Quantcast
Jump to content

The Health Bill Passes the House

Joe Marconi

By Joe Marconi
in Non-Automotive Discussions

 Share

Recommended Posts



autoguy Rising Star

autoguy

Posted
Posted
Now that the Health Bill has passed the House, I can only see tougher times ahead. What scares me is that the numbers don’t add up to what the government is telling us.

 

Plus, has anyone really read the 2,000 pages of the health bill? And, to say that the Health Bill will be made available on the Web for 72 hours for anyone to read is a joke. I don’t think Super Man can read that fast. Why 2,000 pages?? How many pages is the Declaration of Independence? The U.S. Constitution only consists of 6 pages!!! And that includes the Bill of Rights! Are the inmates running the asylum?

 

Someone tell me on wrong on this one. For once I rather be way off base.

 

It's BS. They're shoving this thing down everyone's throats!!! Below are some bullet points I just read online:

 

The key questions you need answered on health care:

 

Who's covered? About 96% of U.S. citizens and legal residents younger than 65.

 

Cost? $894 billion to $1.2 trillion over 10 years.

 

Who pays? Higher income taxes on couples earning more than $1 million a year and singles making more than $500,000, Medicare and Medicaid cuts and savings.

 

Must have? Those earning above $18,700 (couples) or $9,350 (singles) must have insurance or pay a 2.5% penalty on income.

 

Any help? Individuals and families with annual income up to 400% of poverty level, or $88,000 for a family of four, would get sliding-scale subsidies starting in 2013.

 

If I have insurance? Private, employer-subsidized plans remain the backbone of the system. Mandates on employers to provide coverage will encourage them to keep providing it.

 

Who can be denied? Insurance companies cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on preexisting conditions. No higher premiums for gender. Limits on higher premiums based on age. Children could stay on parents' plans until age 27.

 

Any new options? Beginning in 2013, a new Health Insurance Exchange would be open to individuals with no or inadequate coverage and to small employers. A new government-run plan would be set up and run by the Health and Human Services secretary, offering levels of benefits covering 70% to 95% of health care expenses.

 

Help for seniors? The bill closes Medicare's prescription drug "doughnut hole” - a $3,454 coverage gap under which seniors have to pay for medicine totally from their own pocket.

 

Business impact? Employers with payrolls above $500,000 must provide insurance for employees or pay a penalty.

 

Small-business impact? Those with 10 or fewer workers would get tax credits to help them provide coverage.

  • 1 month later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Available Subscriptions

    See all Subscription Plans

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.

  • Similar Topics

    • carmcapriotto
      Executive Orders - Taxes and IRS Updates - Business By The Numbers
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      Welcome to this episode of Business by the Numbers! Host Hunt Demarest, CPA, explores the recent IRS developments and what they mean for business owners, taxpayers, and accountants alike. With executive orders, funding cuts, and shifting policies, there's plenty to unpack about the future of the IRS and tax compliance.
      Key Takeaways:
      IRS Funding Cuts: The Inflation Reduction Act promised $80 billion for the IRS, but political maneuvering and budget cuts have significantly reduced this allocation. Commissioner Resignation: The departure of the IRS commissioner raises questions about future agency direction and efficiency. Audit Frequency Impact: With fewer agents and reduced funding, audits for wealthy individuals and large corporations are likely to decrease. Taxpayer Challenges: Delayed refunds, processing slowdowns, and a backlog of cases could worsen due to IRS understaffing. Emerging Trends: Discussion on potential international tax changes and the possibility of an "External Revenue Service" impacting U.S. tax revenue collection. https://www.projectfinance.law/publications/2025/january/trump-executive-orders/ https://waysandmeans.house.gov/2025/01/23/president-trumps-cease-and-desist-to-irs-protects-middle-class-families-and-small-businesses-from-irs-audits-and-weaponization/ https://moneywise.com/a/ch-synd/irs-asks-for-more-funding_1737633682545
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      Thanks to our partner, Promotive
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Download a Copy of My Books Here:
      Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop 
      The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto https://remarkableresults.biz/
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • carmcapriotto
      How To Trigger An Audit [E154] - Business By The Numbers
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      Welcome to this week’s episode of Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest, CPA. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into how certain actions or oversights could put you at risk for an IRS audit. By understanding these triggers, you can better safeguard your financial health and avoid unnecessary complications.
      Learn about common mistakes like underreporting income and how they can put you on the IRS’s radar. Discover how gambling winnings and losses can attract scrutiny. Explore why industries like art, wine, and horses often face extra attention from the IRS. Understand why amending a Schedule C return can almost guarantee an audit. Tips to avoid an audit, such as maintaining accurate documentation and working with knowledgeable tax professionals.
      Stay informed to protect your business and personal finances from unnecessary IRS scrutiny.
      Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      Thanks to our partner, Promotive
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Download a Copy of My Books Here:
      Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop 
      The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto https://remarkableresults.biz/
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • Changing The Industry
      Why Used Car Parts Can Be Risk
      By Changing The Industry
      Why Used Car Parts Can Be Risk
    • carmcapriotto
      Should I Use Profit First? [E153] - Business By The Numbers
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      Managing your cash flow can feel overwhelming, but the Profit First system offers a fresh approach to organizing your finances. In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, dives into the pros, cons, and practical applications of Profit First for auto repair shops. Whether you’re new to the system or looking to refine your cash management strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
      Key Takeaways:
      What is Profit First? Learn the basic framework of allocating revenue into multiple bank accounts to better manage cash flow. Benefits of Profit First: Understand how it can help you get a clear picture of your cash flow and improve financial decision-making. Challenges to Watch For: Discover why overcomplicating allocations or starting with too many accounts can hinder success. Practical Implementation: Hunt shares a simple three-account system tailored to auto repair --shops for effective cash management. Expert Tips: Adapt the system to your business size and goals, and avoid common pitfalls that lead to failure.
      Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      Thanks to our partner, Promotive
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Download a Copy of My Books Here:
      Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop 
      The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto https://remarkableresults.biz/
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • carmcapriotto
      Setting Goals for Success in 2025 [E152] - Business By The Numbers
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      Setting the right goals for your auto repair shop can make or break your business's success. In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt breaks down the critical differences between sales goals and profit goals, and why efficiency is key. Learn actionable strategies to align your team's targets with your financial objectives for a successful 2025.
      Why setting profit goals is more important than focusing on sales goals. How to calculate labor and sales targets that align with your desired profit. Strategies for increasing efficiency without overwhelming your team. The importance of understanding your breakpoints in labor, facilities, and service advisors. Actionable steps to create a growth plan tailored to your shop's specific needs.
      Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      Thanks to our partner, Promotive
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Download a Copy of My Books Here:
      Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop 
      The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto https://remarkableresults.biz/
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  •
    Joe Marconi

    Money Isn’t The Motivator We Think It Is

    By Joe Marconi, in Automotive Management,

    0 comments 527 views
    Joe Marconi

    Five Proven Tips to Improve Your Bottom Line

    By Joe Marconi, in Selling Automotive Repair,

    0 comments 723 views
    Joe Marconi

    Isn’t It Time We Rethink What a Master Level Technician Is?

    By Joe Marconi, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 771 views

  • Our Sponsors

Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...