Employer-Sponsored Plans Health Insurance News

The Commonwealth Fund – 16.6 million small business employees could receive relief from health insurance premiums this year through small-business tax credits established by the recently passed health reform legislation.

Associated Press – As they try to ride out the ongoing economic downturn, employers are shifting some of the burden of their employee-sponsored health costs to their employees, according to a new report by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust.

Atlanta Journal Constitution – U.S. Rep Jim McDermott (Washington State) and the Galen Institute’s Grace-Marie Turner duke it out over health reform’s prospects for the American workforce.

The Sacramento Bee – Tax credits for small businesses that provide health coverage for their employees will take effect this year. But will small businesses take the credits? And more importantly, do they even know about the credits?

The Boston Globe – As the costs of health insurance rise, some small businesses in Massachusetts have begun terminating health coverage for their employees and encouraging those employees to enroll in state-subsidized coverage. State offices aren’t convinced yet that there’s a trend.

Huffington Post – An e-mail making the rounds charges that the recently passed federal health reform legislation requires that you pay taxes on your employer-sponsored health insurance. This article explains why the e-mail’s claim is FALSE.

The Denver Post – Fewer Colorado employers are providing health insurance to employees. While many are lamenting this fact, it is actually a step in the right direction.

Kaiser Health News – Business groups gave mixed reviews Monday to new Obama administration rules limiting how much employers and insurers can change their health insurance plans – while remaining exempt from potentially costly new consumer protections.

Associated Press – Over and over in the health care debate, President Barack Obama said people who like their current coverage would be able to keep it.

Wichita Business Journal – Insurance changes under the federal health care reform law, taking effect later this year, are designed to help prevent diseases and chronic health conditions.