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Month: September 2016

Business Report: Handling Health Insurance Premium Hikes

Posted onSeptember 8, 2016November 8, 2017
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Amelia M. Klein is an attorney with Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC.

Courtesy Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC

By Amelia M. Klein

Health insurance premiums are expected to increase by double-digit percentages for 2017. What are you going to do about it?

Many employers will choose to increase deductibles, co-payments and/or coinsurance amounts in order to reduce the premium cost. This shifts some of the cost of health coverage to employees without violating the “affordability” requirement of the Affordable Care Act.

Under the ACA, an employer health plan is considered to be affordable if the employee’s share of the 2017 premium for individual coverage under the lowest-cost option does not exceed 9.69 percent of the employee’s 2017 W-2 wages, 9.69 percent of the 2017 individual federal poverty line, or 9.69 percent of the employee’s rate of pay multiplied by a 30 hour “full-time” work week.

But employees don’t like cost shifting. To ease their concerns, an employer might offer to reimburse all or a portion of the actual amount of the out-of-pocket costs that the employee is required to pay. However, you can’t just reimburse the expenses on an ad hoc basis as employees come in with their receipts – you must follow one of the three IRS-approved methodologies or there will be some serious tax penalties to pay.

The Health Flexible Spending Account (HSFA) is the least flexible of the options available to reimburse the additional out-of-pocket costs. In addition to the employee’s pre-tax contribution of up to $2,550, the maximum amount that the employer may contribute on behalf of the employee is $500. Contribute more than that, and the FSA will not be exempt from the ACA’s requirements for a full-fledged health plan. Unspent amounts are forfeited after the end of the year, subject to either a $500 maximum carryover or a 2.5-month grace period.

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Sherry Hoffman Relocates State Farm Insurance Office Into Larger Space On Geyser Road

Posted onSeptember 8, 2016November 8, 2017
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Sherry Hoffman operates her State Farm Insurance office at 415 Geyser Road.

Courtesy Sherry Hoffman

By Jill Nagy

Sherry Hoffman cut the ribbon in August on the new home of her Ballston Spa State Farm Insurance agency at 415 Geyser Road.

The actual move took place earlier in the year but, she noted, it took a few months to complete the signage and get organized.

The new office is across the street from her former office space in the Country Club Plaza. However, the new space is some 500 square feet larger, meaning there is now room for a computer for her part-time assistant and room to expand her business, she said.

The new site is a free-standing building.

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HVAC Industry Professionals See Technology Improvements Leading To Lower Utility Bills

Posted onSeptember 8, 2016November 8, 2017
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John V. Bove, left, CFO of G. A. Bove and Sons says customer service is a priority.

©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Susan E. Campbell

Trends in the heating, cooling and insulation fields and the sciences behind them project lower costs and greater efficiency, say the experts.

John V. Bove Jr., CFO of G. A. Bove and Sons Inc. of Mechanicville, said his company is experiencing an uptick in propane systems and delivery, especially in new residential construction.

“Propane is very versatile,” said Bove. “The fuel is very similar to natural gas, but gas lines have to stop somewhere.”

A new residential neighborhood may not have been piped for natural gas, although the utility may add lines later on. Meanwhile, propane gas has diverse uses, including heating, hot water, cooking, cooling, fireplace inserts, outdoor grills and fire pits, even for heating the pool, Bove said.

“It’s one source for winter, summer and everything in between,” said Bove.

Among older homes or businesses, it is an easy conversion to propane or natural gas as older oil furnaces reach their life expectancy.

“Schools used to use oil, but it was not good for the environment. You cannot retrofit an old number six boiler, so the schools converted to gas or propane, which was cleaner and cheaper,” Bove said.

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National Grid Gets Approval For Project In Clifton Park To Reduce Electricity Demand

Posted onSeptember 8, 2016November 8, 2017

National Grid recently received regulatory approval to move ahead with two additional demonstration projects, bringing the total to four diverse initiatives that will test various business models in support of New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision, also known as REV.

Company officials said the demonstration projects include integration of distributed energy resources and automated demand management capabilities at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and introducing solar options in a nearby neighborhood in western New York; business model innovation in developing a community resiliency microgrid within the Village of Potsdam; and more energy cost control for customers in Clifton Park.

“Through these initiatives we are creating the utility of the future,” said Ken Daly, National Grid’s New York president. “What we hear and learn about these demonstrations from our stakeholders–our customers, regulators, policy makers, market participants and local communities–will help inform the way ahead and create an exciting future energy marketplace.”

Carlos Nouel, National Grid’s vice president of New Energy Solutions, said, “Each of our projects will help us build new business models, better serve our customers and create new opportunities for market participants.” Nouel and the New Energy Solutions team are dedicated to delivering the innovations and technologies in the demonstration projects.

The “smart grid” demonstration in Clifton Park will explore various ways to control and reduce electricity demand through customer education. Participating customers will be provided with new metering equipment that will give detailed information on usage, the company said.

With “smart metering” and a customer portal, customers will have direct access to their energy usage information, allowing them to make energy savings changes and earn points for rewards based on reductions in usage. The company will work with the town of Clifton Park and various energy services companies on the project.

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Local Habitat For Humanity Anticipates Two New Homes Will Be Complete By Year's End

Posted onSeptember 8, 2016November 8, 2017
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The Clements family of Saratoga Springs has occupied 195 Division St., a new construction carried out by Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties.

©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com

Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties is set to break ground on its second build of the year.

Officials said the build represents a “new period of growth for the affiliate,” as it sets a new record with the completion of two homes in one year.

Both homes are in Saratoga Springs. Officials said the Glens Falls area will be the location, yet unnamed, for a project in 2017.

“We’ve experienced an unprecedented amount of generosity this year, which has allowed us to expand our model to accommodate building multiple homes,” said Tammy DiCara, president of the local affiliate. “The people of Saratoga County have really come forward to address the affordable housing issue with some major donations of time, labor, materials, and land. It’s been a pleasure to see the community come together to support the advancement of our affiliate.”

The organization dedicated its 26th build, at 195 Division St. in Saratoga Springs, on Aug. 25 for the Clements family. The city of Saratoga Springs donated the property to Habitat for Humanity. Habitat partnered with the Saratoga Builders Association, Rebuilding Together Saratoga and community volunteers to build the home.

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NYSERDA Has $16M For Energy-Efficient Homes, Building Projects Across NY State

Posted onSeptember 8, 2016November 8, 2017

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has $16 million available to support the design and construction of new energy-efficient housing and to complete similar improvements in existing buildings across New York state.

State officials said homes and buildings that take advantage of this support are projected to see annual energy cost savings of more than $9 million and total lifetime savings of as much as $180 million, as well as improved household comfort and indoor air quality.

“Ensuring New York’s buildings are constructed to the highest standards of energy efficiency is crucial to both our long-term sustainability and prosperity of the state,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “Smart choices about efficiency can simultaneously save money and protect the environment. This investment promotes that principle in order to build healthy communities and save consumers hundreds of millions of dollars.”

Approximately $8 million will be offered to housing developers and builders of low-rise housing, including single-family homes and multi-unit buildings generally three stories or less, through NYSERDA’s Low-rise Residential New Construction program. The other $8 million will be offered to housing developers and builders of mid- and high-rise housing, generally multi-unit buildings of four stories or more, through NYSERDA’s Multifamily New Construction program.

Officials said approximately 75 percent of the entire $16 million in funding is designated for housing for low- to moderate-income residents, who are most vulnerable to high energy cost burdens and whose homes are often especially susceptible to the impacts of extreme weather.

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Emily Wright Is Administrator At Malta Med Emergent Care, Joint Venture Of Two Hospitals

Posted onSeptember 8, 2016November 8, 2017
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Emily Wright oversees all Malta Med Emergent Care operations and staff.

Courtesy Malta Med Emergent Care

Emily Wright was appointed site administrator at Malta Med Emergent Care, a joint venture of Albany Medical Center and Saratoga Hospital.

The two hospitals opened Malta Med, at 6 Medical Park Drive in Malta in June 2013 to provide residents of southern Saratoga County with easy access to high-quality urgent and emergent care, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In her new role, Wright is responsible for all Malta Med operations–emergent care, medical imaging, and laboratory services–and provides oversight over all staff, while working with emergency medicine physicians from Albany Medical Center, as well as healthcare providers from Saratoga Hospital.

“We are happy to appoint an experienced, clinical professional such as Emily as Malta Med’s site administrator to help ensure that we continue to provide high-quality care to Saratoga County residents,” said Dr. Steven Frisch, senior executive vice president for the integrated delivery system at Albany Medical Center and Chair of Healthcare Partners of Saratoga.

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Saratoga County Gets $600,000-Plus To Get Better Access To Nutrition Services For Seniors

Posted onSeptember 8, 2016November 8, 2017

Some $74.6 million in state and federal funding has been set aside for New York state’s 59 county-based agencies on aging, it was announced Aug. 30.

The money will be used to support programs that improve older individuals’ access to nutritional and disease prevention services.

State officials said these services currently help more than 238,000 older New Yorkers prevent or reduce the effect of chronic disease associated with diet and weight; strengthen the link between nutrition and physical activity for a healthy lifestyle; and improve access to nutritional information, education, counseling, and healthy foods.

This year’s commitment will generate an additional $98.3 million in funding from municipalities, plus an additional $11.5 million in direct voluntary contributions from program participants, officials said.

Of that amount, Saratoga County will receive $646,554.

“New Yorkers help their neighbors in their time of need and, with this funding, we will help ensure some of our most vulnerable citizens are not in danger of going hungry, maintain their health, and manage or reduce chronic diseases,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “I thank the members of New York’s Congressional delegation for their efforts to secure this funding.”

The nutritional needs of older adults become more critical with advancing age, officials said. Poor diet and physical inactivity are among the leading causes of disability among Americans, and cause one-third of premature deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Spa Garment Care Opens Its First Storefront In The Hamlet At The Fresh Market Plaza

Posted onSeptember 8, 2016November 8, 2017
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Spa Garment Care, a dry cleaning company in Saratoga County for eight years, recently opened this retail drop-off store in The Hamlet in Fresh Market Plaza.

©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Maureen Werther

Spa Garment Care, a dry cleaning company that has been providing valet services throughout Saratoga County for eight years, recently opened a retail drop-off store in The Hamlet in Fresh Market Plaza.

For owner Tom Nigro, who has been in the dry cleaning business for 20 years, this is the company’s first retail location. Its main cleaning facility is located in Clifton Park.

Opening the store was the next step in the process for Nigro’s business and something that he has wanted to do for a long time.

“While our valet services are still doing extremely well, in order to grow a business, you have to have a storefront,” he said.

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Wesley Community To Expand Its Activities Program With The Help Of A $6,000 Grant

Posted onSeptember 8, 2016November 8, 2017

In an initiative to enhance and expand its existing resident activities program, Wesley Health Care Center Inc., part of The Wesley Community, has been awarded a $6,000 grant from the Marjorie Rockwell Fund for the Disabled of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region.

The grant will fund new equipment and supplies for the program and expand the number of resident trips and activities for the next year.

The resident activities program at Wesley Health Care Center provides a year-round program of activities and outings for long-term care residents. Officials said the grant funding will help the program through the purchase of a portable sound system to improve sound quality of musical programs and lectures. In addition, equipment–such as a grill and gardening planters–will expand the outdoor opportunities for residents through the program.

Kitchen equipment is also to be augmented to offer residents expanded opportunities for baking with assistance from staff. Additionally, the grant will allow for expansion of both on-site performances and community-based outings and trips for one year.

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