Safe Harbor LLP, a Top San Francisco CPA, Announces Latest Tax Bulletin Available for Download

August 14, 2013, 12:05 am

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Informative newsletter for tax clients released by Safe Harbor LLP is now available at no cost on the website. As a top San Francisco CPA firm, the company releases periodic newsletters covering topics such as long term health insurance and business succession.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) August 14, 2013

Safe Harbor LLP, a top San Francisco CPA Firm, is proud to release their latest tax newsletter available at no cost on the firm’s website. This month’s newsletter has an informative focus on long term care as well as succession planning.

“The major changes in health care laws have provoked a lively debate,” explained Chun Wong, Managing Partner at Safe Harbor LLP. “Many clients are coming to us asking for tips about long term health care in particular, as well as other types of planning such as estate planning.”

To read the July, 2013 tax bulletin, simply visit the San Francisco CPA firm’s website at http://www.safeharborcpa.com/ and click on the right column. Interested parties can also reach out to the firm via email or telephone directly from the website.

Life’s Realities and Long Term Health Insurance

Many Americans mistakenly believe that Medicare will cover all of their health care costs as they age. However, as life expectancy increases, more and more Americans may find it advantageous to obtain so-called “Long Term Care” insurance or LTC. One recent study found that the direct health costs for dementia including nursing homes were $109 billion in 2010, greater than the cost of heart disease care of cancer.

In terms of tax benefits, certain “Qualified” long-term care (LTC) insurance policies can be deliver tax benefits. For example, some of the expenses of the insurance can be tax deductible. The article in the firm’s latest newsletter discusses these issues; but anyone with a serious interest is also advised to contact the firm for a consultation.

IRS Circular 230 Notice

The Internal Revenue Service requires Safe Harbor LLP to inform the reader that any tax advice contained in this correspondence cannot be used for the purpose of avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or for promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed.

About Safe Harbor LLP – a Professional CPA Firm in San Francisco

Safe Harbor LLP is a CPA firm that specializes in accounting and tax services for individuals and businesses throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and greater California. Safe Harbor CPAs helps both individuals and businesses with tax preparation, IRS audit defense, and audited financial statements. The firm prides itself on friendly yet professional service and utilizes state-of-the-art Internet technology to provide quality customer service.

Safe Harbor CPA
http://www.safeharborcpa.com
Tel. 415.742.4249 Reported by PRWeb 16 hours ago.

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Freedom Financial Network Offers Tips for Back-to-School Budgeting

August 14, 2013, 12:11 am

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Credit advocate suggests 8 ways to avoid debt before school bells ring.

San Mateo, Calif. (PRWEB) August 14, 2013

Whether students are heading to preschool or pursuing post-graduate coursework, back-to-school season can bring on debt – but it doesn’t have to be that way with savings tips from Freedom Financial Network (FFN), said Kevin Gallegos, vice president of Phoenix operations for FFN.

“Back-to-school can be a costly time of year, but with careful budgeting and some pre-planning, students can get back into the classroom with a minimum of financial outlay,” Gallegos said. “Most important, as with other costly events like the holidays, people should avoid going into debt to pay for purchases. Whether for new clothes or student loans, debt can pile up all too easily, and create problems that linger far beyond the current school year.”

Gallegos suggested that families investigate the following areas when building a back-to-school budget.

1.    Clean house for school supplies. Many schools provide extensive school supply lists. But in today’s climate, with joblessness still high and finances tight, families are tightening their belts when it comes to supplies. By thoroughly “cleaning house” and going through desks, cabinets, drawers and closets, kids and parents may be able to find barely used pencils, crayons, notebooks and binders that can be re-used this year. Re-using is eco-friendly and takes the sting out of the school supply budget.

2.    Involve kids in budgeting. “Learning can start with school shopping,” Gallegos said. He suggests adults set a back-to-school budget, then divide that budget, in cash, in envelopes for each child. Available dollars might be further split between supplies and clothing. With adult supervision, kids can pay for some needed items from their envelope. When the cash is gone, their shopping is finished.

3.    Don’t buy all at once. Retailers’ sales promotions would indicate that everyone needs to rush out and purchase a new wardrobe for school, but that is not the case, Gallegos points out. “In most geographic locations, students can start the school year wearing the same clothes they’ve worn during the summer months, with perhaps a few additions to account for a child’s growth or adhere to dress codes.” Many children might outgrow fall-season clothing purchased now, anyway. Families can spread out purchases over several months and watch for sales to stretch budgets.

4.    Take advantage of tax savings. For back-to-school shopping, many states offer tax-free weekends where the sales tax is waived on school purchases up to a certain amount. Find out which states participate (and when) at the Federation of Tax Administrators.

5.    Combine co-pays. Many children need to update their immunizations, get an annual checkup or obtain a sports physical to participate on school teams. Combining as many services as possible into one doctor’s visit can reduce co-payments. For families that pay for visits out-of-pocket, many freestanding clinics – from public health departments to locations at drugstores – provide low-cost sports physicals.

6.    Check health insurance options. Unfortunately, accidents do happen. Young children generally are covered under parents’ health insurance policies, if families have them. If not, most states have insurance plans available for children. Find information on individual state programs via Insure Kids Now. For young adults, the Affordable Care Act allows parents’ plans to continue to cover young people up to age 26. However, many states have specific regulations providing for an extension of coverage for unmarried young adults up to age 30. Ask the health plan or state government for specifics.

7.    Look ahead to college. If children are approaching college age, the family should work together to prepare. Begin investigating schools in plenty of time – ideally, three or four years before the student expects to enroll. Research scholarships that may be available, and get a realistic sense of what universities might expect the family to pay. The “estimated family contribution” calculator provided by the College Board is a good place to begin.

8.    Budget for next year. Families should sit down together and set goals, and then create an annual budget that takes into account income, monthly expenses and savings. This budget will dictate expenditures and take the guesswork out of available spending for back-to-school items. To prepare for next year’s spending, families can decide the amount to save for expenses and set aside 1/12th of that in a dedicated account each month.

Freedom Financial Network (http://www.freedomfinancialnetwork.com)
Freedom Financial Network, LLC (FFN), provides comprehensive consumer credit advocacy services. Through its Freedom Debt Relief, Freedom Tax Relief and ConsolidationPlus products, FFN works as an independent advocate to provide comprehensive financial solutions, including debt settlement, debt resolution and tax resolution services for consumers struggling with debt. The company, which has resolved more than $2 billion in debt for more than 150,000 clients since 2002, is an accredited member of the American Fair Credit Council, and a platinum member of the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators. The company holds the Goldline Research Preferred Provider certification for excellence among debt relief companies.

Based in San Mateo, Calif., FFN also operates an office in Tempe, Ariz. The company, with more than 550 employees, was voted one of the best places to work in the San Francisco Bay area in 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2013, and in the Phoenix area in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012. FFN’s founders received the Northern California Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2008.

(end) Reported by PRWeb 16 hours ago.

Aid will relieve health costs

August 14, 2013, 12:41 am

≫ Next: The AIS Report on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans Ranks 35 Blues Plan CEOs’ Compensation; Finds Modest Salary Gains, Substantial Bonuses

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About half the people who now buy their own health insurance - and potentially would face higher premiums next year under President Barack Obama's health care law - would qualify for federal tax credits to offset rate shock, according to a new private study. Reported by Journal Gazette 16 hours ago.

The AIS Report on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans Ranks 35 Blues Plan CEOs’ Compensation; Finds Modest Salary Gains, Substantial Bonuses

August 14, 2013, 2:08 am

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Based an analysis by The AIS Report on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans of data gathered from state insurance departments, current and departing CEOs from the 35 Blues plans collectively earned about $120 million in total compensation in 2012 — up nearly 30% from $93 million in 2011.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) August 14, 2013

In its annual review of executive compensation based on data gathered from state insurance departments, The AIS Report on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans* reports in its recently published August 2013 issue relatively modest salary increases between 2011 and 2012 for Blues plan CEOs, but many of them took home substantially larger bonuses and other forms of compensation. Current and departing CEOs from the 35 Blues plans analyzed collectively earned about $120 million in total compensation in 2012 — up nearly 30% from $93 million in 2011.

Some of the largest compensation increases, The AIS Report found, were for nonprofit Blues plan CEOs in Nebraska (104%), Alabama (74%) and New Jersey (64%). But not all Blues plan CEOs took home fatter paychecks in 2012. Some saw double-digit decreases from the prior year. After a near-20% total compensation increase between 2010 and 2011, Wellmark, Inc. CEO John Forsyth’s total compensation fell about 16% in 2012. Cigna Corp.’s CEO David Cordani saw a 33% decrease in salary in 2012 to $12.9 million because of a more than $7 million drop in incentive compensation.

CEOs of at least eight Blues plans retired or resigned in 2012, with many of them taking generous compensation packages. Former WellPoint, Inc. CEO Angela Braly, who resigned last August, took home more than $19.4 million in compensation on top of her $1.2 million salary in 2012 — a 55% increase from her 2011 compensation.

Visit http://aishealth.com/archive/nblu0813-01 to read the article in its entirety, which also includes a table of top Blue Cross Blue Shield Plan executives ranked by total 2012 compensation.

About The AIS Report on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans
The AIS Report on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans delivers timely news and insightful analysis of new products, market share, strategies, conversions, financing, profitability and strategic alliances of Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans, which are major players in every U.S. health insurance market. The 12-page monthly newsletter is must-reading for plan managers and others who consider BCBS plans to be partners or competitors. Visit http://aishealth.com/marketplace/ais-report-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-plans for more information.

*A thoroughly objective publication, The AIS Report on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans is published independently by AIS and is not affiliated with or sponsored, endorsed or approved by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association or any of the independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.

About Atlantic Information Services
Atlantic Information Services, Inc. (AIS) is a publishing and information company that has been serving the health care industry for more than 25 years. It develops highly targeted news, data and strategic information for managers in hospitals, health plans, medical group practices, pharmaceutical companies and other health care organizations. AIS products include print and electronic newsletters, websites, looseleafs, books, strategic reports, databases, webinars and conferences. Learn more at http://www.AISHealth.com. Reported by PRWeb 14 hours ago.

Lake Michigan Mailers, Inc. Creates Secure Website to Provide Employers with ACA Notification Tool

August 14, 2013, 2:08 am

≫ Next: Health care expert-turned-whistleblower Wendell Potter on ALEC’s attempts to thwart Obamacare

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Lake Michigan Mailers announced today that it has created a secure website – ACAnotice.com - that will allow employers to easily achieve compliance with the employee notification requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) regarding the Health Insurance Marketplace prior to the October 1, 2013 deadline.

Kalamazoo, Michigan and South Bend, Indiana (PRWEB) August 14, 2013

Lake Michigan Mailers, Inc. announced today that it has launched ACAnotice.com, a secure web-based tool that will allow employers to easily achieve compliance with the employee notification requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) regarding the Health Insurance Marketplace. ACAnotice.com provides employers of every industry and size the ability to compose, print, and mail a Department of Labor-approved notice to employees regarding the availability of the Health Insurance Market Place (formally known as Health Care Exchanges). ACAnotice.com is a comprehensive, turnkey solution that includes all material, printing, and postage costs. Following completion of mailing the employer is provided with a Confirmation of Completion Report which includes dates of completion, sample copies of the notices created on behalf of the employer, and a list of all employees and the addresses to which the notices were mailed. The solution is available without minimum volume or long-term service commitment.

Lake Michigan Mailers is a leading provider of document management, mail assembly, mail processing, presorting, data management, digital marketing and distribution services to companies, schools, colleges and universities, health care providers, governmental entities and organizations throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

“ACAnotice.com will be of tremendous value to employers of every size and type,” said David C. Rhoa, president of Lake Michigan Mailers, Inc. “Our customers have been telling us that they need a secure, reliable, efficient and cost-effective method to provide their employees with documents required by the ACA so they can continue to focus on running their businesses. ACAnotice.com was designed and built specifically for that reason,” said Rhoa. “ACAnotice.com is more than a document creation service. It is a comprehensive solution that provides the employer with turnkey ease of use and full detailed reporting of DOL compliance,” Rhoa continued.

About Lake Michigan Mailers, Inc.:

Lake Michigan Mailers, Inc. is a family owned and managed company with processing centers in Kalamazoo, Michigan and South Bend, Indiana. The company is a leading provider of document management, mail assembly, mail processing, presorting, data management, digital marketing and distribution services to companies, schools, colleges and universities, health care providers, governmental entities and organizations throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kindom. Additional information about Lake Michigan Mailers, Inc. can be found on the company’s web site at http://www.barcodemail.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/barcodemail or on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/barcodemail. Reported by PRWeb 14 hours ago.

Health care expert-turned-whistleblower Wendell Potter on ALEC’s attempts to thwart Obamacare

August 14, 2013, 4:24 am

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As part of our ongoing focus on the American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC, we checked in with health insurance executive turned industry whistleblower Wendell Potter to learn about ALEC’s efforts to influence the health care debate and undermine…   Reported by Raw Story 12 hours ago.

Average health insurance tax credit for Obamacare estimated at $2,700

August 14, 2013, 4:55 am

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Americans who buy health insurance outside their jobs next year can expect an average tax credit of nearly $2,700 to help them obtain coverage on the new state insurance marketplaces, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation. The tax credits will vary by household income and family size, as well as the cost of coverage in a particular state and local area. Reported by Miami Herald 12 hours ago.

Obamacare Exemption: None Dare Call It Treason

August 14, 2013, 6:07 am

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WASHINGTON -- Even by the standards of Washington, this is one sick, twisted and deceitful deal. Quite possibly, it is a whole new low, even for the federal government. 

Had we innocent, taxpaying citizens not long ago lost our capacity to be outraged by the disgraceful manner in which this place operates, we would already be in all-out political revolt. Against President Obama. Against Democrats in Congress. And, especially, Republicans.

Literally, revolutionary wars have been fought over less.

Last week, while many Americans spent hard-saved money on long overdue vacations, the snakes and weasels inside the federal bureaucracy schemed until they hatched an evil plan. It would feather their own nests with more of your money, protect themselves from the ravages of the laws they foist upon us, desecrate our Constitution and then smear us with insult so putrid it would make a roadside vulture gag.

All the legal, constitutional and parliamentary maneuvering is enough to confuse Albert Einstein, but here is the bottom line: Congress and staff managed to get themselves exempted from one of the most punishing aspects of Obamacare.

Yes, you should be sharpening the tines of your pitchforks.

Back when the President and his henchmen rammed Obamacare through Congress, Republicans inserted a key provision requiring that whatever Frankenstein healthcare boondoggle got yoked upon the hardworking American people would also be yoked around the necks of every congressman and staffer on Capitol Hill. President Obama, being the slick fellow that he is, made sure it did not apply to him or anybody working for him in the White House.

The noble idea was that if they were seizing control of our titanic -- yet still largely functioning --health care system and started ramming into every passing iceberg, then, by God, they were not going to get to be first in line for the life boats. No, they were going to go down with the ship.

If Obamacare was good enough for the American people, it should be good enough for Congress.

Well, that was BEFORE the bill passed, when they still needed to get it through. Now, it simply will not do.

It turns out that the healthcare packages currently provided to Congress and their staff are so generous and the squalor that will be caused by Obamacare is so terrible that the healthcare law simply cannot be applied to such precious people.

The thought is so terrifying that staffers from both parties in both chambers of Congress declared they would quit if forced to endure Obamacare. To those of us paying the bills around here, this sounded like a great idea.

But the federal bureaucracy blanched in terror. There would be a mass exodus of "talent," they shrieked. There will be a "brain drain!" 

After all, without these people, who would come up with all these fantastic new laws like, say, Obamacare? 

I mean, if it was "talent" and "brains" that got us into this mess, maybe it's time to try something else. Like letting them all quit. Or exempting all Americans from Obamacare.

Instead, after personal pleas made directly to President Obama, his administration quietly ruled last week in the dead of August that Congress and staff would be exempted.

Now they will dispute this and say that, indeed, they are being forced out of their cushy government health insurance plans and into the Obamacare health exchanges. This much is true. But there is a dirty, dirty secret. You are still paying for their insurance.

If a regular citizen makes $100,000 a year working for a private company and loses his insurance because of  Obamacare, he must pay out of his pocket for the insurance he will be forced to purchase from the exchanges.

However, if you are a sainted Congressional staffer earning $100,000 a year and enter the exchanges, guess who picks up the tab for your new insurance plan? That's right, your employer, the federal government, the lowly taxpayer.

In other words, under Obamacare, the only people forced into the exchanges whose insurance will still be paid for by their employer will be members of Congress and their staff.

Not only is this sneaky, self-dealing and cynical, it is a dishonest bait-and-switch. And once again, we lowly taxpayers are the suckers who get stuck with the bill, get chained down by their terrible laws and laughed at all the way to the hospital.



 
 
 
  Reported by Breitbart 10 hours ago.

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New Workplace Poll Shows Workers Back Higher Insurance Premiums for Unhealthy Colleagues

August 14, 2013, 5:21 am

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New Workplace poll from Zogby Analytics for The Marlin Company Workplace shows workers are in favor of higher insurance premiums being charged for employees with unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking or overeating.

Wallingford, CT (PRWEB) August 14, 2013

Attitudes in the American Workplace XV

Polling for The Marlin Company by Zogby Analytics®

Workers back higher insurance premiums for unhealthy colleagues

Do you smoke? Got a big spare tire around the waist? Are you ignoring high blood pressure or a cholesterol problem?

If you have unhealthy habits – such as smoking, drinking or overeating – a significant percentage of American workers, 41%, say it would be OK with them if your company charges you more in individual health insurance premiums.

The findings, in a new national telephone poll done by Zogby Analytics for The Marlin Company, a Wallingford, CT, employee communications company, come as companies begin to offer employee incentives for good health and even institute penalties or charge higher premiums for those with such conditions as high blood pressure and obesity. The telephone poll of 751 American workers, conducted in June and July 2013, had a margin of error of +/- 3.7 percentage points.

“Considering that 69% of Americans are overweight and 19% smoke, having 41% agree with charging higher premiums shows that they like the incentive-based system,” said Frank Kenna III, President of The Marlin Company, which has conducted 15 national “Attitudes in the American Workplace” polls since 1995. “After all, we know that if we get in an accident, our car insurance rates will go up. Why shouldn’t the same principle apply to healthcare premiums? And an added bonus may be that workers with unhealthy habits could very well find the motivation to take much better care of themselves.”

The poll also showed that while 80 percent of workers said they believe their company cares if they are healthy, 29 percent said their company does not take the initiative to educate their employees about health and wellness. And 19% said that they or their family were holding off going to the doctor to treat aches or pains or other illness because of the cost.

Among other findings:


· Twenty-seven (27) percent said they would consider leaving their job if another employer offered equal or lower pay but better health benefits, especially those who are single and young. These included 52% of those who are single, 18% of married people and 16% of those who are divorced, widowed or separated. Also among them were 57% of those who are 18 to 24 years old, 19% of those 30 to 49, 21% of those 50 to 64, and 16% of those 65 and older.

· Those who said they are holding off going to the doctor to treat aches or pains or other illnesses because of the cost included 16% of those with medical benefits and 27% of those without.

· People who work for mid-sized companies (101 to 1,000 employees) were most likely to say that it would be OK with them if their company charged more in individual health premiums for workers with unhealthy habits – 49%. This compared with 40% of those who work in companies with 1 to 100 employees and 34% of those in companies with more than 1,000 employees.

· Results among those who said their company takes the initiative to educate employees about health and wellness rises by company size: 62% of those who work for companies with 1 to 100 employees, 82 percent of those with 101 to 1,000 employees, and 88% of those with more than 1,000 employees say they have such programs.

· 72 percent of respondents said that they were covered by medical benefits at work; 27 percent said that they were not.

About The Marlin Company
The Marlin Company, a workplace communications company, helps managers reach employees wherever they work, using the latest SaaS-based technology solutions, including flat screens and mobile devices. Designed specifically for the workplace, Marlin’s patented digital signage products are known for their ease of use, robust content options and flexibility. For 100 years Marlin has developed and delivered visual communication programs that engage, inform and motivate employees. Learn more about Marlin’s digital signage products and services at http://www.themarlincompany.com.

About this Survey
This survey was done for The Marlin Company, a Wallingford, CT workplace communications company, by Zogby Analytics, based on 751 interviews among a nationally representative sample of full- and part-time US workers. The margin of error is +/-3.7 percentage points. Zogby Analytics conducted live operator telephone interviews in June and July of 2013. Reported by PRWeb 11 hours ago.

Study: Half Who Now Buy Own Health Plan to Get Aid

August 14, 2013, 9:12 am

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About half the people who now buy their own health insurance, and potentially would face higher premiums next year under President Barack Obama's health care law, would qualify for federal tax credits to offset rate shock, according to a new private study. Reported by Newsmax 7 hours ago.

Missouri health care exchange details unclear

August 14, 2013, 9:16 am

≫ Next: Zane Benefits Publishes New Information on How Small Businesses Struggle With Health Insurance

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Uninsured Missouri residents planning to purchase health insurance as part of the new federal health care law are still waiting for details as the start of enrollment looms. Reported by Miami Herald 7 hours ago.

Zane Benefits Publishes New Information on How Small Businesses Struggle With Health Insurance

August 14, 2013, 9:03 am

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Why do small businesses struggle to offer health insurance? Here's a look at why small businesses offer health insurance at a much lower rate.

(PRWEB) August 14, 2013

Today, Zane Benefits, the number one online small business health benefits solution, published new information on how small businesses struggle with health insurance.

According to Zane Benefits’ website, small businesses make up the majority of employers in the US, and yet studies show that small businesses struggle the most with offering health insurance. The majority of the 7.4 million employers in the US are micro and small businesses.

A few interesting statistics about US employers:
82% of all US employers (​6 million employers) have less than 200 employees
62% of all US employers (4.6 million employers) have less than 10 employees

Studies show that the smaller the business, the less likely they are to offer health insurance.

98% of all larger businesses (200+ employees) offer health insurance.
39% of all small and medium businesses ( 50% of all micro employers (
That means 2.37 million small businesses who don't offer health insurance.

​The primary reason small businesses don't offer health insurance is cost. When small business owners are surveyed about the the primary reason they do not offer health insurance, 61% say it's because of cost.

Premiums are rising so quickly that small business owners are often dealt annual renewal rates they cannot afford. Between 1999 and 2012, group health insurance premium rates to cover a single employee increased from $2,196/year to $5,615/year. These cost increases have been reflected in the declining rates of small businesses offering health insurance, especially among employers with less than 10 employees.

The Solution? Alternatives Such as Defined Contribution

Experts predict that up to 60% of educated employers plan to pursue alternatives to offering health insurance by 2014, including “defined contribution”.

With a "pure" defined contribution approach the small business offers health benefits in the form of a stand-alone Health Reimbursement Arrangement. The small business simply uses the defined contribution health plan to reimburse employees tax-free for their personal insurance policies (and other eligible medical expenses, as the business allows in their plan).

A "pure" defined contribution health plan allows the small business to completely define and control the cost of employee health benefits, while providing employees' access to the same or better health insurance coverage.

Click here to read the full article.
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About Zane Benefits

Zane Benefits was founded in 2006 to provide a revolutionized SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) administration platform ("ZaneHRA") for Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and defined contribution health care. The flagship software provides a 100% paperless administration experience to small businesses and insurance professionals that want to offer better health benefits without a traditional group health insurance plan at lower costs. For more information about ZaneHRA, visit http://www.zanebenefits.com. Reported by PRWeb 7 hours ago.

Study: Half of Self-Insured Americans Qualify for Aid

August 14, 2013, 9:57 am

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Filed under: Health Care, Healthcare Industry, Insurance Industry, Barack Obama, Health Insurance, Tax Credits, Consumer Issues

*Bill Clark/Roll Call via Getty Images*Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR

WASHINGTON -- About half the people who now buy their own health insurance -- and potentially would face higher premiums next year under President Barack Obama's health care law -- would qualify for federal tax credits to offset rate shock, according to a new private study.

Many other people, however, earn too much money to be eligible for help, and could end up paying more.

The estimate, released Wednesday by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation, tries to answer one of the biggest remaining questions about the impact of Obama's law on American families: Will consumers wince -- or even balk -- when they see the premiums for the new plans?

The study found that 48 percent of families currently buying their own coverage would be eligible for tax credits next year, averaging $5,548 per family, or 66 percent of the average cost of a benchmark "silver" policy offered through new state insurance markets.

"About half of the people won't be paying the sticker price," said Gary Claxton, director of the health care marketplace project at Kaiser, an information clearinghouse on the health care system. "The people who get help will get quite a lot of help."

"Many, but certainly not all, of the people who don't get tax credits will pay more," he said. "How much more will be a function of a lot of different things."

For example, some people who don't qualify for tax credits may get jobs that offer coverage, added Claxton, a co-author of the study. And the bottom line on premiums may not be clear until sometime this fall, after the Health and Human Services Department releases rates for more than 30 states where the federal government is taking the lead setting up new insurance markets for individuals and small businesses.

People can enroll starting Oct. 1, and coverage becomes effective Jan. 1. Most people currently covered by employer plans aren't affected.

The law is likely to increase the sticker price for individually purchased coverage next year for several reasons:

· Insurers will have to cover people with pre-existing medical conditions, whose needs are costlier to provide for.
· Policies must provide certain standard benefits, including prescription drugs, mental health and substance abuse treatment and rehabilitative services.
· Policyholders' annual out-of-pocket costs will be capped.

So far, premiums reported by a number of individual states have been coming in lower than initially projected by the Congressional Budget Office. But they are higher -- according to industry and consultants -- than what people now typically pay for individual plans, which tend to be bare-bones coverage.

However, the law also will pump in billions of dollars in federal tax credits to help the uninsured pay premiums -- and ease cost increases for many who are currently buying the skimpy individual policies. The money will go directly to the insurance plan, and policyholders will pay the difference -- a discounted sticker price, in effect.

The tax credits, available on a sliding scale based on family income, will be offered to people who don't have access to affordable coverage through their jobs and buy policies through the new state markets.

Those making between 100-400 percent of the federal poverty level -- between $11,500 and $46,000 for an individual and $23,550 and $94,200 for a family of four -- are eligible for some level of help. Families on the low end of the scale will pay 2 percent of their income for a benchmark plan, while those on the upper end will pay 9.5 percent.

It's expected that a clear majority of customers in the new markets will be eligible for tax credits. That's because the pool will also include uninsured people, who tend to have lower incomes than those who can currently afford to buy their own coverage. The share will vary from state to state.

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recently estimated that in Texas, as many as 9 in 10 people buying coverage in the new market will get a break on costs.

People with individual coverage they buy themselves represent a small sliver of those with private insurance, only about 5-6 percent. That's expected to grow significantly under Obama's law, which will require most uninsured Americans to get coverage.

Estimates of the number of people who currently have individual coverage range as high as 19 million, but Claxton said the Kaiser study used a smaller estimate of about 10 million. It's based on an ongoing government survey that some researchers regard as more accurate.

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Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments Reported by DailyFinance 7 hours ago.

Does a higher paycheck make you healthier?

August 14, 2013, 10:12 am

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People who make more money tend to be healthier, according to the latest Ohio Health Issues Poll. In some cases, it could be a matter of your money or your life. Being able to afford health insurance appears to be a key factor. Six out of 10 adults in families that earn more than $31,800 a year reported being in excellent or good health, according to the results of the recent statewide telephone survey of 868 Ohioans. In contrast, fewer than 3 out of 10 adults in families that earn less than $23,050… Reported by bizjournals 6 hours ago.

HealthPartners to offer private health exchange for employers

August 14, 2013, 11:37 am

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HealthPartners will launch a private health-insurance exchange product for businesses, the insurer announced Wednesday. Employers who sign up for the Bloomington-based company's private exchange, called Plan for Me, can decide how much money they want to give each employee to buy health insurance. Employees then take that money and shop for a HealthPartners plan online. Health insurers have launched several private exchange products in recent years, partly so they can better compete against government-run… Reported by bizjournals 5 hours ago.

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GOP Rep's Health Care Claims Fail Fact Check

August 14, 2013, 11:19 am

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The following post first appeared on FactCheck.org.

Rep. Louie Gohmert is wrong when he says a “poor guy out there making $14,000″ is “going to pay extra income tax if he cannot afford to pay the several thousand dollars for an Obamacare policy.” In fact, that “poor guy” will be eligible for Medicaid coverage or heavily subsidized private insurance, depending on where he lives, without fear of being penalized if he cannot afford insurance.

Under the new law, an individual earning $14,000, which is currently 122 percent of the federal poverty level, would be eligible to receive:

· Medicaid if he lives in a state that expands Medicaid to include coverage for individuals and families earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. A provision of the Affordable Care Act funds the Medicaid expansion, at the state’s discretion.
· A significant federal subsidy to help pay for private insurance, if he doesn’t live in a state that expands Medicaid. But he doesn’t have to buy insurance, because he is also eligible for a “hardship exemption” that would exempt him from any tax penalties.

Gohmert, a Texas Republican, made his comment on ABC’s “This Week.” He was criticizing President Obama for delaying implementation of the health care law’s employer mandate but not its individual mandate. Under the law, most Americans will be required to purchase health insurance or pay a penalty, beginning at $95 per person or 1 percent of income in 2014, whichever is higher, and rising to $695 per person or 2.5 percent by 2016.

*Gohmert, Aug. 11*: What about the poor guy out there making $14,000? He’s going to pay extra income tax if he cannot afford to pay the several thousand dollars for an Obamacare policy. Who’s caring about him?

Well, a lot of us do, but it’s not this president because he didn’t let the individual mandate have a year off. He — that only goes to big business. That’s not fair.

Gohmert has repeatedly expressed concern about the guy making $14,000, as he did in a July 17 statement and in an interview on the “Sean Hannity Show” on Aug. 6 (at the 4:47 mark).



*Gohmert, July 17*: To force higher income tax rates on people making as little as $14,000 or so a year is grossly unfair by any standards, no matter how badly he wants to force Americans into ultimate government healthcare control.

*Gohmert, Aug. 6*: We’re doing this for America, for the guy that’s making $14,000 that would ultimately have an extra two and a half percent tax because Obama went after the little guy in Obamacare. We’re doing it for those people.



But Gohmert is wrong, for several reasons. Let’s start with the fact that the federal poverty level currently is $11,490 for one individual, so $14,000 is 122 percent of the federal poverty level. A person earning that little would qualify for Medicaid next year in at least 23 states. That’s because the ACA expands Medicaid to include those earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $15,856 a year for 2013. The Medicaid expansion will not occur in every state, because the Supreme Court’s June 2012 ruling gave states the option not to expand it. As of July 1, 23 states and the District of Columbia support the expansion, while 21 are opposed and six are still considering it, according to the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation.

So what happens to the “poor guy out there making $14,000″ in, let’s say, Gohmert’s home state of Texas — one of the states that so far has opted not to expand Medicaid? He can buy a qualified health plan through an insurance exchange that will be set up under the law, beginning Oct. 1. But it is not a requirement that he buys insurance. That’s because he will be eligible to receive a “hardship exemption” to the individual mandate and its tax penalty, under a final rule published July 1 by the Department of Health and Human Services. (See page 39525 under “eligibility standards for exceptions.”)



*Federal Register, July 1*: Ineligible for Medicaid based on a state’s decision not to expand. The Exchange must determine an applicant eligible for an exemption for a calendar year if he or she has been determined ineligible for Medicaid for one or more months during the benefit year solely as a result of a State not implementing section 2001(a) of the Affordable Care Act;



The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced the final rule in a June 26 press release. That release provided a list of reasons why a person would qualify for an exemption to the individual mandate — including this one: “Individuals who are ineligible for Medicaid solely based on a state’s decision not to implement the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. This rule will protect individuals in states that, pursuant to the Supreme Court decision, choose not to expand Medicaid eligibility. …”

So, Gohmert’s guy making $14,000 won’t be penalized even if he lives in a state like Texas. But he would be eligible to receive a significant tax credit subsidy to help him buy insurance on the exchange, because the law also provides a sliding scale of subsidies to people with annual incomes between 100 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level, as the Kaiser Family Foundation explains.

Someone with a modified adjusted gross income of $14,000 would receive a significant tax credit to help pay for insurance. How significant? A 27-year-old nonsmoker who has no children and earns $14,000 might expect to pay only $280 a year for insurance on the exchange. That’s because he would receive a tax credit subsidy of $2,883, covering 91 percent of the estimated $3,163 annual premium, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s “Health Reform Subsidy Calculator.”

KFF estimates the subsidy would be even larger for a 57-year-old nonsmoker. That person — who, again, has no children and earns $14,000 — also would pay just $280 a year toward his insurance premium, even though the cost of his plan is estimated at $7,355.

(The calculator is for illustrative purposes only to give people an idea of how much they can expect to pay for insurance and receive in subsidies. Premiums on the exchanges are still being set. KFF assumes that the average premium for a single adult before subsidies would be $4,827, which is then adjusted based on a person’s family size, age, tobacco usage and income.)

The new federal law allows insurance companies to charge higher premiums based on age and tobacco use — up to a point. Older policyholders can’t be charged more than three times the rate for younger policyholders and smokers 1.5 times more than nonsmokers. It’s under this scenario that someone earning as little as $14,000 — and living in a state that chooses not to expand Medicaid — might have to pay “several thousand dollars for an Obamacare policy,” as Gohmert said. KFF estimates, for example, that a 57-year-old smoker would have to pay nearly $4,000 even after receiving federal subsidies. But, as we said, that person isn’t required to buy insurance and won’t get hit with an extra income tax if he doesn’t — despite what the Texas congressman says.

Even low-income individuals who are not eligible for Medicaid because they earn above 138 percent of the federal poverty level — currently $15,856 a year for 2013 — are eligible for subsidies and possibly a hardship exemption. That’s because the eligibility standards for exemptions also state that a person must be granted an exemption if “[t]he expense of purchasing a qualified health plan would have caused him or her to experience serious deprivation of food, shelter, clothing or other necessities.”

– Eugene Kiely Reported by Huffington Post 5 hours ago.

Eli Soaring After Positive Cancer Drug Data; Osiris Reports Strong Efficacy for Grafix

August 14, 2013, 1:14 pm

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Below is a look at some of the headlines for companies that made news in the healthcare sector on August 13, 2013.

It’s always good news when medical research moves a little closer to winning the war on cancer, and from the perspective of investors, it’s not such a bad outcome when it results in a five percent move in the price of the company’s stock.

That’s exactly what happened Tuesday Morning. In a press release,* Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY)* announced that a Phase III study of Necitumumab met its primary endpoint of overall survival.

Biotech and pharma press releases can be about as easy to read as a mortgage or sadly, your last cell phone contract so here’s some plain English.

Eli Lilly has been developing a drug for the treatment of stage IV metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer. This is an advanced cancer that is very serious. The company designed a study, called the SQUIRE study, which set a goal—called an endpoint—of increased overall survival. If patients taking the drug survived longer than patients who didn’t, the goal or endpoint would be met.

Lilly announced that necitumumab, taken with two other cancer drugs, gemcitabine and cisplatin, increased overall survival when compared with patients who only received chemotherapy.

Related: UPDATE: Eli Lilly Posts 31% Rise In Q2 Profit, Lifts Full-Year Outlook

Also of note is the fact that this was a Phase III study. Before a drug is approved in the United States, it has to go through a series of steps. The most notable are the three phases of study. Phase I is designed to make sure the drug is safe for human use and uses healthy volunteers as test subjects.

Phase II uses patients with the condition the drug is meant to treat. The primary purpose is to see if the drug does what it’s supposed to do. If it is supposed to help control asthma, the Phase II studies have to show evidence that it’s effective for that condition.

Phase III determines if the drug is better than other treatments currently on the market. If a drug makes it to Phase III, the developer often works with the FDA to design Phase III studies. This helps the drug’s chances of gaining FDA approval.

Since the SQUIRE study announced Tuesday was a Phase III trial, that makes this announcement a big deal and that’s why the stock was soaring in the pre-market.

It still has to gain FDA approval but Eli Lilly has gone through the process enough times to know how it works. The chances of approval are high and that has the market excited.

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Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSIR)*, reported its multi-center, randomized, controlled clinical trial comparing the safety and effectiveness of Grafix® to standard of care in patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcers had met the pre-specified stopping rules for overwhelming efficacy as determined by the data monitoring committee during a planned interim analysis. For the primary endpoint, 62% of patients receiving Grafix had complete wound closure compared to only 21% (p
The trial also reached statistical significance in favor of Grafix on all top-line secondary endpoints, demonstrating faster wound closure and a reduction in the number of treatments needed to achieve wound closure. In the crossover phase of the trial, patients whose wounds failed to close after 12 weeks of standard of care had an 80% closure rate when switched to Grafix. Importantly, patients randomized to receive standard of care were 74% more likely to experience an adverse event than those receiving Grafix (p=0.008). As a result, the blinded phase of the trial is being discontinued immediately and all patients randomized to the control arm will be offered treatment with Grafix.

*Also Tuesday:*

*Ambit Biosciences (NASDAQ: AMBI)*, a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovery and development of drugs targeting unmet needs in oncology, autoimmune and inflammatory disease, today announced results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2013.

*Athersys, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATHX)* today announced its financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2013.

*BIOLASE, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIOL)*, the world's leading manufacturer and distributor of dental lasers, and a pioneer in laser surgery in other medical specialties, announced that, as disclosed in the Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2013, Comerica Bank ("Comerica") agreed to waive BIOLASE's® non-compliance with a condition in the Loan and Security Agreement, dated May 24, 2012, by and between BIOLASE and Comerica, as amended (the "Loan Agreement").

*Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX)* completed a public offering of $1.05 billion aggregate principal amount of its senior notes under the company's shelf registration statement.  

*Burcon NutraScience Corporation (TSX:BU) (Nasdaq:BUR)*, a leader in functional, renewable plant proteins, reported results for the fiscal first quarter ended June 30, 2013.

*Cancer Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:CGIX)*, a diagnostics company focused on developing genomic-based, oncology tests and services, today announced the pricing of its public offering of 1,500,000 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $10.00 per share.

*CollabRx, Inc. (Nasdaq:CLRX)* today announced financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, which ended June 30, 2013.

*Competitive Technologies, Inc. (OTCQX:CTTC)* announced today its financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2013.

Michigan-based health and wellness company* Health Enhancement Products (OTCBB: HEPI)* has notified shareholders that the Company's annual shareholder meeting will be held on August 21, 2013 at the Westin Hotel directly adjacent to the McNamara terminal of Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) beginning 10:00AM EDT and concluding at noon.

*Generex Biotechnology Corporation (OTCBB: GNBT)* today announced that Dr. Eric von Hofe, Ph.D., President of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Antigen Express, Inc. (www.antigenExpress.com), will be making a presentation at the Emerging Cancer Immunotherapies and Vaccines conference that is being held as part of the 2013 Immunotherapies Congress in BostonAugust 13-14.  

*Heat Biologics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HTBX)*, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel cancer immunotherapies, today announced the partial exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters to purchase an additional 100,000 shares of its common stock, at a price to the public of $10.00 per share, in connection with the Company's recently announced underwritten public offering of 2,500,000 shares of common stock, bringing total gross proceeds from the offering to $26,000,000, before underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by the Company.
*
Health Insurance Innovations, Inc. (Nasdaq:HIIQ)*, a leading developer and administrator of affordable, cloud-based individual health insurance plans and ancillary products, today reported financial and operating results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2013.

*Intrexon Corporation (NYSE: XON)* today announced the closing of its previously announced initial public offering of common stock. 

*IsoRay Inc. (NYSE MKT: ISR) (NYSE Amex: ISR)* (www.IsoRay.com), a medical technology company and innovator in seed brachytherapy and medical radioisotope applications, today announced it will host a booth at the 55th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

*Merus Labs International Inc. (TSX:MSL) (NASDAQ:MSLI)* is pleased to announce today its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2013.

*Medigus, Ltd. (TASE: MDGS)*, a leading medical device company dedicated to the development of innovative endoscopy-based surgical procedures and technologies, announced today that its Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Mr. Christopher (Chris) Rowland as chief executive officer of the company.

*MRI Interventions, Inc. (OTCQB:MRIC)*, a commercial stage medical device company focused on creating innovative platforms for performing the next generation of minimally invasive surgical procedures in the brain and heart, announced today its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2013.
*
MYOS Corporation (OTCBB: MYOS)*, a company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of therapeutic and dietary products that improve human muscle health and performance ("MYOS" or the "Company"), today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013 and its recent key operational highlights representing expanded research and manufacturing accomplishments.

*Myriad Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:MYGN) *today announced financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

*Ocera Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:OCRX)*, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of proprietary compounds to treat acute and chronic orphan liver diseases, today announced its financial results and business update for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013.

*Pressure BioSciences, Inc. (OTCQB: PBIO)* today announced that the Company will host a teleconference to discuss its Second Quarter 2013 financial results and to provide a business update. 

*PURE Bioscience (OTCQB: PURE)*, creator of the patented silver dihydrogen citrate (SDC) antimicrobial, today announced a leadership reorganization beginning with the return of Dave Pfanzelter as chairman of the board of directors. 

*Response Biomedical Corp. (TSX:RBM) (OTCBB:RPBIF) *today reported financial results for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2013.

*Stevia First Corp. (OTCQB: STVF)*, an early-stage agribusiness based in California's Central Valley and focused on the industrial scale production of stevia, is building support and acceptance for stevia by broadening its involvement within the USDA's IR-4 Program and helping provide domestic stevia growers with tools for long-term, reliable stevia leaf production.

*TearLab Corporation (Nasdaq:TEAR) (TSX:TLB) *today reported its consolidated financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013.
*
Yew Bio-Pharm Group, Inc. (OTCBB: YEWB)*, a major grower and seller of yew trees, yew raw materials used in the manufacture of traditional Chinese medicine and products made from yew timber in China, today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013. Reported by Proactive Investors 3 hours ago.

Expanded Role of Paramedics Shows Promise for Closing California's Health-care Gaps Says UC Davis Report

August 14, 2013, 1:15 pm

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In a new report, the UC Davis Institute for Population Health Improvement (IPHI) recommends that the state launch pilot programs to test a new model of community-based health care that would expand the role of paramedics under certain circumstances.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (PRWEB) August 14, 2013

In a new report, the UC Davis Institute for Population Health Improvement (IPHI) recommends that the state launch pilot programs to test a new model of community-based health care that would expand the role of paramedics under certain circumstances.

In “Community Paramedicine: A Promising Model for Integrating Emergency and Primary Care,” Kenneth W. Kizer, director of the IPHI and professor of emergency medicine in the UC Davis School of Medicine and Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, and his colleagues explore a new model of community-based care in which paramedics, after undergoing additional training, would function outside of their usual emergency response and transport roles to facilitate more appropriate use of emergency departments and to increase access to primary care for medically underserved populations.

This feasibility study is the first of its kind in California and reflects the perspectives of stakeholders from nearly 40 different organizations, including emergency medical services (EMS) associations, health-care providers, health plans and payers.

“Expanding the role of paramedics is a very promising model of community-based care that uses existing health-care workers in new and innovative ways,” said Kizer. “It is a model of care that several other states and countries have implemented to better leverage the skills of paramedics to meet specific community needs and to help ensure that emergency departments are more appropriately utilized.”

Community paramedicine programs begin with a community health-needs assessment, during which local health-care service delivery gaps are identified. These programs then typically look at how locally developed collaborations among EMS and other health-care and social-service providers could fill the identified gaps in services.

The expanded roles of paramedics might include transporting patients with conditions not needing emergency care to care settings more appropriate than hospital emergency departments; releasing individuals at the scene of an emergency response rather than transporting them to hospital emergency departments if it is determined that emergency care is not needed; or helping frequent 9-1-1 callers access primary care or social services instead of emergency department care. The new roles of paramedics might also include making home visits to check on patients recently discharged from the hospital or emergency department, to check on individuals with certain types of chronic conditions, or even to provide immunizations or other disease prevention services.

Kizer notes that EMS data show that about a third of 9-1-1 medical emergency calls are not for true medical emergencies, but EMS providers are required by law to take all 9-1-1 patients to a hospital emergency department. In such cases, instead of transporting the person to a hospital emergency department, it might be more appropriate to take these persons to a primary care or mental health clinic or their doctor’s office.

“Community paramedicine could be an important part of the solution to California’s growing health-care access problem,” Kizer said. “There already are not enough health-care workers in California, especially in rural and other medically underserved areas, and the situation is likely to get considerably worse in the next few years as a result of the Affordable Care Act expanding health-insurance coverage to many previously uninsured persons, as well as continuing population growth and increasing numbers of people having chronic diseases like diabetes.”

The report recommends that 10 to 12 community paramedicine pilot or demonstration projects be launched to refine and evaluate details about the need for additional education and training, possible changes in the paramedic scope of practice, and how best to provide medical supervision of paramedics, among other things.

The report was commissioned by the California Healthcare Foundation and state Emergency Medical Services Authority, and was funded by the California HealthCare Foundation. It includes a history of EMS systems and paramedicine in California; an overview of the development of community paramedicine in other states and countries, as well as early efforts to establish community paramedicine programs in San Francisco and San Diego; a summary of current perspectives on community paramedicine based on interviews with stakeholders; and a discussion of legal and other barriers to implementing community paramedicine programs in California.

The complete report is available on the UC Davis Institute for Population Health Improvement website at http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/iphi/publications/reports/commparamed.html

UC Davis Health System is improving lives and transforming health care by providing excellent patient care, conducting groundbreaking research, fostering innovative, interprofessional education, and creating dynamic, productive partnerships with the community. The academic health system includes one of the country's best medical schools, a 619-bed acute-care teaching hospital, a 1000-member physician's practice group and the new Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing. It is home to a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, an international neurodevelopmental institute, a stem cell institute and a comprehensive children's hospital. Other nationally prominent centers focus on advancing telemedicine, improving vascular care, eliminating health disparities and translating research findings into new treatments for patients. Together, they make UC Davis a hub of innovation that is transforming health for all. For more information, visit healthsystem.ucdavis.edu. Reported by PRWeb 3 hours ago.

Health exchange to host panel on NM’s care system

August 14, 2013, 1:32 pm

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The New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange will host an educational session Aug. 16 on “Economics and Delivery of Timely Quality Health Care in New Mexico”. The session, which features five panelists, will begin at 10 a.m. during the exchange’s board meeting at the Marriott Pyramid hotel in Albuquerque, the exchange said in a news release. The exchange “is vitally concerned with not only ensuring that all New Mexicans have health coverage, but that they also have access to care with (an)… Reported by bizjournals 3 hours ago.

How much will individuals get in tax credits under Obamacare?

August 14, 2013, 1:32 pm

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Americans who currently buy individual health insurance policies would receive federal tax credits averaging nearly $2,700 in 2014 if they buy insurance through the state health insurance exchanges, according to a report from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Those federal tax credits, or subsidies, would cover 32 percent of their premiums for a “silver” plan on the exchanges, Kaiser said. Those tax credits and subsidies will diminish the sticker shock of insurance plans in some states… Reported by bizjournals 3 hours ago.