Round-up of Health Benefit Mandate Bills Considered by the Legislature and Governor
From this year’s regular legislative session, the Governor vetoed all but one of the ten bills that passed the Legislature, citing the cost of coverage mandates to the healthcare system. To read more about each health insurance mandate bill, please click on the link below.
»» http://www.keenan.com/news/brief/2008/1007_overviewhealthmandate.pdf
Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs $145 Billion State Budget
The Governor signed the 2008-2009 budget, without the usual fanfare. While bipartisan support was needed to pass the budget, neither party perceived this budget as a success. More information regarding the State budget is located at the link below.
»» http://www.keenan.com/news/brief/2008/1008_cabudget.pdf
Workers’ Compensation Bills Vetoed but Employer Assessments to Increase
As anticipated, Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed several workers’ compensation bills that had the potential to significantly increase employer costs. He also signed one bill which will require employers to transmit Employer Report of Occupational Injury (5020’s) electronically. For more details on these workers’ compensation bills, please refer to the link below.
»» http://www.keenan.com/news/brief/2008/1009_wcveto.pdf
The Fair Political Practices Commission Issues Updates to Clarify Regulations for Gifts and Increased Gift Limits
The Fair Political Practices Commission (“FPPC”) recently issued regulations clarifying when a gift may be considered to have been given to the public official's agency, and not be considered to have been given to the public official. Additionally, the FPPC identified the gift limit increase effective January 1, 2009 from $390 to $420. Following are links regarding these regulations and amendments.
Memorandum: Proposed Commission Action and Staff Recommendations –
»» http://www.fppc.ca.gov/agendas/10-08/18703.4memo.pdf
Gifts to an Agency –
»» http://www.fppc.ca.gov/legal/new-regs/18944.2_adopted.pdf
Questions and Answers regarding Gifts to Agency –
»» http://www.fppc.ca.gov/forms/FS18944.2.pdf
Reporting and Valuation of Gifts: Tickets to Nonprofit and Political Fundraisers –
»» http://www.fppc.ca.gov/agendas/04-08/18946.4reg.pdf
Reporting and Valuation of Gifts: Air Transportation –
»» http://www.fppc.ca.gov/legal/new-regs/18946.6.pdf
Agencies Issue a Request for Information Regarding the Impact of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
Comments from Group Health Plans are requested to gauge the impact on employment-based health coverage of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (“GINA”). GINA takes effect for group health plans and health insurers in the group market for plan years beginning after May 21, 2009. For additional information, please refer to the links below.
Keenan Briefing on GINA, July 2008 –
»» http://www.keenan.com/news/brief/2008/0729_genetic.pdf
Congressional Research Service Report for Congress –
»» http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/108319.pdf
IRS releases guidance on health FSA distributions under the HEART Act
Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act (HEART Act) of 2008 was designed to provide much-needed financial flexibility for our military. The IRS has issued its first guidance on the HEART Act, which addresses Qualified Reservist Distributions (QRDs). IRS guidance on how these QRDs are structured to provide military reservists with special options in their health flexible spending accounts is included in the link below.
»» http://www.irs.gov/irb/2008-41_IRB/ar09.html
Fall ALTA Newsletter Available
News and information for community colleges, including information on the 403(b) deadline.
»» http://www.keenan.com/Ezine/alta/1008/index.asp
Keenan Develops Dependent Eligibility Audit Solution with Verify Solutions for California Hospitals
Keenan announced it has developed a new service designed to help California hospitals cut health care benefits costs without eroding the level of coverage.
»» http://www.keenan.com/news/articles-pr/2008/1008_audit.asp
Caregiver And Daughter Of Deceased Injured Worker Plead Guilty To Fraud
Investigation initiated by Keenan Worker’s Compensation claim examiners has resulted in the daughter and the caregiver of a deceased injured worker pleading guilty to claim fraud.
»» http://www.keenan.com/news/articles-pr/2008/1007_workerfraud.asp
Keenan & Associates Announces Recipients in Scholarship Program
Keenan & Associates Scholarship Foundation has selected USC School Business Management Certificate students Jennifer Clark of Camarillo, and Sebrena Jefferies of Elk Grove, to each receive a scholarship of $1,975 for the 2008-09 school year.
»» http://www.keenan.com/news/articles-pr/2008/0926_scholarship.asp
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