Is your small business still trying to decipher the recent healthcare legislation? Are you prepared for the changes that are already in place, or will be shortly?
We’ve called in an expert: Rob Wilson, President of HR Outsourcing for Employco, to guide us through the small business healthcare reform. Thank you to Lisa Seidenberg of Greentarget for sending Rob our way!
Rob broke down the changes we can expect in the coming years, and even some that are already under way.
1) Limits on HSAs & FSAs (2011)
- In the past, HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) and FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) could be put toward almost any medical need you had, whether this be glasses or over-the-counter medicine. Anything it is put toward now must be prescribed by your doctor.
- Small business owners will have to send to the IRS a Form 1099 for each and every business-to-business transaction of $600 or more.
- Small businesses with 50 or more employees must offer coverage. The legislation does not specifically state how much one has to cover for their employees though. This leaves many small business owners unsure of what this will actually cost them.
- Employers will start paying a 40 percent excise tax if they provide employees with health insurance that costs more than $8,500 a year for individuals or $23,000 for families. These are the so-called “Cadillac plans.”
So what does this new small business healthcare reform mean in dollars and cents for you?
Rob tells us that insurance companies are reporting a 5-6% increase in costs for them, which is directly correlated to complying with the new legislation. That increase is passed along to you in the form of higher rates, and this number is expected to go up.
How can you prepare for these changes?
Shop around! We have heard this from two different industry experts now. Rob even suggested looking into joining a larger group if these plans are hitting your bottom line too hard.
Educate yourself! While you may not be able to read through all 2,000 pages of the healthcare bill, stay informed. We’ve got you covered.
Thanks again to Rob Wilson for providing us with these tips! If you would like to reach Rob or his company please see below:
Rob Wilson
Employco USA
630.920.0000
Need more cash flow to cover these costs? Not sure how to manage that? Our full library of training videos can offer you tips and ideas for all your businesses needs.
Have more specific questions? Don’t panic! Hit the Panic Button. Our experts are here to help!
