Assistance with health insurance enrollment under the Affordable Care Act will be available in the Bayonne City Council Chambers on Friday from 2 to 6 p.m., according to Bayonne city officials.
Reported by NJ.com 1 hour ago.
Help on the way for health insurance enrollment in Bayonne: city officials
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New Guide Helps Californians Navigate Health Insurance Coverage for PrEP, HIV, and HCV Drugs
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new guide to health insurance plans available through the Covered California marketplace helps individuals considering pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and people living with HIV and/or hepatitis C (HCV) select the plan that best...
Reported by PR Newswire 37 minutes ago.
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Dec. 15 Marks the Deadline to Enroll in Health Insurance Through Healthcare Marketplace to Have Coverage for Jan. 1
Local Enrollment Services Helps Valley Residents Enroll in a Health Insurance Policy Before December Deadline
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) December 08, 2014
Local Enrollment Services, the first health insurance kiosk in Arizona, is helping consumers enroll in a health insurance policy before December 15 to ensure they have health insurance coverage in place for January 1. Local Enrollment Services and its staff provide self-service solutions for people enrolling and re-enrolling in the Healthcare Marketplace and educate Valley residents about the 2015 healthcare changes.
December 15 not only marks the deadline for people to sign up for new coverage to take effect January 1, 2015, but it's also the deadline for current customers to make changes to their coverage in order to have them in effect at the start of the year.
“We are here to help people make the best possible decision in choosing the right health insurance policy for themselves and their families,” said Nate Plett, owner of Local Enrollment Services. “We want to educate the Valley about the unpleasant surprises auto enrollment has in store for 2015. Re-enrolling in a new health insurance policy is especially important this year, because Arizona has new carriers available and many plans and rates have changed. You can save big just by re-enrolling and not letting your current plan auto-renew.”
The Health Insurance Exchange, which includes all of the public plans mandated by the Affordable Care Act, ends open enrollment on February 15. The Affordable Care Act mandates that every U.S. citizen must have health insurance coverage by the final deadline. Local Enrollment Services is designed to be a convenient, fast, free way for people to sign up for health insurance. Licensed agents are available to help individuals, families and businesses navigate the healthcare changes and become savvy healthcare shoppers, enabling them to take control of the many health insurance options offered.
Located at Christown Spectrum Mall on 1703 W. Bethany Home Road in Phoenix, Local Enrollment Services is set up right outside Costco for shoppers’ convenience. To participate in the quick sign-up process that takes as little as 5 minutes, shoppers need to know their employer’s address, social security number, 2014 income and an estimate of their income for 2015.
Local Enrollment Services is open seven days a week during regular mall hours. For more information visit http://www.localenrollment.com or call 866.400.8901.
ABOUT LOCAL ENROLLMENT SERVICES
Local Enrollment Services is the first accessible, free service in a kiosk setting in Arizona that assists people with attaining health insurance. Local Enrollment Services has been designed to help people get the best health insurance for them and their families at the best possible price. It is the Valley’s only health insurance kiosk that specializes in multiple health insurance carriers and plans. For more information about Local Enrollment Services, please visit http://www.localenrollment.com. Reported by PRWeb 20 minutes ago.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) December 08, 2014
Local Enrollment Services, the first health insurance kiosk in Arizona, is helping consumers enroll in a health insurance policy before December 15 to ensure they have health insurance coverage in place for January 1. Local Enrollment Services and its staff provide self-service solutions for people enrolling and re-enrolling in the Healthcare Marketplace and educate Valley residents about the 2015 healthcare changes.
December 15 not only marks the deadline for people to sign up for new coverage to take effect January 1, 2015, but it's also the deadline for current customers to make changes to their coverage in order to have them in effect at the start of the year.
“We are here to help people make the best possible decision in choosing the right health insurance policy for themselves and their families,” said Nate Plett, owner of Local Enrollment Services. “We want to educate the Valley about the unpleasant surprises auto enrollment has in store for 2015. Re-enrolling in a new health insurance policy is especially important this year, because Arizona has new carriers available and many plans and rates have changed. You can save big just by re-enrolling and not letting your current plan auto-renew.”
The Health Insurance Exchange, which includes all of the public plans mandated by the Affordable Care Act, ends open enrollment on February 15. The Affordable Care Act mandates that every U.S. citizen must have health insurance coverage by the final deadline. Local Enrollment Services is designed to be a convenient, fast, free way for people to sign up for health insurance. Licensed agents are available to help individuals, families and businesses navigate the healthcare changes and become savvy healthcare shoppers, enabling them to take control of the many health insurance options offered.
Located at Christown Spectrum Mall on 1703 W. Bethany Home Road in Phoenix, Local Enrollment Services is set up right outside Costco for shoppers’ convenience. To participate in the quick sign-up process that takes as little as 5 minutes, shoppers need to know their employer’s address, social security number, 2014 income and an estimate of their income for 2015.
Local Enrollment Services is open seven days a week during regular mall hours. For more information visit http://www.localenrollment.com or call 866.400.8901.
ABOUT LOCAL ENROLLMENT SERVICES
Local Enrollment Services is the first accessible, free service in a kiosk setting in Arizona that assists people with attaining health insurance. Local Enrollment Services has been designed to help people get the best health insurance for them and their families at the best possible price. It is the Valley’s only health insurance kiosk that specializes in multiple health insurance carriers and plans. For more information about Local Enrollment Services, please visit http://www.localenrollment.com. Reported by PRWeb 20 minutes ago.
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Religious Groups Again Challenge Obamacare's Birth Control Mandate
DENVER (AP) — In the latest religious challenge to the federal health care law, faith-based organizations that object to covering birth control in their employee health plans argued in federal appeals court Monday that the government hasn't gone far enough to ensure they don't have to violate their beliefs.
Plaintiffs including a group of Colorado nuns and four Christian colleges in Oklahoma argued in the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver that a federal exemption for groups that oppose contraceptives, including the morning-after pill, violates their beliefs. The groups don't have to cover such contraceptives, as most insurers must. But they have to tell the government they object on religious grounds in order to get an exemption. They argued Monday that because they must sign away coverage to another party, the exemption makes them complicit in providing contraceptives.
"It is morally problematic" to sign the forms, argued Greg Baylor, lawyer for Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma.
"There are plenty of other ways the government could put (emergency contraception) in the hands of the people without us," Baylor said.
But a lawyer for the government insisted the exemptions aren't a significant burden on the groups' exercise of religion.
Adam Jed of the Department of Justice argued that the government has done enough to accommodate religious exceptions to the birth-control mandate. He said that not requiring some sort of action by the groups would force the government to act as a "detective agency" to determine why any employer is not covering the contraceptives.
"We disagree that the act of opting out constitutes a substantial burden on their religious belief," Jed said.
Even opting out violates those beliefs, the groups said.
"You can't say, sister, you should really sign that form because it's not really a big deal," said Mark Rienzi of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, who argued for the Denver nuns.
The three judges concentrated their questions on whether the opt-out forms amount to a "substantial burden."
Judge Bobby Baldock asked why the exemption process burdens religious groups when the form essentially tells the government, "You can go pound sand because we don't condone it, we don't agree with it."
Baldock seemed perplexed about why the government needs any form at all from religious objectors.
"You already know that the (nuns) raised their hands and said, 'We're not going to do this,'" Baldock said.
The judges didn't indicate when they might rule.
The same court ruled last year that for-profit companies can join the exempted religious organizations and not provide contraceptive coverage. The U.S. Supreme Court later agreed with the 10th Circuit in the case brought by the Hobby Lobby arts-and-crafts chain.
The birth-control rule has been among the most divisive aspects of the health care overhaul. Some advocates for women praise the mandate.
Under the health care law, most health insurance plans have to cover all Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptives as preventive care for women, free of cost to the patient.
Churches and other houses of worship are exempt from the birth control requirement, but affiliated institutions that serve the general public are not. That includes charitable organizations, universities and hospitals.
In addition to the Denver nuns and Southern Nazarene University, the 10th Circuit heard challenges from Oklahoma Baptist University, Mid-America University and Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Also challenging the waiver process was a group called Reaching Souls International, an evangelist Oklahoma organization that does Christian mission work overseas.
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Kristen Wyatt can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/APkristenwyatt Reported by Huffington Post 1 day ago.
Plaintiffs including a group of Colorado nuns and four Christian colleges in Oklahoma argued in the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver that a federal exemption for groups that oppose contraceptives, including the morning-after pill, violates their beliefs. The groups don't have to cover such contraceptives, as most insurers must. But they have to tell the government they object on religious grounds in order to get an exemption. They argued Monday that because they must sign away coverage to another party, the exemption makes them complicit in providing contraceptives.
"It is morally problematic" to sign the forms, argued Greg Baylor, lawyer for Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma.
"There are plenty of other ways the government could put (emergency contraception) in the hands of the people without us," Baylor said.
But a lawyer for the government insisted the exemptions aren't a significant burden on the groups' exercise of religion.
Adam Jed of the Department of Justice argued that the government has done enough to accommodate religious exceptions to the birth-control mandate. He said that not requiring some sort of action by the groups would force the government to act as a "detective agency" to determine why any employer is not covering the contraceptives.
"We disagree that the act of opting out constitutes a substantial burden on their religious belief," Jed said.
Even opting out violates those beliefs, the groups said.
"You can't say, sister, you should really sign that form because it's not really a big deal," said Mark Rienzi of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, who argued for the Denver nuns.
The three judges concentrated their questions on whether the opt-out forms amount to a "substantial burden."
Judge Bobby Baldock asked why the exemption process burdens religious groups when the form essentially tells the government, "You can go pound sand because we don't condone it, we don't agree with it."
Baldock seemed perplexed about why the government needs any form at all from religious objectors.
"You already know that the (nuns) raised their hands and said, 'We're not going to do this,'" Baldock said.
The judges didn't indicate when they might rule.
The same court ruled last year that for-profit companies can join the exempted religious organizations and not provide contraceptive coverage. The U.S. Supreme Court later agreed with the 10th Circuit in the case brought by the Hobby Lobby arts-and-crafts chain.
The birth-control rule has been among the most divisive aspects of the health care overhaul. Some advocates for women praise the mandate.
Under the health care law, most health insurance plans have to cover all Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptives as preventive care for women, free of cost to the patient.
Churches and other houses of worship are exempt from the birth control requirement, but affiliated institutions that serve the general public are not. That includes charitable organizations, universities and hospitals.
In addition to the Denver nuns and Southern Nazarene University, the 10th Circuit heard challenges from Oklahoma Baptist University, Mid-America University and Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Also challenging the waiver process was a group called Reaching Souls International, an evangelist Oklahoma organization that does Christian mission work overseas.
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Kristen Wyatt can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/APkristenwyatt Reported by Huffington Post 1 day ago.
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Audit of Colorado health exchange finds accounting faults
A state audit of Connect for Health Colorado says the state's online marketplace for private health insurance "has not sufficiently ensured that public funds have been spent in accordance with federal requirements." The report from the state auditor's office to the Legislative Audit Committee, issued Monday, also says the exchange has not done enough to ensure "that staff follow internal financial and accounting policies and procedures consistently, and that financial controls adequately safeguard…
Reported by bizjournals 1 day ago.
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Little Sisters in court: Don't stop our ministry of serving the dying poor
Denver, Colo., Dec 8, 2014 / 05:30 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The Little Sisters of the Poor asked an appeals court Monday to shield them from the federal contraception mandate, saying that it threatens their 175 years of service to the poor and dying.
“As Little Sisters of the Poor, we offer the neediest elderly of every race and religion a home where they will be welcomed as Christ, cared for as family and accompanied with dignity until God calls them to Himself,” Mother Loraine Marie Maguire told members of the press.
“But now the government demands we choose between our care for the elderly poor and our faith. We cannot do that and we should not have to.”
Mother Maguire’s comments came after the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals listened to oral arguments in the Little Sisters’ lawsuit against the HHS Mandate in Denver.
The oral arguments fell on Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, a special day for the religious community.
“Little Sisters around the world renew their vows each year on the feast of the Immaculate. Please be assured of our prayers for you on this beautiful feast day,” a note on their website reads, which also asks for prayers for the success of the lawsuit.
Over a year ago, the Little Sisters of the Poor, aided by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, filed a lawsuit challenging the federal contraception mandate under the Affordable Care Act, which requires employers to offer health insurance plans covering contraception, sterilization and some drugs that may cause early abortions.
Amid religious freedom concerns, the Obama administration revised the initial mandate, allowing religious employers such as the Little Sisters to sign a form that would trigger a separate health benefit provider to offer the coverage instead.
The Little Sisters object that they cannot in good conscience sign the form because it authorizes a third-party insurance company to provide the very products and procedures they believe to be gravely immoral.
“What the government has done, and it’s a strange thing to do, is say, ‘The only way we’ll accept your objection is if on the same piece of paper saying ‘I object’, you modify the plan to give someone else the authority to give out contraceptives on the plan,” said Mark Rienzi, senior counsel for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, at a press conference following the oral arguments.
Should the Little Sisters of the Poor lose their case and still refuse to sign the form, they would be faced with massive fines amounting to around $2.5 million a year, or around 40 percent of the $6 million the Sisters beg for annually to run their ministry.
“…the government forces us to either violate our conscience or take millions of dollars that we raise by begging for the care of the elderly poor and instead pay fines to the IRS,” Mother Maguire said.
Flanked by four of her fellow sisters, Mother Maguire gave a statement at the press conference expressing the Sisters’ desires to receive an exemption in order to avoid massive fines and to continue to work with the elderly poor, as they have in the United States for 175 years.
The Little Sisters of the Poor lawsuit is a class action lawsuit involving almost 500 other Catholic nonprofit organizations that receive health benefits through the Christian Brothers Employee Benefit Trust and Christian Brothers Services.
“The sisters’ view is, ‘I can’t create a situation where someone has a legal obligation to give out contraceptives,’” Rienzi stressed.
He said that if the government would choose to pursue ways of distributing contraceptives other than through the Little Sisters’ health care plan, then the sisters could go back to their ministry undisturbed.
Currently, Title X health centers provide contraceptive services to low income men and women independently of health plans.
“The government can put a man on the moon, and they can put mail in my mailbox every day,” Rienzi said. “They can certainly get contraceptives to people they want to get them to, without the intercession of Catholic nuns.”
He emphasized that the Becket Fund and the Little Sisters are prepared to fight this case all the way back to the Supreme Court, which granted the Little Sisters a temporary injunction on Jan. 24 of this year.
But he is hoping they won’t have to, pointing out that precedent seems to be on their side. The Supreme Court has already granted exemption to employers that object to the mandate, including Hobby Lobby.
“We either need the court to get it right, or we need the government to see the light and say, ‘Hey we don’t need to go hassling nuns, we’ve got bigger problems to deal with in the world than chasing the Little Sisters.’”
Reported by CNA 1 day ago.
“As Little Sisters of the Poor, we offer the neediest elderly of every race and religion a home where they will be welcomed as Christ, cared for as family and accompanied with dignity until God calls them to Himself,” Mother Loraine Marie Maguire told members of the press.
“But now the government demands we choose between our care for the elderly poor and our faith. We cannot do that and we should not have to.”
Mother Maguire’s comments came after the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals listened to oral arguments in the Little Sisters’ lawsuit against the HHS Mandate in Denver.
The oral arguments fell on Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, a special day for the religious community.
“Little Sisters around the world renew their vows each year on the feast of the Immaculate. Please be assured of our prayers for you on this beautiful feast day,” a note on their website reads, which also asks for prayers for the success of the lawsuit.
Over a year ago, the Little Sisters of the Poor, aided by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, filed a lawsuit challenging the federal contraception mandate under the Affordable Care Act, which requires employers to offer health insurance plans covering contraception, sterilization and some drugs that may cause early abortions.
Amid religious freedom concerns, the Obama administration revised the initial mandate, allowing religious employers such as the Little Sisters to sign a form that would trigger a separate health benefit provider to offer the coverage instead.
The Little Sisters object that they cannot in good conscience sign the form because it authorizes a third-party insurance company to provide the very products and procedures they believe to be gravely immoral.
“What the government has done, and it’s a strange thing to do, is say, ‘The only way we’ll accept your objection is if on the same piece of paper saying ‘I object’, you modify the plan to give someone else the authority to give out contraceptives on the plan,” said Mark Rienzi, senior counsel for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, at a press conference following the oral arguments.
Should the Little Sisters of the Poor lose their case and still refuse to sign the form, they would be faced with massive fines amounting to around $2.5 million a year, or around 40 percent of the $6 million the Sisters beg for annually to run their ministry.
“…the government forces us to either violate our conscience or take millions of dollars that we raise by begging for the care of the elderly poor and instead pay fines to the IRS,” Mother Maguire said.
Flanked by four of her fellow sisters, Mother Maguire gave a statement at the press conference expressing the Sisters’ desires to receive an exemption in order to avoid massive fines and to continue to work with the elderly poor, as they have in the United States for 175 years.
The Little Sisters of the Poor lawsuit is a class action lawsuit involving almost 500 other Catholic nonprofit organizations that receive health benefits through the Christian Brothers Employee Benefit Trust and Christian Brothers Services.
“The sisters’ view is, ‘I can’t create a situation where someone has a legal obligation to give out contraceptives,’” Rienzi stressed.
He said that if the government would choose to pursue ways of distributing contraceptives other than through the Little Sisters’ health care plan, then the sisters could go back to their ministry undisturbed.
Currently, Title X health centers provide contraceptive services to low income men and women independently of health plans.
“The government can put a man on the moon, and they can put mail in my mailbox every day,” Rienzi said. “They can certainly get contraceptives to people they want to get them to, without the intercession of Catholic nuns.”
He emphasized that the Becket Fund and the Little Sisters are prepared to fight this case all the way back to the Supreme Court, which granted the Little Sisters a temporary injunction on Jan. 24 of this year.
But he is hoping they won’t have to, pointing out that precedent seems to be on their side. The Supreme Court has already granted exemption to employers that object to the mandate, including Hobby Lobby.
“We either need the court to get it right, or we need the government to see the light and say, ‘Hey we don’t need to go hassling nuns, we’ve got bigger problems to deal with in the world than chasing the Little Sisters.’”
Reported by CNA 1 day ago.
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Zane Benefits, Inc. Announces New eBook:The Vision Clinic's Guide to Individual Health Insurance Reimbursement
New eBook Helps Vision Clinics Switch to Individual Health Insurance
Salt Lake City, Utah (PRWEB) December 08, 2014
Today Zane Benefits, the leader in individual health insurance reimbursement for small businesses, announced new eBook, "The Vision Clinic's Guide to Individual Health Insurance Reimbursement."
According to Zane Benefits, 100 million Americans will move from employer-based health insurance to individually-purchased health insurance over the next ten years.
For vision clinics, rising healthcare costs make it more expensive to add new employees and puts a strain on their core business - serving patients. With a reimbursement program, vision clinics have flexible, affordable health benefits that helps recruit and retain the best team members.
Click here to read the full article.
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About Zane Benefits
Zane Benefits, the #1 Online Health Benefits Solution, was founded in 2006 to revolutionize the way employers provide employee health benefits in America. We empower employees to take control over their own healthcare, while helping employers recruit and retain the best talent. Our online solutions allow small and medium-sized businesses to successfully transition to a health benefits program that creates happier employees, reduces costs and frees up more time to serve their customers. For more information about ZaneHealth, visit http://www.zanebenefits.com. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
Salt Lake City, Utah (PRWEB) December 08, 2014
Today Zane Benefits, the leader in individual health insurance reimbursement for small businesses, announced new eBook, "The Vision Clinic's Guide to Individual Health Insurance Reimbursement."
According to Zane Benefits, 100 million Americans will move from employer-based health insurance to individually-purchased health insurance over the next ten years.
For vision clinics, rising healthcare costs make it more expensive to add new employees and puts a strain on their core business - serving patients. With a reimbursement program, vision clinics have flexible, affordable health benefits that helps recruit and retain the best team members.
Click here to read the full article.
--
About Zane Benefits
Zane Benefits, the #1 Online Health Benefits Solution, was founded in 2006 to revolutionize the way employers provide employee health benefits in America. We empower employees to take control over their own healthcare, while helping employers recruit and retain the best talent. Our online solutions allow small and medium-sized businesses to successfully transition to a health benefits program that creates happier employees, reduces costs and frees up more time to serve their customers. For more information about ZaneHealth, visit http://www.zanebenefits.com. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
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Zane Benefits, Inc. Announces New eBook:The Dental Practice's Guide to Individual Health Insurance Reimbursement
New eBook Helps Dental Practices Switch to Individual Health Insurance
Salt Lake City, Utah (PRWEB) December 08, 2014
Today Zane Benefits, the leader in individual health insurance reimbursement for small businesses, announced their new eBook, "The Dental Practice's Guide to Individual Health Insurance Reimbursement".
According to Zane Benefits, 100 million Americans will move from employer-based health insurance to individually-purchased health insurance over the next ten years.
For dental practices, rising healthcare costs make it more expensive to add new employees and puts a strain on their core business - serving patients. With a reimbursement program, dental practices have flexible, affordable health benefits that helps recruit and retain the best dental staff.
Click here to read the full article.
--
About Zane Benefits
Zane Benefits, the #1 Online Health Benefits Solution, was founded in 2006 to revolutionize the way employers provide employee health benefits in America. We empower employees to take control over their own healthcare, while helping employers recruit and retain the best talent. Our online solutions allow small and medium-sized businesses to successfully transition to a health benefits program that creates happier employees, reduces costs and frees up more time to serve their customers. For more information about ZaneHealth, visit http://www.zanebenefits.com. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
Salt Lake City, Utah (PRWEB) December 08, 2014
Today Zane Benefits, the leader in individual health insurance reimbursement for small businesses, announced their new eBook, "The Dental Practice's Guide to Individual Health Insurance Reimbursement".
According to Zane Benefits, 100 million Americans will move from employer-based health insurance to individually-purchased health insurance over the next ten years.
For dental practices, rising healthcare costs make it more expensive to add new employees and puts a strain on their core business - serving patients. With a reimbursement program, dental practices have flexible, affordable health benefits that helps recruit and retain the best dental staff.
Click here to read the full article.
--
About Zane Benefits
Zane Benefits, the #1 Online Health Benefits Solution, was founded in 2006 to revolutionize the way employers provide employee health benefits in America. We empower employees to take control over their own healthcare, while helping employers recruit and retain the best talent. Our online solutions allow small and medium-sized businesses to successfully transition to a health benefits program that creates happier employees, reduces costs and frees up more time to serve their customers. For more information about ZaneHealth, visit http://www.zanebenefits.com. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
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Zane Benefits Announces New eBook: The Veterinary Clinic's Guide to Individual Health Insurance Reimbursement
New eBook Helps Veterinary Clinics Switch to Individual Health Insurance
Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB) December 08, 2014
Today Zane Benefits, the leader in individual health insurance reimbursement for small businesses, announced a new eBook, "The Veterinary Clinic's Guide to Individual Health Insurance Reimbursement."
According to Zane Benefits, 100 million Americans will move from employer health insurance to individually-purchased health insurance over the next 10 years.
For veterinary clinics, rising healthcare costs make it more expensive to add new employees and reduces budgets available for customer service, and animal care. With a reimbursement program, the veterinary clinic has a flexible, affordable health benefits program that helps recruit and retain the best veterinary staff.
Click here to read the full article.
About Zane Benefits
Zane Benefits, the #1 Online Health Benefits Solution, was founded in 2006 to revolutionize the way employers provide employee health benefits in America. We empower employees to take control over their own healthcare, while helping employers recruit and retain the best talent. Our online solutions allow small and medium-sized businesses to successfully transition to a health benefits program that creates happier employees, reduces costs and frees up more time to serve their customers. For more information about ZaneHealth, visit http://www.zanebenefits.com. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB) December 08, 2014
Today Zane Benefits, the leader in individual health insurance reimbursement for small businesses, announced a new eBook, "The Veterinary Clinic's Guide to Individual Health Insurance Reimbursement."
According to Zane Benefits, 100 million Americans will move from employer health insurance to individually-purchased health insurance over the next 10 years.
For veterinary clinics, rising healthcare costs make it more expensive to add new employees and reduces budgets available for customer service, and animal care. With a reimbursement program, the veterinary clinic has a flexible, affordable health benefits program that helps recruit and retain the best veterinary staff.
Click here to read the full article.
About Zane Benefits
Zane Benefits, the #1 Online Health Benefits Solution, was founded in 2006 to revolutionize the way employers provide employee health benefits in America. We empower employees to take control over their own healthcare, while helping employers recruit and retain the best talent. Our online solutions allow small and medium-sized businesses to successfully transition to a health benefits program that creates happier employees, reduces costs and frees up more time to serve their customers. For more information about ZaneHealth, visit http://www.zanebenefits.com. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
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Job health insurance costs outpace wage growth
Job health insurance costs outpace wage growth
Reported by ajc.com 21 hours ago.
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Qandun Insurance Owner Offers Employers Insight on Realizing Profit by Providing Benefits
A result of new regulations imposed by the Affordable Care Act (aka “Obamacare”), employee benefits have become a seemingly unnecessary burden to many employers. However, Qandun Insurance Owner Rudy Garcia shares his insight as to why providing a well-structured benefit plan will not only save a company money but could actually generate a profit when looking at the big picture.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) December 09, 2014
A practiced insurance advisor for employee benefit packages and group plans, Rudy Garcia of Qandun Insurance has considerable insight to offer business owners for evaluating the costs and savings associated with various options. In light of the ongoing changes being implemented in accordance with the Affordable Care Act, Garcia has decided to share his insider knowledge to help companies understand how they can in actuality profit from the recent changes by providing benefits.
“Review the benefits provided by the most successful and profitable businesses and you’ll find that they neither skimp, nor shell them out without careful planning,” commented Rudy. “When properly implemented, employee benefits can reduce costs incurred from payroll and corporate taxes; worker's compensation premiums and claims; employee absenteeism and turnover (implicating new hire and training costs); and ‘presenteeism’. After calculating the actual savings, employee benefits in fact provide a very nice return on investment.”
Qandun Insurance Agency’s founder and owner goes on to describe the three key tips that he gives business owners for turning employee benefits into a mutually beneficial asset to the company.
His report states that the average employer pays between 50-75% of its employees’ premium for medical plans alone. In turn, the employee pays for the remaining premiums, in addition to any other benefits offered, e.g. coverage for dental, vision, chiropractic, supplemental, any dependent(s), flexible spending or health savings accounts, and contributions to a 401k or other retirement plan.
“With the proper structuring,” Garcia insists, “employees’ contributions can be deducted pre-tax, mitigating the employer’s cost by reducing payroll taxes and worker’s compensation premiums.”
Garcia suggests that simply having their own health insurance lessens the likelihood of worker's compensation fraud, and in turn reduces the number of claims and spikes in premiums. He concludes that after considering how the employer’s portion is a tax write-off for the company, and then factoring in the cumulative value of indirect savings from reduced turnover, training costs, absenteeism, and presenteeism, the value in a properly structured benefits plan is easily realized.
In Garcia’s analysis, he projects that the net cost to the employer for providing benefits—after accounting for direct savings e.g. lower payroll taxes— ends up being approximately 40-80 cents per hour for each employee. Furthermore, since around 1/3 of employees qualify for benefits through an alternative program (such as Medicaid or Medicare), only 60-70% of employees are actually even enrolled for an employer-based plan.
“After accounting for the indirect savings attributed to less turnover and training costs, higher productivity, and less absenteeism, employers more than overcome the net costs and realize a profit,” stated Garcia.
He even suggests a strategy for eliminating the trivial 40 to 80 cents per hour, hard dollar cost to employers for providing benefits. “While the savings more than offsets the cost,” he claimed, “an employer could choose to modify its pay raise structure to absorb the net cost of its group plan, in essence negating the entire expense associated with offering benefits, while still reaping the boost in employee productivity and loyalty.”
In Garcia’s conclusion, he states that even for companies that aren’t subject to the new ‘pay or play’ penalty brought on by PPACA (Healthcare Reform or "Obamacare"), offering benefits is in a company’s best interest. He maintains that the real penalties at stake to employers are being unable to hire and retain a skilled workforce; the loss of productivity due to absenteeism; and use of worker's compensation for non-work related health issues. In closing, Garcia stated, “No matter what way you slice it, employers that don’t offer benefits are at a severe disadvantage, and those that do it right end up making their business a lot more profitable over the long haul.”
For more information about Qandun Insurance Agency, please visit Qandun.com, or contact Rudy Garcia for any other inquiries. Request a free consultation and quote on an employee benefit plan on Qandun’s website.
About Qandun Insurance Agency, Inc.:
Rudy Garcia, President of Qandun Insurance Agency, Inc. in Glendale, CA is an independent 20 year seasoned expert professional in employee benefits. He encourages employers of any size to seek out brokers or consultants that ensure businesses implement a strategic employee benefits package while ensuring other business cost drivers and inefficiencies are addressed. It's key that businesses not only implement a smart plan but ensure they do it in a way that addresses needs from a holistic perspective. Compliance with local, state and federal regulations, sound human resources practices and integrated systems that ensure the business can focus on revenue producing activities are the hallmark of a broker that has your businesses best interest in mind. Visit http://www.qandun.com/ for more info. Reported by PRWeb 16 hours ago.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) December 09, 2014
A practiced insurance advisor for employee benefit packages and group plans, Rudy Garcia of Qandun Insurance has considerable insight to offer business owners for evaluating the costs and savings associated with various options. In light of the ongoing changes being implemented in accordance with the Affordable Care Act, Garcia has decided to share his insider knowledge to help companies understand how they can in actuality profit from the recent changes by providing benefits.
“Review the benefits provided by the most successful and profitable businesses and you’ll find that they neither skimp, nor shell them out without careful planning,” commented Rudy. “When properly implemented, employee benefits can reduce costs incurred from payroll and corporate taxes; worker's compensation premiums and claims; employee absenteeism and turnover (implicating new hire and training costs); and ‘presenteeism’. After calculating the actual savings, employee benefits in fact provide a very nice return on investment.”
Qandun Insurance Agency’s founder and owner goes on to describe the three key tips that he gives business owners for turning employee benefits into a mutually beneficial asset to the company.
His report states that the average employer pays between 50-75% of its employees’ premium for medical plans alone. In turn, the employee pays for the remaining premiums, in addition to any other benefits offered, e.g. coverage for dental, vision, chiropractic, supplemental, any dependent(s), flexible spending or health savings accounts, and contributions to a 401k or other retirement plan.
“With the proper structuring,” Garcia insists, “employees’ contributions can be deducted pre-tax, mitigating the employer’s cost by reducing payroll taxes and worker’s compensation premiums.”
Garcia suggests that simply having their own health insurance lessens the likelihood of worker's compensation fraud, and in turn reduces the number of claims and spikes in premiums. He concludes that after considering how the employer’s portion is a tax write-off for the company, and then factoring in the cumulative value of indirect savings from reduced turnover, training costs, absenteeism, and presenteeism, the value in a properly structured benefits plan is easily realized.
In Garcia’s analysis, he projects that the net cost to the employer for providing benefits—after accounting for direct savings e.g. lower payroll taxes— ends up being approximately 40-80 cents per hour for each employee. Furthermore, since around 1/3 of employees qualify for benefits through an alternative program (such as Medicaid or Medicare), only 60-70% of employees are actually even enrolled for an employer-based plan.
“After accounting for the indirect savings attributed to less turnover and training costs, higher productivity, and less absenteeism, employers more than overcome the net costs and realize a profit,” stated Garcia.
He even suggests a strategy for eliminating the trivial 40 to 80 cents per hour, hard dollar cost to employers for providing benefits. “While the savings more than offsets the cost,” he claimed, “an employer could choose to modify its pay raise structure to absorb the net cost of its group plan, in essence negating the entire expense associated with offering benefits, while still reaping the boost in employee productivity and loyalty.”
In Garcia’s conclusion, he states that even for companies that aren’t subject to the new ‘pay or play’ penalty brought on by PPACA (Healthcare Reform or "Obamacare"), offering benefits is in a company’s best interest. He maintains that the real penalties at stake to employers are being unable to hire and retain a skilled workforce; the loss of productivity due to absenteeism; and use of worker's compensation for non-work related health issues. In closing, Garcia stated, “No matter what way you slice it, employers that don’t offer benefits are at a severe disadvantage, and those that do it right end up making their business a lot more profitable over the long haul.”
For more information about Qandun Insurance Agency, please visit Qandun.com, or contact Rudy Garcia for any other inquiries. Request a free consultation and quote on an employee benefit plan on Qandun’s website.
About Qandun Insurance Agency, Inc.:
Rudy Garcia, President of Qandun Insurance Agency, Inc. in Glendale, CA is an independent 20 year seasoned expert professional in employee benefits. He encourages employers of any size to seek out brokers or consultants that ensure businesses implement a strategic employee benefits package while ensuring other business cost drivers and inefficiencies are addressed. It's key that businesses not only implement a smart plan but ensure they do it in a way that addresses needs from a holistic perspective. Compliance with local, state and federal regulations, sound human resources practices and integrated systems that ensure the business can focus on revenue producing activities are the hallmark of a broker that has your businesses best interest in mind. Visit http://www.qandun.com/ for more info. Reported by PRWeb 16 hours ago.
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Dozens of Dogs Looking for Homes for the Holidays: The Winnipeg Humane Society
The Winnipeg Humane Society has 36 dogs and puppies hoping to find their homes before the holidays.
Winnipeg, MB (PRWEB) December 09, 2014
The Winnipeg Humane Society has 36 dogs and puppies hoping to find their homes before the holidays. This number will rise this week, as more pups become ready to be put up for adoption. The WHS is having a promotion on Thursday, Dec. 11 to help dogs and puppies find homes: all adult dogs (six months and older) will be $50 to adopt. Puppies under six months will be $99.
“We’ve seen an increased number of dogs coming in this year. As well as a greater jump in dog adoptions,” said Judy Dean, WHS Adoptions Manager. “This will be our fourth dog promotion this year. These events are always very successful in helping our dogs – many of which have been here for months – find their forever homes.”
The WHS took in 1,589 dogs in 2013. So far in 2014, 1,646 dogs and puppies have arrived at The WHS, 1,049 of which have been adopted. Once an animal reaches The WHS’s adoptions area, they stay there until they are adopted. Long-term animals often get a break from the shelter by spending time in a foster home.
“Given the time of year, it’s tempting to adopt dogs as holiday gifts. We don’t recommend this,” said Dean. “All members of the family should be present at time of adoption to ensure it’s a good fit.”
While adoption fees will be reduced, the same adoption process will be in effect. Potential adopters need to bring ID with current address and can expect the process to take over 40 minutes. All family members, including resident dogs, should be present during the adoption process. There will be no holds allowed the day before or the day of the promotion.
All dogs and puppies adopted from The WHS are spayed/neutered, have a tattoo ID, first vaccination, City of Winnipeg Dog License, 30 day Petplan health insurance, and a two-week health check.
###
The Winnipeg Humane Society is Manitoba’s oldest and largest animal welfare agency. The WHS is more than just pet adoption – the shelter offers education programs for children and adults to encourage responsible pet ownership, and a fully-functional veterinary clinic that performs subsidized spay and neuter surgeries for Winnipeggers on fixed or low-income. For more information, visit winnipeghumanesociety.ca. Reported by PRWeb 16 hours ago.
Winnipeg, MB (PRWEB) December 09, 2014
The Winnipeg Humane Society has 36 dogs and puppies hoping to find their homes before the holidays. This number will rise this week, as more pups become ready to be put up for adoption. The WHS is having a promotion on Thursday, Dec. 11 to help dogs and puppies find homes: all adult dogs (six months and older) will be $50 to adopt. Puppies under six months will be $99.
“We’ve seen an increased number of dogs coming in this year. As well as a greater jump in dog adoptions,” said Judy Dean, WHS Adoptions Manager. “This will be our fourth dog promotion this year. These events are always very successful in helping our dogs – many of which have been here for months – find their forever homes.”
The WHS took in 1,589 dogs in 2013. So far in 2014, 1,646 dogs and puppies have arrived at The WHS, 1,049 of which have been adopted. Once an animal reaches The WHS’s adoptions area, they stay there until they are adopted. Long-term animals often get a break from the shelter by spending time in a foster home.
“Given the time of year, it’s tempting to adopt dogs as holiday gifts. We don’t recommend this,” said Dean. “All members of the family should be present at time of adoption to ensure it’s a good fit.”
While adoption fees will be reduced, the same adoption process will be in effect. Potential adopters need to bring ID with current address and can expect the process to take over 40 minutes. All family members, including resident dogs, should be present during the adoption process. There will be no holds allowed the day before or the day of the promotion.
All dogs and puppies adopted from The WHS are spayed/neutered, have a tattoo ID, first vaccination, City of Winnipeg Dog License, 30 day Petplan health insurance, and a two-week health check.
###
The Winnipeg Humane Society is Manitoba’s oldest and largest animal welfare agency. The WHS is more than just pet adoption – the shelter offers education programs for children and adults to encourage responsible pet ownership, and a fully-functional veterinary clinic that performs subsidized spay and neuter surgeries for Winnipeggers on fixed or low-income. For more information, visit winnipeghumanesociety.ca. Reported by PRWeb 16 hours ago.
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Beware of 2015 health insurance individual mandate penalty
Reported by MarketWatch 15 hours ago.
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New Health eDeals At Work Private Exchange for Employer Groups Offers Customizable Landing Page, Ease-of-Use and Technical Capabilities
Health eDeals at Work Delivers Private Label Landing Page for Small Employers Further Simplifying the Transition from Employer-Sponsored Group Health Benefits to Individual Obamacare Plans
Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) December 09, 2014
Setting the standard for supporting employers transitioning from a traditional group health plan to individual ACA plans, Health eDeals, a leading online private health exchange, will create a private-label landing page for each employer that is utilizing Health eDeals at Work.
By creating a custom-branded landing page, Health eDeals at Work allows employees, who may be selecting health benefits on their own for the first time, to make an easy transition to individual and family ACA plans. It also enables small business owners, at no cost to them, to continue supporting their employees’ choice of health insurance, while giving them plan options and flexibility to personalize their benefits.
The new exchange, which launched in time for the 2015 Open Enrollment period, provides a user-friendly experience in which employees can shop for and enroll in ACA-qualified major medical plans from national carriers. Ancillary products such as dental insurance and Metal Gap, a guarantee-issue plan designed to fill the gaps created by high deductibles and co-pays under the Obamacare plans, are also available to easily add to your shopping cart.
“This year alone, small-group plans will see rate increases that can be as high as 20-percent,” said Dan Borrero, National Business Development Leader for IPA Family. “Health eDeals at Work concept is the best option for small business owners, who just want to do right by their employees but are being strangled by mandates and limited choices. Many owners tell me they have to limit what they can provide their employees or increase cost of goods or services. How long can small businesses sustain this kind of increase each year and stay competitive?”
In the past, a business owner would handpick a group health plan that he or she determined would be best for his or her employees based on price, deductibles, co-pays and breadth of coverage of the network. The owner would be reluctant to send employees to the public exchange with a myriad of choices (some of which have very limited networks) and little guidance as to how to choose the plan that would be best for them.
Borrero added, “For agents, Health eDeals at Work provides the opportunity to sit down with decision makers and begin comparing plans, plus showing potential savings they expect on a website that is customized with their company info. Business owners fall in love with it immediately! And for the owners, it’s a phenomenal option that can help them save money, which helps to reduce their cost of business that can increase revenue, helping them stay competitive and retain talented employees. At the end of the day, though, the employees are better served by a plan that makes sense for them.”
To schedule a demonstration of Health eDeals at Work or to contract with IHC as an insurance producer contact Dave Keller at 952-746-6614. To learn more about Health eDeals at Work please visit http://www.HealtheDeals.com/articles/at-work-120814.
About IHC Specialty Benefits, Inc.
IHC Specialty Benefits doing business as Health eDeals is a full-service marketing and distribution company that focuses on small employer, individual and consumer products. Products are marketed through general agents online, telebrokerage, advisor centers, private label and directly to consumers. For more information about IHC Specialty Benefits, visit http://www.ihcgroup.com.
About IPA Family, LLC
IPA Family, LLC (IPA) is a national marketing organization and established consumer direct sales agency with approximately 250 agents that distributes family and individual major medical insurance plans and ancillary products (including short-term medical, vision, dental, supplemental products (including fixed indemnity limited benefit, critical illness, and hospital indemnity) and small group stop-loss) for The IHC Group, an organization of insurance carriers and marketing and administrative affiliates and the majority owner of IPA. In addition, it has begun to write major medical through well-known national insurance companies. IPA's trained professional sales associates provide information and a product portfolio that can meet the needs of many small business owners and self-employed individuals and families. Headquartered in Tampa, Fl., IPA is accredited and has an excellent reputation with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org). Reported by PRWeb 14 hours ago.
Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) December 09, 2014
Setting the standard for supporting employers transitioning from a traditional group health plan to individual ACA plans, Health eDeals, a leading online private health exchange, will create a private-label landing page for each employer that is utilizing Health eDeals at Work.
By creating a custom-branded landing page, Health eDeals at Work allows employees, who may be selecting health benefits on their own for the first time, to make an easy transition to individual and family ACA plans. It also enables small business owners, at no cost to them, to continue supporting their employees’ choice of health insurance, while giving them plan options and flexibility to personalize their benefits.
The new exchange, which launched in time for the 2015 Open Enrollment period, provides a user-friendly experience in which employees can shop for and enroll in ACA-qualified major medical plans from national carriers. Ancillary products such as dental insurance and Metal Gap, a guarantee-issue plan designed to fill the gaps created by high deductibles and co-pays under the Obamacare plans, are also available to easily add to your shopping cart.
“This year alone, small-group plans will see rate increases that can be as high as 20-percent,” said Dan Borrero, National Business Development Leader for IPA Family. “Health eDeals at Work concept is the best option for small business owners, who just want to do right by their employees but are being strangled by mandates and limited choices. Many owners tell me they have to limit what they can provide their employees or increase cost of goods or services. How long can small businesses sustain this kind of increase each year and stay competitive?”
In the past, a business owner would handpick a group health plan that he or she determined would be best for his or her employees based on price, deductibles, co-pays and breadth of coverage of the network. The owner would be reluctant to send employees to the public exchange with a myriad of choices (some of which have very limited networks) and little guidance as to how to choose the plan that would be best for them.
Borrero added, “For agents, Health eDeals at Work provides the opportunity to sit down with decision makers and begin comparing plans, plus showing potential savings they expect on a website that is customized with their company info. Business owners fall in love with it immediately! And for the owners, it’s a phenomenal option that can help them save money, which helps to reduce their cost of business that can increase revenue, helping them stay competitive and retain talented employees. At the end of the day, though, the employees are better served by a plan that makes sense for them.”
To schedule a demonstration of Health eDeals at Work or to contract with IHC as an insurance producer contact Dave Keller at 952-746-6614. To learn more about Health eDeals at Work please visit http://www.HealtheDeals.com/articles/at-work-120814.
About IHC Specialty Benefits, Inc.
IHC Specialty Benefits doing business as Health eDeals is a full-service marketing and distribution company that focuses on small employer, individual and consumer products. Products are marketed through general agents online, telebrokerage, advisor centers, private label and directly to consumers. For more information about IHC Specialty Benefits, visit http://www.ihcgroup.com.
About IPA Family, LLC
IPA Family, LLC (IPA) is a national marketing organization and established consumer direct sales agency with approximately 250 agents that distributes family and individual major medical insurance plans and ancillary products (including short-term medical, vision, dental, supplemental products (including fixed indemnity limited benefit, critical illness, and hospital indemnity) and small group stop-loss) for The IHC Group, an organization of insurance carriers and marketing and administrative affiliates and the majority owner of IPA. In addition, it has begun to write major medical through well-known national insurance companies. IPA's trained professional sales associates provide information and a product portfolio that can meet the needs of many small business owners and self-employed individuals and families. Headquartered in Tampa, Fl., IPA is accredited and has an excellent reputation with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org). Reported by PRWeb 14 hours ago.
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Should I Choose A High Or Low Deductible Health Insurance Plan?
Should I Choose A High Or Low Deductible Health Insurance Plan?
Reported by ajc.com 13 hours ago.
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Daily Digest: Audit finds Colorado health insurance exchange lacks financial controls, and 9 other stories
Your daily resource for late-breaking news, upcoming events, the Denver weather forecast, Denver traffic information, and the stories that will be talked about on Tuesday, Dec.
Reported by Denver Post 12 hours ago.
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Pets Best Releases Annual List of Most Popular Pet Breeds
Mixed breed dogs and domestic felines top lists of most insured breeds
Boise, Idaho (PRWEB) December 09, 2014
Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC, a leading U.S. pet insurance agency, released its annual list of the top 10 most popular dog and cat breeds enrolled with the agency in 2014.
In the company’s nine years of insuring dogs and cats, the top 10 most popular breeds have remained relatively consistent. However, the agency has noticed definite trends during the years, with certain breeds gaining popularity and others falling in the rankings.
Tracking data on 234 dog breeds and 46 cat breeds, Pets Best has listed its top 10 breeds for both dogs and cats in 2014.
Top 10 Dog Breeds of 2014
1. Mixed breed
2. Labrador retriever
3. Designer/hybrid
4. Chihuahua
5. Yorkshire terrier
6. Shih tzu
7. Golden retriever
8. German shepherd
9. Boxer
10. Maltese
Top 10 Cat Breeds of 2014
1. Domestic feline
2. American shorthair
3. Maine coon
4. Siamese
5. Bengal
6. Persian
7. Ragdoll
8. American longhair
9. Russian blue
10. Sphynx
Mixed breed dogs, No. 1 on this year’s list, continue to make up about 30 percent of all dogs insured by Pets Best. This year, the agency has separated the mixed breed dogs from the designer/hybrid breeds, which come in third place for 2014. Designer or hybrid breeds are becoming increasingly popular for several reasons. Certain breeds including the goldendoodle, a mix between a golden retriever and a poodle, have seen a rise in popularity due to the fact that they shed minimally, making these breeds ideal for people with allergies.
In addition to these rankings, the ever-popular Labrador retriever held second place for most popular dog breeds. Among the top cat breeds, domestic feline breeds represent 77 percent of all cats insured. These breeds include the domestic shorthair, domestic medium hair, domestic longhair and mixed breed cats.
“While there are often surprises from year to year with the most popular breeds, certain cat and dog breeds have maintained their popularity among Pets Best policyholders,” said Dr. Jack Stephens, founder of Pets Best. “It’s understandable that some people might feel more inclined to have a certain breed because of a new trend or because they enjoy a famous cat or dog, but it’s always a good idea for pet owners to thoroughly research a potential pet to ensure they can accommodate the animal’s needs and afford veterinary care for any possible health issues.”
Some people might have a negative perception of pit bulls, but this muscular breed ranks 16 on the agency’s list of the most insured breeds. Based on data from Pets Best, this category includes the American pit bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier. At number 12 on the list, the Pomeranian is on the rise. This small, fluffy, breed was made famous in recent years by Internet sensation Boo, “the cutest dog in the world,” and reality TV star Giggy Vanderpump, who has gained widespread attention on the show “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.”
Mixed breed cats remain in the top two for the second year in a row. While purebred cats are usually viewed as the most sought after, the popularity of mixed-breed cats remains strong with the influence of well-known cats such as the ever-popular Grumpy Cat.
Pets Best offers a multitude of pet health insurance plans for both cats and dogs. These include a Cancer Only plan covering the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in dogs and cats, as well as a Feline Illness plan that covers 21 common feline illnesses. For more information about the agency and its plans, visit http://www.petsbest.com.
About Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC
Dr. Jack L. Stephens, founder and director of Pets Best, founded pet insurance in the U.S. in 1981 with a mission to end euthanasia when pet owners couldn’t afford veterinary treatment. Dr. Stephens went on to present the first U.S. pet insurance policy to famous television dog Lassie. Pets Best provides coverage for dogs and cats. Dr. Stephens leads the Pets Best team with his passion for quality pet care and his expert veterinary knowledge. He is always available to answer questions regarding veterinary medicine, pet health and pet insurance. The Pets Best team is a group of pet lovers who strive to deliver quality customer service and value. Visit http://www.petsbest.com for more information.
Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company. Independence American Insurance Company is a member of The IHC Group, an organization of insurance carriers and marketing and administrative affiliates that has been providing life, health, disability, medical stop-loss and specialty insurance solutions to groups and individuals for over 30 years. For information on The IHC Group, visit: http://www.ihcgroup.com. Additional insurance services administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC are underwritten by Prime Insurance Company. Some existing business is underwritten by Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products.
Pets Best is a proud member of the North America Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).
### Reported by PRWeb 11 hours ago.
Boise, Idaho (PRWEB) December 09, 2014
Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC, a leading U.S. pet insurance agency, released its annual list of the top 10 most popular dog and cat breeds enrolled with the agency in 2014.
In the company’s nine years of insuring dogs and cats, the top 10 most popular breeds have remained relatively consistent. However, the agency has noticed definite trends during the years, with certain breeds gaining popularity and others falling in the rankings.
Tracking data on 234 dog breeds and 46 cat breeds, Pets Best has listed its top 10 breeds for both dogs and cats in 2014.
Top 10 Dog Breeds of 2014
1. Mixed breed
2. Labrador retriever
3. Designer/hybrid
4. Chihuahua
5. Yorkshire terrier
6. Shih tzu
7. Golden retriever
8. German shepherd
9. Boxer
10. Maltese
Top 10 Cat Breeds of 2014
1. Domestic feline
2. American shorthair
3. Maine coon
4. Siamese
5. Bengal
6. Persian
7. Ragdoll
8. American longhair
9. Russian blue
10. Sphynx
Mixed breed dogs, No. 1 on this year’s list, continue to make up about 30 percent of all dogs insured by Pets Best. This year, the agency has separated the mixed breed dogs from the designer/hybrid breeds, which come in third place for 2014. Designer or hybrid breeds are becoming increasingly popular for several reasons. Certain breeds including the goldendoodle, a mix between a golden retriever and a poodle, have seen a rise in popularity due to the fact that they shed minimally, making these breeds ideal for people with allergies.
In addition to these rankings, the ever-popular Labrador retriever held second place for most popular dog breeds. Among the top cat breeds, domestic feline breeds represent 77 percent of all cats insured. These breeds include the domestic shorthair, domestic medium hair, domestic longhair and mixed breed cats.
“While there are often surprises from year to year with the most popular breeds, certain cat and dog breeds have maintained their popularity among Pets Best policyholders,” said Dr. Jack Stephens, founder of Pets Best. “It’s understandable that some people might feel more inclined to have a certain breed because of a new trend or because they enjoy a famous cat or dog, but it’s always a good idea for pet owners to thoroughly research a potential pet to ensure they can accommodate the animal’s needs and afford veterinary care for any possible health issues.”
Some people might have a negative perception of pit bulls, but this muscular breed ranks 16 on the agency’s list of the most insured breeds. Based on data from Pets Best, this category includes the American pit bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier. At number 12 on the list, the Pomeranian is on the rise. This small, fluffy, breed was made famous in recent years by Internet sensation Boo, “the cutest dog in the world,” and reality TV star Giggy Vanderpump, who has gained widespread attention on the show “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.”
Mixed breed cats remain in the top two for the second year in a row. While purebred cats are usually viewed as the most sought after, the popularity of mixed-breed cats remains strong with the influence of well-known cats such as the ever-popular Grumpy Cat.
Pets Best offers a multitude of pet health insurance plans for both cats and dogs. These include a Cancer Only plan covering the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in dogs and cats, as well as a Feline Illness plan that covers 21 common feline illnesses. For more information about the agency and its plans, visit http://www.petsbest.com.
About Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC
Dr. Jack L. Stephens, founder and director of Pets Best, founded pet insurance in the U.S. in 1981 with a mission to end euthanasia when pet owners couldn’t afford veterinary treatment. Dr. Stephens went on to present the first U.S. pet insurance policy to famous television dog Lassie. Pets Best provides coverage for dogs and cats. Dr. Stephens leads the Pets Best team with his passion for quality pet care and his expert veterinary knowledge. He is always available to answer questions regarding veterinary medicine, pet health and pet insurance. The Pets Best team is a group of pet lovers who strive to deliver quality customer service and value. Visit http://www.petsbest.com for more information.
Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company. Independence American Insurance Company is a member of The IHC Group, an organization of insurance carriers and marketing and administrative affiliates that has been providing life, health, disability, medical stop-loss and specialty insurance solutions to groups and individuals for over 30 years. For information on The IHC Group, visit: http://www.ihcgroup.com. Additional insurance services administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC are underwritten by Prime Insurance Company. Some existing business is underwritten by Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products.
Pets Best is a proud member of the North America Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).
### Reported by PRWeb 11 hours ago.
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SME’s Advanced Manufacturing Media Announces New Director
Dave O’Neil joins the group to lead strategy and execution of print and digital media for the manufacturing industry
DEARBORN, Mich. (PRWEB) December 09, 2014
SME announced today that David O’Neil has been named director of Advanced Manufacturing Media, effective Dec. 15. In this role, O’Neil will be responsible for driving the performance and development of SME’s print and digital media products, brands and platforms.
“Dave brings a breadth of experience, which will support Advanced Manufacturing Media’s position as a leader in manufacturing content and information,” said Jeffrey M. Krause, SME CEO. “SME and its media group are key resources to the industry and manufacturing professionals.”
O’Neil most recently served as senior vice president with Insurance-Forums, where he managed content, marketing, product development and sales for the largest online community of insurance professionals. Prior to joining Insurance-Forums, O’Neil was the group publisher of life and health insurance for Summit Professional Networks, CEO of CK Media LLC, and vice president and group publisher for PRIMEDIA Inc. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
“I am excited to join SME and to lead a successful group like Advanced Manufacturing Media,” O’Neil said. “I look forward to enhancing its excellent reputation and serving the manufacturing community.”
SME’s Advanced Manufacturing Media is a leading source for news and in-depth technical information about advanced manufacturing in North America. It serves an audience of more than 100,000 manufacturing professionals who subscribe to its monthly magazine, iTunes app, industry yearbooks, e-newsletters and other media products.
About SME
SME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a nonprofit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, government and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years. Through its strategic areas of events, media, membership, training and development, and the SME Education Foundation, SME is uniquely dedicated to advancing manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skill needs for industry. Follow @sme_mfg on Twitter or facebook.com/smemfg. Reported by PRWeb 10 hours ago.
DEARBORN, Mich. (PRWEB) December 09, 2014
SME announced today that David O’Neil has been named director of Advanced Manufacturing Media, effective Dec. 15. In this role, O’Neil will be responsible for driving the performance and development of SME’s print and digital media products, brands and platforms.
“Dave brings a breadth of experience, which will support Advanced Manufacturing Media’s position as a leader in manufacturing content and information,” said Jeffrey M. Krause, SME CEO. “SME and its media group are key resources to the industry and manufacturing professionals.”
O’Neil most recently served as senior vice president with Insurance-Forums, where he managed content, marketing, product development and sales for the largest online community of insurance professionals. Prior to joining Insurance-Forums, O’Neil was the group publisher of life and health insurance for Summit Professional Networks, CEO of CK Media LLC, and vice president and group publisher for PRIMEDIA Inc. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
“I am excited to join SME and to lead a successful group like Advanced Manufacturing Media,” O’Neil said. “I look forward to enhancing its excellent reputation and serving the manufacturing community.”
SME’s Advanced Manufacturing Media is a leading source for news and in-depth technical information about advanced manufacturing in North America. It serves an audience of more than 100,000 manufacturing professionals who subscribe to its monthly magazine, iTunes app, industry yearbooks, e-newsletters and other media products.
About SME
SME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a nonprofit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, government and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years. Through its strategic areas of events, media, membership, training and development, and the SME Education Foundation, SME is uniquely dedicated to advancing manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skill needs for industry. Follow @sme_mfg on Twitter or facebook.com/smemfg. Reported by PRWeb 10 hours ago.
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Gruber: I knew people were going to lose their health plans
ObamaCare architect Jonathan Gruber admitted he knew people were going to lose their existing health insurance plans when he was writing the health care reform law, and he told officials in the Obama administration exactly that.
Reported by FOXNews.com 8 hours ago.
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Pregnancy Should Not Be a Disqualification
Pregnancy should not cost women their paychecks. But that's exactly what happened to UPS delivery driver Peggy Young when she became pregnant in 2006.
Under doctor's orders not to lift anything weighing more than 20 pounds, she asked her employer for light-duty work, an accommodation UPS is required to give under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and frequently offered to other employees with a similar need.
But UPS said no and forced her to take unpaid leave for six months, depriving her of income, benefits and health insurance at a time when she needed them the most. When she asked for an explanation for why she did not qualify for an accommodation other employees were getting, a senior manager told her she could not even enter the building. Her pregnancy was too much of a liability.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, UPS permits light duty for drivers injured on the job or who have a qualifying disability. Even drivers who lose their licenses after a DUI offense are given alternative work to do. But women who get pregnant? You're too big of a risk for a company that puts more than 96,000 vehicles on the road each year.
Those are the ugly details of a case now before the Supreme Court in which the Justices must decide if UPS violated the law by refusing to give pregnant workers the same light-duty accommodation they give to other workers.
Unfortunately, what happened to Peggy Young is an all too common occurrence for moms in the workplace today. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reports a 35 percent increase over the past decade in pregnancy discrimination claims against employers. It's truly unfathomable that in 2014 we are still having this 20th Century debate.
Congress passed the Pregnancy Discrimination Act in 1978 with the clear intent to prevent employers from pushing pregnant women out of the workforce. However, corporations like UPS continue to exploit vague language in the law to do just that, with terrible consequences.
Women make up nearly half of our nation's labor force, two-thirds of us are our family's primary earners and 75 percent of us will become pregnant at some point during our working life. So when absent, outdated or vague labor laws allow companies to demote, pass over for promotion or fire women when they become pregnant, it doesn't just hurt us, it hurts all our families.
This discrimination contributes to the staggering wealth inequalities that damage our economy and keep working families - and in particular working moms - from getting ahead. They earn less over their lifetimes and save less for retirement. It is even worse for women in low-wage or manual-labor jobs. These are women with far fewer resources to withstand a loss of income or benefits than their white-collar or union-represented counterparts. Losing their jobs during pregnancy would be devastating.
It's time for the policies and laws that govern our workplaces to catch up to the modern day realities of work and family life. Women in any profession should be able to take leave during and after a pregnancy without the risk of losing everything or setting their careers back.
UPS has voluntarily updated its policies giving pregnant women the option to work light duty. But that move only underscores the need for stronger, clearer protections in federal law that apply to every worker in every state. A good place to start is with the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act recently introduced in Congress. You can help ensure it passes by signing this petition here. Reported by Huffington Post 7 hours ago.
Under doctor's orders not to lift anything weighing more than 20 pounds, she asked her employer for light-duty work, an accommodation UPS is required to give under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and frequently offered to other employees with a similar need.
But UPS said no and forced her to take unpaid leave for six months, depriving her of income, benefits and health insurance at a time when she needed them the most. When she asked for an explanation for why she did not qualify for an accommodation other employees were getting, a senior manager told her she could not even enter the building. Her pregnancy was too much of a liability.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, UPS permits light duty for drivers injured on the job or who have a qualifying disability. Even drivers who lose their licenses after a DUI offense are given alternative work to do. But women who get pregnant? You're too big of a risk for a company that puts more than 96,000 vehicles on the road each year.
Those are the ugly details of a case now before the Supreme Court in which the Justices must decide if UPS violated the law by refusing to give pregnant workers the same light-duty accommodation they give to other workers.
Unfortunately, what happened to Peggy Young is an all too common occurrence for moms in the workplace today. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reports a 35 percent increase over the past decade in pregnancy discrimination claims against employers. It's truly unfathomable that in 2014 we are still having this 20th Century debate.
Congress passed the Pregnancy Discrimination Act in 1978 with the clear intent to prevent employers from pushing pregnant women out of the workforce. However, corporations like UPS continue to exploit vague language in the law to do just that, with terrible consequences.
Women make up nearly half of our nation's labor force, two-thirds of us are our family's primary earners and 75 percent of us will become pregnant at some point during our working life. So when absent, outdated or vague labor laws allow companies to demote, pass over for promotion or fire women when they become pregnant, it doesn't just hurt us, it hurts all our families.
This discrimination contributes to the staggering wealth inequalities that damage our economy and keep working families - and in particular working moms - from getting ahead. They earn less over their lifetimes and save less for retirement. It is even worse for women in low-wage or manual-labor jobs. These are women with far fewer resources to withstand a loss of income or benefits than their white-collar or union-represented counterparts. Losing their jobs during pregnancy would be devastating.
It's time for the policies and laws that govern our workplaces to catch up to the modern day realities of work and family life. Women in any profession should be able to take leave during and after a pregnancy without the risk of losing everything or setting their careers back.
UPS has voluntarily updated its policies giving pregnant women the option to work light duty. But that move only underscores the need for stronger, clearer protections in federal law that apply to every worker in every state. A good place to start is with the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act recently introduced in Congress. You can help ensure it passes by signing this petition here. Reported by Huffington Post 7 hours ago.
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