Denman Consulting blogs

Big News re: Employer Shared Responsibility under PPACA

RustiP — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:30:09 +0000

Have you heard? Have you heard? Within the final regulations issued on 2/9/12 regarding the Summary of Benefits Coverage (SBC) mandate was a Technical Release with some potentially golden nuggets for any employers with a large base of employees working full time (>30 hours/week) currently but are not medical plan benefit eligible - particularly seasonal or intermittent employees. In the Technical Release (see http://read more

When's the best time to get a vote passed in Congress?

RustiP — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:16:54 +0000

Per the Washington Post - see excerpt below, I believe they meant the "...and, worse,..." to mean when it comes to this unanimously passed "deal" it was wise to time the congressional action while our fearless leaders are "on holiday" ....psst, can you pass me the honey baked ham and deviled eggs please?

Healthcare Reform: Latest Poll Suggest 56% of Employers will Keep Their Health Plan

RustiP — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:34:37 +0000

With a bit more detail published surrounding state-based Exchanges and employer mandates and penalties come 2014 in the new world of Healthcare Reform, the latest poll by GfK Custom Research North America suggests 56% of employers will keep their medical plan offering for employees, with 32% reporting their were "unsure". What will you do? Are you prepared?

Healthcare Tech Gadgets...Wow!

RustiP — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:35:26 +0000

If you like technology and the wonderous gadgets that come from its advancements - you should check out the recent article published in InformationWeek. The article, 12 Cool Tech Innovations Keep You Healthy, http://www.informationweek.com/news/galleries/healthcare/mobile-wireless/231902408?

DOL Consumer Assistance and Complaint Website Launched!

RustiP — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:26:49 +0000

Calling all health and retirement plan participants - the DOL (that's "Department of Labor" for the non-industry general plan participant consumers out there) has launched a new website intended to offer consumers education and resources to better understand their benefit plans. Additionally, consumers can submit a question, file a complaint or report a problem with their plan in an easy-peezy fashion. Inquiri

Another PPACA Mandate Delayed...

RustiP — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:30:44 +0000

As employer sponsored health plans feverish study the published guidance from Health and Human Services (HHS) and its associate organization's charged with drafting and enforcing the substance of the PPACA Healthcare Reform laws, November 17th marked another "delay" to the requirement to issue uniform Summary of Benefits and Coverage to plan enrollees from 3/12/12 to some to be determined date. This is welcome n

"Compliance Improvement Activity" – Do you smell the Audit and are you Ready?

RustiP — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:36:18 +0000

Health and Human Services (HHS) is stepping up their audit enforcement of HIPAA Privacy & Security starting in Nov. 2011. The audits are intended to test the protocols of employers. HHS intends to complete up to 150 audits by December 2012.

PPACA and the Courts

RustiP — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:18:38 +0000

If you're looking for a good place online to find news updates, legal analysis, and all official documents related to the various constitutional challenges to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010) - look no further. Click here: http://acalitigationblog.blogspot.com/.

Take the PPACA Quiz!

RustiP — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:07:30 +0000

Just when you thought the healthcare reform bill PPACA couldn't get any more fun and exciting, Employee Benefit News (EBN) recently published a 30-question quiz. Are you up to speed on your knowledge of the ins and outs of PPACA? Find out today by clicking this link http://

Wellness Incentives Don’t Violate ADA

RustiP — Thu, 05 May 2011 07:57:18 +0000

In a recent court decision (Bradley Seff v Borward County) in Florida, financial incentives used to reward participants in a voluntary wellness program were ruled as permissable and they fall under the safe harbor provision of the ADA. The court went on to say such incentives are based on insurance and risk management principles.