Webinar: The Top 5 Reasons to Have (and use) an Employee Handbook Now Available from our partners at Think HR Click here to watch the video of the webinar and download the slides.
Continue ReadingCIGNA Webinar: 2 Distinct forms of ACA Reporting
From CIGNA-Informed on Reform Series. You’ll want to use the “maximize” or full screen feature to view the video in the bottom right hand corner of the menu bar.
Continue ReadingInfographic: Great Employee Handbook by Think HR
Click here to watch the Think HR Webinar Video Top 5 Reasons to Have (and use) an employee handbook
Continue ReadingEBN: Small Employers look to Alternative Funding Solutions
In the wake of the health care reform, alternative funding solutions for health benefits continue to gain traction among small to mid-size groups. Pending changes to small group rules in January 2016 are driving demand for the funding solutions. Most prominently, groups with 50-100 employees will be subject to community rating legislation that governs how rates are developed and the type of coverage offered. Most states are also changing the definition of employee to the federal full-time employee definition, broadening the scope to include union employees that may have been excluded under previous small employer definitions. Here’s how the new rules will affect small to midsize groups, including potential financial impact, solutions available to mitigate… Read More
Continue ReadingIndependence Blue Cross: Custom IBX WireTM mobile messaging available
Independence Blue Cross: Custom IBX WireTM mobile messaging is available for large groups IBC is offering direct messaging to some larger group customers beginning January 2016. Click here for more information.
Continue ReadingDelta Dental of PA Small Business Program Changes: No more ID cards
Please be advised that Delta Dental of PA is now instructing Allied Administrators (TPA) to cease issuing ID cards for Small Business Program (SBP) groups. To obtain dental care, the employee just has to let the dentist know that they have a Delta Dental of PA PPO plan & simply provide the dentist with name, DOB & enrollee ID or SSN. He or she will be able to easily locate the employee in the system, or can give Delta a quick call (toll free: 800-932-0783) to determine their eligibility & benefits. Delta has created a flyer format that will be included in new group welcome kits & provides the employees that want an ID card direction… Read More
Continue ReadingHealthiest You – Wellness and Mobile App Overview
Healthiest You is now available through Total Benefit Solutions Inc. Ask us today how you and your employees can benefit from this type of wellness benefit! Below is the latest video on their mobile app.
Continue ReadingFailure To File Tax Returns May Result In Loss Of Affordable Health Care
Failure To File Tax Returns May Result In Loss Of Affordable Health Care Kelly Phillips Erb Forbes Staff In any given year, about 7% of taxpayers will opt to file an extension for filing their individual federal income tax returns. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the White House are hopeful that included in those requesting an extension are about 1.8 million households that relied on subsidies to pay for health insurance. Why? Because the new health care law requires that some households file tax returns in order to receive their subsidies – even if those households aren’t otherwise required to file a tax return because of their income… Click… Read More
Continue ReadingIRS Webinar Series Offered on ACA Provisions
The IRS is hosting a series of educational webinars to help you understand the Affordable Care Act’s employer provisions and related requirements. The IRS designed these webinars for business owners, tax managers, employee benefits managers, and health coverage providers. Employer Shared Responsibility and Information Reporting Learn about the ACA’s employer shared responsibility provisions and information reporting requirements for employers and providers of minimum essential coverage. August 20, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. September 16, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Employer-Sponsored Health Coverage Information Reporting Requirements for Applicable Large Employers Learn about employer-sponsored health coverage information reporting requirements for applicable large employers, including who is required to report, what information the… Read More
Continue ReadingNew Law Protects New York City Workers
Stop Credit Discrimination in Employment Act Takes Effect Sept. 3 The Stop Credit Discrimination in Employment Act, signed into law by New York City’s mayor on May 6, 2015, amends the city’s Human Rights Law and prohibits discrimination based on consumer credit history. Effective September 3, 2015, this law bans employers, labor organizations and employment agencies from using an employee’s consumer credit history for any employment decision, including hiring, compensation, or the terms, conditions or privileges of employment. New York City is one of several jurisdictions that has enacted credit check bans.
Continue ReadingShould an Employer with 51-100 Full-time Employees Change Its Policy Year to Delay Compliance with Certain ACA Provisions?
Employers may be able to change their policy, not plan, year to delay compliance with some of the provision in the Affordable Care Act. Should you have any questions, please contact your Total Benefit Solutions Account Manager directly at (215)355-2121. Please click the link below to download this bulletin. Changing_Policy_Year_to_Delay_Compliance_-_072915E1
Continue ReadingHealth Reform: Reduction in Hours First Lawsuit is Filed by Employees
The first complaint was filed challenging the permissibility of reducing hours below 30 per week in order to avoid the Employer Penalty. The complaint was filed in a New York district federal court on behalf of 10,000 workers at Dave and Buster’s. The plaintiffs allege that their hours were cut so that Dave and Buster’s could avoid health care costs associated with expanding eligibility in order to avoid the Employer Penalty. Click the link below to download this bulletin. Reduction in Hours Subject to Lawsuit in New York – 73115R
Continue ReadingVideo: Independence Blue Cross Medicare Plans
Enjoy the latest TV Commercial from Independence Blue Cross about their Medicare supplement plans. Remember, Independence Blue Cross is just one of the many insurers that Total Benefit Solutions works with, on the healthcare.gov marketplace, on the private market, in the senior market and also small groups. Call us at (215)355-2121 to see if IBC has a plan that’s a good fit for you.
Continue ReadingHealth Reform: Is Your Company Ready for the New Reporting Requirements?
Health Reform: Is Your Company Ready for the New Reporting Requirements? In 2016, employers with at least 50 full-time employees (FTEs) must provide Forms 1095-C to their employees and to the IRS. This new requirement applies to both insured and self-insured medical plans. The forms require, in part, tracking per each month in 2015 per each FTE: the tier of health plan coverage offered (e.g., employee-only, employee+spouse, or no coverage offered); the self-only premium an employee must pay for the lowest-cost plan that provides minimum value; and the reason why an employer would not be subject to a penalty for a particular month (e.g., employee is in a waiting period or the affordability… Read More
Continue ReadingIBC: 2015 SHOP Updates
For 2015, the Small business Health Options Program (SHOP) platform manages more processes and information. As a result, the involvement of insurance carriers has been reduced. Understanding how it will work this year will help you work with employers to decide if they should purchase coverage through SHOP or directly from Independence Blue Cross (Independence). Like last year, groups may still only offer one plan option to all employees. However, the application and setup processes are now managed entirely through SHOP instead of by insurance carriers. This means certain Independence benefits are no longer available. Independence will continue to provide member identification cards, process member claims, and provide member services to answer questions. Click the link below to download… Read More
Continue ReadingTake Advantage of Medicare’s Free Preventive Services
Many seniors are unaware that preventive tests, screenings and counseling sessions are now available for free, with no copays or deductibles, thanks to the Affordable Care Act. More than 60 million people took advantage of these services, at no cost to themselves, during the first three years after the services became free in 2011, according to government reports. Click the link below to download a list from Medicare for Dummies of Medicare preventative services. Medicares-preventive-services-chart13 Questions about Medicare eligibility, open enrollment, supplements, health plans or PDP drug cards? Total Benefit Solutions, Inc. has a dedicated team of Medicare health plan professionals who are trained, annually re-certified, licensed and… Read More
Continue ReadingVideo: Turning 26? Here’s when to apply for health insurance
Video: Turning 26? Here’s when to apply for health insurance If you are turning 26 and still on your parent’s health insurance plan, first of all, happy birthday! And secondly, congratulations! You can now purchase your very own health insurance. In fact, once you turn 26, your parent’s can no longer cover you under their health plan. Remember, Independence Blue Cross is just one of the many insurers that Total Benefit Solutions works with, on the healthcare.gov marketplace, on the private market, in the senior market and also small groups. Call us at (215)355-2121 to see if IBC has a plan that’s a good fit for you, or click here for… Read More
Continue ReadingHealth Care Reform: Taxes and Fees-PCORI Fee, Transitional Reinsurance Fee, Insurer Fee and Excise Tax
Health Care Reform: Taxes and Fees-PCORI Fee, Transitional Reinsurance Fee, Insurer Fee and Excise Tax From United Healthcare: Taxes and fees under the health reform law impact both fully insured and self-funded plans. But, they impact funding types differently. Employers with self-funded health plans submit applicable health reform fees directly to the government, and those with fully insured health plans will see fees prorated into their premiums. The fees are prorated over 12 months. Here is what you need to know about these fees and how they will impact your business. Please note that this document, provided by United Healthcare, has carrier specific language, however please contact your Total Benefit… Read More
Continue ReadingAetna: TV Commercial “Aetna works for my life”
Enjoy the latest TV Commercial from Aetna. Remember, Aetna is just one of the many insurers that Total Benefit Solutions works with, on the healthcare.gov marketplace, on the private market, in the senior market and also small groups. Call us at (215)355-2121 to see if Aetna has a plan that’s a good fit for you.
Continue ReadingWho can use the SHOP Marketplace?
What is the SHOP? The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace helps small businesses provide health coverage to their employees. The SHOP Marketplace is open to employers with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees (FTEs), including non-profit organizations. You can enroll in SHOP at any point throughout the year. Click the link below to download a handy “who can” to see if your business or organization can use or benefit from the SHOP. As always please contact your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc account manager at (215)355-2121 if you have any questions about the SHOP or any Affordable Care Act concerns. Click here to download “WHO CAN USE THE SHOP”
Continue ReadingFraud, Waste & Abuse-Did You Know?
Fraud, Waste & Abuse: did you know? As a nation, we spend over $2.7 trillion on healthcare every year, and it is estimated that tens of billions are lost each year to FWA. One recent study estimated that fraud and abuse added as much as $98 billion to annual spending on Medicare and Medicaid. It affects not only the cost but quality of care received. Combating healthcare fraud in Medicare and Medicaid is an important priority for the Federal Government. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Federal agency responsible for administering these programs, takes its role in leading anti-fraud efforts very seriously and has issued strict requirements… Read More
Continue ReadingWhat about Medicare Supplements or Medigap Policies?
Medicare Supplements or Medigap Plans A Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy, sold by private companies, can help pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Some Medigap policies also offer coverage for services that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like medical care when you travel outside the U.S. If you have Original Medicare and you buy a Medigap policy, Medicare will pay its share of the Medicare-approved amount for covered health care costs. Then your Medigap policy pays its share. A Medigap policy is different from a Medicare Advantage Plan. Those plans are ways to get Medicare benefits, while a Medigap policy… Read More
Continue ReadingHealth reform: CMS releases SHOP HOW-TO video for employees
CMS releases SHOP video for employees The SHOP enrollment for employees video has been posted by CMS. Please keep in mind that the employer group needs to be set up on the SHOP first. Please contact your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc account manager if you have any questions about setting your organization up as a SHOP employer. Total Benefit Solutions, Inc is a certified SHOP independent broker. Click the video below to watch the video.
Continue ReadingDownload our Mid-Year Compliance Bulletin Compilation
Our Mid-year Compliance Bulletin Compilation is now available, featuring all of our released compliance bulletins for January through June. This document acts a resource for you to have all of the latest health reform information and updates in one place. You can click on a bulletin title in the table of contents and it will bring directly to the corresponding page. Click the link below to download the document. 2015_Compliance_Compilation_mid_year
Continue ReadingVideos: IBC-Health Insurance Basics and More
Video: Health Insurance Basics from Independence Blue Cross: Enjoy the latest TV Commercial from Independence Blue Cross. Remember, Independence Blue Cross is just one of the many insurers that Total Benefit Solutions works with, on the healthcare.gov marketplace, on the private market, in the senior market and also small groups. Call us at (215)355-2121 to see if IBC has a plan that’s a good fit for you. Video: Changes in the family. When can I get new health insurance? Have your family’s health insurance needs recently changed? When you get married or divorced, have a new baby, or adopt a new child, you have a 60-day window to enroll in… Read More
Continue Reading
You must be logged in to post a comment.