For the last year, the court system in the United States has dealt with a steady stream of cases regarding the status of drivers who work for the new ride-sharing services. At issue is whether these drivers are classified independent contractors or actual employees. Several states, including California and Utah, have determined that drivers are employees and not independent contractors. However, the ride share parent companies are fighting these decisions. The companies assert that due to the autonomy and freedom of the drivers and the way they accept and are compensated for assignments, drivers are independent contractors.
If your company is looking for a way to offer additional benefits to your employees without adding any costs to your business's bottom line, then you will be happy to learn that this is possible by starting a voluntary benefits program.
Voluntary benefits are paid for by your workers and are appreciated by employees because they offer access to group rates that are often much cheaper than trying to obtain the same coverage as an individual.
The Affordable Care Act requires that all Americans have health insurance or pay a fine when it is time to file taxes. You may be looking for alternatives that reduce the cost and allow you to avoid the fine. One option people consider is a medical share program, instead of insurance. Learn about how this works and whether it is a good alternative to health insurance.
What Is a Medical Share Program?
Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans help beneficiaries cover expenses that are not paid by traditional Medicare plans. Nevertheless, the two insurance plans are not the same. Here are four differences you may want to consider when purchasing your plan:
1. Supplemental Provisions
Medicare Supplement
Medicare Supplement plans, which are also called Medigap plans, cover only expenses left over after Medicare has paid. In addition, medical services, such as vision and dental care, that are disallowed by traditional Medicare are not covered by Supplement plans.
If you are often confused about all of the acronyms and similar terms used in health care today, then you are certainly not alone! Understanding the difference between Medicare and Medicaid is always a challenge, just as knowing what COBRA, PPO, etc, really mean.
Here is a list of the most common terms and acronyms used to describe the various types of health care in the US to help with your confusion:
