Industry News

Congress and the Trump Administration Begin Work on Federal Health Reform Change

  • On March 17, 2017
Formal work on national health care reform is well underway now that the congressional leadership of the Republican Party has released draft legislation to replace parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  Health policy ideas are flying around Washington, DC, and in the news there is a tremendous amount of chatter and speculation about what […]
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Spring Cleaning – Employee Records

  • On March 17, 2017
Spring is FINALLY here! Personally, I am looking forward to nicer weather, blooming flowers and trees, and “spring cleaning”.  Now is the perfect time to think about cleaning and organizing your employer files.  Before you head for the nearest shredder, be sure to review federal and state retention requirements.  As a general rule of thumb, […]
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House GOP Releases First Draft of Health Reform Repeal/Replace Measure

  • On March 7, 2017
On Monday evening, March 6, 2017 the House Republican leadership unveiled its first official version of legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.  Known as the American Health Care Act, the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce Committees will begin their work on “marking up” the legislation this week. See the […]
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Industry Trends: Narrow Networks Cut Down on Costs

  • On February 17, 2017
As we constantly search for solutions to help manage health care costs and more importantly, strategies that continue to ease the stinging of mounting premiums, another tactic that health care purchasers are continuing to market is narrow provider networks. By limiting health plan enrollees to a narrower network of providers, health purchasers can negotiate lower […]
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Recent Notable Federal Health Plan Guidance

  • On February 17, 2017
In January and early February, federal government agencies issued several key pieces of guidance that may be of help to employer group benefit plans for 2017 administration purposes. The 2017 federal poverty level (FPL) standards were released, which applicable large employers (ALEs) may elect to use to help determine if the coverage they offer to […]
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Health Reform Changes Are A Hot Topic, But No Action Items Yet

  • On February 17, 2017
While there is lots of talk in Washington, D.C. these days about potential repeal, replacement, and/or rebuilding of the health reform law, so far there has been no action that would actually change any current requirements for employer group benefit plans. In fact, employer plans need to be very mindful of some key looming compliance […]
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Company Culture Might Be More Important Than You Think

  • On February 17, 2017
Company culture is the unifying element that holds everyone in an organization together. Culture encompasses the written and unwritten behavioral norms and expectations of those within the company. Why Is Company Culture Important? According to Alternative Board’s 2016 Small Business Pulse Survey, 93 percent of entrepreneurs believe that promoting company culture is good for productivity […]
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President Trump Signs Executive Order on Health Reform

  • On January 23, 2017
On Friday evening, as one of his first acts as President, Donald Trump signed an executive order concerning his Administration’s intentions with regard to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).   The one-page order does not change any existing provisions of the law or its related regulations, or suspend any current requirements for individuals, employers or other […]
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Health Reform Legislative and Regulatory Changes on the Horizon

  • On January 13, 2017
The 115th Congress has been sworn in and they have already taken some initial action to change the health care landscape.  On Tuesday, January 3, Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY) Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee formally started the process by introducing a resolution that would allow for the repeal of sections of the Affordable Care […]
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New Final Regulations to Impact Employer-Sponsored Health Benefit Plans

  • On January 13, 2017
In the last few weeks, the Obama Administration issued a flurry of new final regulations, FAQs, and other guidance that will impact employer-sponsored health plans.  Since all of these requirements and guidance will be both finalized and effective before January 20 (even the ones that will impact the 2018 plan year), they cannot be simply […]
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Out with the Old, Outdated (Handbook) and in with the New

  • On January 12, 2017
As we begin a new year, take a moment to consider when you last reviewed/revised your employee handbook.  If you can’t recall when or it has been two or more years, it is probably time to update it.  In March of 2015, an NLRB memo came out regarding Section 7 rights under the National Labor […]
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KTB Holiday Hours of Operation – January 2, 2017

  • On December 29, 2016
Please note that all KTB offices will be closed on Monday, January 2, 2017 in observance of New Year’s. We will reopen on Tuesday, January 3. We will be open regular hours of operation on Friday, December 30, 2016. Thank you and Happy New Year!
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Keep Compliant With Medicare Prescription Drug Disclosure Requirements in 2017

  • On December 16, 2016
Employer-sponsored health plans that offer any type of prescription drug coverage to employees or dependents eligible for Medicare Part D coverage have an annual obligation to inform both the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and all Medicare-eligible plan participants if the coverage offered is as generous as the standard Part D drug plan […]
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New I-9 Form Available

  • On December 16, 2016
Must Begin Using No Later Than January 23, 2017 A new I-9 form is now available.  Employers may begin using it immediately or may continue use of the previous version of the I-9 Form (dated 03/08/2013) until January 22, 2017.  After that date, the previous version may not be used and the new form must […]
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Industry Trends: New Year, New President, New Requirements for HSAs?

  • On December 16, 2016
The fast approaching end of 2016 provides the opportunity to look back at an incredible and unpredictable year as well as forward as to how President-Elect Donald Trump might shape the future landscape of health care.  In particular, the growing popularity of Health Savings Accounts that now must be paired with a qualified high deductible […]
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All KTB Offices Closing Early – December 9, 2016

  • On December 8, 2016
Please be advised that all KTB offices will be closing at 11:30 AM on Friday, December 9, 2016, for the company’s annual staff holiday luncheon. If you or your employees are in need of assistance during this time, please contact the KTB SERV team at 1-866-582-7378, Prompt 1.  Thank you and happy holidays!
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Overtime Rule Postponed By Federal Court

  • On November 28, 2016
On Nov. 22, 2016, a federal judge in Texas issued a preliminary injunction, halting the enforcement of the Department of Labor’s (DOL) new overtime rule until further notice. The rule, which was set to take effect on Dec. 1, 2016, would have increased the salary threshold for the “white collar overtime exemptions” to $47,476 per year. […]
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