NEWS...

IMPORTANT
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Premium Subsidy Program for
COBRA Beneficiaries

On February 17th, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Also known as “The Stimulus Bill” it includes changes affecting employee benefits, the most notable of which is the provision for a temporary subsidy of COBRA premiums by the government. In addition, the legislation provides for a special open enrollment period for employees involuntarily terminated between September 1, 2008 and the law’s effective date that did not elect COBRA continuation at the time they were originally eligible.
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SPECIAL CGI Seminar

Knock! Knock! Who’s There?
Your NH DOL Inspector!”

Please join us to learn how to prepare for and survive a NH DOL audit!
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Consumer groups defend New Hampshire Prescription Data Privacy Law:

Brief filed by American University Law Professor and AARP counsel says court erred in striking down N.H. Data Mining Law > read more

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Massachusetts Health Care Reform Update:

Beginning on January 1, 2009 all Massachusetts residents must be covered under health insurance plans meeting the Minimum Credible Coverage criteria established by The State of Massachusetts.  For calendar year 2009 a resident’s health insurance coverage must meet the following standards, among others: > more

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READ ABOUT OBAMA'S HEALTH PLAN PROPOSALS
Click Here.

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New Health Insurance Laws Enacted 2008

SB540: New Hampshire Health First

SB540 : This bill establishes New Hampshire HealthFirst, a standard wellness plan for small employers.  Sponsored by Governor John Lynch, the bill is designed to provide NH small businesses with a low cost health insurance option. Beginning October 1, 2009, NH health insurance carriers with over 1,000 members in the small group market must offer this wellness oriented health benefit plan.  An Advisory Committee appointed by the Insurance Department is currently developing the plan.  The Committee is comprised principally of small business owners representing a broad cross section of businesses across the State. > more

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President Bush signed mental health parity into law taking a great step forward in the decade-plus fight to end insurance discrimination against those seeking treatment for mental health and substance use disorders. This historic legislation requires that health insurance equally cover both mental and physical health.   This law will take effect January 1, 2010.

Congress passed the legislation as part of a new bill that also includes tax extenders, changes to FDIC and the controversial financial rescue plan. The House passed the legislation today by a vote of 263-171. On October 1, the measure passed the Senate by a vote of 74-25. >more