hmaa
Member Connection
January 2020
Happy New Year! We are pleased to provide the following updates, and encourage you to share this information with others in your family.
Obamacare Developments
As part of the federal spending bill passed in December, the following three taxes that were originally imposed by the Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare) were fully repealed

  • The Cadillac Tax (also known as the High-Cost Employer-Sponsored Health Coverage Excise Tax), which was scheduled to take effect in 2022, was permanently repealed.
  • The Medical Device Excise Tax is permanently repealed beginning in 2020.
  • The Health Insurance Tax on insurance companies will remain in place for 2020, but will be permanently repealed beginning in 2021.
In addition, the spending bill extends the fee that helps fund the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (known as the PCORI fee) for an additional 10 years, to 2029. As a result, HMAA will resume collection of this fee from employer groups in 2020 .

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in December that the individual mandate is unconstitutional, but left the law intact for now. The appeals court sent the case back to the lower court to review again whether the entire Obamacare is invalid or if some parts can survive .

This information reflects our interpretation of the regulations. It is not intended as, and should not be taken as, tax, legal or compliance advice .
VSP Individual Plans
Are you currently enrolled in a vision plan? If not, you or your family members may benefit from VSP’s direct, individual plans through our Member Plus Discount Program. Enrollment is quick and easy through VSP’s website. No insurance card is necessary; enrollees just need to tell their provider they have VSP .

Check out other offers from our partnered merchants!
Setting Resolutions in the New Year
It’s the beginning of a new year, and for many of us that means making plans for self-improvement. Resolutions can be exciting in the first few weeks, but often our commitment wavers as the year rolls on. Sticking to our plans is more likely when we set realistic goals that have measurable results. Some examples

  • Healthier eating. Set specific goals such as eating veggies or fruit at least twice a day, or no more than one sugary beverage per week.
  • Get more exercise. Aim for walking 15 minutes a day, three times a week.
  • Cut out stress. Take 5 minutes twice a day to focus on relaxation.
  • Decrease alcohol consumption. Set a limit on a number of drinks per day and a maximum number of days per week, and aim to be within recommended guidelines.

Don't forget to put your goals in writing, and take things one at a time. Setting too many goals at once may end up being more prohibitive than helpful. Focus on small changes you can build into your lifestyle .
Need Assistance?
If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact our Customer Service Center .