By Martha Groves | CALmatters PUBLISHED: November 26, 2018 at 6:30 am | UPDATED: November 26, 2018 at 6:30 am When Ghuan Featherstone was poring over options for a paternity leave before the recent birth of his fourth daughter, he liked what he heard from a human resources representative at the Inglewood general contracting company where he works. Under a new California law, he would be eligible to take as many as 12 weeks of unpaid leave to bond with his newborn, with the guarantee that his job as a project superintendent would be waiting for him when he returned. When baby Serenity was born in late October, Featherstone, 48, concluded that he could not afford to take unpaid time. Instead, he and his boss at Curtom-Dunsmuir negotiated a compromise. Featherstone would take vacation time before the birth, then three weeks of fully paid paternity leave — a kind gesture on the part of his company, not dictated by state or federal law — before returning to work this week. … [Read more...] about California’s ‘job killer’ family leave bill is now law for small business. Here’s how it’s working out
Small business health options program
Stable premiums, more options for health law sign-ups
Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar Associated Press Published 7:08 PM EDT Oct 31, 2018 Washington – The Affordable Care Act’s sixth sign-up season opens Thursday amid stabilizing premiums and more choice for consumers. Nationally, average premiums are going up only by low single-digit percentages for 2019. In some states, and for some types of plans, premiums will decline. Fewer areas will see increases. Insurers also are expanding their participation. Health care ranks among voters’ top concerns going into next week’s midterm elections. A year ago, it wasn’t even clear if former President Barack Obama’s signature program would survive repeated efforts by President Donald Trump and Republicans to repeal it. There have been changes. It might be more difficult finding help in enrolling, after the Trump administration sharply scaled back funding for sign-up counselors known as “navigators.” Even so, independent community groups still guide … [Read more...] about Stable premiums, more options for health law sign-ups
Stable premiums, more options as health law sign-ups begin
WASHINGTON — The Affordable Care Act's sixth sign-up season opens Thursday amid stabilizing premiums and more choice for consumers. Nationally, average premiums are going up only by low single-digit percentages for 2019. In some states, and for some types of plans, premiums will decline. Fewer areas will see increases. Insurers also are expanding their participation. Health care ranks among voters' top concerns going into next week's midterm elections. A year ago, it wasn't even clear if former President Barack Obama's signature program would survive repeated efforts by President Donald Trump and Republicans to repeal it. There have been changes. It might be more difficult finding help in enrolling, after the Trump administration sharply scaled back funding for sign-up counselors known as "navigators." Even so, independent community groups still guide consumers through the paperwork. And in a change that takes effect Jan. 1, those who decide to opt out of health insurance won't … [Read more...] about Stable premiums, more options as health law sign-ups begin
In final days of Minnesota governor’s race, a focus on three issues: health care, health care and health care
Jeff Johnson and Tim Walz know where to focus their attention in the closing days of their 2018 campaign. Thanks to polling results — and their own conversations with voters throughout the state — the two governor candidates are well aware that health care is the top issue on voters’ minds. “This is the most-important issue in this election,” said Republican Johnson during a recent press conference on the issue. “No matter where we travel, it is the No. 1 issue that comes up. Nothing is even close. People are scared to death about their insurance in this state.” “This should be the issue that unites us,” DFL nominee Walz said at a health-care focused event at which he joined 2nd Congressional District candidate Angie Craig. “I want to say it until I’m blue in the face; it’s always about people. If we bring it back to people and their lives then we’re gonna find solutions.” Polling has shown that the … [Read more...] about In final days of Minnesota governor’s race, a focus on three issues: health care, health care and health care
Interested in association health plans? Here are some tips
NEW YORK — Small business owners interested in buying insurance through an association health plan should tread as carefully as they would with any kind of health care coverage. Labor Department rules that began phasing in Sept. 1 make it possible for sole proprietors and partners to join AHPs, something they couldn't do under the Affordable Care Act. But there are still many unknowns about these plans — for example, whether the new rules will survive a lawsuit brought by 11 states and Washington, D.C., that claims they allow insurance to be sold that's in violation of federal law. The rules allow very small companies to band together and act as a large company, and large companies are exempt from some of the Affordable Care Act's coverage requirements. Some tips for owners who are considering AHP coverage: — Start with a broker or consultant. Health insurance brokers and human resources or benefits consultants know the available options — including whether a … [Read more...] about Interested in association health plans? Here are some tips