Senate Republicans blocked a bill on Wednesday aimed at restoring free contraception for women who get their health insurance from companies that object on religious grounds.
Reported by NYTimes.com 22 hours ago.
National Briefing | Washington: Republicans Block Bill to Restore Contraception
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Health Insurance Exchange (HIX) IT Market by Type (Public, & Private Exchanges), Phase (Implementation, QA, Operations), Component (Services, Software, Hardware), End User (Government Agencies, TPAs, Health Plans) - Trends & Global Forecasts to 2018
LONDON, July 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportbuyer.com has added a new market research report:Health Insurance Exchange (HIX) IT Market by Type (Public, & Private Exchanges), Phase (Implementation, QA, Operations), Component (Services, Software, Hardware), End User (Government...
Reported by PR Newswire 21 hours ago.
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Highland Park company Dialog Direct to hire 300 new employees
About 250 of the new jobs are for licensed and non-licensed health insurance sales and service representatives who are paid from $21,000 to $33,000 a year.
Reported by Freep 17 hours ago.
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Largest US insurer's move signals industry shift
ased exchanges debuted last fall as a way for customers to buy individual health insurance, many with help from income-based tax credits. They played a key role in helping roughly 8 million people gain coverage for 2014.
Reported by WTOP 5 hours ago.
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Experient Health Reports Results of Affordable Care Act Survey in Latest Blog Post
Many of the key components of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are now in effect, and a recent ACA survey highlights several trends regarding how employers are responding to the law.
Richmond, VA (PRWEB) July 17, 2014
With any of the key components of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) now in effect, a recent ACA survey highlights several trends regarding how employers are responding to the law. Experient Health, the health insurance arm of the Virginia Farm Bureau, reported the results of the survey in its latest Blog post, which is part of a series to keep the community informed of changes under health care reform.
The majority of employers are choosing to “play” when faced with offering coverage or paying a penalty—86 percent of respondents either definitely will or are likely to continue offering coverage to employees, Experient Health reported.
"This number increased nine percentage points over the last two years, while the percentage of employers that are unsure or chose a discontinue option dropped by 10 percent," Experient Health wrote.
Overall, employers report that health care costs are increasing.
“Nearly 7 in 10 respondents said that ACA changes have increased their organization’s health benefits costs or that they are expecting future increases," Experient Health wrote. "More than six in 10 respondents say they are passing costs along to their employees, and four in 10 say they are reducing health benefits and programs. One-third of respondents are absorbing some of the increased costs themselves.”
Despite rising costs, employers’ confidence in their ability to comply with ACA rules rose dramatically in the last year. Two-thirds of respondents indicated that they are very certain they are in compliance, and 45 percent consider themselves very prepared when considering future ACA provisions.
Have questions about this survey, ACA or coverage for families and employees? Contact Experient Health, a Virginia Farm Bureau Company, for more information or visit their online quote engine today.
Experient Health’s online blog also shares more information regarding evolving employer concerns from the recent ACA survey. Reported by PRWeb 14 hours ago.
Richmond, VA (PRWEB) July 17, 2014
With any of the key components of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) now in effect, a recent ACA survey highlights several trends regarding how employers are responding to the law. Experient Health, the health insurance arm of the Virginia Farm Bureau, reported the results of the survey in its latest Blog post, which is part of a series to keep the community informed of changes under health care reform.
The majority of employers are choosing to “play” when faced with offering coverage or paying a penalty—86 percent of respondents either definitely will or are likely to continue offering coverage to employees, Experient Health reported.
"This number increased nine percentage points over the last two years, while the percentage of employers that are unsure or chose a discontinue option dropped by 10 percent," Experient Health wrote.
Overall, employers report that health care costs are increasing.
“Nearly 7 in 10 respondents said that ACA changes have increased their organization’s health benefits costs or that they are expecting future increases," Experient Health wrote. "More than six in 10 respondents say they are passing costs along to their employees, and four in 10 say they are reducing health benefits and programs. One-third of respondents are absorbing some of the increased costs themselves.”
Despite rising costs, employers’ confidence in their ability to comply with ACA rules rose dramatically in the last year. Two-thirds of respondents indicated that they are very certain they are in compliance, and 45 percent consider themselves very prepared when considering future ACA provisions.
Have questions about this survey, ACA or coverage for families and employees? Contact Experient Health, a Virginia Farm Bureau Company, for more information or visit their online quote engine today.
Experient Health’s online blog also shares more information regarding evolving employer concerns from the recent ACA survey. Reported by PRWeb 14 hours ago.
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Protected Trust Achieves DirectTrust Membership
Protected Trust announced today that it has become a member of DirectTrust. This latest achievement further solidifies Protected Trust’s place in the email encryption arena and health care provider support landscape.
Winter Haven, FL (PRWEB) July 17, 2014
Protected Trust, a leading provider of email encryption and Health Information Portability and Accountability Act-compliant communications and IT services, announced today that it has become a member of DirectTrust. This latest achievement further solidifies Protected Trust’s place in the email encryption arena and health care provider support landscape.
Acting as a nonprofit organization that remains neutral in hopes of supporting health insurance service providers, doctors, patients, vendors and others in the Direct community, DirectTrust works hard to streamline exchanges between a variety of entities.
For the most part, this organization is focused upon the development, promotion and reinforcement of security, compliance and other best practices that impact the overall health care industry. Considering the fact that many organizations in a wide range of markets must oblige both the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act and HIPAA, more support is often needed to gain a handle on it all.
As such, DirectTrust supports entities through meaningful use and interoperability standards for electronic health record system deployments, as well as a variety of other needs.
Protected Trust joins a massive membership community with its new announcement, as DirectTrust has an estimated 200,000 individual users and 5,000 health care organizations participate in the Direct system today.
“We are pleased to belong to a community of members that share the same security and privacy best practices, measured by a common standard of accountability,” David Bailey, Vice President of Protected Trust, affirmed.
With extensive experience in the field of health care provider support, specifically with respect to data, communications and email compliance, Protected Trust will help to further strengthen the overall integrity of the community.
Additionally, DirectTrust has consistently been recognized as a leader in its field. The firm was awarded the ONC Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.
Businesses and organizations working in the medical community that are covered by federal regulatory compliance statutes will often enjoy a significant boost in the right direction by leveraging the support of organizations such as DirectTrust and Protected Trust.
From email encryption and data center solutions to HIPAA email and communications compliance, Protected Trust is a reliable member of the health care vendor community. Reported by PRWeb 14 hours ago.
Winter Haven, FL (PRWEB) July 17, 2014
Protected Trust, a leading provider of email encryption and Health Information Portability and Accountability Act-compliant communications and IT services, announced today that it has become a member of DirectTrust. This latest achievement further solidifies Protected Trust’s place in the email encryption arena and health care provider support landscape.
Acting as a nonprofit organization that remains neutral in hopes of supporting health insurance service providers, doctors, patients, vendors and others in the Direct community, DirectTrust works hard to streamline exchanges between a variety of entities.
For the most part, this organization is focused upon the development, promotion and reinforcement of security, compliance and other best practices that impact the overall health care industry. Considering the fact that many organizations in a wide range of markets must oblige both the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act and HIPAA, more support is often needed to gain a handle on it all.
As such, DirectTrust supports entities through meaningful use and interoperability standards for electronic health record system deployments, as well as a variety of other needs.
Protected Trust joins a massive membership community with its new announcement, as DirectTrust has an estimated 200,000 individual users and 5,000 health care organizations participate in the Direct system today.
“We are pleased to belong to a community of members that share the same security and privacy best practices, measured by a common standard of accountability,” David Bailey, Vice President of Protected Trust, affirmed.
With extensive experience in the field of health care provider support, specifically with respect to data, communications and email compliance, Protected Trust will help to further strengthen the overall integrity of the community.
Additionally, DirectTrust has consistently been recognized as a leader in its field. The firm was awarded the ONC Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.
Businesses and organizations working in the medical community that are covered by federal regulatory compliance statutes will often enjoy a significant boost in the right direction by leveraging the support of organizations such as DirectTrust and Protected Trust.
From email encryption and data center solutions to HIPAA email and communications compliance, Protected Trust is a reliable member of the health care vendor community. Reported by PRWeb 14 hours ago.
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Private Health Insurance Exchanges: How Shopping Your Next Health Plan Might Look like Amazon
IRVINE, Calif., July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Employers and employees searching for health care plans will soon have more options, according to Kyle J. Heppenstall, the Managing Director of CompassX Consulting, a consultancy focused on the health sector. The Affordable Care Act has...
Reported by PR Newswire 10 hours ago.
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UnitedHealth To Expand On Obamacare Exchanges In 2015 'And Beyond'
UnitedHealth Group said this morning it would expand private health plan products on government exchanges under the Affordable Care Act “to as many as two dozen” states for next year, chief executive officer Stephen J. Helmsley said this morning. The nation’s largest health insurance company, which raised its revenue forecast for [...]
Reported by Forbes.com 8 hours ago.
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Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey to Invest $985,000 in Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credits
Projects will help revitalize three cities in New Jersey.
Newark, NJ (PRWEB) July 17, 2014
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ) today announced that it is investing nearly $1 million in seven urban community development projects through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) program. The supported projects will assist with the economic revitalization of Newark, Jersey City and Camden.
“Horizon has been New Jersey’s leading health insurance company for more than 80 years, and we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve throughout the state,” said Robert A. Marino, Chairman and CEO of Horizon BCBSNJ. “The NRTC program allows Horizon to invest in projects that will help revitalize three of New Jersey’s major cities.”
The NRTC program is designed to foster the revitalization of New Jersey's distressed neighborhoods. Program funds are used by neighborhood-based non-profit organizations that have prepared, submitted and received approval from the DCA for a revitalization plan for the neighborhood it serves. The funds must be used by the eligible organizations for projects and activities that will implement the goals and strategies of an approved neighborhood plan.
“We’re grateful to Horizon for its generous investments to the NRTC program,” said Richard E. Constable III, Esq., DCA Commissioner. “This year’s projects will provide affordable homes for those in need, support local teens and seniors, and help to keep our neighborhoods safe.”
Horizon BCBSNJ is investing in the following projects through the NRTC program:
Newark
Unified Vailsburg Services: UVSO Service Campus Phase III
The Unified Vailsburg Services program will receive $250,000 to provide support in the Vailsburg neighborhood of Newark. The goal of this project is to aid in the rehabilitation of three mixed use commercial buildings which currently house the organization's community programs, and to provide financial support for 50 families to participate in early intervention preschool programs.
Urban League of Essex County: ULEC Fairmount Neighborhood Advancement
The Urban League of Essex County will receive $250,000 to help with the ULEC Fairmount Neighborhood Advancement program. These funds will help with the acquisition and rehabilitation of four homes; the creation of a “Model Block" approach to improving conditions on Littleton Avenue, with streetscape improvements on four blocks; a job training/readiness program; and a housing counseling program.
Jersey City
WomenRising Inc.: Workforce Development/Teen Life Program
WomenRising Inc. will receive $85,000 to help fund the Workforce Development/Teen Life Program. The funds will be used to cover the costs of training programs and equipment, in addition to the Teen Life Intern program for neighborhood high school students preparing to attend college.
Garden State Episcopal: I Love Greenville Phase I
Garden State Episcopal will receive $100,000 to fund the I Love Greenville Phase I project. The project includes business/entrepreneur training and technical assistance services for local entrepreneurs, and comprehensive access for 40 senior residents to health and social services.
Camden
The Heart of Camden
The Heart of Camden will receive $100,000 for its Waterfront South Broadway Restoration project. Activities will include: coordinating with the District Council Collaborative Board, to improve public safety and quality of life in the neighborhood; the rehabilitation of a building to create Writers House, a location for creative and educational programs; and recreation staff support and equipment for the Michael J. Doyle Fieldhouse.
St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society: My East Camden, First Wave
The St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society will receive $100,000 to help with the revitalization of the East Camden neighborhood. Included in the project will be the construction of ten home ownership units on vacant lots, the development of a multi-purpose community center for neighborhood youth, a training program for those seeking energy efficient jobs and a Clean and Safe Ambassador program to assist residents and enhance public safety.
The Cooper Health System: Cooper Plaza Housing and Economic Development Phase III
The Cooper Health System will receive $100,000, in collaboration with a local nonprofit developer, to assist with the creation of seven homeownership units. Additional projects include the construction of a residential parking lot to address a shortage of on-street parking, and the continuation of the Clean and Safe Streets Program.
This is the seventh year Horizon BCBSNJ has participated in the State’s NRTC program.
The NRTC program provides business entities a 100 percent tax credit for funds provided to nonprofit entities carrying out comprehensive revitalization plans. Nonprofit entities must use at least 60% of the tax credit funds for housing and economic development; the remaining funds may be used for supportive services and other neighborhood improvements. For more information about the NRTC program, visit http://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/nrtc.html.
About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state’s oldest and largest health insurer, is a tax-paying, not-for-profit health services corporation, providing a wide array of medical, dental, and prescription insurance products and services. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, serving 3.7 million members with headquarters in Newark and offices in Wall, Mt. Laurel, and West Trenton. Learn more at http://www.HorizonBlue.com. Reported by PRWeb 9 hours ago.
Newark, NJ (PRWEB) July 17, 2014
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ) today announced that it is investing nearly $1 million in seven urban community development projects through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) program. The supported projects will assist with the economic revitalization of Newark, Jersey City and Camden.
“Horizon has been New Jersey’s leading health insurance company for more than 80 years, and we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve throughout the state,” said Robert A. Marino, Chairman and CEO of Horizon BCBSNJ. “The NRTC program allows Horizon to invest in projects that will help revitalize three of New Jersey’s major cities.”
The NRTC program is designed to foster the revitalization of New Jersey's distressed neighborhoods. Program funds are used by neighborhood-based non-profit organizations that have prepared, submitted and received approval from the DCA for a revitalization plan for the neighborhood it serves. The funds must be used by the eligible organizations for projects and activities that will implement the goals and strategies of an approved neighborhood plan.
“We’re grateful to Horizon for its generous investments to the NRTC program,” said Richard E. Constable III, Esq., DCA Commissioner. “This year’s projects will provide affordable homes for those in need, support local teens and seniors, and help to keep our neighborhoods safe.”
Horizon BCBSNJ is investing in the following projects through the NRTC program:
Newark
Unified Vailsburg Services: UVSO Service Campus Phase III
The Unified Vailsburg Services program will receive $250,000 to provide support in the Vailsburg neighborhood of Newark. The goal of this project is to aid in the rehabilitation of three mixed use commercial buildings which currently house the organization's community programs, and to provide financial support for 50 families to participate in early intervention preschool programs.
Urban League of Essex County: ULEC Fairmount Neighborhood Advancement
The Urban League of Essex County will receive $250,000 to help with the ULEC Fairmount Neighborhood Advancement program. These funds will help with the acquisition and rehabilitation of four homes; the creation of a “Model Block" approach to improving conditions on Littleton Avenue, with streetscape improvements on four blocks; a job training/readiness program; and a housing counseling program.
Jersey City
WomenRising Inc.: Workforce Development/Teen Life Program
WomenRising Inc. will receive $85,000 to help fund the Workforce Development/Teen Life Program. The funds will be used to cover the costs of training programs and equipment, in addition to the Teen Life Intern program for neighborhood high school students preparing to attend college.
Garden State Episcopal: I Love Greenville Phase I
Garden State Episcopal will receive $100,000 to fund the I Love Greenville Phase I project. The project includes business/entrepreneur training and technical assistance services for local entrepreneurs, and comprehensive access for 40 senior residents to health and social services.
Camden
The Heart of Camden
The Heart of Camden will receive $100,000 for its Waterfront South Broadway Restoration project. Activities will include: coordinating with the District Council Collaborative Board, to improve public safety and quality of life in the neighborhood; the rehabilitation of a building to create Writers House, a location for creative and educational programs; and recreation staff support and equipment for the Michael J. Doyle Fieldhouse.
St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society: My East Camden, First Wave
The St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society will receive $100,000 to help with the revitalization of the East Camden neighborhood. Included in the project will be the construction of ten home ownership units on vacant lots, the development of a multi-purpose community center for neighborhood youth, a training program for those seeking energy efficient jobs and a Clean and Safe Ambassador program to assist residents and enhance public safety.
The Cooper Health System: Cooper Plaza Housing and Economic Development Phase III
The Cooper Health System will receive $100,000, in collaboration with a local nonprofit developer, to assist with the creation of seven homeownership units. Additional projects include the construction of a residential parking lot to address a shortage of on-street parking, and the continuation of the Clean and Safe Streets Program.
This is the seventh year Horizon BCBSNJ has participated in the State’s NRTC program.
The NRTC program provides business entities a 100 percent tax credit for funds provided to nonprofit entities carrying out comprehensive revitalization plans. Nonprofit entities must use at least 60% of the tax credit funds for housing and economic development; the remaining funds may be used for supportive services and other neighborhood improvements. For more information about the NRTC program, visit http://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/nrtc.html.
About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state’s oldest and largest health insurer, is a tax-paying, not-for-profit health services corporation, providing a wide array of medical, dental, and prescription insurance products and services. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, serving 3.7 million members with headquarters in Newark and offices in Wall, Mt. Laurel, and West Trenton. Learn more at http://www.HorizonBlue.com. Reported by PRWeb 9 hours ago.
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Transgender Woman Sues Hobby Lobby To Use Ladies' Bathroom
Transgender Woman Sues Hobby Lobby To Use Ladies' BathroomTransgender Woman Sues Hobby Lobby To Use Ladies' Bathroom
Politics
Has Been Optimized
A transgender woman who has worked at Hobby Lobby for more than 10 years is suing the company for forcing her to use the men’s room until she completes sexual reassignment surgery.
Meggan Sommerville has worked for Hobby Lobby in Aurora, Ill., since 1998. She began her transition in 2009.
Her company health insurance plan paid for her hormone therapy and the store has amended her identity on staff records to recognize her sex. But management won’t budge about her bathroom privileges.
Sommerville, who first filed a complained against the company in 2011, says she was “devastated to learn she couldn’t use the ladies’ room.
“I’m just looking to be treated equally with every other female in the company — not just in the store, but in the company,” Sommerville told Newsweek. “If they recognize me as female for certain things, why can’t they recognize me as female for everything?”
Sommerville says she’s hidden in stalls and waited for others to leave to ensure her privacy.
“Hobby Lobby’s taking the fairly absurd position that in order for Meggan to be able to use the female facilities, she has to undergo reconstructive surgery,” her attorney Jacob Meister told Newsweek.
“I just want to be treated like all the other women,” Sommerville said. “To do anything else diminishes who I am in the eyes of customers and employees.”
She says using the men’s room creates a complicated situation in view of staff and customers who don’t know the whole story of her transition.
In her complaint she accused Hobby Lobby of imposing “unequal terms and conditions” on her because she is transgender.
“I don’t believe that any company has the right to deny access to appropriate medical care, same as the reason why I don’t believe that they have the right to deny me access to the washroom,” she said. “No company has the right to dictate what is decided between me and my doctor.”
She noted that the company has not cited any Christian views as their reason for forcing her to use the men’s lavatory.
“There’s absolutely no support in the law for this, but they are being adamant in trying to create this unlawful rule,” Meister said.
The case is pending before the Illinois Human Rights Commission.
Sources: TheBlaze, Newsweek
Image credit: Michael Rivera
1
Video Piece:
Regular Piece Reported by Opposing Views 8 hours ago.
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Health insurance commissioner OKs 2015 premiums
Rhode Island's health insurance commissioner has approved premium rates for 2015 that include single-digit increases for most insurers and a decrease for one.
Reported by Miami Herald 6 hours ago.
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Are More Companies Offering Health Insurance? For an Answer, Look to Massachusetts
Are More Companies Offering Health Insurance? For an Answer, Look to Massachusetts
Reported by ajc.com 6 hours ago.
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Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership Releases Its 2014 General Assembly Legislative Scorecard
The partnership of Dulles, Reston, and Loudoun Chambers created a scorecard to track General Assembly member votes on key business and economic priorities.
Northern Virginia (PRWEB) July 17, 2014
The Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership today released its inaugural Virginia General Assembly Legislative Scorecard, a report that details the voting records of the Partnership’s Senate and House of Delegates members on the bills that address the issues outlined in the Partnership’s 2014 Legislative Agenda.
Comprised of the Dulles Regional, Greater Reston and Loudoun County chambers of commerce, the Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership recently completed its fifth year of working in Richmond to represent the economic and quality of life interests of the businesses and residents in Loudoun County and western Fairfax County.
“As the voice of business for our region, our Partnership actively engages our legislators on issues such as education reform, economic development, job growth, transportation, and other pro-business issues. As a follow-up to the General Assembly, the Partnership decided to do a Legislative Scorecard to keep Northern Virginia employers and citizens informed about how our legislators are voting on the issues that matter to business. As we expected, we were very pleased to see that our General Assembly delegation, as a whole, has been extremely supportive of the Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership’s economic prosperity and quality of life agenda," said Dulles Regional Chamber President and CEO Eileen Curtis.
The Scorecard only reflects votes taken during the regular General Assembly session and only those votes that took place on the floor of the House and/or Senate. Many members of the Partnership’s delegation provided leadership in defeating legislation that was in conflict with the Partnership’s priorities, which is not reflected in the Scorecard in most cases given those bills did not receive a floor vote. Prior to all floor votes, the Partnership communicated its position on each bill and reminded the legislators that these bills would be included in the Scorecard.
“Scorecards are a valuable tool to communicate how our legislators are voting on those bills that do make it to a floor vote in each respective body in a quantifiable way. That being said, they are imperfect as they don’t take into account factors such as: sponsoring bills, speaking for or against bills, votes in committee and offering pro-business amendments. But we do believe this format is the most straightforward way of identifying legislator’s support for the Partnership’s initiatives,” said Greater Reston Chamber President & CEO, Mark Ingrao.
In addition, while not included in the Scorecard as an actual vote that could be scored, the Partnership considers every legislator’s work “incomplete,” given they failed to pass a budget during the regular General Assembly session, and did not resolve the issue of providing health insurance to 400,000 uninsured Virginians.
“We are proud to unveil this Legislative Scorecard to provide our members and the communities we represent with a better understanding of how our state legislators are voting on the issues that will impact the economy and quality of life in Northern Virginia. While most legislators earned high marks for their voting records on the Partnership’s priorities, each of them deserves an incomplete grade for failing to leverage billions in Federal aid to adopt a market-based approach to expanding health care coverage for all Virginians,” said Loudoun County President & CEO Tony Howard.
The purpose of the Scorecard is to help Northern Virginia’s business leaders recognize those legislators who support the Partnership’s efforts to improve the business climate and quality of life in Northern Virginia and to promote a dialogue with those legislators whose votes don’t align with Partnership priorities.
To view the complete Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership 2014 Scorecard, please click here http://www.restonchamber.org/pdf/2014GRCC_Scorec.pdf.
To view the Scorecard criteria, please click here http://www.restonchamber.org/reston-chamber/northern_virginia_chamber_partnership.aspx.
About the Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership
The Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership is a collaboration between the Dulles Regional, Greater Reston and Loudoun County chambers of commerce. The Partnership collectively represents more than 2,800 businesses and 100,000 jobs, providing an unparalleled voice for Northern Virginia’s business community in Richmond. Reported by PRWeb 5 hours ago.
Northern Virginia (PRWEB) July 17, 2014
The Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership today released its inaugural Virginia General Assembly Legislative Scorecard, a report that details the voting records of the Partnership’s Senate and House of Delegates members on the bills that address the issues outlined in the Partnership’s 2014 Legislative Agenda.
Comprised of the Dulles Regional, Greater Reston and Loudoun County chambers of commerce, the Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership recently completed its fifth year of working in Richmond to represent the economic and quality of life interests of the businesses and residents in Loudoun County and western Fairfax County.
“As the voice of business for our region, our Partnership actively engages our legislators on issues such as education reform, economic development, job growth, transportation, and other pro-business issues. As a follow-up to the General Assembly, the Partnership decided to do a Legislative Scorecard to keep Northern Virginia employers and citizens informed about how our legislators are voting on the issues that matter to business. As we expected, we were very pleased to see that our General Assembly delegation, as a whole, has been extremely supportive of the Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership’s economic prosperity and quality of life agenda," said Dulles Regional Chamber President and CEO Eileen Curtis.
The Scorecard only reflects votes taken during the regular General Assembly session and only those votes that took place on the floor of the House and/or Senate. Many members of the Partnership’s delegation provided leadership in defeating legislation that was in conflict with the Partnership’s priorities, which is not reflected in the Scorecard in most cases given those bills did not receive a floor vote. Prior to all floor votes, the Partnership communicated its position on each bill and reminded the legislators that these bills would be included in the Scorecard.
“Scorecards are a valuable tool to communicate how our legislators are voting on those bills that do make it to a floor vote in each respective body in a quantifiable way. That being said, they are imperfect as they don’t take into account factors such as: sponsoring bills, speaking for or against bills, votes in committee and offering pro-business amendments. But we do believe this format is the most straightforward way of identifying legislator’s support for the Partnership’s initiatives,” said Greater Reston Chamber President & CEO, Mark Ingrao.
In addition, while not included in the Scorecard as an actual vote that could be scored, the Partnership considers every legislator’s work “incomplete,” given they failed to pass a budget during the regular General Assembly session, and did not resolve the issue of providing health insurance to 400,000 uninsured Virginians.
“We are proud to unveil this Legislative Scorecard to provide our members and the communities we represent with a better understanding of how our state legislators are voting on the issues that will impact the economy and quality of life in Northern Virginia. While most legislators earned high marks for their voting records on the Partnership’s priorities, each of them deserves an incomplete grade for failing to leverage billions in Federal aid to adopt a market-based approach to expanding health care coverage for all Virginians,” said Loudoun County President & CEO Tony Howard.
The purpose of the Scorecard is to help Northern Virginia’s business leaders recognize those legislators who support the Partnership’s efforts to improve the business climate and quality of life in Northern Virginia and to promote a dialogue with those legislators whose votes don’t align with Partnership priorities.
To view the complete Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership 2014 Scorecard, please click here http://www.restonchamber.org/pdf/2014GRCC_Scorec.pdf.
To view the Scorecard criteria, please click here http://www.restonchamber.org/reston-chamber/northern_virginia_chamber_partnership.aspx.
About the Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership
The Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership is a collaboration between the Dulles Regional, Greater Reston and Loudoun County chambers of commerce. The Partnership collectively represents more than 2,800 businesses and 100,000 jobs, providing an unparalleled voice for Northern Virginia’s business community in Richmond. Reported by PRWeb 5 hours ago.
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Advocating for Independence Days
On the morning of the 4th of July, I snagged a rare quiet moment on the porch while drinking my coffee. I thought about all the fun we were going to have later on that night when the kids blew up fireworks with their dad.
I thought about how the words "Independence Day" have changed for me over the years. How I have become more independent. How my daughter's independence is emerging as she becomes a young woman. Whether or not my son will be able to have his own Independence Day in the next few years in his own apartment, making his own bowl of potato salad and inviting us over for burgers.
I thought about all the things that make our country so amazing to me, up to and including the fact that we regularly have peaceful revolutions where those in power can quickly flip-flop. Or that a seemingly ordinary citizen can affect change for thousands of people in working to pass legislation.
Ever since I was a child, I've been advocating for one thing or another. Whether I was saving bunny rabbits from greyhounds in the third grade, promoting the use of alternative energy sources to improve the environment when I was in college or seeking to bolster women's rights as a young professional, my mother and father taught me how to use my voice.
*Until 1998, politics was more of a hobby. *
Then, my son Liam was diagnosed with autism and overnight my whole world changed.
His prognosis was grim that April day when we were told he would likely never speak again. He needed intense medical and behavioral treatments which at the time we paid out of pocket as best we could because they were not covered by our health insurance policy, despite the fact that they were prescribed by his treating physician.
*We worked hard. He worked harder.*
We were on a timeline so advocacy became as important as oxygen and working within the political system a passion.
We advocated for a better life for Liam, for his sister - Mairin, for our family and for other families living with autism. Finally, years later, we are beginning to see the fruits of our labor.
Liam is 18 years old now. Mairin is right on his heels at 16. They started going on trips to Washington, D.C. and our state capitol with me before first grade. I wanted them to know how to be the difference they wish to see in the world. I wanted them to affect change for their own lives and realize that in doing so they could impact the lives of others.
Slowly but surely, they are beginning to comprehend what all those trips have meant.
A few weeks ago, Mairin accompanied me on yet another trip to Washington, D.C. She had on a little professional suit this time and she is a kid, but that shouldn't fool anyone. She is a strong advocate.When a Capitol Hill staffer asked if she was having a good time in D.C., Mairin responded:
I love coming to this city -- but when I am here, I work. Hard. I need to change things for the future for my brother and for myself. I plan to be a mother one day and I know there is a good chance I will also have to care for my brother throughout his life at some level. We need a national plan to address all of the issues in the autism community. You have the power to make that happen.
*She will keep going back until they do.*
Back home in Louisiana a week later, Liam was able to witness a bill he had testified in favor of before the Louisiana State Senate Education Committee on May 22 as Governor Jindal signed it into a new law. Louisiana Act 833 -- sponsored by Representative John Schroeder and led through the Senate by Senator Dan Claitor -- impacts Liam's immediate future by allowing IEP teams to adjust the strict cut-off limits for standardized testing required by our state to obtain a high school diploma.
This was important to Liam because hitting the number 688 doesn't completely define him as a person. He works incredibly hard and despite that initial grim prognosis of never being able to communicate again, he is a mere 20 points away from being on grade level with his peers. He has almost closed the gap. Obtaining an actual high school diploma will increase his opportunities for higher education and future employment. Future employment gives him a better chance at an independent life as an adult.
Holding him back to repeat grades has been detrimental and led to intense bullying, which has led to depression. He isn't lazy. He wants to earn his diploma just like he has earned everything else in his life. He wants to achieve. He wants to do his best.
This time it was his turn to talk and he had a lot to say. This is what he told the senators in committee that day:
I have a 3.2 grade point average in regular education classes. I almost have my Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts. I have held a job at McDonald's for the last two-and-a-half years and I have saved almost $3,000 in the bank. I am a good kid and I have worked very hard to be able to do all of these things. There are a lot of kids my age that have not done these things who are going to graduate from high school this May.
Here he is giving his testimony before the committee.
Before July 1, 2014, the state deemed Liam as a failure for being 20 points short. But on that day, he was able to witness change that he directly contributed to that will allow him to graduate with a real high school diploma and have a better chance to live on his own and invite us over to his place to celebrate holidays.
Liam with Governor Bobby Jindal
*He seized the opportunity. He changed his own future. *You don't have to be a grown-up to advocate. You have to care about something and, most importantly, you have to act on it. So teach your children well. Get them involved in whatever issue is central to your life. Show them how to take action. Advocate on their behalf and make a difference.
Then when they are adults, they will follow in your footsteps and continue to make the world a better place. Reported by Huffington Post 5 hours ago.
I thought about how the words "Independence Day" have changed for me over the years. How I have become more independent. How my daughter's independence is emerging as she becomes a young woman. Whether or not my son will be able to have his own Independence Day in the next few years in his own apartment, making his own bowl of potato salad and inviting us over for burgers.
I thought about all the things that make our country so amazing to me, up to and including the fact that we regularly have peaceful revolutions where those in power can quickly flip-flop. Or that a seemingly ordinary citizen can affect change for thousands of people in working to pass legislation.
Ever since I was a child, I've been advocating for one thing or another. Whether I was saving bunny rabbits from greyhounds in the third grade, promoting the use of alternative energy sources to improve the environment when I was in college or seeking to bolster women's rights as a young professional, my mother and father taught me how to use my voice.
*Until 1998, politics was more of a hobby. *
Then, my son Liam was diagnosed with autism and overnight my whole world changed.
His prognosis was grim that April day when we were told he would likely never speak again. He needed intense medical and behavioral treatments which at the time we paid out of pocket as best we could because they were not covered by our health insurance policy, despite the fact that they were prescribed by his treating physician.
*We worked hard. He worked harder.*
We were on a timeline so advocacy became as important as oxygen and working within the political system a passion.
We advocated for a better life for Liam, for his sister - Mairin, for our family and for other families living with autism. Finally, years later, we are beginning to see the fruits of our labor.
Liam is 18 years old now. Mairin is right on his heels at 16. They started going on trips to Washington, D.C. and our state capitol with me before first grade. I wanted them to know how to be the difference they wish to see in the world. I wanted them to affect change for their own lives and realize that in doing so they could impact the lives of others.
Slowly but surely, they are beginning to comprehend what all those trips have meant.
A few weeks ago, Mairin accompanied me on yet another trip to Washington, D.C. She had on a little professional suit this time and she is a kid, but that shouldn't fool anyone. She is a strong advocate.When a Capitol Hill staffer asked if she was having a good time in D.C., Mairin responded:
I love coming to this city -- but when I am here, I work. Hard. I need to change things for the future for my brother and for myself. I plan to be a mother one day and I know there is a good chance I will also have to care for my brother throughout his life at some level. We need a national plan to address all of the issues in the autism community. You have the power to make that happen.
*She will keep going back until they do.*
Back home in Louisiana a week later, Liam was able to witness a bill he had testified in favor of before the Louisiana State Senate Education Committee on May 22 as Governor Jindal signed it into a new law. Louisiana Act 833 -- sponsored by Representative John Schroeder and led through the Senate by Senator Dan Claitor -- impacts Liam's immediate future by allowing IEP teams to adjust the strict cut-off limits for standardized testing required by our state to obtain a high school diploma.
This was important to Liam because hitting the number 688 doesn't completely define him as a person. He works incredibly hard and despite that initial grim prognosis of never being able to communicate again, he is a mere 20 points away from being on grade level with his peers. He has almost closed the gap. Obtaining an actual high school diploma will increase his opportunities for higher education and future employment. Future employment gives him a better chance at an independent life as an adult.
Holding him back to repeat grades has been detrimental and led to intense bullying, which has led to depression. He isn't lazy. He wants to earn his diploma just like he has earned everything else in his life. He wants to achieve. He wants to do his best.
This time it was his turn to talk and he had a lot to say. This is what he told the senators in committee that day:
I have a 3.2 grade point average in regular education classes. I almost have my Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts. I have held a job at McDonald's for the last two-and-a-half years and I have saved almost $3,000 in the bank. I am a good kid and I have worked very hard to be able to do all of these things. There are a lot of kids my age that have not done these things who are going to graduate from high school this May.
Here he is giving his testimony before the committee.
Before July 1, 2014, the state deemed Liam as a failure for being 20 points short. But on that day, he was able to witness change that he directly contributed to that will allow him to graduate with a real high school diploma and have a better chance to live on his own and invite us over to his place to celebrate holidays.
Liam with Governor Bobby Jindal
*He seized the opportunity. He changed his own future. *You don't have to be a grown-up to advocate. You have to care about something and, most importantly, you have to act on it. So teach your children well. Get them involved in whatever issue is central to your life. Show them how to take action. Advocate on their behalf and make a difference.
Then when they are adults, they will follow in your footsteps and continue to make the world a better place. Reported by Huffington Post 5 hours ago.
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Largest US insurers move signals industry shift
The nations largest health insurer expects to play a much bigger role in the health care overhaul next year, as the federal law shifts from raising giant questions for the sector to offering growth opportunities.UnitedHealth Group said Thursday that it will participate in as many as 24 of the laws individual health insurance exchanges in 2015, up from only four this year.These state-based exchanges debuted last fall as a way for customers to buy individual health insurance, many with help from income-based tax credits.
Reported by MyNorthwest.com 5 hours ago.
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Bill To Undo Hobby Lobby Ruling Fails In Senate; May Come Back From Dead Later This Year
Last week, Senator Patty Murray of Washington introduced legislation that would have undone the recent Supreme Court Hobby Lobby ruling, in which the nation’s highest court found that closely held private corporations can exempt themselves from a federal law requiring them to provide health insurance that covers female contraception. Yesterday, the bill fell four votes short of moving forward, … [More]
Reported by The Consumerist 2 hours ago.
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SEC Probes Investment Firms on Health-Insurer Trades
Federal investigators are examining nearly four-dozen hedge funds, asset managers and other investment firms to determine whether they violated insider-trading rules by buying shares of health-insurance firms after receiving a tip from a Washington research firm.
Reported by Wall Street Journal 4 minutes ago.
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Should I take cash instead of my company health plan?
*Should I take cash instead of my company health plan?*
*Q.* I’ve just accepted a job at a small company that has offered me this choice: take the company health plan or don’t take it and get an extra $12,000 a year in pay. Is this legal, and if it is, what should I choose?
*A.* “It’s called an opt-out incentive,” says Ben Cohen, senior benefits adviser with Kushner & Company, an employee benefits consulting firm based in Kalamazoo, Mich., and it’s legit as long as a few conditions are met:
· The company plan is a so-called “Section 125” plan in which both employer and employee premium contributions are made with pre-tax money, and the opt-out incentive is explicitly written into the plan.
· All employees eligible for the company plan are offered the same opt-out deal. (This is to prevent the company from only offering it to sicker employees as a way to save money.)
· The extra money is paid as ordinary taxable income.
Whether or not you should take this deal depends on your personal tax situation and what kind of insurance you can get on your own.
Let’s start with taxes. If you are in the 25 percent tax bracket, you’ll be paying an extra $3,000 in income taxes on that $12,000. You’ll also be paying an extra $918 in payroll taxes. That leaves you $8,000 to play with. You’ll also need to credit yourself with whatever your contribution to the company plan would have been. For instance, a $200-a-month contribution adds up to $2,400 a year that you won’t be spending on the company plan.
Next, investigate what’s available on your state’s Health Insurance Marketplace. Bear in mind that even if you don’t take your employer’s health insurance, just the fact that it’s offered disqualifies you from getting tax credits to lower the cost of your premium, regardless of whether your income would otherwise qualify you for this benefit.
For an apples-to-apples comparison, you’ll need to figure out which marketplace plans have deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance comparable to your workplace plan. If the annual premium is less than $8,000 plus whatever you would have contributed to the company plan, you’ll come out ahead by taking the deal.
Now, if you are young and exceptionally healthy, you might consider rolling the dice by getting a cheap high-deductible Bronze plan from the marketplace on the assumption that you won’t use it except for preventive care (which is free no matter which plan you choose) and an occasional doctor visit. In that case, though, you need to be prepared for some hefty out-of-pocket costs if you end up with an expensive-to-treat illness or injury.
— Nancy MetcalfGot a question for our health insurance expert? Ask it here; be sure to include the state you live in. And if you can't get enough health insurance news here, follow me on Twitter @NancyMetcalf.
*Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.*
*Subscribe now!*
Subscribe to *ConsumerReports.org* for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products.
--------------------
Update your feed preferences Reported by Consumer Reports 23 hours ago.
*Q.* I’ve just accepted a job at a small company that has offered me this choice: take the company health plan or don’t take it and get an extra $12,000 a year in pay. Is this legal, and if it is, what should I choose?
*A.* “It’s called an opt-out incentive,” says Ben Cohen, senior benefits adviser with Kushner & Company, an employee benefits consulting firm based in Kalamazoo, Mich., and it’s legit as long as a few conditions are met:
· The company plan is a so-called “Section 125” plan in which both employer and employee premium contributions are made with pre-tax money, and the opt-out incentive is explicitly written into the plan.
· All employees eligible for the company plan are offered the same opt-out deal. (This is to prevent the company from only offering it to sicker employees as a way to save money.)
· The extra money is paid as ordinary taxable income.
Whether or not you should take this deal depends on your personal tax situation and what kind of insurance you can get on your own.
Let’s start with taxes. If you are in the 25 percent tax bracket, you’ll be paying an extra $3,000 in income taxes on that $12,000. You’ll also be paying an extra $918 in payroll taxes. That leaves you $8,000 to play with. You’ll also need to credit yourself with whatever your contribution to the company plan would have been. For instance, a $200-a-month contribution adds up to $2,400 a year that you won’t be spending on the company plan.
Next, investigate what’s available on your state’s Health Insurance Marketplace. Bear in mind that even if you don’t take your employer’s health insurance, just the fact that it’s offered disqualifies you from getting tax credits to lower the cost of your premium, regardless of whether your income would otherwise qualify you for this benefit.
For an apples-to-apples comparison, you’ll need to figure out which marketplace plans have deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance comparable to your workplace plan. If the annual premium is less than $8,000 plus whatever you would have contributed to the company plan, you’ll come out ahead by taking the deal.
Now, if you are young and exceptionally healthy, you might consider rolling the dice by getting a cheap high-deductible Bronze plan from the marketplace on the assumption that you won’t use it except for preventive care (which is free no matter which plan you choose) and an occasional doctor visit. In that case, though, you need to be prepared for some hefty out-of-pocket costs if you end up with an expensive-to-treat illness or injury.
— Nancy MetcalfGot a question for our health insurance expert? Ask it here; be sure to include the state you live in. And if you can't get enough health insurance news here, follow me on Twitter @NancyMetcalf.
*Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.*
*Subscribe now!*
Subscribe to *ConsumerReports.org* for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products.
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Update your feed preferences Reported by Consumer Reports 23 hours ago.
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Federal Diary: VA uses patient privacy to go after whistleblowers, critics say
Is the Department of Veterans Affairs hiding behind HIPAA to hit federal whistleblowers?
HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It protects the privacy of patients’ health information. It is not meant to be a weapon against federal employees who expose wrongdoing at the VA or anywhere else. Reported by Washington Post 22 hours ago.
HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It protects the privacy of patients’ health information. It is not meant to be a weapon against federal employees who expose wrongdoing at the VA or anywhere else. Reported by Washington Post 22 hours ago.
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New York Attorney General: Businesses should tell job candidates about contraceptive coverage policies
Some New York lawmakers are pushing back against the U.S. Supreme Court ruling prohibiting the federal government from compelling some business owners to provide contraceptive coverage. Several Democrats in the state Legislature are trying to require employers in New York to give workers 90 days notice before changing contraceptive health insurance coverage, according to state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who is supporting the effort. They also seek to require employers to notify job candidates…
Reported by bizjournals 13 hours ago.
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