Employer-Paid

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week after reaching the lowest level in 5 years. But the broader trend suggests companies are laying off fewer workers and could step up hiring in the months ahead.

The board for Montana's health exchange delayed a vote Wednesday on approval of 31 plans proposed to be part of the system while some companies that were rejected by the insurance commission appeal their exclusion.

Citing a trend among other companies to refuse coverage to spouses employed by another company that offers coverage, the undated memo cites PPACA as providing the impetus for the design change.

Towers Watson says 88 percent of companies it surveyed plans to continue to offer employer subsidized health coverage plans to their workers.

DMEC gives a conference white paper to PPACA but their keynote spotlight to the MHPAEA.

One of the biggest advantages to moving to a public exchange may be the handing over of the financial and administrative burdens in running a smaller companys health benefits. Private exchanges, on the other hand, are likely to be more attractive to larger employers.