What’s the difference between a contractor working for you and an employee? Often, an employee will receive benefits like health insurance and workers compensation if something goes awry, among other things, while a contractor is hired to do one job and that is it. Uber and Lyft don’t want their drivers to fall into the employee category and be responsible … [More]
Reported by The Consumerist 12 hours ago.
Uber, Lyft Trying To Convince Courts That Drivers Are Not Employees
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The ACA may reduce ER visits (slightly) but doesn't affect hospitalizations
Two patient groups created by the Affordable Care Act -- Medicare patients enrolled in federally designated patient-centered medical homes and people under age 26 who are allowed to remain on their parents' health insurance -- had slightly fewer emergency department visits than they had before health care reform. However, there was no change in the rate of the most expensive types of emergency visits: those that lead to hospitalization, research shows.
Reported by Science Daily 10 hours ago.
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Telemedicine Is A Game-Changer For Patients, The System
For many, new health insurance is not providing access to affordable care, and the ACA will not address the physician shortage. To bridge that gap, we must find innovative ways facilitate hassle free access to a provider that is more cost-effective. Telemedicine is a growing model that is a part of the answer.
Reported by Forbes.com 10 hours ago.
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PerformRx℠ Named a Preferred PBM by the Association of Community Affiliated Plans
Company is one of only five to receive Preferred Vendor status for its pharmacy benefit management services
Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) March 12, 2015
PerformRx℠ (http://www.performrx.com), a URAC-accredited, full-service pharmacy benefits manager with industry-leading clinical programs that is headquartered in Philadelphia, today announced that it has been named a Preferred Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Vendor by the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP). PerformRx is one of only five companies to receive Preferred Vendor status for its pharmacy benefit management services from ACAP.
ACAP is dedicated to strengthening not-for-profit safety net health plans focused on improving the health of lower income and vulnerable populations. Preferred Vendors provide streamlined access and services to ACAP’s 58 nonprofit safety net health plans, which serve more than 11 million lives across Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and other publicly-supported health programs. Members of the Preferred Vendor program have been sponsored by one of ACAP’s health plans and have demonstrated an in-depth understanding of this population’s complex needs.
“PerformRx has been a valued partner of ACAP and a Preferred Vendor of long standing,” said ACAP CEO Meg Murray. “The ACAP Preferred Vendor Program provides streamlined access to solution providers who understand the unique needs of ACAP plans. Each organization has been sponsored by one ACAP plan and approved by all. We’re pleased to recognize PerformRx as a pharmacy benefit manager today.”
Founded in 1999 to provide services to underserved populations, PerformRx’s business model was built to work with Medicaid plans and an at-risk member base. The company quickly expanded its client portfolio to include Medicare Part D plans when that program was introduced in 2006, strengthening its mission to bring clinically sound and effective medication therapy to those who most need it. PerformRx continues to lead the Medicare and Medicaid PBM market through a mix of formulary development, specialty pharmacy services and its URAC-accredited drug therapy management (DTM) program, one of only four accredited DTM programs in the U.S.
PerformRx’s long experience with Medicare and Medicaid programs complement ACAP’s mission to aid low-income members. PerformRx’s DTM, specialty pharmacy, prior authorization and drug utilization review programs originally were created for Medicaid and Medicare plans, and are currently being utilized by 10 ACAP plans. By working with an organization such as ACAP, PerformRx is able to reach a wider audience and continue in its mission to provide the underserved with access to the most clinically sound solutions available.
“PerformRx has a long and successful history of providing services to Medicaid and Medicare populations, making us uniquely qualified to partner with ACAP’s members,” Mesfin Tegenu, M.S., R.Ph., president of PerformRx, said. “PerformRx’s clinical culture ensures that our clients maximize the most efficacious and cost-effective therapies while enjoying industry-leading contact center service. ACAP’s members who partner with PerformRx get the opportunity to utilize our adherence technology solutions, such as the Health® tablet, the HealthNHand℠ mobile messaging program, TMED and the Pillstation™, to improve medication compliance. Combined with our new state-of-the-art specialty pharmacy, PerformSpecialty, we have integrated patient care management for optimum outcomes.”
About PerformRx
PerformRx, a URAC-accredited full-service pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), is one of the nation’s technology leaders providing an innovative and integrated approach to results-focused pharmacy benefit management programs. PerformRx integrates health care data and utilizes a collaborative model of care impacting the overall health care dollar. Driven by the strength of its leaders and passion of its employees, PerformRx helps payers improve patient outcomes while achieving high quality. For more information, visit http://www.performrx.com. Reported by PRWeb 9 hours ago.
Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) March 12, 2015
PerformRx℠ (http://www.performrx.com), a URAC-accredited, full-service pharmacy benefits manager with industry-leading clinical programs that is headquartered in Philadelphia, today announced that it has been named a Preferred Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Vendor by the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP). PerformRx is one of only five companies to receive Preferred Vendor status for its pharmacy benefit management services from ACAP.
ACAP is dedicated to strengthening not-for-profit safety net health plans focused on improving the health of lower income and vulnerable populations. Preferred Vendors provide streamlined access and services to ACAP’s 58 nonprofit safety net health plans, which serve more than 11 million lives across Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and other publicly-supported health programs. Members of the Preferred Vendor program have been sponsored by one of ACAP’s health plans and have demonstrated an in-depth understanding of this population’s complex needs.
“PerformRx has been a valued partner of ACAP and a Preferred Vendor of long standing,” said ACAP CEO Meg Murray. “The ACAP Preferred Vendor Program provides streamlined access to solution providers who understand the unique needs of ACAP plans. Each organization has been sponsored by one ACAP plan and approved by all. We’re pleased to recognize PerformRx as a pharmacy benefit manager today.”
Founded in 1999 to provide services to underserved populations, PerformRx’s business model was built to work with Medicaid plans and an at-risk member base. The company quickly expanded its client portfolio to include Medicare Part D plans when that program was introduced in 2006, strengthening its mission to bring clinically sound and effective medication therapy to those who most need it. PerformRx continues to lead the Medicare and Medicaid PBM market through a mix of formulary development, specialty pharmacy services and its URAC-accredited drug therapy management (DTM) program, one of only four accredited DTM programs in the U.S.
PerformRx’s long experience with Medicare and Medicaid programs complement ACAP’s mission to aid low-income members. PerformRx’s DTM, specialty pharmacy, prior authorization and drug utilization review programs originally were created for Medicaid and Medicare plans, and are currently being utilized by 10 ACAP plans. By working with an organization such as ACAP, PerformRx is able to reach a wider audience and continue in its mission to provide the underserved with access to the most clinically sound solutions available.
“PerformRx has a long and successful history of providing services to Medicaid and Medicare populations, making us uniquely qualified to partner with ACAP’s members,” Mesfin Tegenu, M.S., R.Ph., president of PerformRx, said. “PerformRx’s clinical culture ensures that our clients maximize the most efficacious and cost-effective therapies while enjoying industry-leading contact center service. ACAP’s members who partner with PerformRx get the opportunity to utilize our adherence technology solutions, such as the Health® tablet, the HealthNHand℠ mobile messaging program, TMED and the Pillstation™, to improve medication compliance. Combined with our new state-of-the-art specialty pharmacy, PerformSpecialty, we have integrated patient care management for optimum outcomes.”
About PerformRx
PerformRx, a URAC-accredited full-service pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), is one of the nation’s technology leaders providing an innovative and integrated approach to results-focused pharmacy benefit management programs. PerformRx integrates health care data and utilizes a collaborative model of care impacting the overall health care dollar. Driven by the strength of its leaders and passion of its employees, PerformRx helps payers improve patient outcomes while achieving high quality. For more information, visit http://www.performrx.com. Reported by PRWeb 9 hours ago.
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Illinois Gov. Rauner To Forbes: Hand Control Of Taxes To Voters
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner says he wants voters rather than elected officials to control local property tax rates as a key way to improve the business climate in his state and stop businesses from leaving. Speaking in an interview with Forbes chairman and editor-in-chief Steve Forbes at the Forbes Reinventing America Summit, Rauner outlined several ideas to reform pensions, reduce the clout of public unions and reform tax codes. “I want to have property taxes controlled by local voters,” Rauner, a Republican former venture capitalist, told summit attendees at Chicago’s J.W. Marriott hotel. “Get the local voters empowered.” Though Rauner campaigned in opposition to an income tax increase in his victory over Democratic incumbent Gov. Pat Quinn, he said he’s open to changing and reforming Illinois’ tax code. But he said that starts with local empowerment. Rauner faces a budget mess with Illinois billions of dollars in the hole and to start getting out of he has proposed deep cuts in social programs like welfare and Medicaid health insurance for poor Illinois residents. His first budget will begin July 1 but the governor has already warned money is deteriorating for programs in the current fiscal year that ends June 30.
Reported by Forbes.com 5 hours ago.
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Susquehanna Health Promotes Work/Life Balance through Health Coaching, Initiatives
As a healthcare organization comprised of 4,000 employees serving in four hospitals in northcentral Pennsylvania, Susquehanna Health understands the importance of work/life balance to the extent of investing time and resources in promoting the health and wellness of its employees through such things as guided care, health coaching, health and wellness incentives and a new weight loss challenge program.
Williamsport, PA (PRWEB) March 12, 2015
As a healthcare organization comprised of 4,000 employees serving in four hospitals in northcentral Pennsylvania, Susquehanna Health understands the importance of work/life balance to the extent of investing time and resources in promoting the health and wellness of its employees through such things as guided care, health coaching, health and wellness incentives and a new weight loss challenge program.
Health and Wellness Educators Jerrod Ferrence and Melissa Gundy were hired in June 2014 to oversee the organization’s guided care programs for diabetes and hypertension. These programs are designed to assist employees in minimizing health impacts from chronic diseases by implementing best practice behaviors. In addition, the educators were charged with creating a wellness calendar of activities to address health and wellness issues and encourage healthy living across the organization.
“Currently, we are working on a four-campus-wide, 16-week weight loss competition,” said Ferrence. “Thirty percent of our employees are participating on 108 teams composed of 9 to10 team members.” At the onset of the competition, total participant weight was 204,275 pounds. Within the first month, the teams collectively lost 3,042 pounds.
Weight Loss Challenge team members compete by taking quizzes on health and wellness information and participating in at least two of five weigh-ins throughout the competition. Prize incentives including eight hours of paid time off will be awarded to members of the team with the highest number of pounds lost and the highest percent of body fat lost. Additional incentives include memberships to the local YMCA and free training sessions. “The fact that our human resources department is providing paid time off to the winning teams shows generous support for our service partners,” said Gundy.
Although the competion ends in May, additional programs including indoor and outdoor activities will be unveiled to improve health and wellness throughout the year, according to Ferrence. “Once the competition is over, additional programs will be available to help our service partners support the weight loss attained throughout the competition,” said Gundy.
“We have seen tremendous growth through this program,” said Ferrence. “There is definitely camaraderie in the hallways and stairwells as our service partners share their excitement about improving their health. We expect to see that snowball effect in health and wellness year round.”
In addition, Susquehanna Health’s wellness program provides employees with incentives for completing several wellness activities that are paid through the health insurance program into a health savings account (HSA) that can be used toward medical expenses. Employee and spouse participation can earn up to $500 per year for completing the incentives. “The main goal is to assist our service partners with our wellness programs. We want to help them understand how important their health and wellness is and provide them with education so they know how to fit it into their busy lives,” said Gundy.
In September 2014, the health system launched the “I’m Susquehanna Healthy” advertising campaign to encourage healthy living through the sharing of personal employee testimonies about the ways in which they live a healthy lifestyle. Since then, stories and photographs of employees engaging in healthy activities have been highlighted on social media platforms and in newsletters.
“As a healthcare organization, we have a firm belief in improving the health of people in our region, many of whom are our own employees,” said Director of Marketing Teia Engel. “By sharing the ways in which we stay healthy, our hope is it will reinforce healthy behavior choices among other employees and the communities we serve.”
About Susquehanna Health
Susquehanna Health is a four-hospital integrated health system including Divine Providence Hospital, Muncy Valley Hospital, Soldiers + Sailors Memorial Hospital and Williamsport Regional Medical Center located in northcentral Pennsylvania. Serving patients from an 11-county region, Susquehanna Health is a healthcare leader and has been recognized at the national and state levels for quality of care. Susquehanna Health offers a wide array of services that include cancer care, heart and vascular care/heart surgery, neurosciences including neurosurgery, orthopedics, urology, OB/GYN, gastrointestinal services, behavioral health, physical rehabilitation, home care, long term care, assisted living and paramedic/ambulance services. Reported by PRWeb 5 hours ago.
Williamsport, PA (PRWEB) March 12, 2015
As a healthcare organization comprised of 4,000 employees serving in four hospitals in northcentral Pennsylvania, Susquehanna Health understands the importance of work/life balance to the extent of investing time and resources in promoting the health and wellness of its employees through such things as guided care, health coaching, health and wellness incentives and a new weight loss challenge program.
Health and Wellness Educators Jerrod Ferrence and Melissa Gundy were hired in June 2014 to oversee the organization’s guided care programs for diabetes and hypertension. These programs are designed to assist employees in minimizing health impacts from chronic diseases by implementing best practice behaviors. In addition, the educators were charged with creating a wellness calendar of activities to address health and wellness issues and encourage healthy living across the organization.
“Currently, we are working on a four-campus-wide, 16-week weight loss competition,” said Ferrence. “Thirty percent of our employees are participating on 108 teams composed of 9 to10 team members.” At the onset of the competition, total participant weight was 204,275 pounds. Within the first month, the teams collectively lost 3,042 pounds.
Weight Loss Challenge team members compete by taking quizzes on health and wellness information and participating in at least two of five weigh-ins throughout the competition. Prize incentives including eight hours of paid time off will be awarded to members of the team with the highest number of pounds lost and the highest percent of body fat lost. Additional incentives include memberships to the local YMCA and free training sessions. “The fact that our human resources department is providing paid time off to the winning teams shows generous support for our service partners,” said Gundy.
Although the competion ends in May, additional programs including indoor and outdoor activities will be unveiled to improve health and wellness throughout the year, according to Ferrence. “Once the competition is over, additional programs will be available to help our service partners support the weight loss attained throughout the competition,” said Gundy.
“We have seen tremendous growth through this program,” said Ferrence. “There is definitely camaraderie in the hallways and stairwells as our service partners share their excitement about improving their health. We expect to see that snowball effect in health and wellness year round.”
In addition, Susquehanna Health’s wellness program provides employees with incentives for completing several wellness activities that are paid through the health insurance program into a health savings account (HSA) that can be used toward medical expenses. Employee and spouse participation can earn up to $500 per year for completing the incentives. “The main goal is to assist our service partners with our wellness programs. We want to help them understand how important their health and wellness is and provide them with education so they know how to fit it into their busy lives,” said Gundy.
In September 2014, the health system launched the “I’m Susquehanna Healthy” advertising campaign to encourage healthy living through the sharing of personal employee testimonies about the ways in which they live a healthy lifestyle. Since then, stories and photographs of employees engaging in healthy activities have been highlighted on social media platforms and in newsletters.
“As a healthcare organization, we have a firm belief in improving the health of people in our region, many of whom are our own employees,” said Director of Marketing Teia Engel. “By sharing the ways in which we stay healthy, our hope is it will reinforce healthy behavior choices among other employees and the communities we serve.”
About Susquehanna Health
Susquehanna Health is a four-hospital integrated health system including Divine Providence Hospital, Muncy Valley Hospital, Soldiers + Sailors Memorial Hospital and Williamsport Regional Medical Center located in northcentral Pennsylvania. Serving patients from an 11-county region, Susquehanna Health is a healthcare leader and has been recognized at the national and state levels for quality of care. Susquehanna Health offers a wide array of services that include cancer care, heart and vascular care/heart surgery, neurosciences including neurosurgery, orthopedics, urology, OB/GYN, gastrointestinal services, behavioral health, physical rehabilitation, home care, long term care, assisted living and paramedic/ambulance services. Reported by PRWeb 5 hours ago.
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Governor says Medicaid expansion negotiations will continue with a set deadline
Salt Lake City, Utah (ABC 4 Utah) – Time has run out on a solution to Medicaid expansion this session, but the governor, senate and house say they will continue to work together on an agreement.
They even set a deadline for doing just that.
The house and senate have agreed to pass a concurrent resolution to extend negotiations beyond midnight.
It calls for a committee to come up with a solution no later than July 31, 2015.
That committee will be made up of the Governor Gary Herbert, Lt. Governor, Spencer Cox, Senate President Wayne Neiderhauser, House Speaker, Greg Hughes and the bill sponsors, Senator Brian Shiozawa and Representative Jim Dunnigan.
Governor Herbert says they are closer than ever to an agreement, but need extra time to finish it up.
With the extension they will be able to consider new ideas and possibly get more clarity from a case questioning the federal subsidies on healthcare.gov that is before the Supreme Court right now.
The governor says the important thing here is they are not giving up and are committed to finding a solution.
"We did not create the problem here in the state of Utah. This coverage gap we see is based on flaws in the Affordable Care Act and the Supreme Court decision combined that put us in a difficult situation, but we are here to recommit to the people of Utah that we are going to solve this problem together. The Utah way," said Governor Herbert, (R) Utah.
The Supreme Court decision the governor is referring to is the one that ruled mandatory Medicaid expansion under the ACA unconstitutional.
It left tens of thousands of Utahns with no option for health insurance.
After this committee reaches an agreement on or before July 31, 2015, a special session will be called. Reported by abc4 4 hours ago.
They even set a deadline for doing just that.
The house and senate have agreed to pass a concurrent resolution to extend negotiations beyond midnight.
It calls for a committee to come up with a solution no later than July 31, 2015.
That committee will be made up of the Governor Gary Herbert, Lt. Governor, Spencer Cox, Senate President Wayne Neiderhauser, House Speaker, Greg Hughes and the bill sponsors, Senator Brian Shiozawa and Representative Jim Dunnigan.
Governor Herbert says they are closer than ever to an agreement, but need extra time to finish it up.
With the extension they will be able to consider new ideas and possibly get more clarity from a case questioning the federal subsidies on healthcare.gov that is before the Supreme Court right now.
The governor says the important thing here is they are not giving up and are committed to finding a solution.
"We did not create the problem here in the state of Utah. This coverage gap we see is based on flaws in the Affordable Care Act and the Supreme Court decision combined that put us in a difficult situation, but we are here to recommit to the people of Utah that we are going to solve this problem together. The Utah way," said Governor Herbert, (R) Utah.
The Supreme Court decision the governor is referring to is the one that ruled mandatory Medicaid expansion under the ACA unconstitutional.
It left tens of thousands of Utahns with no option for health insurance.
After this committee reaches an agreement on or before July 31, 2015, a special session will be called. Reported by abc4 4 hours ago.
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Will The Supreme Court Scrap The Improving Obamacare?
Will The Supreme Court Scrap The Improving Obamacare?King v Burwell Could Eliminate Obamacare
As Obamacare Is Working Effectively, King v Burwell Could Eliminate It
Will The Supreme Court Scrap The Improving Obamacare?
Politics
aca, affordable care act, obamacare, health care, crisis, jobs, suppression, economy, health care act, Affordable Health Care Act
Has Been Optimized
The Supreme Court may potentially eliminate Obamacare this summer despite evidence mounting in its favor.
King v Burwell just reached the Supreme Court, arguing that the subsidies for individuals buying health insurance on the federally organized online exchanges are illegal. Obamacare will be no more if they succeed.
Obamacare, or the Affordable Care Act of 2010, was designed to deal with health care issues in our nation. The health care system in our nation is the costliest in the world meanwhile just one in ten Americans do not have coverage. Fixing the health care system in our nation may take years – even decades, but evidence shows that Obamacare may actually be working effectively despite Republican opposition.
According to The Economist, the proportion of Americans who lack cover has fallen from 16.2% to 12.3% since 2009. In addition, the amount that America spends on health care grew by 3.9% a year in nominal terms between 2009 and 2011—having grown by 7.3% a year in 2000-08. The Economist credits the economic downturn for some of the fall, but argues that Obamacare did play a major role as well due to the new provisions created by the law including penalties on hospitals where patients are frequently readmitted, to promote high-quality care and productivity.
The program has enjoyed lower costs, increased enrollments, expanded coverage and increased competition in recent developments. Despite the millions of Americans who now have coverage, some politicians are still unhappy.
“We restore [a patient-doctor relationship in the health system] by repealing — if possible at some point, I think that’s post presidency of Barack Obama — the Affordable Care Act, Obamacare,” said Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) said Friday at a fundraiser for Iowa Rep. David Young. “And replacing it with a model that is consumer directed, where consumers, where patients, have more choices, where they have more of a direct relationship; where the subsidies, if there were to be subsidies, are state administered; and if there are to be exchanges, they aren’t coercive exchanges; where there’s no employer mandate, employee mandate or requirements of services provided that are extraordinary; where people have more customized types of insurance based on their needs; and it’s more consumer-directed so that they’re more engaged in the decision-making, and they have more choices than what they have today.”
Bush also referred to the ACA as a “monstrosity” and said that the law is the greatest job suppressor in the “so-called recovery.” Interestingly enough, 2014 was the best year in the US for job creation since the 1990s and it was also the first full year of Obamacare.
As of right now, this alleged “monstrosity” has done nothing but help steer our health care crisis onto the right path. It truly would be a major disappointment if Obamacare were to be fully scrapped.
Sources: The Economist, MSNBC, Politico Photo Source: Wikipedia
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OV in Depth: Reported by Opposing Views 3 hours ago.
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How to Amend Your Tax Return After You File It
Filed under: Taxes, Income Tax
By Jim Gold
So you filed your federal income tax, and just when you thought it was safe to spend your refund, did Uncle Sam come calling again? Might be time to file an amended return.
That's what as many as 50,000 taxpayers who receive subsidies for health insurance premiums may face this year because they received bad information from the government. But they won't be alone if they amend their returns. About 5 million taxpayers filed amended returns last year, according to the Internal Revenue Service. We have tips to help you no matter why you want to amend your return.
*Wounded Returns*
About 800,000 HealthCare.gov customers were notified in February that a government goof gave them the wrong information on a new tax form called 1095-A. The form is much like a W-2 for people who got subsidized private coverage in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act. The Healthcare.gov blog asked customers who received bad information to wait to file their 2014 federal income taxes until they receive corrected forms in early March.
But that word went out too late for those 50,000 taxpayers who'd already filed with the bad information, the IRS said. The Healthcare.gov blog explained the mistake this way: "Most people received a correct Form 1095-A. However, if we contact you because your Form 1095-A is incorrect, here's why. Some forms included the monthly premium amount of the second lowest cost Silver plan for 2015 instead of 2014, which needs to be corrected. The incorrect amount is listed in Part III, Column B of the Form 1095-A. We're working quickly to resolve this and any other issues with the 1095-A forms. This does not mean that your tax credit was incorrect; this is purely an error in what was printed on the form."
That "second lowest cost" is the benchmark premium used to help determine individuals' subsidies, computed as tax credits, which is why they complicate tax returns. You enter the information from your 1095-A on Form 8962, which you file to determine your health premium credit, whether you got too much subsidy for monthly premium payments, which will injure your refund, or too little, which will strengthen it. The government mistake could have delayed tax refunds, which many people count on for a spring spending spree, savings spur or debt reducer.
*What's Happening to Them*
You can find out if your original 1095-A was wrong by logging into your HealthCare.gov account, where you would find a message if you were affected. You may also phone the federal Marketplace Call Center at 800-318-2596, the blog said.
However, the Treasury Department is giving these taxpayers a break. "Treasury estimates that approximately 50,000 tax filers (or less than 0.05% of total tax filers) already have filed their taxes using these incorrect form 1095As. We have concluded that these individuals do not need to file amended returns. The IRS will not pursue the collection of any additional taxes from these individuals based on updated information in the corrected forms."
So you don't have to file an amended return if doing so would result in your having to pay more. However, you may want to if the new, corrected information would result in a bigger refund. H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt and TurboTax say they will not charge customers to amend returns.
*Amend or Not Amend?*
Obamacare aside, there are many reasons taxpayers file amended returns. If you become one of them someday, the IRS offers these tips:
· *When to amend.* File if your filing status, number of dependents, total income, tax deductions or tax credits were reported incorrectly or omitted. Also file if a bad debt or a security becomes worthless, to claim or change a foreign tax credit or deduction for foreign taxes, carry back your unused foreign tax credit, or to reduce a casualty loss deduction after receiving a hurricane-related grant.
· *When not to amend.* Do not file an amended return if you make math errors, which the IRS will automatically change for you, or if you forget to attach tax forms, such as W-2s or schedules. The IRS normally will send a request asking for those.
· *Deadline. *Generally, file Form 1040X within three years from the date you filed your original tax return or within two years of the date you paid the tax, whichever is later. Enter the year of the return you are amending at the top of Form 1040X.
· *Paperwork.* An amended return cannot be e-filed. You must file it on paper, but you can track it online later. If you are amending more than one tax return, prepare a 1040X for each return and mail them in separate envelopes. If your changes involve another schedule or form, you must attach that schedule or form to the amended return.
· *Timing.* If you are claiming an additional refund, wait until you have received your original tax refund before filing Form 1040X. Amended returns take up to 12 weeks to process. You may cash your original refund check while waiting for the additional refund.
· *Pay now.* If you owe additional taxes with Form 1040X, file it and pay the tax as soon as possible to minimize interest and penalties.
· *.* You can track the status of your amended tax return three weeks after you file with the IRS' new tool, Where's My Amended Return? online or at 866-464-2050.
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Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments Reported by DailyFinance 17 hours ago.
By Jim Gold
So you filed your federal income tax, and just when you thought it was safe to spend your refund, did Uncle Sam come calling again? Might be time to file an amended return.
That's what as many as 50,000 taxpayers who receive subsidies for health insurance premiums may face this year because they received bad information from the government. But they won't be alone if they amend their returns. About 5 million taxpayers filed amended returns last year, according to the Internal Revenue Service. We have tips to help you no matter why you want to amend your return.
*Wounded Returns*
About 800,000 HealthCare.gov customers were notified in February that a government goof gave them the wrong information on a new tax form called 1095-A. The form is much like a W-2 for people who got subsidized private coverage in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act. The Healthcare.gov blog asked customers who received bad information to wait to file their 2014 federal income taxes until they receive corrected forms in early March.
But that word went out too late for those 50,000 taxpayers who'd already filed with the bad information, the IRS said. The Healthcare.gov blog explained the mistake this way: "Most people received a correct Form 1095-A. However, if we contact you because your Form 1095-A is incorrect, here's why. Some forms included the monthly premium amount of the second lowest cost Silver plan for 2015 instead of 2014, which needs to be corrected. The incorrect amount is listed in Part III, Column B of the Form 1095-A. We're working quickly to resolve this and any other issues with the 1095-A forms. This does not mean that your tax credit was incorrect; this is purely an error in what was printed on the form."
That "second lowest cost" is the benchmark premium used to help determine individuals' subsidies, computed as tax credits, which is why they complicate tax returns. You enter the information from your 1095-A on Form 8962, which you file to determine your health premium credit, whether you got too much subsidy for monthly premium payments, which will injure your refund, or too little, which will strengthen it. The government mistake could have delayed tax refunds, which many people count on for a spring spending spree, savings spur or debt reducer.
*What's Happening to Them*
You can find out if your original 1095-A was wrong by logging into your HealthCare.gov account, where you would find a message if you were affected. You may also phone the federal Marketplace Call Center at 800-318-2596, the blog said.
However, the Treasury Department is giving these taxpayers a break. "Treasury estimates that approximately 50,000 tax filers (or less than 0.05% of total tax filers) already have filed their taxes using these incorrect form 1095As. We have concluded that these individuals do not need to file amended returns. The IRS will not pursue the collection of any additional taxes from these individuals based on updated information in the corrected forms."
So you don't have to file an amended return if doing so would result in your having to pay more. However, you may want to if the new, corrected information would result in a bigger refund. H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt and TurboTax say they will not charge customers to amend returns.
*Amend or Not Amend?*
Obamacare aside, there are many reasons taxpayers file amended returns. If you become one of them someday, the IRS offers these tips:
· *When to amend.* File if your filing status, number of dependents, total income, tax deductions or tax credits were reported incorrectly or omitted. Also file if a bad debt or a security becomes worthless, to claim or change a foreign tax credit or deduction for foreign taxes, carry back your unused foreign tax credit, or to reduce a casualty loss deduction after receiving a hurricane-related grant.
· *When not to amend.* Do not file an amended return if you make math errors, which the IRS will automatically change for you, or if you forget to attach tax forms, such as W-2s or schedules. The IRS normally will send a request asking for those.
· *Deadline. *Generally, file Form 1040X within three years from the date you filed your original tax return or within two years of the date you paid the tax, whichever is later. Enter the year of the return you are amending at the top of Form 1040X.
· *Paperwork.* An amended return cannot be e-filed. You must file it on paper, but you can track it online later. If you are amending more than one tax return, prepare a 1040X for each return and mail them in separate envelopes. If your changes involve another schedule or form, you must attach that schedule or form to the amended return.
· *Timing.* If you are claiming an additional refund, wait until you have received your original tax refund before filing Form 1040X. Amended returns take up to 12 weeks to process. You may cash your original refund check while waiting for the additional refund.
· *Pay now.* If you owe additional taxes with Form 1040X, file it and pay the tax as soon as possible to minimize interest and penalties.
· *.* You can track the status of your amended tax return three weeks after you file with the IRS' new tool, Where's My Amended Return? online or at 866-464-2050.
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Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments Reported by DailyFinance 17 hours ago.
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Small Business Tax Credit Calculator™ Updated for Tax Year 2014
Small Business Tax Credit for Medical Premiuns increased to 50% for 2014
Mechanicsburg, PA (PRWEB) March 13, 2015
The Small Business Tax Credit Calculator™, developed and launched by TaxCredits, LLC™ is now in its fifth year and available for use by tax professionals at http://www.smallbusinesstaxcreditcalculator.com. This still the only online calculator tool valid in all 50 states, to complete lines 1-14 of the 2014 IRS Form 8941 for the tax preparer. This 100% guaranteed numerical calculation turns what the IRS projects to be a 12-16 hour task into minutes saving time and frustration for tax preparers and small business owners everywhere.
The calculator, not an estimator tool as are most on the web today, computes specific, complete, and actual numerical data needed for qualifying small businesses to use in filing tax returns to take advantage of the Small Business Tax Credit (SBTC) created by Health Care Reform legislation called The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The Tax Credit was increased to 50% (for profit) and 35% (tax exempt) for 2014, providing small business owners addition relief in affording to continue to offer medical benefits to employees. Another major change from 2013 is that the IRS now requires the use of individual County & State Average premiums which required the addition of over 4600 variables. No other calculator tool incorporates these new requirements to compute a Small Business Tax Credit for 2014.
“Contrary to many rumors circulating amongst accountants and tax preparers, most small businesses do in fact qualify for substantial tax credits and now with the credit increasing to 50% of qualifying medical premium creates great opportunity for small business owners!” affirms Tim Morrison, President of Tax Credits, LLC and Developer of the Small Business Tax Credit Calculator™.
“The calculations are so complex that people without in-depth knowledge of health insurance and health benefits don’t understand how they qualify based on the initial explanations of the credit by the IRS. Our calculator provides the variables to maximize this credit (including all new 4,600 County/State average premiums) and does the work for them which will enable many more businesses to enjoy the credit they have worked hard for and are entitled to,” Morrison states. “In addition, the recent IRS notices clarify that small businesses are in fact able to take their qualifying small business tax credit amount and still be able to tax deduct the remaining balance of medical premiums as they have in previous years.”
The 100% guaranteed calculations are computed through detailed algorithms based on multiple variables per employee, comparison of hours, days or weeks worked to calculate optimal FTE count and average wages to receive the maximum tax credit. The tool currently provides the calculations for employees in multiple states in addition to employers receiving state premium credits or subsidies.
The calculator is targeted to accountants and multi-client professionals as it offers an excel template entry for ease in data completion for tax professionals with small business clients eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. The calculator tool is offered at $495 for a Multi Company License to perform unlimited client calculations.
Tax Credits, LLC™, based in Mechanicsburg, PA, represents, manages and markets the Small Business Tax Credit Calculator™ created in cooperation with Tekmark Global Solutions, LLC. Timothy J. Morrison, President of Benefit Design Specialties, Inc. and Founder of TaxCredits, LLC, spearheaded development of the Small Business Tax Credit Calculator ™ to engage and share his expertise in the health care arena gained over the last 29 years of servicing over 300 small businesses as a health care broker, employee benefit product & plan consultant and in-house benefit administrator.
Media Contact: TJ Morrison, Tax Credits, LLC, 717-766-7208, Ext 211 PressInquiries(at)SmallBusinessTaxCreditCalculator(dot)com Reported by PRWeb 16 hours ago.
Mechanicsburg, PA (PRWEB) March 13, 2015
The Small Business Tax Credit Calculator™, developed and launched by TaxCredits, LLC™ is now in its fifth year and available for use by tax professionals at http://www.smallbusinesstaxcreditcalculator.com. This still the only online calculator tool valid in all 50 states, to complete lines 1-14 of the 2014 IRS Form 8941 for the tax preparer. This 100% guaranteed numerical calculation turns what the IRS projects to be a 12-16 hour task into minutes saving time and frustration for tax preparers and small business owners everywhere.
The calculator, not an estimator tool as are most on the web today, computes specific, complete, and actual numerical data needed for qualifying small businesses to use in filing tax returns to take advantage of the Small Business Tax Credit (SBTC) created by Health Care Reform legislation called The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The Tax Credit was increased to 50% (for profit) and 35% (tax exempt) for 2014, providing small business owners addition relief in affording to continue to offer medical benefits to employees. Another major change from 2013 is that the IRS now requires the use of individual County & State Average premiums which required the addition of over 4600 variables. No other calculator tool incorporates these new requirements to compute a Small Business Tax Credit for 2014.
“Contrary to many rumors circulating amongst accountants and tax preparers, most small businesses do in fact qualify for substantial tax credits and now with the credit increasing to 50% of qualifying medical premium creates great opportunity for small business owners!” affirms Tim Morrison, President of Tax Credits, LLC and Developer of the Small Business Tax Credit Calculator™.
“The calculations are so complex that people without in-depth knowledge of health insurance and health benefits don’t understand how they qualify based on the initial explanations of the credit by the IRS. Our calculator provides the variables to maximize this credit (including all new 4,600 County/State average premiums) and does the work for them which will enable many more businesses to enjoy the credit they have worked hard for and are entitled to,” Morrison states. “In addition, the recent IRS notices clarify that small businesses are in fact able to take their qualifying small business tax credit amount and still be able to tax deduct the remaining balance of medical premiums as they have in previous years.”
The 100% guaranteed calculations are computed through detailed algorithms based on multiple variables per employee, comparison of hours, days or weeks worked to calculate optimal FTE count and average wages to receive the maximum tax credit. The tool currently provides the calculations for employees in multiple states in addition to employers receiving state premium credits or subsidies.
The calculator is targeted to accountants and multi-client professionals as it offers an excel template entry for ease in data completion for tax professionals with small business clients eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. The calculator tool is offered at $495 for a Multi Company License to perform unlimited client calculations.
Tax Credits, LLC™, based in Mechanicsburg, PA, represents, manages and markets the Small Business Tax Credit Calculator™ created in cooperation with Tekmark Global Solutions, LLC. Timothy J. Morrison, President of Benefit Design Specialties, Inc. and Founder of TaxCredits, LLC, spearheaded development of the Small Business Tax Credit Calculator ™ to engage and share his expertise in the health care arena gained over the last 29 years of servicing over 300 small businesses as a health care broker, employee benefit product & plan consultant and in-house benefit administrator.
Media Contact: TJ Morrison, Tax Credits, LLC, 717-766-7208, Ext 211 PressInquiries(at)SmallBusinessTaxCreditCalculator(dot)com Reported by PRWeb 16 hours ago.
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Are Hawaii restaurants allowed to charge customers for health coverage?
Some California and Florida restaurants have started adding an extra health care surcharge to their customers' bills, claiming to offset the cost of health insurance for their employees, but is that something that can happen in Hawaii? KHON2 News recently reported what appears to be the first case in Hawaii: an unidentified restaurant was found to add a 3 percent health care surcharge on customers' bills. But why would a restaurant in Hawaii add such a charge, if employers have had to provide employee…
Reported by bizjournals 14 hours ago.
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Wilmington Trust Opens New Wealth Office in Cherry Hill, N.J.
New commercial center is joint office for Wilmington Trust’s Wealth Advisory and M&T Bank teams
Cherry Hill, N.J. (PRWEB) March 13, 2015
Wilmington Trust officially opened its new Wealth Advisory office in Cherry Hill, N.J. The Wealth Advisory team for Southern New Jersey is led by Managing Director Jerry Mauro, and includes Ron Caputo and Blair Talty as senior fiduciary advisors. The office, located in the Woodland Falls Corporate Center, is shared with M&T Bank personnel.
Wilmington Trust, headquartered in nearby Wilmington, Del., has provided wealth management services to high-net-worth individuals and families in New Jersey for generations. The Cherry Hill location is the third Wealth Advisory office in New Jersey for Wilmington Trust.
“Our new office in Cherry Hill is an indicator of both our commitment to this market and the growing need for wealth management services by clients in Southern New Jersey,” said Tim Gillespie, regional president of the Mid-Atlantic region for Wilmington Trust’s Wealth Advisory. “We’ve put together a strong team of seasoned wealth advisors to serve our clients in South Jersey.”
The Wealth Advisory team is complemented by M&T Bank teams which provide business and corporate banking, commercial real estate, treasury, and residential mortgage services.
“The South Jersey market continues to present great opportunities for us to connect with clients in need of the banking and wealth management know-how that we deliver,” said Ira Brown, M&T Bank’s president for the Greater Philadelphia region. “Together Wilmington Trust and M&T bring a wide range of banking and wealth management services. Coupled with our commitment to understand what’s important to our clients, our teams provide business owners and professionals with the financial services they need.”
The M&T and Wilmington Trust offices are located at 210 Lake Drive East, Suite 102, in Cherry Hill.
JERRY MAURO
Mauro manages a group of specialists in the Greater Philadelphia region with expertise in planning, fiduciary services, investments, private banking, and estate settlement. Mauro and his team work closely with clients and their advisors to develop financial strategies to help clients meet their current needs and plan for their long-term objectives.
He has 19 years of experience in the financial services industry, specializing in business and health insurance consulting for middle market companies. Prior to joining Wilmington Trust in 2001, he spent 20 years as a senior executive at a Fortune 100 company.
Mauro earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Richmond. He is a member of the Philadelphia Estate Planning Council and the Union League of Philadelphia. Mauro is also a board member of NHS Human Services Foundation.
He can be contacted at (856)330-8013.
RON CAPUTO
As a senior fiduciary advisor, Caputo is responsible for providing wealth management advice to high-net-worth individuals and families, entrepreneurs, business owners, and foundations and endowments throughout Southern New Jersey. Caputo manages a range of services based on clients’ unique needs, including investment management, planning, trust administration, and family governance.
Prior to Wilmington Trust, Caputo was a senior trust advisor with PNC Bank for 22 years. Previously, he was a trust officer with Burlington County Trust Company for 14 years.
Caputo received a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration from Bethany College in West Virginia, and holds a Certification in Trust Financial Services from Cannon Trust School. He is a member of the Estate and Financial Planning Council of Southern New Jersey.
He serves on the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties Emeritus Board, the Kennedy Hospital Board of Trustees, and the Kennedy Health System Board of Directors as secretary. He is also a committee member of his local YMCA.
Caputo can be reached at (856)330-8011.
BLAIR TALTY
Talty provides wealth management advice in Southern New Jersey to high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, and professionals, as well as foundations and endowments. His areas of proficiency include estate and retirement planning, insurance planning, investment planning, education planning, business succession planning, legacy planning, and philanthropic planning.
Before joining Wilmington Trust, Talty was a senior wealth planner with PNC Bank. Earlier, he practiced law in the trusts and estates practice groups at Brown & Connery, and at Morgan Lewis.
Talty holds a juris doctor from Rutgers School of Law, and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Rutgers University. He is admitted to practice law in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Talty is a member of the Estate and Financial Planning Council of Southern New Jersey, and the South Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
He serves on the Professional Advisors Committee of the Community Foundation of South Jersey, and is a past member of the Board of Trustees for United Way of Camden County. Talty also coaches youth sports in his community.
Talty can be contacted at (856)330-8012.
ABOUT WILMINGTON TRUST
Wilmington Trust’s Wealth Advisory offers a wide array of personal trust, financial planning, fiduciary, asset management, private banking, and family office services designed to help high-net-worth individuals and families grow, preserve, and transfer wealth. Wilmington Trust focuses on serving families with whom it can build long-term relationships, many of which span multiple generations.
Wilmington Trust also provides Institutional Client Services for clients around the world.
Wilmington Trust maintains offices throughout the United States and internationally in London, Luxembourg, Frankfurt, Dublin, Amsterdam, and Cayman Islands. For more information, visit http://www.WilmingtonTrust.com.
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT: Kent Wissinger, Wilmington Trust Communications Manager (302)651-8758
Wilmington Trust is a registered service mark. Wilmington Trust Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of M&T Bank Corporation. Investment services, wealth advisory, and corporate and institutional products and services are offered by Wilmington Trust Company, operating in Delaware only, and Wilmington Trust, N.A., a national bank. International corporate and institutional services are offered through our international affiliates.
Private Banking is the marketing name for an offering of M&T deposit and loan products and services. Reported by PRWeb 14 hours ago.
Cherry Hill, N.J. (PRWEB) March 13, 2015
Wilmington Trust officially opened its new Wealth Advisory office in Cherry Hill, N.J. The Wealth Advisory team for Southern New Jersey is led by Managing Director Jerry Mauro, and includes Ron Caputo and Blair Talty as senior fiduciary advisors. The office, located in the Woodland Falls Corporate Center, is shared with M&T Bank personnel.
Wilmington Trust, headquartered in nearby Wilmington, Del., has provided wealth management services to high-net-worth individuals and families in New Jersey for generations. The Cherry Hill location is the third Wealth Advisory office in New Jersey for Wilmington Trust.
“Our new office in Cherry Hill is an indicator of both our commitment to this market and the growing need for wealth management services by clients in Southern New Jersey,” said Tim Gillespie, regional president of the Mid-Atlantic region for Wilmington Trust’s Wealth Advisory. “We’ve put together a strong team of seasoned wealth advisors to serve our clients in South Jersey.”
The Wealth Advisory team is complemented by M&T Bank teams which provide business and corporate banking, commercial real estate, treasury, and residential mortgage services.
“The South Jersey market continues to present great opportunities for us to connect with clients in need of the banking and wealth management know-how that we deliver,” said Ira Brown, M&T Bank’s president for the Greater Philadelphia region. “Together Wilmington Trust and M&T bring a wide range of banking and wealth management services. Coupled with our commitment to understand what’s important to our clients, our teams provide business owners and professionals with the financial services they need.”
The M&T and Wilmington Trust offices are located at 210 Lake Drive East, Suite 102, in Cherry Hill.
JERRY MAURO
Mauro manages a group of specialists in the Greater Philadelphia region with expertise in planning, fiduciary services, investments, private banking, and estate settlement. Mauro and his team work closely with clients and their advisors to develop financial strategies to help clients meet their current needs and plan for their long-term objectives.
He has 19 years of experience in the financial services industry, specializing in business and health insurance consulting for middle market companies. Prior to joining Wilmington Trust in 2001, he spent 20 years as a senior executive at a Fortune 100 company.
Mauro earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Richmond. He is a member of the Philadelphia Estate Planning Council and the Union League of Philadelphia. Mauro is also a board member of NHS Human Services Foundation.
He can be contacted at (856)330-8013.
RON CAPUTO
As a senior fiduciary advisor, Caputo is responsible for providing wealth management advice to high-net-worth individuals and families, entrepreneurs, business owners, and foundations and endowments throughout Southern New Jersey. Caputo manages a range of services based on clients’ unique needs, including investment management, planning, trust administration, and family governance.
Prior to Wilmington Trust, Caputo was a senior trust advisor with PNC Bank for 22 years. Previously, he was a trust officer with Burlington County Trust Company for 14 years.
Caputo received a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration from Bethany College in West Virginia, and holds a Certification in Trust Financial Services from Cannon Trust School. He is a member of the Estate and Financial Planning Council of Southern New Jersey.
He serves on the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties Emeritus Board, the Kennedy Hospital Board of Trustees, and the Kennedy Health System Board of Directors as secretary. He is also a committee member of his local YMCA.
Caputo can be reached at (856)330-8011.
BLAIR TALTY
Talty provides wealth management advice in Southern New Jersey to high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, and professionals, as well as foundations and endowments. His areas of proficiency include estate and retirement planning, insurance planning, investment planning, education planning, business succession planning, legacy planning, and philanthropic planning.
Before joining Wilmington Trust, Talty was a senior wealth planner with PNC Bank. Earlier, he practiced law in the trusts and estates practice groups at Brown & Connery, and at Morgan Lewis.
Talty holds a juris doctor from Rutgers School of Law, and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Rutgers University. He is admitted to practice law in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Talty is a member of the Estate and Financial Planning Council of Southern New Jersey, and the South Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
He serves on the Professional Advisors Committee of the Community Foundation of South Jersey, and is a past member of the Board of Trustees for United Way of Camden County. Talty also coaches youth sports in his community.
Talty can be contacted at (856)330-8012.
ABOUT WILMINGTON TRUST
Wilmington Trust’s Wealth Advisory offers a wide array of personal trust, financial planning, fiduciary, asset management, private banking, and family office services designed to help high-net-worth individuals and families grow, preserve, and transfer wealth. Wilmington Trust focuses on serving families with whom it can build long-term relationships, many of which span multiple generations.
Wilmington Trust also provides Institutional Client Services for clients around the world.
Wilmington Trust maintains offices throughout the United States and internationally in London, Luxembourg, Frankfurt, Dublin, Amsterdam, and Cayman Islands. For more information, visit http://www.WilmingtonTrust.com.
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT: Kent Wissinger, Wilmington Trust Communications Manager (302)651-8758
Wilmington Trust is a registered service mark. Wilmington Trust Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of M&T Bank Corporation. Investment services, wealth advisory, and corporate and institutional products and services are offered by Wilmington Trust Company, operating in Delaware only, and Wilmington Trust, N.A., a national bank. International corporate and institutional services are offered through our international affiliates.
Private Banking is the marketing name for an offering of M&T deposit and loan products and services. Reported by PRWeb 14 hours ago.
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Free Assistance Available to Understand Health Insurance and Tax Implications of the Affordable Care Act
AUSTIN, Texas, March 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Texas Association of Health Underwriters (TAHU) strongly urges individual taxpayers to consult with a professional health insurance agent in addition to their tax professional to make sure taxpayers are in compliance with the new...
Reported by PR Newswire 12 hours ago.
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Economists Lobbying Congress For Trade Deal Could Benefit From Its Passage
Last week, 14 former chairs of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers penned a letter to congressional leaders in support of a controversial measure that would allow free-trade deals to move through Congress rapidly without amendments.
“International trade is fundamentally good for the U.S. economy, beneficial to American families over time and consistent with our domestic policies,” the economists said. “Expanded trade through these policies will contribute to higher incomes and stronger productivity growth over time in both the United States and other countries.”
Both the proposal and the letter come as the Obama administration attempts to secure the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a 12-nation trade deal that would give corporations new rights and privileges in the U.S. and foreign markets. A Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with Europe is also in the works. Labor and environmental groups have expressed deep concerns with both.
The economists' intervention gives the trade push a gloss of academic, bipartisan credibility. All of the economists, with the exception of Alan Greenspan, described themselves using academic affiliations, suggesting their opinions are merely those of experts working on behalf of the greater good.
But the economists failed to mention that a significant portion of them also work with corporations that could benefit from the international trade agreements and a more streamlined process to striking deals.
· Alan Greenspan, president of Greenspan Associates LLC, provides consulting services for several companies and organizations. The company does not disclose its clients.· Michael Boskin, a director at Exxon Mobil, is also presiding director and vice chairman of the Finance & Audit Committee at Oracle Corp., a multinational computer software and hardware company that was subject to a Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission investigation in 2011 for allegedly bribing government officials to close sales during business dealings in Africa. He is also president of Boskin and Co., an economic consulting firm.· Glenn Hubbard is a board member at KKR Financial, a global investment firm with a belief that a “new ecosytem” of nonbank lenders will help bolster the European Union’s economy and decrease unemployment rates in the region. Hubbard also sits on the board at MetLife, a leader in Japan’s health insurance market.· Austan Goolsbee is a strategic partner at 32 Advisors, a firm that helps international and domestic clients enter and expand in global markets, obtain infrastructure opportunities and improve access to international financing. The firm is also hoping to expand drone applications to agriculture as well as the oil and gas industries.· Laura Tyson is a senior adviser at The Rock Creek Group, a firm that invests in hedging global markets. She is also an adviser to Samsung SDS, sits on the advisory board of H&Q Asia Pacific, and is a member of AT&T and Morgan Stanley’s corporate boards.· Martin Baily is a senior adviser to the Albright Stonebridge Group, which aids in building public-private partnerships in Western Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. The company serves multiple industries, including information technology and energy.
Trade promotion authority, also known as "fast track," would allow President Barack Obama to facilitate trade agreements more easily since Congress would not be able to amend them.
Agriculture, mineral, manufacturing and finance-based industries lead Asia’s economy, according to Economy Watch -- and many of the economists listed on the letter work with companies that serve these industries in one way or another.
A spokesperson for Greenspan Associates LLC told The Huffington Post the former head of the Federal Reserve strongly supports the letter’s content. Tyson, Goolsbee and Baily all told The Huffington Post that they noted their academic affiliations on the letter because those reflect their primary employer.
“My opinions in the letter were my own and reflect my views as an economist and former CEA chair,” Tyson said. “My opinions in the letter were not those of the university nor of any other organizations, both corporate and non-corporate, with which I am affiliated in some capacity.”
Goolsbee said he is simply an outside expert at 32 Advisors who doesn’t know if the businesses serviced by the company would benefit from the trade deals -- and that his division would not benefit.
“I only know about the one part I consult to which is their economic advisory practice. In that, companies interested in the macro economy, the Fed, Europe, etc., look for economic analysis on these subjects and I provide that, like many academic economists do at other shops,” he said.
Baily said he has not discussed potential benefits of the trade deals with the companies he advises. Hubbard and Boskin did not return requests for comment.
Congressional support for TPP, TTIP and TPA has come overwhelmingly from Republicans. The White House released a statement praising the letter as “demonstrating the rich bipartisan history of support for Trade Promotion Authority” since the advisers served during Republican and Democratic administrations.
Asia Pacific nations covered by TPP make up 40 percent of the global economy, and the president could make the agreement a reality if Congress gives him fast-track authority. Reported by Huffington Post 8 hours ago.
“International trade is fundamentally good for the U.S. economy, beneficial to American families over time and consistent with our domestic policies,” the economists said. “Expanded trade through these policies will contribute to higher incomes and stronger productivity growth over time in both the United States and other countries.”
Both the proposal and the letter come as the Obama administration attempts to secure the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a 12-nation trade deal that would give corporations new rights and privileges in the U.S. and foreign markets. A Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with Europe is also in the works. Labor and environmental groups have expressed deep concerns with both.
The economists' intervention gives the trade push a gloss of academic, bipartisan credibility. All of the economists, with the exception of Alan Greenspan, described themselves using academic affiliations, suggesting their opinions are merely those of experts working on behalf of the greater good.
But the economists failed to mention that a significant portion of them also work with corporations that could benefit from the international trade agreements and a more streamlined process to striking deals.
· Alan Greenspan, president of Greenspan Associates LLC, provides consulting services for several companies and organizations. The company does not disclose its clients.· Michael Boskin, a director at Exxon Mobil, is also presiding director and vice chairman of the Finance & Audit Committee at Oracle Corp., a multinational computer software and hardware company that was subject to a Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission investigation in 2011 for allegedly bribing government officials to close sales during business dealings in Africa. He is also president of Boskin and Co., an economic consulting firm.· Glenn Hubbard is a board member at KKR Financial, a global investment firm with a belief that a “new ecosytem” of nonbank lenders will help bolster the European Union’s economy and decrease unemployment rates in the region. Hubbard also sits on the board at MetLife, a leader in Japan’s health insurance market.· Austan Goolsbee is a strategic partner at 32 Advisors, a firm that helps international and domestic clients enter and expand in global markets, obtain infrastructure opportunities and improve access to international financing. The firm is also hoping to expand drone applications to agriculture as well as the oil and gas industries.· Laura Tyson is a senior adviser at The Rock Creek Group, a firm that invests in hedging global markets. She is also an adviser to Samsung SDS, sits on the advisory board of H&Q Asia Pacific, and is a member of AT&T and Morgan Stanley’s corporate boards.· Martin Baily is a senior adviser to the Albright Stonebridge Group, which aids in building public-private partnerships in Western Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. The company serves multiple industries, including information technology and energy.
Trade promotion authority, also known as "fast track," would allow President Barack Obama to facilitate trade agreements more easily since Congress would not be able to amend them.
Agriculture, mineral, manufacturing and finance-based industries lead Asia’s economy, according to Economy Watch -- and many of the economists listed on the letter work with companies that serve these industries in one way or another.
A spokesperson for Greenspan Associates LLC told The Huffington Post the former head of the Federal Reserve strongly supports the letter’s content. Tyson, Goolsbee and Baily all told The Huffington Post that they noted their academic affiliations on the letter because those reflect their primary employer.
“My opinions in the letter were my own and reflect my views as an economist and former CEA chair,” Tyson said. “My opinions in the letter were not those of the university nor of any other organizations, both corporate and non-corporate, with which I am affiliated in some capacity.”
Goolsbee said he is simply an outside expert at 32 Advisors who doesn’t know if the businesses serviced by the company would benefit from the trade deals -- and that his division would not benefit.
“I only know about the one part I consult to which is their economic advisory practice. In that, companies interested in the macro economy, the Fed, Europe, etc., look for economic analysis on these subjects and I provide that, like many academic economists do at other shops,” he said.
Baily said he has not discussed potential benefits of the trade deals with the companies he advises. Hubbard and Boskin did not return requests for comment.
Congressional support for TPP, TTIP and TPA has come overwhelmingly from Republicans. The White House released a statement praising the letter as “demonstrating the rich bipartisan history of support for Trade Promotion Authority” since the advisers served during Republican and Democratic administrations.
Asia Pacific nations covered by TPP make up 40 percent of the global economy, and the president could make the agreement a reality if Congress gives him fast-track authority. Reported by Huffington Post 8 hours ago.
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Colorado says 190k non-ACA compliant health plans will be discontinued
Health insurance plans that don't meet Affordable Care Act requirements can't continue into 2016, the Colorado Division of Insurance announced Friday.
Reported by Denver Post 7 hours ago.
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With large businesses in mind, Legacy Health applies for insurance license
Legacy Health, which has six hospitals in the Portland area, is considering getting into the health insurance business. Legacy filed with the Oregon Insurance Division for a certificate of authority, which would enable it to sell insurance plans. "A number of employers came to us, looking for direct service but because we don't have a license, we can't to it," said Legacy spokesman Brian Terrett. "We're applying just to see our options for the future." Legacy currently has a self-insurance plan…
Reported by bizjournals 6 hours ago.
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Zane Benefits Releases New eBook: “10 Steps to Fearlessly Start Your First Business”
New guide helps entrepreneurs fearlessly start their first business.
Salt Lake City, Utah (PRWEB) March 13, 2015
Zane Benefits, the leader in individual health insurance reimbursement for small businesses, announced a new eBook, “10 Steps to Fearlessly Start Your First Business.”
According to the eBook, every month over 500,000 individuals start their own business in the U.S. For entrepreneurs with a passion to start a business, knowing which steps to take is important to understand.
The eBook is designed for entrepreneurs to provide them with ten valuable steps to help them successfully carry out their dream of starting a business.
For more information and to download a free copy visit: ZaneBenefits.com
EDITORS NOTE: Zane Benefits is available for media questions. Contact Leah Bergersen at 435-659-2921 or leah.bergersen(at)zanebenefits(dot)com
###
About Zane Benefits:
Zane Benefits is the leader in individual health insurance reimbursement for small businesses. Since 2006, Zane Benefits has been on a mission to bring the benefits of individual health insurance to business owners and their employees.
Zane Benefits' software helps businesses reimburse employees for individual health insurance plans for annual savings of 20 to 60 percent compared with traditional employer-provided health insurance. Today, over 20,000 customers use Zane Benefits' software, services, and support to reimburse individual health insurance plans purchased independent of employment. For more information visit ZaneBenefits.com. Reported by PRWeb 3 hours ago.
Salt Lake City, Utah (PRWEB) March 13, 2015
Zane Benefits, the leader in individual health insurance reimbursement for small businesses, announced a new eBook, “10 Steps to Fearlessly Start Your First Business.”
According to the eBook, every month over 500,000 individuals start their own business in the U.S. For entrepreneurs with a passion to start a business, knowing which steps to take is important to understand.
The eBook is designed for entrepreneurs to provide them with ten valuable steps to help them successfully carry out their dream of starting a business.
For more information and to download a free copy visit: ZaneBenefits.com
EDITORS NOTE: Zane Benefits is available for media questions. Contact Leah Bergersen at 435-659-2921 or leah.bergersen(at)zanebenefits(dot)com
###
About Zane Benefits:
Zane Benefits is the leader in individual health insurance reimbursement for small businesses. Since 2006, Zane Benefits has been on a mission to bring the benefits of individual health insurance to business owners and their employees.
Zane Benefits' software helps businesses reimburse employees for individual health insurance plans for annual savings of 20 to 60 percent compared with traditional employer-provided health insurance. Today, over 20,000 customers use Zane Benefits' software, services, and support to reimburse individual health insurance plans purchased independent of employment. For more information visit ZaneBenefits.com. Reported by PRWeb 3 hours ago.
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STEP Solutions Releases Fully Configurable Underwriting Engine
STEP’s integration of a rules based underwriting engine with electronic applications, reflexive questionnaires and external data reconciliation enables streamlined in-process underwriting.
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) March 14, 2015
STEP Solutions Group today announced the release of a fully configurable rules based underwriting engine as a stand-alone module for its SaaS based New Business processing platform. The new underwriting engine allows business analysts and underwriters at carriers of life, annuities and health insurance products to configure underwriting parameters and risk-assessment criteria for automating routine underwriting functions.
STEP’s underwriting engine is configured using STEP’s “Product Configurator” which is pre-packaged with product templates for life, annuities and health products such as long term care, Medicare supplement, critical care and much more. STEP’s product templates allow for rapid configuration and deployment of electronic application forms with built in functions for reflexive questioning.
Underwriting parameters and underwriting guidelines are evaluated by the e-application based on standardized lookups for Build, ICD-10’s, occupations and avocations during the new business process. Risk assessment scores along with mortality and morbidity factors are fine-tuned based on the reconciliation of the applicant admitted data with external data sources such as MIB, MVR, Identity, Rx and Credit data during the new business process. These risk assessment scores are returned by the underwriting engine in real-time to the agent or applicant during the application process. Scoring for these risk assessment criteria is configured using simple knock criteria, attribute based risk class assignments or by complex medical correlation using debit and credit scores of weighted medical and prescription attributes.
STEP has integrated its core new business e-application platforms with its underwriting engine. This capacity also allows underwriting requirements to be managed by the underwriters using a workbench. Underwriting requirements can be triggered automatically based on rules within the engine or manually ordered by the underwriter. STEP’s underwriting engine puts the underwriter fully in charge of managing the risk assessment criterion, rules and outcomes during the decision process.
About STEP Solutions Group LLC.
STEP (Straight-Thru-Enterprise-Processing) delivers a state-of-the-art new business acquisition, policy administration and claims processing solution for Life Annuities and Health (LAH) insurance products on a fully configurable rules-based web platform. Our Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) system for New Business Acquisition, Policy Administration, Agency, Provider and Claims management of ACORD LAH insurance products has integrated document and task management capabilities to provide an enterprise platform that the reduces cost and complexity of administration of LAH products. STEP Solutions provides a transformational capability to life, accident and health insurance businesses by controlling expenses, accelerating revenue growth, managing risk by providing end-to-end automation to manage the complete life cycle of LAH insurance products.
For more information , visit http://www.stepsolutions.com or call 312.263.6364 and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Reported by PRWeb 21 hours ago.
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) March 14, 2015
STEP Solutions Group today announced the release of a fully configurable rules based underwriting engine as a stand-alone module for its SaaS based New Business processing platform. The new underwriting engine allows business analysts and underwriters at carriers of life, annuities and health insurance products to configure underwriting parameters and risk-assessment criteria for automating routine underwriting functions.
STEP’s underwriting engine is configured using STEP’s “Product Configurator” which is pre-packaged with product templates for life, annuities and health products such as long term care, Medicare supplement, critical care and much more. STEP’s product templates allow for rapid configuration and deployment of electronic application forms with built in functions for reflexive questioning.
Underwriting parameters and underwriting guidelines are evaluated by the e-application based on standardized lookups for Build, ICD-10’s, occupations and avocations during the new business process. Risk assessment scores along with mortality and morbidity factors are fine-tuned based on the reconciliation of the applicant admitted data with external data sources such as MIB, MVR, Identity, Rx and Credit data during the new business process. These risk assessment scores are returned by the underwriting engine in real-time to the agent or applicant during the application process. Scoring for these risk assessment criteria is configured using simple knock criteria, attribute based risk class assignments or by complex medical correlation using debit and credit scores of weighted medical and prescription attributes.
STEP has integrated its core new business e-application platforms with its underwriting engine. This capacity also allows underwriting requirements to be managed by the underwriters using a workbench. Underwriting requirements can be triggered automatically based on rules within the engine or manually ordered by the underwriter. STEP’s underwriting engine puts the underwriter fully in charge of managing the risk assessment criterion, rules and outcomes during the decision process.
About STEP Solutions Group LLC.
STEP (Straight-Thru-Enterprise-Processing) delivers a state-of-the-art new business acquisition, policy administration and claims processing solution for Life Annuities and Health (LAH) insurance products on a fully configurable rules-based web platform. Our Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) system for New Business Acquisition, Policy Administration, Agency, Provider and Claims management of ACORD LAH insurance products has integrated document and task management capabilities to provide an enterprise platform that the reduces cost and complexity of administration of LAH products. STEP Solutions provides a transformational capability to life, accident and health insurance businesses by controlling expenses, accelerating revenue growth, managing risk by providing end-to-end automation to manage the complete life cycle of LAH insurance products.
For more information , visit http://www.stepsolutions.com or call 312.263.6364 and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Reported by PRWeb 21 hours ago.
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STEP Solutions Announces Medicare Supplement Product Templates
STEP Solutions Medicare Supplement Product Templates allows for rapid configuration of plan comparisons, enrollment, eligibility and underwriting using electronic application, reflexive questionnaires and a user-experience tailored for Medicare Supplement products for the senior market.
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) March 14, 2015
STEP’s product configuration for Medicare Supplement products enables carriers to set up underwriting risk classes and network based plan options easily. Rates can be configured based on age or zip code. In addition, underwriting based on impairments can be configured using underwriting guidelines provided within the Medicare Supplement product template. The Medicare Supplement (“MediGap”) product template allows carriers to rapidly configure their Medicare Supplement product offerings. Using the STEP “Product Configurator”, business analysts at carriers can set up Medicare supplement plans, coverage options and benefits, guaranteed Issue rules and eligibility rules. These product attributes can then be tied to the underwriting risk classes, the e-forms and premium rates for the plans.
Workflow processes defined in the Medicare Supplement template enable product distribution using traditional agent and agency channels, direct-to-consumer channels or thru affinity and group enrollment distribution. The workflow processes follow an optimal path provided by the Medicare Supplement product template. Utilizing the Medicare Supplement product templates, carriers can configure and deploy their Medicare Supplement products on the STEP SaaS (Software as a Service) web platform within 12-16 weeks for all states and all Medicare Supplement Plans.
Step Solutions Group consistently expands the possibilities of getting new products to market faster and offers straight-through solutions for origination, issue, underwriting, policy administration and claims. The fact that faster cycle time yields lower cost and improves customer service drives STEP’s enhanced technical innovation strategy. STEP’s rule-based platform allows companies to focus on service and revenue, while releasing the obligation of low-level data gathering. STEP’s integrated platform has instant decision capabilities for life, annuities and health insurance products.
About STEP Solutions Group LLC.
STEP (Straight-Thru-Enterprise-Processing) delivers a state-of-the-art new business acquisition, policy administration and claims processing solution for Life Annuities and Health (LAH) insurance products on a fully configurable rules-based web platform. Our Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) system for New Business Acquisition, Policy Administration, Agency, Provider and Claims management of ACORD LAH insurance products has integrated document and task management capabilities to provide an enterprise platform that the reduces cost and complexity of administration of LAH products. STEP Solutions provides a transformational capability to life, accident and health insurance businesses by controlling expenses, accelerating revenue growth, managing risk by providing end-to-end automation to manage the complete life cycle of LAH insurance products.
For more information , visit http://www.stepsolutions.com or call 312.263.6364 and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Reported by PRWeb 21 hours ago.
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) March 14, 2015
STEP’s product configuration for Medicare Supplement products enables carriers to set up underwriting risk classes and network based plan options easily. Rates can be configured based on age or zip code. In addition, underwriting based on impairments can be configured using underwriting guidelines provided within the Medicare Supplement product template. The Medicare Supplement (“MediGap”) product template allows carriers to rapidly configure their Medicare Supplement product offerings. Using the STEP “Product Configurator”, business analysts at carriers can set up Medicare supplement plans, coverage options and benefits, guaranteed Issue rules and eligibility rules. These product attributes can then be tied to the underwriting risk classes, the e-forms and premium rates for the plans.
Workflow processes defined in the Medicare Supplement template enable product distribution using traditional agent and agency channels, direct-to-consumer channels or thru affinity and group enrollment distribution. The workflow processes follow an optimal path provided by the Medicare Supplement product template. Utilizing the Medicare Supplement product templates, carriers can configure and deploy their Medicare Supplement products on the STEP SaaS (Software as a Service) web platform within 12-16 weeks for all states and all Medicare Supplement Plans.
Step Solutions Group consistently expands the possibilities of getting new products to market faster and offers straight-through solutions for origination, issue, underwriting, policy administration and claims. The fact that faster cycle time yields lower cost and improves customer service drives STEP’s enhanced technical innovation strategy. STEP’s rule-based platform allows companies to focus on service and revenue, while releasing the obligation of low-level data gathering. STEP’s integrated platform has instant decision capabilities for life, annuities and health insurance products.
About STEP Solutions Group LLC.
STEP (Straight-Thru-Enterprise-Processing) delivers a state-of-the-art new business acquisition, policy administration and claims processing solution for Life Annuities and Health (LAH) insurance products on a fully configurable rules-based web platform. Our Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) system for New Business Acquisition, Policy Administration, Agency, Provider and Claims management of ACORD LAH insurance products has integrated document and task management capabilities to provide an enterprise platform that the reduces cost and complexity of administration of LAH products. STEP Solutions provides a transformational capability to life, accident and health insurance businesses by controlling expenses, accelerating revenue growth, managing risk by providing end-to-end automation to manage the complete life cycle of LAH insurance products.
For more information , visit http://www.stepsolutions.com or call 312.263.6364 and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Reported by PRWeb 21 hours ago.
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STEP Solutions Announces Integrated Group Enrollment Platform for Defined and Supplemental Insurance Products
STEP’s group enrollment platform provides portals for employer groups, employees, administrators and agents to facilitate streamlined enrollment, underwriting and rating for members within defined benefit and contribution and voluntary supplemental plans.
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) March 14, 2015
STEP Solutions Group today announced the release of Group Enrollment functionality that provides portals with workflow, document and task management capabilities for groups offering defined benefit and contribution plans along with supplemental benefits during the open enrollment period. The STEP group enrollment functionality extends the STEP “Product Configuration” tool and allows for product and plan definitions from different carriers and product lines to be assembled into a cafeteria plan that can be offered to group members from employer groups or affinity groups.
The cafeteria plans in the STEP group enrollment module inherit the product characteristics such as e-applications, e-signatures, reflexive questionnaires and automated underwriting from STEP’s new business platform. When these features are combined with the (rules based) underwriting engine, the ability to create plan options from the same product group offering can now be underwritten separately based on the underwriting parameters for the plan option. In addition, individuals within the same employer or affinity group can be risk-assessed on an individual basis. The individualized risk assessment can be automated to a large degree using the straight-thru-processing and reconciliation of applicant data with the external data sources such as MIB, MVR, identity, prescription and financial data.
Portals for employer administrators, third-party-administrators, carriers and agents facilitate the entire process based on template workflows for group enrollment. Group members can be invited electronically to enroll during specified enrollment periods or have access to the enrollment and self-service options based on any life events. Utilizing the Group Enrollment product templates, Group Benefits administrators and carriers can configure and deploy their Group products on the STEP SaaS (Software as a Service) web platform within 12-16 weeks.
About STEP Solutions Group LLC.
STEP (Straight-Thru-Enterprise-Processing) delivers a state-of-the-art new business acquisition, policy administration and claims processing solution for Life Annuities and Health (LAH) insurance products on a fully configurable rules-based web platform. Our Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) system for New Business Acquisition, Policy Administration, Agency, Provider and Claims management of ACORD LAH insurance products has integrated document and task management capabilities to provide an enterprise platform that the reduces cost and complexity of administration of LAH products. STEP Solutions provides a transformational capability to life, accident and health insurance businesses by controlling expenses, accelerating revenue growth, managing risk by providing end-to-end automation to manage the complete life cycle of LAH insurance products.
For more information , visit http://www.stepsolutions.com or call 312.263.6364 and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Reported by PRWeb 21 hours ago.
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) March 14, 2015
STEP Solutions Group today announced the release of Group Enrollment functionality that provides portals with workflow, document and task management capabilities for groups offering defined benefit and contribution plans along with supplemental benefits during the open enrollment period. The STEP group enrollment functionality extends the STEP “Product Configuration” tool and allows for product and plan definitions from different carriers and product lines to be assembled into a cafeteria plan that can be offered to group members from employer groups or affinity groups.
The cafeteria plans in the STEP group enrollment module inherit the product characteristics such as e-applications, e-signatures, reflexive questionnaires and automated underwriting from STEP’s new business platform. When these features are combined with the (rules based) underwriting engine, the ability to create plan options from the same product group offering can now be underwritten separately based on the underwriting parameters for the plan option. In addition, individuals within the same employer or affinity group can be risk-assessed on an individual basis. The individualized risk assessment can be automated to a large degree using the straight-thru-processing and reconciliation of applicant data with the external data sources such as MIB, MVR, identity, prescription and financial data.
Portals for employer administrators, third-party-administrators, carriers and agents facilitate the entire process based on template workflows for group enrollment. Group members can be invited electronically to enroll during specified enrollment periods or have access to the enrollment and self-service options based on any life events. Utilizing the Group Enrollment product templates, Group Benefits administrators and carriers can configure and deploy their Group products on the STEP SaaS (Software as a Service) web platform within 12-16 weeks.
About STEP Solutions Group LLC.
STEP (Straight-Thru-Enterprise-Processing) delivers a state-of-the-art new business acquisition, policy administration and claims processing solution for Life Annuities and Health (LAH) insurance products on a fully configurable rules-based web platform. Our Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) system for New Business Acquisition, Policy Administration, Agency, Provider and Claims management of ACORD LAH insurance products has integrated document and task management capabilities to provide an enterprise platform that the reduces cost and complexity of administration of LAH products. STEP Solutions provides a transformational capability to life, accident and health insurance businesses by controlling expenses, accelerating revenue growth, managing risk by providing end-to-end automation to manage the complete life cycle of LAH insurance products.
For more information , visit http://www.stepsolutions.com or call 312.263.6364 and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Reported by PRWeb 21 hours ago.
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