Shane Medlin

How to Position Your Company’s Employee Benefits for an Optimal Renewal

Author, Shane Medlin, Account Executive, Employee Benefits, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

There are many factors that can impact your Employee Benefits renewal. It is important to have a broker that understands these factors so your renewal is the most favorable, each and every year. Preparation prior to your renewal is essential in reaching your goals and meeting your budget each year. Rancho Mesa has developed processes that can optimize your position to market and negotiate with your carrier to provide you with the best value for the benefits you provide your employees.

What Employers Need to Know about the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021

Author, Shane Medlin, Employee Benefits Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by the 117th United States Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021. The bill includes a 100% subsidy on Continuation of Health Coverage (COBRA) premiums from April 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021, as well as additional guidance on paid sick and family leave. Employers will need to be aware of the changes because it could potentially increase COBRA elections and employer administration.

Will COVID Impact Health Insurance Rates in 2021?

Author, Shane Medlin, Employee Benefits Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Earlier this year, Covered California, California’s health insurance marketplace has projected that the national cost for testing, treatment and care specifically related to COVID-19 could be as high as a quarter trillion dollars. A large amount of these dollars was offset due to many US hospitals postponing elective surgeries because of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, causing some insurance carriers such as United Healthcare to send premium rebates back to employers.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit Can Help Employers Impacted by COVID-19

Author, Shane Medlin, Account Executive, Employee Benefits, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

With San Diego County remaining in the red tier of the California’s COVID-19 reopening plan for at least one more week, employers in the County are starting to hire once again. As businesses begin to ramp up operations, they can expect insurance costs to increase across the board, in the coming year. To help mitigate the increase in the cost of doing business, there are many tax credit incentives that employers can access due to the pandemic, but one in particular can make a significant impact when rehiring employees.

Benefit Solutions to Accommodate Remote Employees

Authors, Shane Medlin, Employee Benefits Account Executive and Colin Cadman, Benefit Analyst, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

With polling showing as high as 59% of the US workforce now working remotely, employers need more efficient solutions to administer their employee benefit plans, while also adhering to the social distancing standards passed down from their respective state governments. There are simple strategies that can help companies of all sizes achieve their goals.

New Law Provides Employers More Time to Prepare

Author, Shane Medlin, Employee Benefits Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Prior to the end of 2019, California Governor, Gavin Newsom, approved Assembly Bill 731. This bill will expand the rate review practice that California already has in place for the individual and small group markets to the large group market.

Healthcare Changes for California Residents

Author, Shane Medlin, Employee Benefits Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

California’s Governor Gavin Newsom, announced a health care plan to address a fragmented healthcare system that leaves many residents priced-out or underinsured. His goal is to expand healthcare access and make prescription drugs more affordable. Californians could see lower insurance and prescription drug prices, if his new laws work as intended.

Wellness in the Workplace

Author, Shane Medlin, Employee Benefits Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

The care and concern by employers for their employees’ well-being has significantly increased over the past few years. About 75% of employers indicated that their companies offered some type of employee wellness program or service, according to research conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management. Wellness programs can benefit employers in many ways, including better insurance rates, reduced absenteeism, increased productivity and a positive culture in the workplace.

Have You Outgrown Your PEO?

Author, Shane Medlin, Employee Benefits Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Many companies can outgrow a professional employer organization (PEO) model, over time. Most companies currently in a PEO are unaware that they have outgrown this service model.Determining if you have outgrown a PEO can be a difficult task and will require a professional insurance broker and payroll advisor to assist your company.

Health Care Reform… What is Next?

Author, Shane Medlin, Employee Benefits Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Recently, multiple proposals to change the existing Affordable Care Act (ACA) have emerged. How will the proposed changes affect employers and their employees? The future of the ACA is still in question. However, it is unlikely that any of the proposed changes will pass congress within the next 2 years.

IRS Extends 2018 Deadline for 1095c Forms

Authors, Shane Medlin, Employee Benefits Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released Notice 2018-94 outlining extended deadlines for 2018 Minimum Essential Coverage under Section 6055 and Large Employer Shared Responsibility under Section 6056. This notice extends the due date to provide individuals the 2018 Form 1095-B, Health Coverage, and the 2018 Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage, from January 31, 2019, to March 4, 2019. This notice also extends good faith transition relief from section 6721 and 6722 penalties to the 2018 information reporting requirements under sections 6055 and 6056.