Skip to Content


Articles

2021 “Affordability” Percentage

In Revenue Procedure 2020-36, the IRS increased the affordability percentage from 9.78% to 9.83% for 2021. This percentage determines which applicable large employers may face penalties under §4980H(b) for failure to offer affordable coverage as well as which individuals may qualify for subsidized coverage through a public Exchange.

Read more

The Proliferation and Risk Considerations of Mass Timber

Living in the Pacific Northwest, it is easy to become immersed in the natural beauty that surrounds us. The rivers, lakes, and vast forest trails…

Read more

Business Leaders – The Times They Are A-Changin…

In my insurance career of now over 20 years, I have seen many changes; the creation of accountable health networks, the reinvigoration of HSAs/HRAs/FSAs,…

Read more

Long-term Care – More Than Just an Executive Benefit

Earlier this year, the economy was outstanding and had been for years. As professionals, we relied on our robust retirement investments to address not only our future income needs,

Read more

Supreme Court Ruling – Contraceptive Exemption

After several years of debate, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the HHS final rules allowing for an exemption for employers with a religious or moral objection to providing coverage for contraceptive coverage. The exemption, at least for now, is available to most non-governmental organizations who would prefer not to provide group health plan coverage for contraceptives.

Read more

Is Your Doctor Wasting Your Money?
The science behind analyzing healthcare waste

With four years’ worth of data, the Washington Health Alliance’s Community Checkup has confirmed again that, across 47 measures, 51% of the healthcare received and paid for in Washington state was determined to be wasteful.

Read more

COVID-19 Update: June 26, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our lives and organizations, and is evolving quickly each and every day.

Read more

Improving Patient Access Through Ride-sharing Services

The CDC defines social determinants of health (SDOH) as the “conditions in the places where people, live, learn, work, and play [that] affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes.”

Read more

Agency Update

In the last couple weeks, the government agencies (the EEOC, IRS, DOL and HHS) have held public meetings, released proposed and final rules, and updated forms and fees affecting employee benefit offerings.

Read more

Effects of COVID-19 on Health Care Consumption

Now that shelter-in-place orders are beginning to ease, we can reflect on how virtual care and emergency departments have changed. Parker, Smith & Feek Vice President Sally Borte shares the effects of COVID-19 on healthcare consumption in Portland Business Journal.

Read more

COVID-19 Update: June 12, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our lives and organizations, and is evolving quickly each and every day. Parker, Smith & Feek is dedicated to keeping you informed on the latest information.

Read more

Updated PCORI Fees Released

In Notice 2020-44, the IRS provided the adjusted PCORI fees for plan years ending in October 2019 through September 2020. The guidance does not provide for an extension of the July 31st deadline to report and pay the PCORI fee, but there is a bit of relief provided for certain plans in the method used to count covered lives.

Read more