Like the rest of the country, New York is moving—somewhat begrudgingly—toward a future in which hospitals and doctors are paid to keep patients healthy rather than be reimbursed based on the volume of procedures they perform on sick patients. Most providers and health plans agree that this shift from fee-for-service reimbursement to a model based […]
Q-1. What is the definition of “small group” as of January 1, 2016? A. Under New York law and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), the definition of “small group” will be 1-100 employees as of January 1, 2016. See Q-6 thru Q-11 below for who is an employee. Q-2. Will New York […]
Federal regulators Thursday proposed limits on how employers use financial penalties and rewards to nudge staff to participate in fast-growing workplace wellness programs. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission — which enforces laws against discrimination — said Thursday that employers can use financial incentives up to 30 percent of the cost of premiums for single coverage, […]
If I had a pill that would extend your life by one day, but it cost a billion dollars, it’s unlikely that many people would argue that health insurance should pay for it. We all understand that while the benefit might be real and quantifiable, it’s not worth the expense. But what if the pill […]
Consumer advocates are cheering the Obama administration’s plans to strengthen transparency rules (PDF) for provider networks and drug formularies so that insurance exchange customers will be able to make informed choices. “There are a lot of good things in here that are increasing transparency and adding to access for people with chronic conditions,” Eric Gascho, […]
Mass transit commuters should get the same tax break as people who drive to work, Sen. Charles Schumer said Tuesday. The New York Democrat said he has high hopes for a measure that would allow bus, subway and commuter rail riders to deduct up to $250 a month from their taxable income next year. Currently, […]