Author Archive for N S – Page 2

Last month we had our annual Capital Conference in Washington D.C. for the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU). We had a great turnout – over 1000 brokers, the largest conference ever.

Our trip to Washington D.C was to participate in our annual Capital Conference for the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU). The biggest issue that we are most concerned about and spent our efforts lobbying against was the Employer Exclusion. This is important to many people because it allows employers to deduct their employees’ premiums as a business expense. Likewise, it allows employees to deduct their healthcare contributions as a pre-tax payroll deduction as well.

The Republicans’ ACA proposal had talked about removing the Employer Exclusion, and would use this increased tax revenue as a way to fund the ACA.

I’m happy to say that it appears this key point has been preserved.

During the conference we also met with Senator Booker, Senator Menendez and Congressman McArthur to discuss this issue as well as other healthcare-related concerns, such as stabilizing the individual market.

Here’s some infographics that explain more about employer exclusion.

Have a healthcare question? Contact Amy Webb.

Infographic_Employer_Exclusion_Stories_Final_160802.original.1486959175 Infographic_on_Employer_Exclusion_FINAL.original.1486959179

Legislative Updates

How does the new healthcare reform proposal affect you?

Posted by N S on

March 1, 2017

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President Trump is introducing his Republican proposal for healthcare reform. What does it mean for you? Preliminary reports show some good and bad sides to the Republican proposal. Below is a listing of the main features of the legislation:

Elimination of individual mandate (no more fines for not having coverage)
Elimination of subsidies
Elimination of all the laws taxes
Tax credits offered based on age, not income (everyone would be eligible for a $2000 or $4000 credit)
Ending Medicaid expansion and giving states back control
Providing money for states to establish high risk pools to provide coverage for people with pre-existing conditions

So how does the government pay for this plan? One of the scary topics being discussed by Paul Ryan and others is the concept of limiting the tax deductibility of group health insurance.

Currently the employer and employee contribution to health insurance is a tax deduction for both parties. Employee benefits are the second biggest cost for employers after payroll. If employers lose the ability to deduct this expense it will have a huge impact to their bottom line. In addition, employees now have the ability to have a pre-tax payroll deduction for their share of premiums as well. If both these deductions are removed it will be a huge middle class tax increase equaling somewhere between $1,800-$3,500/year.

If this does get voted down as part of the new healthcare legislation, it still may reappear when Trump-promised comprehensive tax reform is on the agenda.

Legislative Updates

Healthcare Issues Council Roundtable

Posted by N S on

October 27, 2016

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Healthcare Issues Council Roundtable
Friday, April 7, 8am-9:30am

Chamber Offices
Fellowship Road, E-502
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

Roundtable Topic: Curbing Presenteeism: Supporting Employee Caregivers

Guest Speakers: Susan McCann, Vice President of Human Resources, Joanne Rosen, Vice President of Marketing & Public Affairs & Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice

Sponsored By: Saratoga Benefit Services LLC

Learn about:
• The burdens of presenteeism – to both employees and employers
• The importance of advance care planning
• Resources available to your employees
• The value to your employees and your company of engaging in National Healthcare Decisions Day.
Register Here

Articles

No-Limit Texas Hold’em Tournament Benefits Moorestown Rotary

Posted by N S on

October 20, 2016

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Moorestown Rotary is hosting a charitable Poker Tournament to help support the many wonderful service projects Rotarians perform locally and globally. The No-Limit Texas Hold’em tournament will take place on 10/30 at 2pm at the Moorestown Community House.

The buy-in is $75 at the door, or $50 if paid in advance. Checks can be mailed to the Community House 16 East Main Street, Moorestown 08057 (made payable to Moorestown Rotary Charities), Venmo, bank transfers, or cash are also accepted. Rebuys and add-ons will also be available for $50.

Food will be provided + BYOB.

Questions? Contact Sean Rice

Articles

What Has Rotary Done for My Business?

Posted by N S on

October 20, 2016

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By Amy Webb, President, Saratoga Benefit Services

I’ve been a member of the Mooretown Rotary for 9 years. Initially I joined thinking it was a great place to network and meet new people. While it has turned out to be an effective place to make solid business connections, it has exceeded my expectations.

What does rotary do? The mission of Rotary is ‘service above self.’ Our club and its members truly live this motto. The amount of good that our chapter has done locally and internationally is amazing, from providing over $30,000/year in scholarships to local students to supporting water and solar projects in third world countries.

What has rotary done for you personally? Being a Rotarian has enhanced my commitment to community service and connected me with a fantastic group of like-minded people. The saying is true that good things come to good people. My firm, Saratoga Benefits has always done good things for the community and it has brought good things to our business as well.

Interested in Visiting? The Moorestown Lunch Rotary meets at 12:10pm at the Community House in Moorestown every Thursday.

There’s other options for those who are unable to meet every week but still would like to be a part of rotary:

Corporate Membership: This allows a company to designate several employees under one membership so they can alternate who attends the weekly meetings.

Alternative Meeting Place (AMP): This group meets twice a month in the evenings at Harvest Grill. This group has the same benefits of a weekly group, but with a reduced time and financial commitment.

Where: Harvest Seasonal Grill, Moorestown NJ

When: 11/1 and 11/15, 5:45 – 7pm

Questions? Contact Amy Webb or Michele Rohan

Or visit www.moorestownrotary.org.

Articles

Are You a Burlington or Camden County Employer? Aetna’s New Partnership with Virtua Could Mean Health Plan Savings of 10-12%.

Posted by N S on

September 19, 2016

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Aetna and Virtua are teaming up to provide a new health benefits plan that works for employers and its employees in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties, NJ. It encourages insurers to continue to use the Virtua medical team that families have come to know and trust as part of their community. This plan is delivering a 10-12% savings compared to broad network Aetna plans.

Aetna Whole Health plans are changing the ‘payment model’ for benefits. That’s because doctors and hospitals are paid, in part, to keep their patients healthy. And members who use doctors and facilities in the Aetna Whole Health – Virtua network will save the most money and enjoy:

A network of 360+ primary care doctors and 1000+ additional specialist physicians
3 conveniently located acute care hospitals
5 urgent care facilities and 2 additional freestanding emergency room locations
Same – and next-day primary care appointments
Coordinated care from a team of primary care doctors, nurses, care managers and other providers
Access to Aetna’s broader network of primary care doctors and specialists (at out of network rates)

Get the care you want from Virtua, a regional healthcare leader in South Jersey. Virtua has been consistently named one of the Best Places to Work by the Philadelphia Business Journal, and has received many other honors.

For more information about Aetna’s Whole Health Plan, contact Amy Webb, president of Saratoga Benefits today at (856) 642-2949 or via email.

Carrier Updates

Are You Currently Insured by Health Republic?

Posted by N S on

September 14, 2016

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If so, we can help! In order to avoid a gap in your insurance coverage on Jan 1, 2017, act now to find out about other carrier options.

Health Republic Insurance of New Jersey has announced that it will no longer be selling and renewing individual and small group insurance in the state as a result of being placed in rehabilitation by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI).

Author Archive for N S – Page 2

Upcoming Seminar: The Future of Health Insurance…how will it impact your business?

The Future of Health Insurance…how will it impact your business?

Will the Employer Exclusion Remain in the ACA Proposal?

How does the new healthcare reform proposal affect you?

Healthcare Issues Council Roundtable

No-Limit Texas Hold’em Tournament Benefits Moorestown Rotary

What Has Rotary Done for My Business?

Are You a Burlington or Camden County Employer? Aetna’s New Partnership with Virtua Could Mean Health Plan Savings of 10-12%.

Are You Currently Insured by Health Republic?

We’re Growing!

Insurance Carriers