulations are released. Furthermore, the automatic enrollment must include adequate notice to the employee of the right to opt out of coverage.
Auto enroll: Is there an opt out period?
Yes, enrollment must include adequate notice to the employee of the right to opt out of the coverage
Are the immunizations in the prevention services 100% covered for adults as well as children?
Child and adult immunizations recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must be covered
Are the considerations the same for profit and not-for-profit?
Yes, both for profit and not-for-profit organizations are subject to Health Care Reform.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Mike at any time at 315-451-1500 or mgrinnell@haylor.com
What does auto enroll mean?
Employers with more than 200 full-time employees and that offer enrollment in one or more health benefit plans are required to automatically enroll new full-time employees in a health benefits plan after enabling regulations are released. Furthermore, the automatic enrollment must include adequate notice to the employee of the right to opt out of coverage.
Auto enroll: Is there an opt out period?
Yes, enrollment must include adequate notice to the employee of the right to opt out of the coverage
Are the immunizations in the prevention services 100% covered for adults as well as children?
Child and adult immunizations recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must be covered
Are the considerations the same for profit and not-for-profit?
Yes, both for profit and not-for-profit organizations are subject to Health Care Reform.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Mike at any time at 315-451-1500 or mgrinnell@haylor.com
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Summer Safety
Make sure you are adequately insured for all of your Summer Social Events! Read an article published by the Independent Insurance Agents of America by Clicking Here!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Health Reform Seminar
On May 4th 2010, Haylor Freyer & Coon, Bond Schoeneck & King along with MACNY sponsored a Health Reform Seminar that was attended by 220 local Business Representatives. Mike Grinnell, HF&C VP of Group Benefits, delivered a detailed overview of what employers need to consider as the new Federal Health Reform plan is put into effect.
To view a copy of Mike's presentation click the following link: http://www.haylor.com/blog/healthreform.pdf
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