Monthly Archives: September 2013

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Small business and ACA
Calvin W. Goings Regional Administrator Calvin W. Goings

The Affordable Care Act, Part 3

The U.S. Small Business Administration is committed to educating small business owners about the facts surrounding the Affordable Care Act, so that you can make an informed decision about what makes sense for your business – including whether you choose to apply for a tax credit.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, small businesses are benefitting from improved accountability and affordability in the health insurance market. As you prepare for the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplaces to begin open enrollment on October 1, it is important that small businesses, who offer health insurance to their employees, remember that you may also be eligible for a tax credit. This can significantly offset the cost of providing insurance, by crediting a percentage of small business owners’ premium contributions.

Through 2013, to qualify for a small business tax credit of up to 35 percent (up to 25 percent for non-profits) of your premium contributions, you must meet all of the following criteria:

·         Have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees

·         Pay average annual wages below $50,000

·         And, contribute 50 percent or more toward your employees’ self-only health insurance premiums.

Beginning in January 2014, this tax credit increases to 50 percent (35 percent for non-profits) and will be available to small businesses who meet the criteria listed above and who purchase coverage through the new SHOP Marketplaces (also known as Exchanges). This enhanced credit can be claimed for any two consecutive taxable years beginning in 2014 (or beginning in a later year) through the SHOP.

To determine whether your small business or tax exempt organization qualifies for the credit, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers a helpful step-by-step guide. Visit http://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/ and search for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. If you have additional questions about the tax credit, or need assistance completing the necessary forms, call the IRS Business Help Line at 1-800-829-4933.

Once you’ve determined that you qualify for the credit, your tax professional can help guide you through the necessary steps to claim the credit which include:

·         Carrying the credit back or forward to other tax years.

·         Obtaining a refundable credit if you are a tax-exempt employer. (Note this is a federal tax credit. You may also be eligible for additional health care tax credits from your state.)

·         Using Form 8941, Credit for Small Employer Health Insurance Premiums, to calculate the credit. It’s also important to know that eligible small employers can claim the credit and still take a business expense deduction for the remainder of their premium contributions.

The Affordable Care Act allows small employers to offer health coverage in a way that makes sense for their business and works for their bottom line, and the SBA is committed to leveraging our resources and federal partnerships to connect you with the facts and resources you need to understand the law.

To learn more, visit www.sba.gov/healthcare.
Black History

~~ the Senate ~~ CONGRESS ~~ the House


capitol33

The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Thursday, September 12, 2013. Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business for one hour with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1392, the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act.

Senator Vitter proposed two unanimous consent requests and Senator Wyden objected to both.

Request to call up several amendments and vote on Vitter amendment and side-by-side

Senator Vitter asked unanimous consent that the amendments listed below be made pending:

That on Tuesday, September 17, at a time to be determined jointly by the Majority and Minority Leaders, there be 60 minutes for debate equally divided between Senators Wyden and Vitter. That the only amendment in order to the Vitter amendment be one offered by the Majority Leader or his designee, both subject to debate under the time limit on the Vitter amendment. That no points of order be in order to these two amendments. That upon the expiration of the debate time the Senate proceed to vote on the Vitter amendment and any pending amendments, with the amendment and any amendments to it be subject to a 60-vote threshold to be agreed to.

Senator Wyden objected.

Senator Vitter later said he would add Blumenthal amendment #1878 (commercial building energy code study) to the list.

Request to vote on Vitter bill with no amendments in order

Senator Vitter asked unanimous consent to withdraw the Vitter amendment #1866 (this doesn’t make sense because the amendment isn’t pending) and that on Wednesday, September 25 at 3:00pm, the Senate discharge the relevant committees from consideration of his bill (didn’t specify bill number), the no exemption for Washington from Obamacare Act, and proceed to consideration of that bill, and that without any intervening motions or debate, the Senate proceed to 60 minutes of debate on that bill, evenly divided and controlled by the Majority Leader and Senator Vitter, and that the bill not be subject to any amendments or motions to commit, and that after debate has expired, the bill be read a third time, and the Senate immediately vote on final passage, and that the motion to reconsider be made and laid upon the table.

Senator Wyden objected.

Senator Franken asked unanimous consent to call up  Franken amendment #1855 (energy information for commercial buildings).

Senator Vitter objected.

Senator Sanders asked unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendment in order to call up Sanders amendment #1915 (State residential building energy efficiency upgrades loan pilot program).

Senator Vitter reserved his right to object and asked unanimous consent that the amendments listed below be made pending:

That on Tuesday, September 17, at a time to be determined jointly by the Majority and Minority Leaders, there be 60 minutes for debate equally divided between Senators Wyden and Vitter. That the only amendment in order to the Vitter amendment be one offered by the Majority Leader or his designee, both subject to debate under the time limit on the Vitter amendment. That no points of order be in order to these two amendments. That upon the expiration of the debate time the Senate proceed to vote on the Vitter amendment and any pending amendments, with the amendment and any amendments to it be subject to a 60-vote threshold to be agreed to.

Senator Wyden objected.

Senator Vitter then asked consent to vote on his bill next week with no amendments or motions in order.

Senator Wyden objected.

Finally, Senator Vitter objected to Senator Sanders’ original request.

Request to vote on Vitter bill with no amendments in order

Senator Vitter asked unanimous consent to withdraw the Vitter amendment #1866 (this doesn’t make sense because the amendment isn’t pending) and that on Wednesday, September 25 at 3:00pm, the Senate discharge the relevant committees from consideration of his bill (didn’t specify bill number), the no exemption for Washington from Obamacare Act, and proceed to consideration of that bill, and that without any intervening motions or debate, the Senate proceed to 60 minutes of debate on that bill, evenly divided and controlled by the Majority Leader and Senator Vitter, and that the bill not be subject to any amendments or motions to commit, and that after debate has expired, the bill be read a third time, and the Senate immediately vote on final passage, and that the motion to reconsider be made and laid upon the table.

Senator Gillibrand asked consent to set aside the pending amendment in order to call up Gillibrand amendment #1860 (disaster relief/emergency assistance for energy efficiency products). Senator Vitter also objected to calling up her amendment and asked consent to call up a series of amendments, and vote on his health care amendment and an alternative. Senator Wyden objected to his request. He then  asked the same consent he’s asked several times today to vote on his bill with no amendments in order. Senator Wyden objected to this request. Finally, Senator Vitter objected to Gillibrand’s original request.

The Senate is in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

No LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed Executive Calendar #219, the nomination of Victoria Nuland, of VA, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Minister, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (European and Eurasian Affairs).

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September 2013
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House Floor Activities Legislative Day of September 12, 2013

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Paying for implants


Policy and Action from Consumer Reports

You’re stuck paying when implants fail. Really.Hip and knee manufacturers make billions marketing their products to younger and younger Americans. But they don’t back them up with a warranty, leaving  patients or taxpayers on the hook for their cost if they fail. Join our campaign to demand they warranty implants!Take action

 

 

 

 

You’ve likely seen the TV ads for knee and hip replacements. These implants are big business in America, and why not? Who doesn’t want to feel better, play longer.

But there’s something important you don’t know. Most hips and knees aren’t required by the FDA to be proven safe and effective before they’re implanted in our bodies.

And despite manufacturer claims that implants are safe and of high quality, the largest U.S. companies won’t back them up with a warranty if they fail – dumping the cost to replace them on patients or taxpayers. Really?

Join our campaign to demand implant makers warranty their products. You shouldn’t pay for their failure!

Just like the warranties that cover defects in cars and computers, artificial knees and hips should come with a guarantee so the manufacturer – not you or Medicare – pays to replace them due to a defect. Already more than a million surgeries are performed each year, and that’s expected to reach 4 million by 2030 as industry markets these joints to younger Americans.

When an implant fails, it can require complex revision surgery that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Recently, Johnson & Johnson recalled a metal hip after one in eight patients needed it replaced within just five years. Our research found that all the major hip and knee makers have recalled a product, or line of products, in the past decade.

Without a warranty, it’s unclear who pays: the patient, the insurance company, or Medicare – which taxpayers end up covering. Only one major manufacturer has a warranty, and it’s just on one knee product. For all other hips and knees, companies aren’t on the hook for the replacement cost, despite implants ringing up billions in annual sales.

These companies make big money marketing new knees and hips to us. Demand they back their products with a warranty!

By taking action, you’ll be joining tens of thousands of other consumers sending an email directly to manufacturers’ headquarters. The more emails we can send, the more we can hold companies accountable for their products!

Sincerely, Lisa McGiffert, Consumers Union Policy and Action from Consumer Reports

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Small business and ACA


Hangout with the SBA and Cover Oregon to find out
The third in a series of three Google+ Hangouts brought to you by the SBA and Cover Oregon will discuss what small businesses need to know about Oregon’s Health Care Marketplace, Cover Oregon, and how they will access coverage through the web portal. Cover Oregon will address specific small business needs including:

  • How to request real-time carrier quotes including available plans and rates
  • The process to search for and select a medical plan and dental plan for employees
  • How to set up the open enrollment period for employees
  • The process for e-signature and carrier submission

Have additional questions about how the health care law will impact your business in Oregon? Watch the earlier Hangouts that covered specific topics of the Affordable Care Act like the Marketplace and the Small Business Tax Credit.

The first Hangout described the new Health Care Marketplace in Oregon, Cover Oregon. Through Cover Oregon, employers and individuals will be able to shop for health insurance plans and access financial assistance to help pay for coverage. The second Hangout covered the small business tax credit available under ACA and the eligibility requirements to qualify for it.

Join us September 17, 2013, 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. and learn how Cover Oregon can help you.

Registration is not required for these Hangouts.  Simply click on SBA’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/sba or Google+ Page www.google.com/+sbagov and tweet your questions using the hashtag #CoverOregon.
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Don’t Be Fooled


By 

Republicans Try to Force Even More Budget Cuts

The government will shut down in 20 days – just nine congressional work days — unless Congress passes a bill to keep funding it. And while most of the media focus has been on the GOP’s unceasing effort to defund, delay, and undermine Obamacare, Speaker Boehner (R-OH) is plotting another, more hidden plan to lock in damaging and unnecessary austerity for the rest of the year and possibly into 2014.

Boehner has promised that to avoid a government shutdown, he will ask the House to pass a “clean” short-term budget resolution, simply extending current spending levels while a longer-term deal is worked out. That may sound reasonable, but hidden behind Boehner’s deceptive claims are some pretty dirty truths.

First of all, current spending levels are already painfully and unnecessarily low, but Boehner’s plan would go even further and lock in another round of deep cuts to domestic spending.

But it doesn’t stop there. Boehner’s plan actually increases defense spending by $20 BILLION compared to the sequester, while leaving spending on non-defense discretionary programs at unacceptably low levels.

You don’t have to take our word for it. Here’s Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) crowing about the cuts they are trying to force on Democrats and the president:

“In signing a CR at sequester levels,” Cantor wrote, “the president would be endorsing a level of spending that wipes away all the increases he and congressional Democrats made while they were in charge and returns us to a pre-2008 level of discretionary spending.”

Wait, there’s more! On top of all of this, House Republican leaders have devised a convoluted scheme to try and trick rank-and-file Republicans into not shutting down the government over Obamacare while still being able to somehow claim they defunded the law. This “smoke and mirrors” plan is already being derided by the Tea Party and recent polling found that just 6 percent of voters think delaying and defunding Obamacare is the right path forward.

(This final scheme comes on top of a separate GOP demand issued today that Democrats either agree to delay Obamacare for a year or Republicans will refuse to increase the debt ceiling, thus creating a world economic calamity.)

BOTTOM LINE: Republicans have scheduled just 9 days of work in September and aren’t even planning on being here the week before funding for the government runs out. Passing a partisan spending plan with only GOP votes is just another waste of time that makes it more likely that the government will shut down because of GOP intransigence, demands for damaging austerity, or both.

For a detailed brief from the Center for American Progress on how all of this adds up — or doesn’t — click HERE.