The open enrollment period for obtaining health coverage for 2017 through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace begins Nov. 1, 2016, and ends Jan. 31, 2017. In order for your health plan to become effective by Jan. 1, 2017, you must enroll in or change your health plan by Dec. 15, 2016.

A Department of Labor (DOL) final rule is set to increase the salary threshold for the “white collar overtime exemptions" to $47,476 per year. Recent challenges to the rule have left some questioning whether it will take effect on Dec. 1, 2016, as scheduled.

A coalition of 21 states and a number of business groups have filed lawsuits challenging the rule. A hearing is scheduled for Nov. 16, 2016, to determine if an injunction will be issued. Unless the bill is passed into law or a court orders a delay, the DOL’s overtime rule will take effect on Dec. 1.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created new reporting requirements under Code Sections 6055 and 6056. Under these rules, certain employers must provide information to the IRS about the health plan coverage they offer (or do not offer) or provide to their employees.
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Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment starting Nov. 1.

Make sure you are covered and avoid additional taxes. Contact your Cornerstone Group representative Lisa Smith at 248-641-3607 or email lsmith@cornerstonebenefits.com  to learn more about the Health Insurance Marketplace.

It's that time of year again.... Open Enrollment!!!

In this video, we will explain the important changes to Open Enrollment due to the Affordable Care Act. Do you have questions regarding your Open Enrollment? Call The Cornerstone Group, your Health Care Reform expert.

The premium tax credit can help make purchasing health insurance coverage more affordable for people with moderate incomes. Use this flow chart to help employees determine if they are eligible for the premium tax credit.

Do you have questions about the Affordable Care Act? Contact Cornerstone, your Health Care Reform Experts. (248) 641-2731

The IRS has released 2016 draft forms for reporting under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Sections 6055 and 6056. Draft or final instructions for the 2016 forms have not yet been released.

On May 18, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule regarding overtime wage payment qualifications for the “white collar exemptions” under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The final rule increases the salary an employee must be paid in order to qualify for a white collar exemption. The required salary level is increased to $47,476 per year and will be automatically updated every three years. The final rule does not modify the duties test employees must meet to qualify for a white collar exemption. Employers will need to comply with this rule by Dec. 1, 2016.

To comply with an Affordable Care Act mandate, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is making changes to the benefit limits for rehabilitative and habilitative services. Limits will change for rehabilitative and habilitative services for small groups and individual business.