On March 9, 2023, the IRS released updated penalty amounts for 2024 related to the employer shared responsibility (pay or play) rules under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For calendar year 2024, the adjusted $2,000 penalty amount is $2,970 … Continue reading
Category Archives: Insurance Carriers
Number of Uninsured Drivers Increases as Rates Rise 5.9% in H1 2023
By Will Jones As personal auto insurance rates continue to accelerate upward, drivers are at a crossroads. Some are taking to the market to find cheaper rates—while others are choosing to drive without coverage. Auto insurance premiums have increased at … Continue reading
Health Care Costs Projected to Grow 7% in 2024
Health care costs are expected to grow 7% in 2024 due to rising pharmaceutical expenses driven by specialty drugs and insurers increasing rates in response to inflation, according to an annual report from professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). This trend … Continue reading
DRIVER SAFETY: DISTRACTIONS April is distracted driving awareness month. Distracted driving is driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from the road, and can greatly increase the chance of a motor vehicle crash. There are three main … Continue reading
Agencies Issue Guidance on the End of the COVID-19 Emergencies (Revised based on the President’s Signature of H.J.Res. 7 on April 10, 2023)
On January 30, 2023, President Biden issued a Statement of Administration Policy announcing his intent to end the COVID-19 national and public health emergencies on May 11, 2023. However, on April 10, 2023, the President signed H.J.Res. 7, which … Continue reading
Alert to Dog Owners: Bite Claims Getting More Expensive
While the number of dog bite claims has dipped, the cost of dog bite claims has been growing significantly, new data from the Insurance Information Institute shows. Last year, the number of claims decreased 2.2%, but claim costs grew 32% to … Continue reading
S-M-A-R-T Tips for Preventing Distracted Driving
As the parent of a new teen driver, there’s plenty to worry about. You might question your teen’s skills behind the wheel. Or you’re concerned they’ll become distracted by a cellphone, other passengers or trying to eat while on … Continue reading
ACA Pay or Play Penalties Will Increase for 2024
New Laws Impacting Agents and Policy Issuance
Several new laws related to TWIA were passed by the Texas Legislature during this year’s regular legislative session. While most of them do not directly impact agents, we want you to have all of the information about how TWIA’s operations … Continue reading
Agencies Release First Rule on the No Surprises Act
On July 13, 2021, the DOL, HHS, and IRS released a joint Interim Final Rule implementing specified provisions of the No Surprises Act, a new law included within the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. The No Surprises Act addresses, among other … Continue reading
Key HSA Features – 2021 Compliance
Health savings accounts (HSAs) are a popular type of tax-advantaged medical savings account available to individuals enrolled in high deductible health plans (HDHPs). Individuals can use their HSAs to pay for expenses covered under the HDHP until their deductible has … Continue reading