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While healthcare coverage reporting isn’t mandatory for applicable large employee (ALE) members until 2016 (for the 2015 tax year), many organizations want to get a jump start on identifying exactly what that reporting will look like for future returns.  As such, the IRS has finalized forms 1094-C and 1095-C, which can be filed on a voluntary basis for 2014 tax returns.

With tax season upon us, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Treasury Department are providing a variety of resources to help consumers file their returns. Whether you receive healthcare through your employer, through the Health Insurance Marketplace, or if you’ve chosen to opt-out of insurance all together, these resources will provide guidance for filing returns that reflect your healthcare choices and answer any questions that you may have.

A recent Fortune commentary entitled Why the Uber of Healthcare Is Here To Stay by Eric Kim and Chi-Hua Chien of Goodwater Capital focuses on the “consumerization” of healthcare in the face of exorbitant costs that are 2-3 times that of Europe. The article highlights the dichotomy of rising U.S. healthcare costs when compared to mediocre outcomes for consumers. 

It’s a New Year, and for most of us that usually means a strong commitment to a healthier way of life.  Just in time for those resolutions, U.S. News & World Report has put out its list of the best diets for 2015.  Topping the list for best overall diet?  The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet, which focuses on eating heart-healthy foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy. 

Many people believe that medication costs are far less with insurance. David Belk reveals that generic medications are often 100 times cheaper than their brand name competitors. With insurance, you are likely paying more per year for the medication than it actually costs with out insurance.