Entries by Carol LaCombe

ACA Breaking News

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit has dealt a serious blow to the Obama Administration today with a decision that calls into question the structural integrity of the “pay-or-play” mandates under the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”). Background: The plain language of the Affordable Care Act states individuals purchasing coverage from a state […]

Service Contract Act (SCA) Prevailing Wage Increase

Effective July 22, 2014 the new Health and Welfare Fringe Benefit Rates increased to $4.02 per hour.  Please click here to read the All Agency Memorandum. The new rate of $4.02 per hour (up from last year’s $3.81 per hour) is required in all government contract bids or other service contracts awarded on or after […]

The Employee vs. The Independent Contractor

Business owners may not understand when to classify an individual as an employee versus an independent contractor. Proper classification of a worker as an independent contractor may save a company money and benefits, such as group health insurance. However misclassification can result in significant liability. Employers are often tempted to classify workers as Independent Contractors […]

PCORI Fees: IRS Form 720 Update

The Affordable Care Act imposes fees on issuers of specified health insurance policies and plan sponsors of applicable self-insured health plans to help fund the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). PCORI is responsible for conducting research to evaluate and compare the health outcomes and clinical effectiveness, risks, and benefits of medical treatments, services, procedures, and […]

Welcome Justin Yurchenko to the team

We are pleased to welcome Justin Yurchenko to the Cleary Insurance team! Justin is the newest member of our sales force. He was hired to evaluate and analyze potential loss exposure for any type of company, including both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Justin works directly with the board of directors, CEO’s, presidents, owners, and or […]

Electronic Signature Technology Takes Hold

If you haven’t seen them yet, chances are you soon will. Electronic signature technology – ‘e-signature’ for short – is rapidly making inroads into a variety of professional services – and the insurance industry is among the leading proponents. The technology has many benefits both for the insurance industry and for the customers themselves: Cost […]

Client Spotlight: Charles River Aquatics

This Spring we are pleased to spotlight our client Charles River Aquatics.  They are an organization committed to helping children develop life skills through swim lessons.  Their main objective is to provide an atmosphere conducive to development and personal growth for individuals of all ages.  They teach water safety, foster sportsmanship and fair play. The […]

Changes in Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Rates

Presented by Michael Regan The Commissioner of Insurance recently approved a general revision of Massachusetts workers’ compensation rates that was effective April 1, 2014, applicable to new and renewal policies. There was no change to the overall rate level; however most individual class rates will change to reflect industry group differentials. This may not necessarily […]

Top 9 Garage Door Security Tips to Prevent Break-Ins

Garage doors are a common weak point when looking at security in a whole-home approach and an easy target for thieves. Garage doors are not only a weakness, but provide criminals a shelter once inside. To the casual passerby an open garage with a work truck pulled up to it doesn’t look out of place […]

Key Points in the President’s 2015 Budget Proposal

Presented by John Steiger On March 3, President Obama announced his $3.9 trillion budget proposal for fiscal year 2015. Although the budget is more of a presidential “wish list” at this point, it includes initiatives that, if passed by Congress, could have a great impact on wealthy and middle-class Americans alike. Social security claiming strategies […]