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Risk Management & Insurance news for the well-informed business leader
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April 2014
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Employer Services
Group Benefits Consulting
Payroll & Benefits Administration
Health Management & Wellness
Compliance / Health Reform
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Departments Release Guidance on Several Important ACA Provisions
On March 5, 2014, HHS and the IRS separately released four sets of guidance addressing several key provisions in the Affordable Care Act:
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| Employer Shared Responsibility - Final Rules Released
The IRS has released final regulations regarding employer shared responsibility rules set forth under section 4980(H) of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including several clarifications and amendments, including various transition relief provisions.- The McCart Group Client Alert
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| Health FSA Carryovers - HSA Eligibility
The IRS released guidance March 28, 2014, via a memo from the Office of Chief Counsel in regard to the health flexible spending account (FSA) carryover (up to $500) and health savings account (HSA) eligibility. The guidance clarifies methods under which an employer may implement the carryover provision, first introduced under guidance provided in 2013, while allowing individuals to maintain eligibility for HSA contributions.- Benefit Comply
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Annual Deductible Limit Repealed for Small Health Plans
On April 1, 2014, President Obama signed the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (Act) into law. The Act's main provisions preserve the pay rate for physicians treating Medicare patients and delay the compliance deadline for converting to the updated International Classification of Diseases codes for at least one year. The Act also eliminates the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) annual deductible limit that applied to health plans in the small group market.
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Insurers Offering Spousal Coverage Must Offer Coverage for Same-Sex Spouses
Earlier this month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance to clarify federal regulations' prohibition agains discrimination based on sexual orientation. The guidance was included in and FAQ, reportedly in response to refusals by some insurers to cover same sex spouses.
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Employer Services
Have Questions?
Our Benefits and Payroll professionals at The McCart Group can provide you with additional information on any of the topics covered under the Employer Services section of the newsletter.
We use an integrated approach to design and implement employee benefit plans, payroll & benefit administration services, technology- based HR information systems, and health management and wellness programs. For more information, call 770-232-0202 or visit www.mccart.com today! |
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Risk Management & Insurance
Property & Casualty Insurance
Risk Management Consulting Claims Management Risk Control & Safety |
Georgia HB749 Bill Intended to Deter Cargo Theft
The punishment for truck, rail or container cargo thieves just got stiffened. Rep. Geoff Duncan, R-Cumming, introduced a bill that he calls tough on crime and business friendly. It establishes cargo theft as a specific offense and imposes escalating fines and punishment based on the value of goods or controlled substances stolen.
Duncan said Georgia was identified as one of the top three states for cargo theft in 2013.
- The McCart Group, Risk Control & Safety
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NSC Releases Latest Injury and Fatality Statistics and Trends
2014 edition of Injury Facts® reveals largest safety threats facing Americans today
The National Safety Council today released the 2014 edition of Injury Facts®, which details safety statistics and trends across the U.S. and worldwide. Injury Facts has been the Council's go-to resource for all safety statistics for more than 90 years.
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Lockout/Tagout: Why are there Caught-In Injuries?
Many workplace injuries are classified as "nip points" - that is, the employee caught his/her body part against machinery of some sort.
When studying incidents involving Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), one fact appears to stand out: the individual(s) involved seem to think they can make "quick" adjustments without stopping the machinery.
The reasoning behind this type of thinking needs to examined further.
- The McCart Group Risk Control & Safety
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Insurance Losses Total $45B Due to 2013 Disasters
Disasters such as floods in Europe, winter storms in the U.S. and typhoons in Asia cost insurance companies $45 billion in 2013, a leading Swiss firm said Wednesday.
The sum represents only about a third of the $140 billion in economic losses, not to mention 26,000 lives lost, from 308 catastrophes and disasters around the globe last year, according to Zurich-based Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd., known as Swiss Re.
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Risk Management & Insurance
Have Questions?
Our P&C and Risk Management professionals at The McCart Group can provide you with additional information on any of the topics covered under the Risk Management and Insurance section of the newsletter.
Addressing the complex risk management issues and property & casualty insurance needs of public and private companies, our services include property & casualty insurance program analysis and design, merger & acquisition due diligence, workers' compensation programs, risk control, safety, and claim management. For more information, call 770-232-0202 or visit |
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Compliance Matters
Final Rules on Waiting Periods and HIPAA Certificates of Creditable Coverage
The week of February, final rules were released regarding the ACA prohibition on waiting periods exceeding 90 calendar days and the retirement of the HIPAA Certificate of Creditable Coverage. The final rules formally adopt the proposed regulations in regard to waiting periods provided in March 2013, and, in a new development, recognize a one-month orientation period to be allowed before the start of the waiting period.
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 Health and Wellness Good health, an active lifestyle, and general well-being are important to
The McCart Group! Look here each month for links to the latest health and wellness news and information. |
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>> February 27, 2014
Upcoming Events: April 17, 2014 - Private Exchange Seminar, 11:30 - 2:00, Villa Christina April 24 and 29, 2014 - Environmental Risk: Assessment, Compliance, Risk Management and Insurance - 9:00 - 12:00, The McCart Group August 26, 2014 - Benefits Benchmarking Survey Results Seminar, 11:00 - 2:00, Hyatt Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina September, 2014 - 5th Annual Trucking Litigation Seminar - Waverly Hotel / Cobb Galleria
Since 1971, The McCart Group has been solving complex risk management, insurance, benefits, and payroll / administrative support problems for public and private companies.
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www.mccart.com
The McCart Group 2405 Satellite Blvd.
Suite 200
Duluth, GA 30096
770-232-0202
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This newsletter is a periodical publication of The McCart Group and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general information purposes only, and you are urged to consult a lawyer or other professional advisor concerning your own situation and any specific facts and circumstances that apply. | |
The McCart Group keeps its contact database strictly confidential.
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