On August 21, Mensing Consulting Solutions hosted “Are You Prepared?” in conjunction with the Small Business Association. It was a workshop designed to answer business owners’ many questions about the Affordable Care Act. Keynote speaker Dennis Foldenauer from the Small Business Association explained the benefits of the program from the government’s perspective. 

In three breakout sessions, practical solutions were offered and “what if” scenarios proposed. Kurt Rickhoff, owner of Rickhoff Small Business Accounting, discussed the ramifications from an accounting perspective, including the changes to W-2s. Joel Harrison from Mensing Consulting Solutions talked about how to make the affordable care act actually affordable, and presented a myriad of options that business owners might not have been previously aware of when it comes to offering benefits to their employees. Finally, Kandi Mensing ended the morning with a session on the perks that business owners can offer their employees–many with no additional cost involved.

The workshop addressed more than forty attendees, with interest in repeating the information session for chamber groups. Attendees stayed after for an hour-long question-and-answer session, where they had a chance to outline their own unique situations and get answers to their specific questions. 

The event was a success thanks to the support of: 

• Mensing Consulting Solutions 
• Rickhoff & Associates

• SBA, Small Business Association 
• SBDC, The Small Business Development Center at SIUE
• O'Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce (COC) 
• Riverbend Growth Association
• Edwardsville/Glen Carbon COC
• Collinsville COC
• SW Madison County COC
• Belleville COC
• Mascoutah COC
• Snap Shack PhotoBooth
• Illinois Business Journal 
• Snap Shack Phot
• Edward Jones Mascoutah Office

Even though “Are You Prepared?” and events like it can help owners understand what is expected of them, starting with the changes that have already passed and the new requirements of January 1, 2014, we recommend contacting a trusted broker who can walk you through all the options. Mensing Consulting Solutions has recently sat down with clients and saved them thousands of dollars a year or more, just by exploring their choices. Our experts would love to talk with you! 

By: Jodi Tahsler 

Many businesses, small and large, use benefits brokers to help them choose healthcare coverage for their employees, implement wellness and safety programs, and keep them up to date on changing legislation, including healthcare reform. 

In a recent article, Benefits Pros summarize studies that showed brokers are not able to provide companies with the service and attention they require, and a large percentage are unhappy with their experience. Even more surprising is that “nearly half of brokers aren’t confident in their future in the industry and are considering quitting.” Businesses are realizing their need for a broker more than ever, and brokers know they need to provide more than just an insurance policy. So where is the disconnect? 

Mensing Consulting Solutions is different because we can offer the “boutique experience.” Unlike brokers, which compare to the “big box stores,” we can customize your experience and tailor-make HR recommendations for your company. We don’t want to offer cookie cutter solutions, because every company is not the same. We want to work with you to find real-world, workable situations that will save you money and create a welcoming environment for employees. 

We can customize the level of coverage you need. Whether you need auditing and file compliance help, sexual harassment training, recruitment, employee engagement and retention strategies, or healthcare options and advice, we offer an option that is right for your needs. As a bonus, you get the peace of mind that you made an informed decision. 

To read more, go to: Brokers Failing Employers 

Our next session of Elite HR Business School is now enrolling. We only accept 5 businesses for each program and have several enrolled for our September session already! Save your seat today by applying below!

Businesses tell us that one of their top areas of worry and uncertainty, if not THE #1 concern, involves changes in healthcare.  We're always interested in multiple points of view regarding this important topic, regardless of political leaning.  Like you, we're keenly attuned to the financial impact of healthcare policies on businesses. Thus we thought you might be interested in Dr. Elizabeth Lee Vliet's perspective, especially since "taxpayer" is often another way to say "businesses."

Now that businesses will not be required to offer health insurance until 2015, workers and their dependents will be eligible for taxpayer-funded subsidies to purchase health insurance on the exchanges.
This will cost taxpayers an estimated $60 billion dollars in 2014 alone to cover the increased costs of subsidies and the loss of revenue from employer penalties.
This $60 billion figure is before we take into account the "liar subsidies"that will invariably occur now that the administration has quietly removed eligibility verification for taxpayer-funded subsidies.
Community organizers are already being hired around the country to sign people up for the health exchanges. There are no penalties for failing to verify eligibility, and no penalties for signing up people who cannot afford to pay the monthly insurance premiums.

To read more, go to:
 
 10 Reasons Why Obamacare Is Going to Ruin Your Medical Care and Your Life