On April 27, 2012 the IRS release Rev.Proc. 2012-26 that provides for the 2013 inflation adjusted amounts for health savings accounts (HSAs) as determined under IRC 223. The 2013 amounts are summarized below: Maximum Annual Contribution Limits – Single $3,250 Family $6,450 Catch-up Contribution Limit – $1,000 Minimum Annual Deductible – Single $1,250 Family $2,500 [...]

On April 17, 2012, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rule that would have required employers to post a notice of employees’ right to form a union, has been blocked by a federal appeals court due to conflicting decisions at the district court level. The conflicting court decisions are as follows: In March 2012, the [...]

As we all return from spring break and tax time concentrates our focus, I thought I’d pass along some helpful information on Medicare Part B premiums.  If you or someone you know is on Medicare and this year’s tax return will show a lower income than last, this information will be particularly useful. Please click [...]

“Defined Benefit” and “Defined Contribution” are terms that have historically been used in conjunction with retirement plans.  Defined benefit retirement plans afford employees with a pre-defined monthly benefit at retirement; however the employer assumes the market risk in meeting the obligation to the employee.  History of Defined Contribution Retirement Plans Defined benefit retirement plans became [...]

In 2012 Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) were established due to the Patient Protection and Accountable Care Act (ACA) being signed by President Obama.  Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are to create Medicare Shared Savings program (MSSP), which allows for the establishment of ACO contracts with Medicare. An ACO is a network of doctors and hospitals [...]

The Tax Anti-Injunction Act, enacted in 1867, prohibits a law suit from being brought to bear against any tax prior to a prospective plaintiff having incurred said tax. So why is a 145 year old law potentially so important today? Simple the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services v. [...]

Facing growing criticism President Obama announced on Friday, February 10th an amended policy on the birth control mandate. Under the new announced policy, religious employers (and affiliated institutions) will not be required to offer contraception and will not have to refer their employees to places that provide it. Instead, the employer’s insurance company must provide birth [...]

On February 9, 2012 the Departments of Labor, Treasury and Health & Human Services released the final regulations under Affordable Care Act (ACA) that require health insurers and group health plans to provide information about health plan benefits and coverage to those with private health coverage. According to regulators these rules will ensure consumers have [...]

On Wednesday evening members of the House voted 267-159 to repeal the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program. 28 Democrats joined Republicans in support of repealing the voluntary long-term healthcare program established in the 2010 health reform law. The CLASS Act establishes a national, voluntary long-term care program. The program was to go [...]

St. Louis University Hospital (SLU) and Des Peres Hospital have reached  a new four-year agreement that extends from January 1, 2012 through February 2016 with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri & HealthLink. News releases were posted this afternoon to both SLU’s and Des Peres websites followed by article on stltoday.com. This agreement comes after [...]