FAQs From Department of Labor Raise Concerns

There is a constant stream of new information being released about the ACA, and we work hard at ClaimLinx to make sure that we are aware of and following all of the new guidelines.

Last month, the Department of Labor issued Part 22 of its series of FAQs regarding implementation of the Affordable Care Act. It raised some topics of concern for businesses with non-traditional health care plans.

Related Post: Federal and State Healthcare Exchanges Performing Poorly

It’s important to remember the guidelines published by the Department of Labor are just that – guidelines. They are interpretations of the ACA’s mandates but are not associated with the act itself.  This is a new law and as with any new law, there are different views of its intentions and implications.  

In studying the Affordable Care Act document itself, it is clear that employers can implement cost-sharing measures for its employees, including allowing them to enroll in coverage through the federal marketplace and setting up a self-funded reimbursement plan.

Related Post: Supreme Court To Hear Challenge to Obamacare – What You Need To Know

All of this can be done as long as the following provisions are met: there are no annual or lifetime benefit limits, the ten essential benefits are covered in all policies and no one can be denied coverage for a pre-existing condition.

The advantage to having ClaimLinx as your benefits consultant is that we study all aspects of the new health care and tax laws so that you are getting the best benefits possible while still saving money.

If you have more questions about how your plan is compliant with the new health care laws, please contact us.  

Sales Talk With Tom – On Business Talk Radio Show

This month, Tom Quigley, Vice President and National Business Consultant, was a guest on podcast Cincinnati Business Talk with Mike Roth of Roth & Associates, Inc., an authorized licensee of the Sandler Training. 

Related Post: September Sales Talk With Tom

Listen to the full interview on how ClaimLinx uses the Affordable Care Act to increase business’ benefits savings, company success stories and future plans or check out these highlights

Mike Roth: Why don’t you tell our listeners a little bit about how you interacted ClaimLinx with the Obamacare laws?

Tom Quigley: The Affordable Care Act is nothing more than a tax, and what most people are unaware of is how to take advantage. Every tax has tax breaks, pros and cons. … There are a lot of positives on this law that people are not taking advantage of

MR: What’s the signal that someone should look at this. What size do they have to be?  

TQ: I enjoy helping anyone. That’s why we put in the solution. It was meant to help people. … The reality is how many more times are you going to allow the insurance companies to raise your rates 10, 20, 30 percent? And then the advice is to strip your benefits and increase your employees’ costs. How many more times are you going to fall for that trick? 

Related Post: July Sales Talk With Tom Quigley

MR: Who are your best prospects?

TQ: Quite frankly, I think anyone is. I have yet to see a company we could not help, with this new law.

May We Introduce … Shira Jackson

She is the first voice you hear when you call ClaimLinx, but you probably don’t know her name. Shira Jackson is the receptionist at ClaimLinx, so she:

– Answers and transfers any office calls

– Opens all incoming and sends all outgoing mail 

– Organizes new claims for the processing department

Related Post: ClaimLinx Has Made Staffing Changes to Better Serve Clients

Shira has been with the company for three months, but she has had experience in the field since 1999, with her focus ranging from clerical to clinical health care. 

Shira said she likes ClaimLinx because of the collaborative atmosphere. 

“Everyone works well together in a harmonious way, and I really feel at peace when I come to work.”

When she’s not at work, Shira likes to spend time with her daughter or ballroom dancing. So be sure to say hello to her the next time you call our office. 

Related Post: ClaimLinx Welcomes Linx, The Company Spokespig

Speak to her at the front desk at 800.858.1772.

Get Healthy and Be Cheery by Celebrating Candy Canes

Whether they’re hanging from tree branches, being used to stir hot cups of cocoa or sprinkled on Christmas cookies – candy canes are everywhere this time of year.

This year, celebrate this winter classic with one of December’s lesser-known holidays National Candy Cane Day on Dec. 26th

Related Post: ClaimLinx will be closed for holidays

Aside from being a tasty treat with finger-licking, minty appeal, there are a lot of hidden advantages to eating candy canes. That’s because their key ingredient, peppermint, is packed with health benefits. 

Throughout history people have used peppermint to aid all kinds of stomach problems, including nausea, indigestion, heartburn and cramps. It is also often used to ease stress and help cure tension headaches. 

And it is great for soothing a sore throat, cough and stuffy nose, since its main active ingredient is menthol, the same compound used in over-the-counter cold medicines. 

Related Post: 7 Tips to Prepare for Flu Season

So this holiday season, chomp down on another candy cane or try one of these delicious recipes – for your health. 

Increase Employee Performance By Building Trust

When it comes to business, it’s all about trust. At least it is for employees. 

Recent study shows 86 percent of employees say they must trust their boss to do well in the workplace. Yet trust in their superiors decreased in the last year for 26 percent of people polled, according to a report by the Interaction Association

Employees that trust their bosses tend to achieve more customer loyalty and retention, profit growth and competitive market positions. 

Related Post: 5 Steps For Managing Staff As Adults, Not Children

Here are five ways to build trust in your organization: 

  1. Ask for input – Especially for decisions that directly affect your employees, ask for their opinions.
  2. Fill in the background – Give staff members the background information concerning why company decisions are made. 
  3. Set for success – Offer your employees the opportunity for additional education and research so they can thrive. 
  4. Admit your mistakes – Be honest with your team about errors; explain what happened, why it happened and move on.  
  5. Don’t shoot the messenger – Do not punish employees for pointing out problems or issues with how operations are running. 

Related Post: How Coordination of Benefits Saves Money for Your Employees

For more information, check out the infographic and study published by the Interaction Association.