Make sure you tune in every day this week for Healthcare Trivia! You don't want to miss a minute of this hilarious series, which explains everything you need to know about the Affordable Care Act.

Transcript:

MC: Welcome back to Healthcare Trivia, Business Edition. We’re back for round 4 of HEALTHCARE Trivia with Joel Harrison from Mensing Consulting Solutions leading Obamacare 3-1

Let’s get started.

What are the penalties and fines facing small businesses who do not provide healthcare to their employees?

Obamacare: (buzz) I know small business is hard. I am small business. Small Business is big businesses. NO FINES FOR BUSINESSES. *cough* till next year *cough*

MC: Something in your throat there, sir? 

 Joel: (buzz) Small businesses are the heart of America. Fines have been delayed until January 1, 2015, when all businesses with more than 50 full-time employees will be forced to provide qualified health insurance to their full time employees. If they do not, and one employee goes to the marketplace and gets a subsidy, they will pay $2,000 per employee, starting with the 31st employee.

If the employer already provides coverage that does not meet certain ACA standards, each employee that gets a subsidy could cost the employer $3000. 

It is true that businesses were given an extra year to prepare. But that doesn’t mean they should put this off. Instead, they need to use this extra time to make a plan that works for them and their employees. It’s going to happen. Make it a good thing. Tell your employees you’re doing this because you care about them. Make it a big deal, and use it to make your company excellent.

MC: Yeah, um, make it excellent.

We’ll be right back

[Commercial] (dancing dog) My owner used to have a lizard. Then he talked to Joel Harrison at Mensing Consulting Solutions and saved his small company $30,000 on their group health plan. I got so many treats and he got a new car. Call MCS Today (855-636-7464)

MC: We’re back. What are the responsibilities of business owners who are not required by law to provide insurance?

Obamacare: (buzz) Provide insurance! It’s your duty as an American.

MC: that’s not the question

O: (buzz) Provide insurance. It’s the American thing to do.

MC: Ahh

O: (buzz) Merica

J: First of all, if you have even one employee, you should have already distributed a “notice of new health insurance options.” This is a notice that tells your employees how to find their new options for health insurance. Basically, you need to provide them with the Healthcare.gov address and some info about your business. (Flash an offer to provide one on the screen)

Past that, an employer should care about his employees. If you cannot provide benefits for your employees, at least take a few minutes to help them understand where they need to go and who they should speak to about these important decisions. Some employers are arranging for a healthcare professional to come speak to their employees, and even enroll them in coverage. This is a tremendous benefit for the employees and it won’t cost the business a dime.

It is always important to note there are many benefit options an employer can offer—some that don’t cost the employer a thing. Benefits are a great way to attract and retain employees. Yes, there is a little cost sometimes but taking care of your employees can make them happier and more productive, which can pay for the benefits ten-fold.

MC: Correct. Please describe the small business tax credit. 

O: Small businesses that offer healthcare win a prize!

Joel: Businesses with less than 25 Full time equivalent employees that make an average of less than $50,000 annually are eligible for a tax credit that can be worth up to 50% of their insurance premiums. However it in important to note that the credit decreases on a sliding scale after the 10th employee and greater average salary than $25,000

MC: One more for Joel. Please explain self funded group insurance plans

O: That’s not on my website, you can’t do that. (asking off camera, in his earpiece, under the table) you can’t do that. What’s that?

Joel: If an employer has a relatively healthy group he can obtain a policy in which he funds a claims pool to fund the first x amount of claims. If his group does not deplete the entire claims fund the business owner gets a check from the insurance company for the unused amount. If a business can qualify this strategy saves THOUSANDS on the front end and has potential to save thousands more at the end of the plan year.

O: You can’t do that. How can he do that?

Joel: Yes Obamacare I can do that the plans work just like a normal group plan on the surface and are ACA compliant. Boom

MC: Wow, that’s a lot of information on insurance for small businesses. I hear this is a pretty confusing time in group health insurance. If it were up to me, I’d call the experts in Group Health insurance for small businesses. Joel here wouldn’t SHUT UP during the break about some of the cool strategies he has. He thinks healthcare is cool. Give him a call. I bet he could help you! 

Anyway, that’s it for this round of healthcare trivia.

For a free co-branded exchange notice or to save thousands on your healthplan, give us a call today. Our toll-free number is: 1-855-MENSING. Or, fill out a free quote request at www.EliteHRTeam.com 

Tune in every day this week for Healthcare Trivia, featuring contestants Joel Harrison from EliteHRTeam.com and Heavy-Weight Champion, OBAMACARE! 

Transcript:

MC: And we’re back for round number 3 of HEALTHCARE Trivia with Joel Harrison from Mensing Consulting Solutions leading Obamacare 2-0
Question 3: Please address how the Metallic naming system works.
Obamacare: (buzz)( with bandaid on head) RED, WHITE, and BLUE, Obamacare takes care of you.
MC: What?
O: (buzz) and Catastrophic!
Joel: (buzz) The new healthcare labeling system uses metal levels to explain how much of your healthcare costs you are responsible for paying. 
January 1, 2014, plans will have an Out-of-Pocket Max of $6350 for an individual and $12700 for a family. So, apply the percentage that corresponds to your metallic choice to the out of pocket max to get a general idea of your healthcare costs for the year. 

Platinum (Record) you are responsible for 10% of your healthcare costs.
Gold (grill) you are responsible for 20% of your healthcare costs
Silver (bells) you are responsible for 30% of your healthcare costs
Bronze (statue) you are responsible for 40% of your healthcare costs 
Remember, before the law changes on January 1, 2014, some plans have people with $20,000 or more in out of pocket expenses. This is another good thing about Healthcare Reform.
O: (Buzz) and Catastrophic!
J: Yes, Obamacare, for those under 30 and some other individuals who can get a hardship exception, catastrophic plans are available. Basically, you pay the whole $6350 before your insurance kicks in and pays the rest.
MC: Correctomundo!! We’ll be right back!
[commercial: black and white logo, hushed voice speaking fast] 
Mensing Consulting Solutions: you got employees; you got problems; you got problems; you need solutions. Mensing Consulting Solutions.
Next Question. How does the Affordable Care Act help with wellness and preventative care?
O: (buzz: Eating an Obamapop) Health and wellness is FREE.
MC: (in a you’re going to Mexico Price Is Right voice) That’s correct! Included in all qualified health plans is a large list of services provided free of charge at all in-network facilities. 
Don’t know if you’re covered for these items? Mensing Consulting Solutions can find a plan that works for you. Even if you don’t think you can afford health insurance, give us a call. We’ll give you peace of mind, and a plan that gets you covered! Our toll-free number is: 1-855-MENSING. Or, fill out a free quote request at www.EliteHRTeam.com 

Make sure you tune in every day this week for Healthcare Trivia! You don't want to miss a minute of this hilarious series, which explains everything you need to know about the Affordable Care Act. 

Transcript:

MC: And we’re back for round number 2 of HEALTHCARE Trivia with Joel Harrison from EliteHRTeam.com leading Obamacare 1-0
Question 2: Please explain how the Affordable Care Act has affected healthcare prices and why.
Obamacare: (buzz) Free healthcare for everyone… just like these Obamapops. (Throws handful of Obamapops.) The ACA is great. The government is paying for everyone’s healthcare. I just applied last week and got coverage for $37 a month thanks to the government’s help.
MC: Obamacare, aren’t 2014 health insurance premiums being quoted at an increase of 100% or more from 2013 prices? 
Random Audience Member: THESE OBAMAPOPS AREN’T GLUTEN FREE. CELIACS UNITE (Throws Obamapop)
(Obamapop hits Obamacare in the head and knocks him out)
Joel: (looks confused *Buzz*) Yes, it is true that healthcare premiums are going up, and that is unfortunate. But here is why: health insurance plans are getting better. Every plan now has Essential Health Benefits. (graphic) The underlined benefits were previously optional. Now everyone gets them. This guy (pic of old guy) gets maternity. This girl (pic of quite “nice” girl) gets mental health and substance abuse… and that’s a good thing… (softly shaking head and looking up) it’s always the quiet ones. 
New plans also have “Cost sharing limits,” which means that no one will pay more than $6350 for their out of pocket max, $12700 for a family. Follow a few other rules and you’ve got yourself a Qualified Health Plan. 
Other changes include unlimited lifetime limits, which means you can’t get dropped for using your insurance, and that’s actually a GREAT thing.
Another great thing is Guaranteed Issue: This means that everyone can have insurance, without having to worry about pre-existing conditions. The only questions they will need to answer are: Where do you live, how old are you, and what plan would you like?
And the 300% rule means that no one person will pay more than 300% more than any other person. 
As you can see, there are big changes here. These plans are stacked, and most of them are GREAT coverage. The downside is that Congressmen wrote the law and they aren’t insurance people. So the big side effect is that it’s gonna cost ya.
MC: (sleepy) Uh uh yeah… that’s correct. Another point for Joel. And Obamacare has been taken to an in-network facility only 90 minutes away. I’m sure he’ll be fine.
Remember you don’t have to be scared about the cost of healthcare. Between subsidies, affordable options, and working with the system, Mensing Consulting Solutions can find a plan that works for you. Even if you don’t think you can afford health insurance, give us a call. We’ll give you peace of mind, and a plan that gets you covered! Our toll-free number is: 1-855-MENSING. Or, fill out a free quote request at www.EliteHRTeam.com 
So at the end of round one we have Joel ahead of Obamacare 2-0
We’ll be right back.

Make sure you tune in every day this week for Healthcare Trivia! You don't want to miss a minute of this hilarious series, which explains everything you need to know about the Affordable Care Act. 

Transcript:

Ladies and Gentleman, Welcome to HEALTHCARE TRIVIA.

And now, introducing your contestants:

Joel Harrison is a healthcare consultant at EliteHRTeam.com

His opponent and reigning US Healthcare Heavy-weight Champion,

OBAMACARE!

First Question: What do young people and the uninsured need to know about Health Insurance?

(Buzz) Obamacare

Obamacare: Healthcare.gov is all you need to know. It’s just like using Kayak.com to buy health insurance. [*This is a real statement made by President Obama

MC: Reports say healthcare.gov is having issues and users are not able to sign up.

O: Healthcare.gov is such a party, there’s a long line. It’s like waiting in line at “Da Club” to buy health insurance. 

MC: Joel 

Joel: (buzz) Young people looking to purchase health insurance need to get educated and speak with a licensed broker. A broker can look at all their options, both inside and outside the state marketplace, and help them find the best plan for their unique situation. It is also important to understand the following terms to help the conversation go smoother.

Deductible—The amount of money you are responsible for paying BEFORE the insurance company will start to pay their share.

Co-pay—The amount you will pay to go to a specific kind of doctor. There are different co-pays for well visits, primary care physicians, specialists, ER visits, prescriptions, and other situations.

Co-Insurance—The percentage of your medical bills that you are responsible for paying. For example, 80/20 co-insurance means the company pays 80% and you pay 20%, up to your out-of-pocket Max.

Out-of-pocket max—The most you will pay in a year for care.

MC: OK, yes, we were looking for contact a broker you can trust… but the judges will accept it.

So at the end of round one we have Joel ahead of Obamacare 1-0

Today’s episode is brought to you by Mensing Consulting Solutions—The HR Department for small businesses. For more information on how Mensing Consulting Solutions can help you navigate the confusing world of Healthcare, call us toll-free at 855-MENSING, or go to our website, www.EliteHRTeam.com, for your free quote. 

Get ready for a mini-series you can't ignore! Tune in every day next week for Healthcare Trivia, featuring contestants Joel Harrison from EliteHRTeam.com and Heavy-Weight Champion, OBAMACARE! Don't miss this hilarious series with real facts about what you need to know on Healthcare Reform.

Healthcare Reform Trivia coming to a computer screen near you! Monday 10/28/2013 at Noon CST. 

Joel Harrison VS Obamacare

Kandi Mensing and Joel Harrison were guests on Let’s Talk, WBGZ 1570, out of Alton, Illinois on Monday, October 21. With all the misinformation and half-truths floating around media and the internet, they were there to clear up some common misconceptions about Obamacare and the Affordable Care Act. As we posted on our Facebook site, most Americans think the Affordable Care Act sounds like a much better deal than Obamacare–even though they’re the same thing! 

WARNING: Listing to the recording of this show may make you more informed than 90% of Americans.

Some highlights of the 40-minute recording:

What is the penalty for an individual not having health insurance after January 1, 2014? Where did the $95 figure come from?

The penalty is $95 or 1% of your income. Therefore, if you make $30,000 a year, your penalty will be $300. $95 is the minimum penalty you can pay, and if you qualify for that amount, you also probably qualify for a subsidy, so contact a qualified health broker today to go through your options with you! 

Remember, if you don’t have health insurance, an even greater detriment than the penalty is that you will be breaking the law. If you go to the emergency room with a break, heart attack, or wound, the hospital must stabilize you before releasing you, but you will not receive care beyond that point if you don’t have health insurance.

Are we going to see more part-time employees?

Yes. One of the side effects of the Affordable Care Act is that businesses with fewer than 50 employees total (there is a calculation small businesses need to do to figure out full-time equivalent) don’t need to offer health insurance. Some businesses may try to get around this by bumping their employees down to part time. This also effects municipalities like Parks and Recreations Departments around the country.

Is the government’s health care site up and running now? 

Get Covered Illinois, our state site, has been “operational” since September. However, since it asks questions and then redirects the user to the federal site,www.healthcare.gov, and healthcare.gov has been down, users have been facing log-in and time out problems. Our healthcare experts have upgraded the situation to “Hit or Miss.” 

I have a Medicare Plan with a Supplement. Are they going to force me to use Obamacare? Will my supplement bump me into the “Cadillac” category and cause high fines? 

Medicase is less affected with the rate increase the individual health plans. People with individual insurance that does not currently offer the essential health benefits will see a rate increase up to 40% as their insurance is adjusted to offer these items. 

The Cadillac tax does not come into effect until 2018, so you don’t have to worry about it yet.

Wait! What’s up with these “essential health benefits”? Are you telling me that I’m 65 and neither my wife nor I can have children, but we’re both paying for maternity?

 Yes. Everyone has these essential health benefits on their plan, starting January 1, 2014. This includes maternity coverage. Basically, the healthy and inexpensive will pay to make up for the unhealthy and expensive. This way, no one pays more than 300% more than another person for coverage. 

How to they verify compliance to ensure you’re on a qualified plan?

This will be done through your taxes. You will provide the IRS with proof of coverage. 

I’m retired and on my wife’s plan at work. Can I use Obamacare to find a smaller price?

Yes! Now is the time to shop around. January 2, 2014 will be too late. You are paying for the privilege of being on a group plan, which can get expensive. There are many cost-effective strategies in individual plans that may save you money.

Remember, think outside the co-pay plans! They don’t always work for you. Find out your options and what’s best for you. A qualified broker can help you find options both inside and outside the Marketplace. 

Let’s end with a quote from Joel Harrison: “Business owners know their business. They don’t know health insurance. I spend hours every single day buried in this stuff, and I understand it. It’s good to have someone on your team who knows more than you.”

On Thursday, September 26, 2013, two construction workers met at a job site in Milwaukee. One was from the company building the bridge, the other the supervisor for the team that would be painting the underpass.

As they were talking, the supervisor, Mike Peters, collapsed. Scott Kraus reacted immediately. He called 911, but knew he couldn’t wait for paramedics. Instead, he started CPR. 

Peters had emergency open heart surgery and will face recovery time before returning to work—not a bad prognosis for a man Scott Kraus wasn’t sure had lived or died as the ambulance drove him away. 

Peters appreciates Kraus’s quick reaction. “A lot of people know what to do but won’t do it or are scared to do it. I’m just glad he went for it.” More information on this story can be found here.

What would you do if faced with an emergency situation at work? Does your company have a procedure in place? Do you know basic life-saving techniques like CPR and the Heimlich? What about basic first aid for cuts, burns, or eye wounds? Even in an office environment, life-threatening incidents could occur, which is why many businesses are installed defibrillators and holding training to address emergency procedures. 

Know Your Risks. Know Your Reaction. Training your employees in job-specific safety and general emergency procedures is important, since you never know what will happen. We have an expert on our team, standing ready to help.

By: Bill O'Hara, Safety Consultant 

As we get into the fall season with the days becoming shorter, it is important to address some safety concerns involving your children when they are playing outside.

With daylight savings time and evening approaching, you may need to establish an earlier curfew to bring your children in from playing outside, once it gets dark. Another safety idea to consider is installing motion activated electrical lighting on your garage or driveway to make it easier for friends and family to see when they're approaching your home.

With Halloween approaching, it can be a potentially dangerous holiday for children because it gets dark earlier. We recommend that you address some safety concerns for this holiday and make sure that your children have a portable light with them. When they go trick-or-treating give them a miniature lantern, flashlight or ask them to carry glow sticks to provide better visibility. 

Make sure your children's costumes are not too long so they don't trip over them and that the costumes are warm enough to be worn outdoors. When they're done treat-or-treating make sure you check all the candy your children have received. Throw away any candy that was opened or punctured or has holes in it. 

Another fall safety tip includes watching out for wildlife. Deer are most active at dusk and dawn. They can venture out on the roadways at anytime of the day. More than half of all deer/motor vehicle collisions occur in October and November when the deer are most active and bucks are in rut.

Here are some safety tips if you see deer approaching.

If you see one deer crossing a road, watch out for more. Deer often travel in groups, and they're moving fast as they try to catch up with each other.

If you see brake lights ahead of you, it could be a sign that the driver has spotted wildlife. Stay watchful as you drive through the area: more deer could try to cross the road.

As you're driving, take note of deer crossing signs and drive safely and slowly through those areas. Drive slower at night give yourself plenty time to brake if you see you deer in your headlights. Use your low beams: the brightness of your lights will make it easier to see deer. Be aware that headlights may confuse deer and may cause them to move erratically or stop.. Be especially watchful when traveling near steep roadside banks. Deer can appear on the roadway with little or no warning.

If you accidentally hit and kill a deer, report the location of the deer carcass to the city, county, or state highway department that has jurisdiction over the roadway. 

Please drive safely during the fall season and watch out for trick-or-treaters and wildlife on roadways.

by Bill O'Hara, Safety Consultant

Fire Safety Week falls in October. Many people turn their furnace on for the first time, the days get shorter and we start spending more time indoors, we light candles inside our Jack-o-lanterns and fires in the fireplace on those chilly nights. With a few quick checks, you can ensure your family's safety in the coming blustery months.

You should always replace smoke detector batteries at least once a year to help ensure they will work when needed. The end of Daylight Saving Time is 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 3. When clocks are adjusted to “fall back” an hour, that can serve as a yearly reminder to replace the batteries. 

It's also a good idea to practice fire safety home evacuation test drills with your children. State Fire Marshals recommend creating a family fire safety plan that includes learning about kitchen fire hazards and how to avoid them, as well as developing a home fire escape plan. Families should regularly practice these plans and explain them to children, revising the plan as the children grow up. Establish a safe meeting point outside the home or near a neighbor's house. 

Purchase a fire extinguisher for your house and garage. Check to make sure it's properly charged and accessible. 

Prevent Kitchen Fires

Did you know more fires occur in the kitchen than in any other room of the house? Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and of home fire-related injuries. Kitchen fires, especially those involving grease, can spread quickly and be very difficult to put out. There are other fire risks in the kitchen: including toasters, toaster ovens and overloaded outlets and extension cords. That is why it is essential to know how fires can start in the kitchen, understand the ways they can be prevented, and have an action plan for what to do if a fire starts.

In case of a kitchen fire, control the fire by: 

• Covering the pan with a lid or a bigger upturned pan.
• Turn the heat off.
• If you don't have a proper fire extinguisher handy, douse the burning oil with baking soda.
• Never run with a pan fire. You run the risk of spreading the fire further when the oil drips.
• Never throw water on the pan—it will splatter the oil and spread the fire, possibly burning you.
• Never throw sugar or flour on a grease fire. Flour might look like baking soda, but it's not, so it won't react similarly! One cup of either of these baking products contains the explosive potential of two sticks of dynamite. (Pay special attention this fire safety tip, it can result in third degree burns and even death in some cases.)
• Wear tight clothes when cooking over the stove. Billowing sleeves or hanging accessories above a lit stove can spell disaster.
• Install a smoke detector in the kitchen.

In a commercial environment, employers should schedule fire safety training, including fire extinguisher training for your employees to be able to know the proper use of the device. This can prevent millions of dollars in damage, lost time, and possible costly lawsuits.