Holden Agency Insurance Blog

Health Care Reform

mtardif — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:46:31 +0000

Today’s compliance update will focus on planning for health care reform for 2012 and beyond. The next 12 to 18 months will be important for understanding changes happening this year, but more importantly planning for changes scheduled to be implemented in 2014. Please see the attached document for more details, but here is a highlight of some of the items to consider. /sites/default/files/blog-content/u6/Health%20Care%20Reform%202012-2014.pdf

Flooded With Surprises

Sharon Little — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:01:11 +0000

You just might be surprised to find out which of our states experience the most flooding and severe weather. I know I was when I explored a few states on this website from the folks at FEMA http://www.fema.gov/news/disasters.fema.

How Old Are Your Fire Alarms?

Sharon Little — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:03:47 +0000

Fire alarms save lives and fires progress so rapidly that literally every second counts when lives are at stake.

Did you know that fire alarms have a limited life span? They are not made to last forever so it’s a good idea to take a minute to assess how long your smoke alarms have been installed in your home. Professionals say that you should replace them every ten years. It’s not a huge expense or a big deal and it provides a priceless amount of security and safety to your family.

At Your Service

Sharon Little — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:09:14 +0000

Automobile Tire Safety

Sharon Little — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:33:09 +0000

When was the last time you looked at your vehicles tires?

Years ago you would notice wear and tear of your tires well before they got too old to rot and fall off your car. Tires made now can last from 60,000 to 100,000 miles and you may not be prompted to check them during that time. Do you think you should check them? Think about it, the average person drives 10,000 to 12,000 miles a year. Some of those tires could be pretty old by the time they reach the mile limit.

Protecting Your Laptop Travel Companion

Sharon Little — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:01:25 +0000

Does anyone travel without a laptop or tablet computer these days? It seems that ‘kids’ young and old are traveling with their technical buddies. You see far more people with a technical device of some kind than a newspaper.

Summary of Benefits and Changes

mtardif — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:54:20 +0000

The Department of Labor issued an FAQ on 11/17/11 which provided guidance that employers and administrators are not required to comply with the Summary of Benefits and Changes (SBC) until the final regulations are issued. The FAQ also states “It is anticipated that the Department’s final regulations, once issued, will include an applicability date that fives groups health plans and health insurance issuers sufficient time to comply". See the FAQ at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq-aca7.html

W-2 Forms

mtardif — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:00:29 +0000

Beginning in 2012 (with the reporting beginning in January 2013), employers who file more than 250 W-2 Forms are required to report the cost of employee health insurance on W-2 forms. Employer who file fewer than 250 W-2 Forms will not be required to report until further guidance is provided. See the attached document which provides an overview of the requirements.

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

mtardif — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:27:45 +0000

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) includes a requirement for Plan Administrators to create and distribute a Four-Page Summary of Benefits and Changes document and to provide Notice of Material Modifications. Interim regulations were issued in August 2011 for this requirement, which is scheduled to go into effect on March 23, 2012. While the Summary of Benefits and Changes (SBCs) will not need to be issued to existing employees until your group health plan renews, new employees will need to receive the SBC when they become eligible for coverage.

Mandatory Home And Auto Insurance

Sharon Little — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:40:47 +0000

Some people might say, "Make the best of the situation." or "Go with the flow."

We say, "Package your policies so you don't leave money on the table." or "It's in your best interest to buy home and auto insurance with the same company." and "Put that multi-policy discount to work for you and put more money back in your pocket!"