Prior to the ACA, composite rating was the way insurers calculated their premiums for groups under 50. Factors such as plan design, family composition and individual factors, such as health status and claims history, age, gender, location, occupation, tobacco use and duration of coverage basically told insurance companies how much the employee’s financial obligation was […]

On May 13, 2014, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued FAQs addressing the consequences for employers that do not establish a health insurance plan for their employees, but instead reimburse employees for premiums they pay for individual health insurance (either inside or outside of an Exchange). These arrangements are known as employer payment plans. Background […]

Creamy cannellinis, meaty garbanzos, sweet adzuki, tender pintos, and so many more—beans are one of the most powerful, nutrient-dense plant foods around. Consider this: Beans are packed with tons of fiber, as well as plenty of iron and protein. They are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients. They are low in calories. Plus, studies have found […]

On March 26, 2014, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued two separate pieces of guidance providing the following special enrollment periods (SEPs) in the federally-facilitated Exchange (FFE): SEP for “In Line” Individuals —those who have begun the enrollment process but haven’t finished—as of March 31. CMS also issued an instructional sheet for […]

Roots like carrots, sweet potatoes, and turnips, are a rich source of nutritious complex carbohydrates and are in season. Instead of upsetting blood sugar levels like refined sweet foods do, they help regulate them. Why Eat More Root Veggies? Long roots – carrots, parsnips, burdock, and daikon radish – are excellent blood purifiers and can […]