“Some of the advocates of reference pricing seem to imply that reference pricing will increase competition between providers …If a monopolist faces no competition, reference pricing cannot create an incentive for it to lower its price for fear that business will be lost to competitors.
Continue reading REFERENCE PRICING IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR COMPETITION IN HEALTH CARE! – Say What?
No More Election-Lock for Cafeteria Plans with Non-Calendar Plan Years
“There are six important things for employer-sponsors to note:[1] The cafeteria plan is permitted to rely upon the employee’s representation of intent to enroll in a Marketplace plan … (actual proof of enrollment is not required).
[2] The employer-sponsored cafeteria plan document must be amended to allow for such a mid-year election change….
[3] In no event under this guidance may a cafeteria plan allow a participant to revoke a coverage election on a retroactive basis.
[4] Mid-year election changes under this guidance are permitted, but not required.
[5] This guidance does not extend to health FSA elections.
6] As long as the employee is still eligible for the employer-sponsored coverage (assuming it is affordable and of minimum value), the employee will not be eligible for tax credits in the Marketplace
(Hill, Chesson & Woody)
