Deadline Approaching to Amend Plan Documents for New OTC Rules

One of the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act changes the rules regarding over-the-counter drugs and health spending accounts.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2011, over-the-counter drugs are no longer eligible medical expenses under an FSA, HSA or HRA, unless accompanied by a prescription (with the exception of insulin). This effective date applies regardless of when the employer’s plan year begins and regardless of any grace period for health FSAs.

This rule does not include medical equipment and supplies, such as crutches, bandages and blood sugar test kits, which may still be reimbursed without a prescription.

Employers are required to amend their cafeteria plan documents to conform to this new requirement. Generally, such cafeteria plan amendments may be effective only prospectively.

However, guidance released by the IRS allows employers to amend their plan documents to conform to the new OTC drug requirements, effective retroactively for expenses incurred after Dec. 31, 2010, as long as the amendments are adopted no later than June 30, 2011.

If you have not already amended your cafeteria plan document to comply with the new OTC regulations, you should make necessary changes by June 30, 2011.

The official IRS notice regarding this guidance may be found at: www.ecfc.org/files/legislative-news/n-10-59.pdf

Source: The Ward Agency

 

 

 

 

Have you seen Waiting for Superman

This week the Longview Chamber  is screening the groundbreaking film Waiting for “Superman,” on Wed., May 19th,  11:15am – 1:30pm.  The purpose is  to spark a desperately needed conversation on the state of public education in America.  If you would like to attend please be sure and RSVP your spot today at 903.237.4000!  The program is FREE and includes a lite lunch.

 Waiting for “Superman” tells the story of five children as they try to make their way out of the low-performing public schools to which they are assigned and into charter schools of their choosing. Along the way, viewers are exposed to the low expectations and dismal student achievement results that exist in too many schools—and what they mean for children, their families, and communities. The facts are alarming. Among developed countries, the United States ranks 21st out of 30 in science literacy and 25th out of 30 in mathematics literacy. The achievement gap between low-income and minority students and their peers is gaping.  

But the movie is at its most powerful when it goes beyond facts and figures to show the impact of a failing education system on real children, their families, and communities. Take, for example, Anthony, a fifth-grader living in Washington, D.C., who wants a different life than the one that caused his father to die from drug addiction. Anthony’s path to a brighter future—acceptance into a high-performing public charter school—will be determined by a lottery. The school to which he is applying has only 24 slots for 61 applicants. This is tragic—and maddening.

We send our children into the classroom with an expectation that they will learn and succeed in core academic subjects and ultimately be prepared to enter college or a career upon graduation. For students who are lucky enough to attend strong schools and receive instruction from effective teachers, this is the case. But far too many young Americans are not so fortunate. These students—not all of them low-income—are trapped in low–performing or mediocre schools, often with no way out. While school reform has been debated for years, there’s been too little serious action.

Because a superhero isn’t coming to save our schools, it’s up to every American to demand more from the educational establishment. A good K–12 education isn’t just for the privileged few; it’s the birthright of every American child.

This screening is part of a nationwide effort by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s National Chamber Foundation to use the film as a catalyst to discuss the crisis in the nation’s schools, the forces standing in the way of needed change, and the steps toward reform.  For more information about the film and campaign, visit www.uschamber.com/waitingforsuperman.

If you can not attend the May 19th screening please mark your calendar for  July 13, 7:30 am – 9:45 am or August 25, 4:00pm – 6:15pm.  RSVP’s are needed.

Bussey receives standing ovation at Chamber luncheon

Balloonist Bill Bussey Recognized as 2011 Tourism Partner

Bill Bussey received the 2011 Tourism Partner of the year award Tuesday, May 3rd at the Longview Chamber of Commerce luncheon.   In 2007, the Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau began a tradition of recognizing a Tourism Partner of the Year.  This recognition is awarded to a local business or person that has demonstrated a commitment to supporting tourism in Longview through service, sacrifice and individual involvement. 

This year’s recipient opened his dental practice in Longview, Texas in 1971. He continues his practice of general dentistry and placing implants today with no plans to retire from the profession he loves.

Our honoree is also a professional balloonist and has logged over 3,000 hours flying hot air balloons. His awards, honors and accomplishments are so numerous we are able to mention only a small fraction of them here today.

• Ranked No. 1 pilot in the National Balloon Racing Association – 1988
• Ranked No. 1 pilot in the Balloon Federation of America – 1989
• Set 29 United States National Records for Distance and Duration in a balloon
• Set 15 World Records for Distance and Duration in a balloon
• Recipient of Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta “Spirit of Ballooning Award”
• Shields-Trauger Award for Most significant flight in a hot air balloon
• NAA Award for One of Ten Most Memorable Flights in Aviation
• Only balloonist inducted into Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, 2007
• Montgolfier Diploma, the Highest International Award in Ballooning

Thirty four years ago, this year’s recipient organized a hot air balloon event in Longview that became the largest event of its kind and class in Texas and second only to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in scope and importance.  Thirty years ago, he created the Balloon Glow which has been copied around the world and is a part of almost every hot air balloon event. 

This year the recognition goes to an individual that has worked selflessly for more than 34 years to help Longview attain elite status in the international world of hot air balloon racing.  It is because of his dedication to bringing excitement, prestige and recognition to Longview, Texas.   His resolve packaged with experience, knowledge, and reputation has helped Longview be selected to host the United States National Hot Air Balloon Championships in 2012, 2013, and 2014. 

For this commitment and passion for our city, Longview, Texas, we select Dr Bill Bussey for the 2011 Tourism Partner of the Year.

launch of virtual marketpace simplifies search for area service providers

WhoCanHelp.com provides Chamber members a virtual marketplace

The days of searching aimlessly for a plumber, repairman or other service provider only to wait in vain for a return phone call have been numbered, and now with the launch of WhoCanHelp.com to the Longview area, locals can say goodbye to thumbing through directories or scrolling through online lists for good.

Longview Chamber of Commerce officially announces today the launch of its partnership with WhoCanHelp.com. This new service that is now available will allow local companies and service providers to be linked to potential customers when establishing a free account on WhoCanHelp.com. 

“By partnering with the Longview Chamber of Commerce the WhoCanHelp.com online service marketplace has a resource of local service providers, so users can start posting and receiving offers from area businesses right away,” explains Carl Hicks, Jr., CEO of WhoCanHelp.com. “And businesses love getting immediate access to local consumers in need, free real-time sales leads and targeted online advertising opportunities. It’s definitely a win-win.” 

In the Longview trade area, the ZIP code-based service will give businesses a real-time connection with consumers who are looking for their products or services. For consumers, WhoCanHelp.com helps answer these universal questions:

When can they do it?

1. What’s the cost?
2. Are they reputable?

Whether looking for a landscaper, wedding photographer, accountant or carpenter, posting to WhoCanHelp.com is free and easy. The user simply lists the title and description of the service needed and identifies a category, subcategory, date needed by and ZIP code. Businesses learn instantaneously that someone is in need of their services via SMS text or e-mail and can immediately post an offer. The consumer then selects the service provider of his or her choice and has the opportunity to write a review following the completion of the work.

 Kelly R Hall , President/CEO of the Longview Chamber said “To better connect local business in our community this new tool has the power to not only generate leads within our own member businesses but it will also create new opportunities to get business in our local community utilizing the latest technology.   

WhoCanHelp.com combines the best features of other Web-based services — directory services, reviews, ratings and social networks — to create a comprehensive patent-pending approach to connect users and services providers. The website also works in business-to-business transactions, with requests for proposals and generation of business for larger firms, general contractors and government agencies that require widespread bidding.

 “Even though our service may soon be nationwide,” said Hicks, “our company embodies true community entrepreneurship, building commerce at the local level.”

 For more information, sample posts, categories, tutorials and locations coming soon, visit http://www.whocanhelp.com.