Applying the play or pay mandate to seasonal and temporary employees

Jeff Jones
Tuesday, Apr 2, 2013
As every employer who has not been living under a rock knows, as of January 1, 2014, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requires employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees to offer qualifying health insurance to their full-time employees, and those employees’ dependants, or pay a penalty. What many employers may not know, however, is how PPACA’s employer mandate applies to seasonal and temporary employees. Although this is still a grey area, the IRS’s proposed regulations, published on January 2, 2013, offer some guidance. The regulations include two sets of rules: (1) how to count hours to determine if an employer mee... click here to read more

Health care reform and the general contractor

Donnie Elkins
Tuesday, Apr 2, 2013
This article is intended to give a very brief overview of the current health care reform going on in this country as it relates to a general contractor. Much material has been written about current health care reform and its impending impact on society in general. One is encouraged to speak with their insurance carrier to find out the particulars relating to his or her personal situation. In general, contractors who work on projects that are publicly-funded are already subject to what can seem like a myriad of regulations. Among these are the Davis-Bacon Act, OSHA and DOT regulations, and local prevailing wage ordinance requirements. Now the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a... click here to read more

Striving to meet ‘meaningful use’ objectives

Les Bernstein
Tuesday, Apr 2, 2013
Les Bernstein | Chief Information Officer at Cookeville Regional Medical CenterOn February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which forever changed the landscape for how physicians and clinicians go about providing care. ARRA, which is a $789 billion stimulus bill, included $19.2B in incentives (funding) to accelerate adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) under the Healthcare Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. All incentives are tied to “Meaningful Use of Certified EHRs.” “Meaningful Use” sets specific objectiv... click here to read more

U.S. health care: Are we getting the bang for our buck?

P.K. Jain
Tuesday, Apr 2, 2013
Spending $2.7 trillion on health care, this accounts for approximately 17 percent of the U.S. GDP, or national spending. For a country that spends the most money on health care in the world, one would expect the U.S. to be among the leaders in not only innovation but also quality of care and positive health outcomes. However, this is not in the case - in reality the U.S. ranks 50th in terms of life expectancy (CNN). This appalling statistic raises alarm and should make us question if we are really getting the bang for our buck? It is next to impossible at this point to deliver the best care possible with our health care system being so fragmented and broken. Essentially... click here to read more

CMC’s Cancer Center strides ahead with new technology

Jordan Johnson
Tuesday, Apr 2, 2013
The Regional Cancer Center of Cumberland Medical Center continues to make strides for superior quality for those diagnosed with cancer. Its goal is to provide the most advanced treatment techniques, while extending the utmost compassion for patients and their family members. The Cancer Center has a full-time radiation oncologist, Dr. Zach Fowler, who works seamlessly with referring physicians from around the area to ensure the patient gets the best care, while keeping the other physicians informed throughout the process.

Furthermore, the Cancer Center’s partnership with Thompson Cancer Survival Center has added depth, knowledge, resources... click here to read more

Five Questions about Long-Term Care

Bill Scruggs
Tuesday, Apr 2, 2013
1. What is long-term care? Long-term care refers to the ongoing services and support needed by people who have chronic health conditions or disabilities. There are three levels of long-term care:

--Skilled care: Generally round-the-clock care that’s given by professional health care providers such as nurses, therapists or aides under a doctor’s supervision.

--Intermediate care: Also provided by professional health care providers but on a less frequent basis than skilled care.

--Custodial care: Personal care that’s often given by family caregivers, nurses’ aides... click here to read more

Express Signs owner encourages ‘localist’ attitude in buying

Jeff Dunn
Tuesday, Apr 2, 2013
At the Cookeville/Putnam County Chamber of Commerce annual meeting last month, outgoing chairman Bob Luna closed the gathering by telling everyone to spend their sales tax dollars locally. He couldn’t have been more on the mark with his comments.

I am a small business advocate. After all, I own a small business – Express Signs & More. But my advocacy isn’t simply because I own one.

Small local businesses are the lifeblood of this community. And according to experts, small business powers our country’s economic engine.

I try whenever possible to go local. Nine times out of 10, I’ll eat at a local restaurant, for example, trying to ... click here to read more

Marketing for the modern business: Less is more in 2013

Jeff Morris
Wednesday, Mar 6, 2013
The ever-changing marketing landscape in the modern business era seemingly is coming back to a simple “less is more” approach. Less is more with your brand, your content, your social media channels and your overall focus. In an era where the modern consumer is hit from literally every angle imaginable throughout their day with marketing and product mentions, it’s becoming more important for businesses to take a strategic approach to become less white noise to the consumer, and more compelling impact.Brand basedPersonal identity is what every person seeks throughout their life journey. Brand identity is no different. What message does... click here to read more

An owner’s perspective: the new business climate

Jeff Dunn
Wednesday, Mar 6, 2013
The economy appears to be recovering, slowly, but recovering. Businesses are seeing sales rise after struggling for several years.

Unlike a lot of business people during the Great Recession, I got lucky to a certain extent when the economy collapsed in 2008. I had sold my business just months before the housing market collapsed.

I took a break from business for a bit. But when I decided to return to business ownership, I had a front row seat to just how much the economic collapse had affected the value of businesses and the way banks loaned money.

It turns out I hadn’t completely dodged the economic bullet. I learned just how much the lending market had chang... click here to read more

Legal: IRS explains ‘shared responsibility’ provision under Affordable Care Act

Jeff Jones
Wednesday, Mar 6, 2013
On Dec. 28, 2012, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued proposed regulations under the “Employer Shared Responsibility” provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). To be subject to the provisions, an employer must have at least 50 full-time employees or a combination of full-time and part-time employees that is equivalent to at least 50 full-time employees. Companies that have a common owner or are otherwise related generally are combined together for purposes of determining whether or not they employ at least 50. Those employers that may be close to the 50 full-time employees (or equivalent) threshold need to know what to do for 2014, so special tra... click here to read more

Tech trends: Internet expands small business reach

David West
Wednesday, Mar 6, 2013
Many small business operations simply could not operate today without current technology and communications capabilities.Vista Points Inc., for example, helps people become aware of and learn about the benefits of special needs trusts while guiding them to qualified professionals who can assist them. A special needs trust allows a disabled beneficiary to receive gifts, lawsuit settlements or other funds without losing eligibility for certain government programs. Since we work nationwide, we could not do this without modern technology and communication.In the lifetime of many of today’s business leaders, there have been two overwhelming developments that have cha... click here to read more

Technology and health care: Patients empowered to be proactive

P.K. Jain
Wednesday, Mar 6, 2013
All these new revolutions in technology are no exception to the health care industry. Accordingly, health care has transformed tremendously from incorporating the advances in communication and technology and continues to evolve every day. The role of technology in health care has remarkable benefits as digital technologies provide modes of communication that enable people to live healthier lives and make better treatment decisions. Thus, widespread use of technology to improve communication within the health care industry is an integral component for better quality care and services for patients, which not only empowers individuals to take control and manage their medical information but als... click here to read more

A taxing perspective: Choose your business structure wisely

H&R Block
Wednesday, Mar 6, 2013
Whether you’re thinking about starting a new business or if you’ve been in business for a while, you may be wondering which type of business entity would suit you. Liability is always a question, but what’s the bottom line – we want to know how it will affect our bottom line – especially when it comes to taxes? Here’s the breakdown.There are only five different types of entities the IRS recognizes – although some of these may be layered inside of one another: Sole proprietorship, partnership, C corporation, S corporation and limited liability company (LLC).Sole proprietorships are the most common type of business entity. Any i... click here to read more

Viewpoint: Wine in grocery stores a mixed bag

Liz Engel Clark
Wednesday, Feb 6, 2013
It seems inevitable anymore that when the Tennessee Legislature reconvenes for the first time each year, the issue of wine in grocery stores is one topping the 10 o’clock news. Nevermind budgets, the economy or education, this is one item ever growing in popularity – any maybe, just maybe, closer than ever to being passed (did you just hear all the winos cheer?).It seems I’m no better in my wishes for 2013. Yes, I realize this is at least my second alcohol-related column in the last six months, but really these days, what else can I hang my hat on? The issue, ... click here to read more

Editorial: Looking ahead means first reflecting on where we’ve been

Jay Albrecht
Wednesday, Feb 6, 2013
“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you can see.”This relatively simple quote spoken by Winston Churchill says volumes about the state of the world – and the Upper Cumberland – we live in today. For us to truly move forward successfully, we must reflect upon our past, learn from our mistakes and recognize our good efforts that must be sustained.Many of the “Year in Review” stories we featured in our December/January edition help to tell our story from the year 2012, both good and bad. Following are some of the highlights of that list from my... click here to read more

Legal: Can employers tell workers to keep investigations confidential?

Jeff Jones
Wednesday, Feb 6, 2013
There were two significant developments last year at both the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) suggesting that employers can no longer protect the integrity of their investigations by telling employees they must keep the investigations confidential.In the NLRB case, the employer routinely asked employees making a complaint not to discuss the matter with their co-workers while the employer’s investigation was ongoing. The employee claimed that this request did not comply with his statutory rights to discuss workplace conditions with other workers. The NLRB, overruling its administrative law judge, agreed. The board ... click here to read more

Scruggs: I’m ready to retire…now what?

Bill Scruggs
Wednesday, Feb 6, 2013
The day has come; you’re finally retiring. Now you ask yourself, “What should I do with my 401(k)?”While this pool of dollars may look attractive, don’t spend it unless you absolutely need to. Not only will there be tax consequences, but you will be spending your retirement. If you take a distribution you’ll be taxed, at ordinary income tax rates, on the entire value of your account except for any after-tax or Roth 401(k) contributions you’ve made. And, if you’re not yet age 59 1/2, an additional 10 percent penalty may apply to the taxable portion of your payout.A better course of action is a direct rollover to an IRA. As the ... click here to read more

Medical minute: Why is my physician an employee of the hospital?

John Beal
Wednesday, Feb 6, 2013
An unintended consequence of the evolution of health care delivery in the United States is the disappearance of Marcus Welby, M.D, solo practitioner. As a matter of fact, greater than 50 percent of physicians completing their residency programs today are looking for employment by a hospital or a hospital system. The day of a physician hanging out his or her own shingle is disappearing.With the overwhelming number of government regulations, the multiple managed care agreements that must be negotiated, the complexity of billing, and the increasing expense of running an office coupled with both the government and the private health insurance carriers continuing to decrease reimburse... click here to read more

Special needs trust – what’s that?

Darlene A. Kemp
Wednesday, Feb 6, 2013
Thanks to modern medical science, longevity has increased. Most people take this as excellent news, but this change has pushed the population’s demographics in directions that were difficult to predict even a generation ago.Retirees can now regularly expect to live for another 20 or 30 years after they stop working, which brings a somewhat greater chance of possible disability in their lives. This increased longevity has created a growing demand for sound financial planning for those who become disabled, particularly in cases of permanent physical or mental disability.Imagine that your loved one, or you, is living with a disability. You discover that your assets... click here to read more

Editorial: Post election blues: Is Atlas ready to shrug?

Jay Albrecht
Wednesday, Dec 5, 2012
In traveling the Upper Cumberland region over the past few weeks since the presidential election and talking with dozens of business people from all walks of life, it seems a common theme has developed – almost everyone is worried about the state of our national economy and the next few years ahead.Unfortunately, I can’t say I blame them!Many business owners were waiting on election results before deciding how to move forward with their business – growth and expansion, marketing, employment levels, overseas outsourcing or actual relocation, even staying in business at all?If you haven’t read the book “Atlas Shrugged,” yo... click here to read more

Red states, blue states (and you)

Jon Johnson
Wednesday, Dec 5, 2012
Have you ever noticed how we have become a country ruled by the states on the coasts and the large cities? Is it just me, or has anyone else picked up on this? Heartland USA has virtually no political power. The days of rural America are quickly on the decline. Big cities rule. The coastal states rule. The entire direction of our society is dictated by “blue states” and what they feel is best for all of us. Maybe Texas has a good point.Remember when Romney got in all that hot water for pointing out that 47 percent of the population is dependent in some way on the other 53 percent? Granted, he could have said it better, we all know veterans deserve benefits and we all ... click here to read more

Legal: Withholding pay for not returning equipment - a dangerous practice

Jeff Jones
Wednesday, Dec 5, 2012
Many employers are rightfully upset when terminated employees fail or refuse to return certain company-owned equipment that they possess. A simple solution used by many such employers is to simply withhold the final paycheck or deduct the amounts from the final paycheck until the equipment is returned. It sounds easy, but the practice can sometimes lead to unintended consequences.If the employee is salary-exempt, the employer is placing the exempt status at risk by making deductions from the salary. As far as the exemption is concerned, being salaried contemplates that amounts will be paid each pay period, subject to limited exceptions. Such deductions from salary can potentially... click here to read more

Viewpoint: Treehouse an area attraction or accident waiting to happen?

Liz Engel Clark
Tuesday, Nov 6, 2012
A noble tribute to God, a well-attended tourism attraction, or – as state officials would have you believe – an accident waiting to happen?All the above could be claimed true when it comes to Cumberland County’s most bizarre stopping point, the Minister’s Tree House, which, sadly, in my most inexpert opinion, has probably seen the last of its days.I’ll admit, I had never heard of it before starting my job at the UCBJ, even though I’ve lived just miles away for a number of years.I’ll also admit – during my first visit there in mid-July – the Tree House, just outside the Crossville city limits, is one of ... click here to read more

Editorial: Tourism and the economy: a natural pairing

Jay Albrecht
Tuesday, Nov 6, 2012
When thinking of our local economy and the factors that drive it one direction or the other, rarely does the tourism industry naturally roll off the tongue. It’s easy to think about traditional economic drivers such as manufacturing and retail, or even other factors such as tax rates and foreign trade. But the impact of tourism revenue in most communities is often taken for granted.The fact of the matter is that tourism is – and has been – one of the Upper Cumberland’s shining stars. How many industries in our 14-county area can say they’ve seen consistent revenue increases over the past several years – and with that, steady jobs as well? Touri... click here to read more

Legal: Texting while driving now a 'front and center' labor issue

Jeff Jones
Tuesday, Nov 6, 2012
One of the most discussed issues pertaining to safety and liability is undoubtedly the subject of texting or use of other hand-held devices while driving a motor vehicle. President Barack Obama has issued an Executive Order prohibiting federal employees from texting while driving on official government business or using a government-provided electronic device while driving. As many as 39 states have enacted statutes that regulate using hand-held electronic devices while driving, and the U.S. Department of Transportation has issued similar regulations.DOT regulations that apply to commercial driver’s text messaging or using hand-held cell phones carry employer fines of as mu... click here to read more

Panel: The future of health insurance

Jon Johnson
Tuesday, Nov 6, 2012
This is NOT another article tossing around political facts and figures on health care reform. This IS an article expressing my opinion of how we got into this mess and our options to solve the latest “crisis” in health care.First let me warn you that I am an “insurance nerd.” I have marketed all kinds of health insurance products since 1972 – individual, group, Medicare and everything in between. My bathroom magazine rack contains “Health Insurance Underwriter,” “Employee Benefit Advisor,” etc. The last book I read was “Fresh Medicine” by Philip Bredesen. You get the idea, 100 percent nerd, but health insurance sav... click here to read more

Viewpoint: The UC needs a booze tour

Liz Engel Clark
Wednesday, Oct 3, 2012
Whether traveling by car, bus, bike or foot, it seems to me that the Upper Cumberland is more trail friendly – and trail happy – than it’s ever been.Case in point: There’s the Promised Land Trail, which dissects six UC counties, the Old Walton Road Scenic Byway, which traverses along historic Highway 70, and Rails with Trails, now under construction in Monterey, a hiking and cycling path that’s to run along refurbished railroad tracks.All these ideas are well and good – and frankly, I can’t wait to travel them all – but couldn’t we take this just a teeny, weenie step ... click here to read more

Legal: The Affordable Care Act is with us — now what?

Jeff Jones
Wednesday, Oct 3, 2012
Now that the Supreme Court has ruled the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) individual mandate is constitutional, the focus shifts to the regulatory agencies that will issue the regulations and guidance necessary to implement the law’s core provisions by Jan. 1, 2014.Among the key questions yet to be answered for employers are: (1) how the automatic enrollment provision will be administered; and (2) precisely how an employer’s full-time equivalent workers will be determined for purposes of the “play or pay” provision. That provision requires employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees offer health insurance to employees a... click here to read more

Estate planning: Simple will or trust?

Bill Scruggs
Wednesday, Oct 3, 2012
Is estate planning only for the rich?In a word, no. What estate planning means to you specifically depends on who you are. Your age, health, wealth, lifestyle, life stage, goals and many other factors determine your particular estate planning needs.By definition, estate planning is a process designed to help you manage and preserve your assets while you are alive, and to conserve and control their distribution after your death, according to your goals and objectives. For example, you may have a small estate and may be concerned only that certain people receive particular things. A simple will is probably all you’ll need. Or, you may have a large estate, and mini... click here to read more

The Affordable Care Act and your taxes: The facts

H&R Block
Wednesday, Oct 3, 2012
There’s no doubt our heads have been spinning since the Affordable Care Act was passed in March 2010. If you’re like me, you may find it difficult see where you fit into the nearly 2,000 pages of legislation. With all of the rhetoric, opinions – and the fact that it’s set to roll out over eight years – it’s even harder to decipher. “What does it mean for ME?” or “How will it affect MY bottom line?” Most of the changes the law brings are just around the corner. So let’s lay political ideology aside and focus on the plain and simple facts with regard to taxes.Effective calendar... click here to read more