Blog
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Findings of PwC Health Research Institute – the future of health care in the United States | Arrow Benefits Group
January 10, 2019
Tags: healthcare, PwC Survey
The industry is, finally, being disrupted, with what PwC calls the New Health Economy kicking into gear. The majority of the country’s largest companies are now involved with healthcare, venture capital and private equity funding is up considerably and a number of new arrangements were announced this year. Moreover, American consumers have told PwC since 2013 that they are eager to embrace more convenient, digitally enabled and affordable care
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5 Ways to Say Thank You | CA Insurance Benefits Firm
January 9, 2019
Tags: Gratitude
As we begin our new year of 2019, we have also closed 2018 with lots of celebrations, gift-giving, and family time. Showing appreciation for others during this generous season comes second nature for some but for others, it doesn’t. You may be looking for ideas on how to express your gratitude effectively to those around you and so we’ve compiled a list of five unique ways to say “thank you” to someone.
WRITE IT OUT
Receiving a handwritten note is a rare occurrence in this day. Speaking or emailing a thank you is more common and does effectively communicate the gratitude of the sender. However, the spirit of gratefulness that is communicated by sitting down and taking pen to paper to express your thankfulness for the act or gift received, is a bonus to the note receiver. Take the extra time to write out that thank you.
PHONE A FRIEND
In a day and age of emails and texts and social media, we rarely get phone calls from people who aren’t asking for something—billing issues, appointment reminders, robo-calls. Even if the person on the other end of the call doesn’t pick up, leave that voicemail telling them thank you for their thoughtfulness for the gift you received. Be specific and mention the gift by name and what it meant to receive it. That phone call may be the brightest part of their day!
SAY IT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
We spend more time scrolling through social media than we do having face-to-face contact with people. Instead of getting caught up in a heated debate on NextDoor, take a few minutes to write on a friend’s wall to tell them thank you. It’s refreshing to see gratitude on display instead of incivility. And it’s always nice to see your friends get noticed for kindness!
FLASH A SMILE
The look of surprise on someone’s face is sometimes the greatest thank you that you can receive! The age old saying of “your face says it all” is true. When you open that gift and you can tell that the giver spent time thinking of the perfect thing to give you, look up and give them the thank you of a smile!
PAY IT FORWARD
Were you bowled over by the thoughtfulness of a gift or act? A beautiful way to show your gratefulness is to pay it forward. Buy the coffee of the person behind you in line. Say three nice things to strangers on the way in to your office. Tell your child a character quality you see in them that is fabulous. While this act of gratitude may mean that the original giver never knows about the ripple effect of their gift, you will, and hopefully that ripple is carried on and on and on.
These acts of gratitude are simple, effective, and most of all, meaningful. Take the time to say thank you!
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Is the ACA dead yet? The current administration would like to think so, and the courts help | Arrow Benefits Group
January 8, 2019
In response to a joint lawsuit filed by several attorneys general, the Texas District Federal Court (NFIB vs. Sebelius) has now ruled that the individual mandate as required under the Affordable Care Act may no longer be upheld under the Tax Power (following passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017). The US Supreme Court had already ruled that the individual mandate could not be severed from the Affordable Care Act, but “under the law as it now stands, the Individual Mandate no longer ‘triggers a tax’ beginning in 2019. So long as the shared responsibility payment is zero…the Individual Mandate cannot be upheld under Congress’ Tax Power” This means that the mandate is now unconstitutional.
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Treasury, DOL, and HHS Release Two Final Rules on Contraceptive Coverage Exemptions | CA Employee Benefits
January 4, 2019
Tags: Contraceptive Coverage, Final Rule
The Department of the Treasury (Treasury), Department of Labor (DOL), and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (collectively, Departments) released two final rules on contraceptive coverage exemptions. These rules finalize the Departments’ interim final rules that were published on October 13, 2017. HHS also issued a press release and fact sheet on these final rules.The first final rule provides an exemption from the contraceptive coverage mandate to entities (including certain employers) and individuals that object to services covered by the mandate on the basis of sincerely held religious beliefs.
The second final rule provides an exemption from the contraceptive coverage mandate to nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and individuals that object to services covered by the mandate on the basis of sincerely held moral convictions.
The final rules will be effective on January 14, 2019.
Read more about the final rules.
by Karen Hsu
Originally posted on UBABenefits.com -
3 Tips to Consider When Choosing a Health Insurance Plan for Your Employees
January 3, 2019
The changing business landscape is redefining the role of employers every day. Gone are the days when it was a blasphemy for employees to expect anything more than getting paid for the job done. The modern employee expects their employer to play an active role in securing their future. One of the ways in which businesses all over the world are responding to this demand is by offering health insurance to their employees. When it comes to choosing a plan for your employees, you will be spoilt for choice. Over the years, many providers have come up with numerous health insurance plans to meet the various needs of their target audience. While a specific plan may work for another business, it may fall flat in your case. To help, we provide a few tips that you should consider when choosing an employee benefits health insurance plan in Sonoma County.
1. Learn About your Options
Employee health plans can be broadly categorized into three groups: defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, and professional employer organizations. Defined benefit plans are an employer-provided healthcare, wherein the employees can only avail the services within their employer’s network. Defined contribution plans empower employees to choose their plan. If none of these plans work for you, consider getting into an agreement with a professional employer organization (PEO) that will provide benefits to your employees on your behalf.
2. Learn About your Competitors’ Offerings
Providing in-demand benefits can help you stand out from the crowd, which is one of the most important commandments to attract and retain the right talent. When selecting a health insurance plan, learn about what your competitors are offering. Based on your findings, try to match or surpass competition.
3. Find Out the Premiums, Deductibles, and Out- of- Pocket Maximums
Steer clear of insurance plans that you or your employees cannot afford. The premium cost will be shared by you and your employees, which is why it is important that you look for a plan that provides affordable coverage. Make sure the cost to your employees does not exceed 9.5 percent of their household income. Additionally, to ensure your employees’ total cost does not exceeds their budget, look for plans with lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
Consider these tips when picking the right insurance plan for your employees. If you are experiencing problems navigating the benefits landscape, Arrow Benefits Group will be happy to help. As a reputable benefits consulting firm, we have taken upon us to help businesses streamline their benefits programs. To discuss your requirements, call 707-992-3780 or to schedule an appointment, fill out our contact form.
