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Finding the right one for your company can be a daunting task. Here's a great way to figure out which one will work for you:

• Provider Network - One should first determine that their dental provider accepts the dental plan they are looking to purchase. Dental carriers have multiple dental plans and providers may pick and choose which ones they will accept. It is a common mistake to assume that a dental provider accepts all plans from a particular carrier. Typically, dental providers choose plans that command a high reimbursement rate.
   
• Plan Waiting Period - Some dental plans place restrictions on major services such as orthodontics, root canals, bridges, etc. Sometimes this waiting period can last from no waiting period to up to 12 months before major services will be rendered.
   
• Rollover benefits - As an enticement for members to seek preventative care, some dental plans roll over additional preventative care benefits to a member as an incentive. For example, if a member has a $ 1,500 dental benefit and the member uses at least $750 for preventative care, the carrier will roll over the remaining $750 of the unused benefit to the following calendar year. Ultimately, this raises the maximum benefit level to $2,250 rather than $1,500.

The federal health care reform law changed the way health plans and issuers approach rescissions in both the group and individual markets. Group health plans are affected whether they are insured or self-insured.

It's important to understand what constitutes a "rescission" for federal health care reform, as opposed to another type of coverage termination. A rescission is broadly defined as a retroactive termination of a member's coverage.

However, there are some important exceptions from this broad definition. For example, termination of coverage because of nonpayment of premium or contribution (either by the group or the member) is not a rescission. It is not considered a "rescission" when the member's coverage is retroactively canceled to the last paid-to date if the member pays no premiums or contribution for periods of time after termination of employment or eligibility. The member's coverage can be retroactively canceled to the last paid-to date.

For information on the restrictions on rescissions and clarification on which coverage terminations qualify as rescissions, refer to the Affordable Care Act Implementation FAQs - Part 2.

Are you looking for a quick and easy way to see whether they're eligible for the new health insurance tax credit?* 

Look no further!

As you know the new health reform law is now allowing an unprecedented tax credit of up to 35% on health coverage for qualifying small groups.

And it rises to 50% in 2014!

Blue Shield just launched a new website for you that features a tax estimator powered by H&R Block.** Use this new tool to help estimate how tax credits could mean big savings for you. 

Visit bscataxcredit.com to calculate your potential savings today!

Small businesses may be eligible this year for a tax credit up to 35 percent of the cost of providing health insurance for their employees."

Click here to download IRS Form 8941.

Don't Leave Money on the Table!

There's a lot of discussion about how and when the health law is going to be taking effect.  If you missed it, it's already started to roll out.  And if your business is not getting on track wtih what tax subsidies and provisions there are that have ALREADY kicked in, you could be leaving MILLIONS of dollars on the table! 

According to a January 4th article put out by Reuters, "Here are some of the law's major provisions and when they were implemented or are set to take effect:

2010:

• Several consumer protection rules took effect in September, including allowing children to stay on their parents' health insurance plan until age 26, banning lifetime coverage limits and ending denial of coverage for children because of pre-existing health conditions.
   
• A temporary insurance program was created to help provide coverage to "high risk" patients with pre-existing conditions.
   
• A phase-in of tax credits began for certain small businesses that provide health insurance to workers."

And even more provisions kick in during 2011!  For a full list of what is coming up and what you need to know at a glance,click here to download this Provisions Timetable.
 

We've been hearing about Health Care Reform for some time.  Most business, both big and small, are confused and concerned about what the changes will mean to them. The following are some of the ways health care reform will begin to impact your business, you, and your family:

• Adult children on your policy.
• Pre-existing conditions.
• “Grandfathering” for all policies.
• Changes to Health Care Savings Accounts.
• Subsidies for employers with Health Care plans.

How do you know what to expect?  Where do you turn? Well, look no further!  Vanasek Insurance Services has just released Reform Readiness Review™.  This is a proprietary, complimentary, and no obligation service. Your personalized Reform Readiness Review™should take no longer than 3-5 minutes to complete.  Once we recieve your information, we will be contacting you within 2-3 business days to review your Health Care Reform report customized for you and your company. 

Information is Power!  Know your rights!  Find out exactly how this reform wil be impacing you, your business, and your family TODAY!

Follow this link to start your Reform Readiness Review™:  http://www.reformreadinessreview.com

The new healthcare reform law gives a tax credit to certain small employers that provide healthcare coverage to their employees, effective with tax years beginning 2010.

The IRS has released a simple, 3-step worksheet for employers to use to determine if they qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.

We believe this is good information for you to share with your clients and could prove to be a valuable prospecting tool as well.

Click here to visit the Warner Pacific website. The worksheet can be found in the article titled Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, located under "News & Updates."