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Issue: # 104
| September 19, 2013 |
 | | Kickalicious Video |
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Dear :
Take a break from work, watch the video above and enjoy Kickalicious. After this video went viral, he got a try-out with the Detroit Lions. In pre-season, he was perfect 3 for 3 on field goal attempts, including a 50-yarder, and 2 for 2 on extra points, but was one of the final cuts.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
ACTION REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYERS
Last week we sent out a newsletter advising employers of the notice to employees that needs to be distributed by October 1, 2013. That newsletter included Sample Model Notices. We found another sample notice this week from the Mass Health Connector that is pretty good, and seems easier to follow. You may use this one, if you prefer.
Regardless, this is another task for employers to take time out of their busy day, distribute, and then field a variety of questions from employees. We are always available - call or send an email to Bill or Vanessa today.
One favor today. Please think of any business-owners that may find this information helpful and click on the "forward" link on the bottom of this e-mail.
Sincerely,
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Minuteman Health
October 1st
We have also seen the billboards and commercials for Minuteman Health.  We will quote it as we do any other plans that we find may be a good fit for our clients. Right now, there is very little information on the site as to what the network is ? We have asked for information and have gotten nothing back as of yet.
Stay tuned.
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Pediatric Dental
Coming back in 2014
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For January 1, 2014, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires merged market plans to include all "Essential Health Benefits" (EHBs) in their benefit package. The EHBs fall into 10 broad categories (e.g., emergency services, laboratory services, maternity and newborn care) and cannot have dollar limits. Each state decides its own definition of EHBs by selecting a benchmark plan. One of these EHBs is pediatric dental care. Because this benefit wasn't widely covered in the merged market, the state chose the MassHealth Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as the benchmark plan. In 2014, your health plan will be most likely be adding back some type of Pediatric Dental benefit to be in compliance with ACA. We will point this out to our clients at renewal.
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Massachusetts Wellness Tax Credit
We are working on a program | |
You may have read that the State of Massachusetts now provides an incentive to Small businesses for having an employee wellness program. This is completely different than Blue Cross Healthy Actions and some of the other programs available directly through the insurance carriers.
This is a new program for 2013 and there are monies available. Businesses that employ 200 or fewer workers may qualify for a TAX CREDIT of 25% of the cost of implementing a certified wellness program. The maximum credit is $10,000.
One of the key points included in the definition of wellness is monies spent for " safety" improvements, upgrades and maintenance. So, you may have already had expenses that would actually qualify for a credit. Its not just about implementing a brand new wellness program.
We think it is a great idea, but nobody is taking advantage of it. Even the application, which is filed on-line, is not that bad. Look at question 17 and the expenses that qualify as wellness!!!
17. What health issues were addressed through program interventions?
- Tobacco use
- Blood pressure
- Blood Cholesterol
- Weight Control
- Physical activity/exercise
- Diabetes
- Stress/mental health
- Substance abuse
- Workplace ergonomics
- Indoor air quality
- Workplace safety
- Nutrition
As a result, we are in the process of launching our own wellness program partnering with other local businesses that specialize in wellness that will enable employers to take advantage of this program.
If you are interested and want to see what we have developed so far, send us an e-mail. Otherwise the final product will be rolled out shortly. |
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