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HHS Issues Bulletin on Definition of Essential Health Benefits

On December 16, 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a bulletin outlining proposed policies that will give States flexibility to define the “ essential health benefits” required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Instead of issuing proposed regulations, HHS chose to release the information in the form of a “pre-rule bulletin”. The announcement provides states with a framework for defining, on their own, the essential health benefits that will apply in each particular state. Implementing regulations based on this approach are expected in 2012.

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Mandatory Paid Sick Leave Law Passed in Seattle – What Can You Do Now?

As the New Year dawns, healthcare continues to dominate the landscape. But one area that continues to plague employers that have 5 or more employees located in Seattle, is the Mandatory Paid Sick Leave Law.

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Do You Need Contingent Business Income Coverage?

When businesses experience a major property loss, they also often incur substantial loss of income due to a total or partial shutdown. In addition, there may be extra expenses associated with getting the business. operational as soon as possible

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Nonprofit Boards Bring Personal Reward and Risk

Serving on a non-profit board for your homeowner association or favorite local charity is a rewarding way to give back to your community. However, have you ever considered the potential liability hazard?

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Telemedicine: Avoiding a Risk Management Nightmare

A recent msnbc.com article, “Is a Doctor Reading your X-Rays? Maybe Not,” is certain to have caught the attention of many consumers, raising awareness of the practice of telemedicine and some issues that may influence a correct interpretation and diagnosis.

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HHS Launches HIPAA Audit Program

The HITECH Act, a portion of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide for periodic audits to ensure covered entities and business associates are complying with the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules and Breach Notification standards.

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It’s not my responsibility – Insuring Tenant Improvements

“It’s not my responsibility” is not what anyone wants to hear as the opening volley between owner and tenant after a catastrophic property loss; it sets the stage for a contentious claims process.

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CLASS Act Implementation Suspended by the Obama Administration

The Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, released a report to Congress October 14th regarding its analysis of the CLASS Act-the long-term care program passed as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

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Insurance Exchanges

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, passed by Congress in 2010, addressed the inability of individuals and small employers to obtain affordable health insurance in the existing markets.

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Wellness & Safety equals Healthy Occupational Performance

Workplace safety and wellness programs benefit employers and their employees. While the programs can be implemented independently of each other, there are proven enhanced results when the two are combined into one overarching Employee Health, Safety, and Wellness program.

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2012 Health Reform Issues for Employer Sponsored Health Plans

Most employers are aware that many of the significant aspects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) begin to take effect in 2014. There are, however, a number of provisions included in the ACA that will affect employer-sponsored health plans in 2012.

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Departments Release Benefit Summary Rules

The IRS, Department of Labor, and Health and Human Services (The Regulatory Agencies) have released proposed regulations on the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (referred to as the SBC by the Regulatory Agencies) requirements contained in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

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