ERISA – Total Benefit Solutions Inc

Why Your Hospital Bills Are Total Fiction (And How Reference-Based Pricing Fixes It)

May 7, 2026May 7, 2026Ed MacConnellNo Comments

If you’ve ever opened a hospital bill and felt your heart stop for a second, and not because of the medical condition you were there for, you aren’t alone. We’ve all seen it: a $50 charge for a single Tylenol pill or a $3,000 bill for a fifteen-minute "consultation" that felt more like a quick "hello." Here’s the dirty little secret the healthcare industry doesn't want you to know: those numbers are almost entirely made up. In the world of health insurance and hospital billing, the prices you see on your statement are part of a document called the Chargemaster. Think of the Chargemaster as the "MSRP" (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail… Read More

The MAGI Hack: How Early Retirees Can Save $15,000 on Health Insurance Before 65

May 1, 2026May 1, 2026Ed MacConnell

You’ve finally done it. You’ve put in your thirty-plus years, the house is mostly paid off, and you’re ready to trade the morning commute for morning coffee on the porch. But there’s one giant, expensive hurdle standing between you and the finish line: The Medicare Gap. If you’re 60, 61, or 62 years old, you’re in the "health insurance danger zone." You are too young for Medicare (which starts at 65), and if you aren't careful, you could be staring at health insurance premiums that look like a second mortgage, sometimes $1,500 to $2,000 a month for a couple. At Total Benefit Solutions Inc, we see early retirees panic when… Read More

Don’t Get Burned by ACA Penalties: How Minimum Value Plans Save Your Bottom Line

March 30, 2026May 1, 2026Ed MacConnell

If you’re running a business in 2026, you already know that the IRS doesn’t send "friendly reminders" when it comes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). They send bills. And lately, those bills have been getting a lot more expensive. At Total Benefit Solutions, we’ve seen too many hard-working business owners get blindsided by the Employer Shared Responsibility (ESR) payments because they thought their "standard" plan covered them. The reality is that just "having insurance" isn't enough to satisfy the federal government. To protect your bottom line, your plan must meet a very specific threshold called Minimum Value (MV). If it doesn't, and even one of your employees goes to… Read More

Latest Developments in the Johnson & Johnson ERISA Fiduciary Case

February 24, 2025February 21, 2025Loramei Romeo

The U.S. District Court of New Jersey recently dismissed claims in a class action lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson (J&J) regarding the management of their prescription drug benefits. The plaintiffs alleged that J&J breached its fiduciary responsibilities under ERISA, resulting in higher payments for prescription drugs, premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays, as well as lower wages and limited wage growth. However, the court ruled in J&J’s favor on the fiduciary breach claims, stating that the plaintiff lacked Article III standing due to speculative allegations about higher premiums and insufficient evidence of redressable injury. Despite this, the court did not dismiss the claim that J&J failed to furnish requested plan documents,… Read More

Wrap SPD Plan Document for Group Health Insurance

January 31, 2025January 29, 2025Loramei Romeo

Wrap SPD Plan use a Wrap SPD for Your Group Health Plan to Avoid the $110 Per Day Fine Under the Affordable Care Act A Wrap SPD document must be sent within 120 days of the Plan’s effective date if you provide group health insurance, as mandated by the Affordable Care Act and the Department of Labor’s enforcement of the ERISA legislation. $149 one-time charge sent by email in PDF format$50 Optional Deluxe Binder mailed by USPS$30 Optional Supplemental Insurance Rider Wrap Summary Plan Description (SPD) and Why Do I Need One? The following is a concise summary of the Wrap SPD document requirements set out by ERISA and the… Read More

FAQ 68 Addresses Preventive Care and Mastectomy Coverage

December 24, 2024December 24, 2024Loramei Romeo

Coverage of PrEP Certain preventive care services must be offered by health insurance companies and non-grandfathered group health plans without any cost-sharing obligations under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and other agencies and advisory groups recommendations form the basis of the list of preventive care services. If a preventive care service or item requirement omits information on the frequency, manner, treatment, or setting to administer the preventive care service, plans and carriers are permitted to employ reasonable medical management practices. Coding and Claims Management Plans and carriers are also reminded by FAQ 68 of the significance of correctly coding claims for preventive… Read More

Small Employer Open Enrollment Period November 15 through December 15

October 24, 2024October 24, 2024Ed MacConnell

While this has been in place for a number of years, we would like to remind you about the Small Employer Open Enrollment Period for fully insured health plans in all states. The Small Employer Open Enrollment Period is the period from November 15 through December 15 each year. During this period, employers that meet the definition of small employer but do not meet the carrier’s participation or contribution requirement will be accepted for a small employer plan with a January 1 effective date. Additionally, select carriers in New York may allow for a December effective date if applicable. Carriers require that employer groups enrolling under the Small Employer Open Enrollment Period submit completed applications… Read More

Cybersecurity Guidance Regarding Health and Welfare Benefits

October 17, 2024October 17, 2024Mirasol Bandong

In Compliance Assistance Release No. 2024-01, the U.S. Department of Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) affirmed that all ERISA covered health and welfare plans are subject to the cybersecurity guidance which was published in 2021. Regarding cybersecurity best practices on April 2021, EBSA issued a cybersecurity guidance for benefit plan fiduciaries and service providers. ERISA requires plan fiduciaries to take necessary safety measures to reduce cybersecurity risk, EBSA’s three types of guidance are directed at benefit plan sponsors, fiduciaries, record keepers, and participants. With the new guidelines EBSA clarifies that cybersecurity guidance applies to ERISA covered health and welfare plans. EBSA clarifies that ERISA plan sponsors and fiduciaries, as well… Read More

IRS Addresses Tax Treatment Of Work-Life Referral Services

May 7, 2024May 6, 2024Mirasol Bandong

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) clarified the tax treatment of several work-life referral (“WLR”) services offered by employers in a new Fact Sheet FAQ. According to the FAQ, the value of the WLR services may be deducted from employees’ salary as a de minimis fringe benefit in cases when they are included in employee assistance programs (“EAPs”) or are otherwise bundled with other services. WLR Programs WLR services are offered to qualified employees through the employer-funded WLR program. WLR services are informative and referral consultations that help staff members locate, engage, and bargain with life-management providers to find answers to personal, professional, or family problems. Generally speaking, unless a part… Read More

Medicare Part D – CMS Notification Reminder

January 18, 2024January 18, 2024Ed MacConnell

Employers supporting a group health plan, whether through insurance or self-insurance, are required to communicate the creditable or non-creditable status of the plan’s prescription drug coverage to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This reporting is facilitated through access to CMS’s online reporting system here. To comply with regulations and maintain transparency, follow these key points: Access CMS Online Reporting: Employers (insured or self-insured) should use CMS’s online system to report prescription drug coverage details. Key Deadlines: 1.Within 60 days after the plan year starts. 2.Within 30 days after prescription drug plan termination. 3.Within 30 days after any creditable coverage status change. Example Deadline: For a calendar year… Read More

HOW PEOS ARE HELPING SMBS MEET MARKET DISRUPTORS HEAD ON

August 19, 2023August 19, 2023Ed MacConnell

The modern world is driven by convenience and customization, SMBs included. Digitization, remote-friendly roles, and a generational shift in the workforce all impact today’s employee experience. When this experience is lacking, it can be costly to companies in more ways than one. click here to read the story from PEO insider Total Benefit Solutions Inc is dedicated to providing a comprehensive selection of solutions for the small business owner including the comparison of PEO’s to the typical employee benefits experience. Contact us today at (215)355-2121 to inquire about the possibility of using a PEO for your organization.

Revised Form 720

June 21, 2023June 23, 2023Ed MacConnell

The IRS has released a revised Form 720, Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return, the proper method to file and report PCORI fees. If you owe a PCORI fee, it must be paid using IRS Form 720 by July 31, following the last day of the policy year or plan year. Form 720 and the fee must be submitted on the same date. If your business does not owe a PCORI fee, IRS Form 720 does not need to be completed. Issuers and plan sponsors will only be required to file Form 720 once a year. Per the IRS, “Issuers and plan sponsors who are required to pay the PCORI fee… Read More

1095-B Tax Form Available Electronically for Employees of Cigna Fully-Insured Clients

February 12, 2023February 9, 2023Ed MacConnell

Effectively 1/1/23, Cigna transitioned from physically mailing 1095-B tax forms to on-demand electronic availability for customers on fully-insured client medical plans. Just one way Cigna is making healthcare simpler for customers, enrollees can access their 1095-B tax forms anytime, anywhere via myCigna.com® . Click here to read more. As always contact your Total Benefit Solutions group health insurance specialist at (215)355-2121 if you have any further questions or concerns.

Notification Reminder for Forms 1095-C and 1095-B

February 9, 2023February 9, 2023Ed MacConnell

Under the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”), the deadline for applicable large employers (“ALEs”) to furnish Form 1095-C and 1095-B to certain individuals (such as full-time employees in the case of Form 1095-C) is January 31 with respect to the preceding calendar year. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) released final regulations on December 12, 2022 with respect to ACA reporting requirements. These final regulations provided an automatic extension of 30 days to furnish these statements to individuals. This means that Wednesday, March 2, 2023 is the deadline to furnish individuals with 2022 Forms 1095-C and 1095-B. This extension is automatic; employers or other reporting entities are not required to file a… Read More

What is Limited Medical Insurance?

January 29, 2023January 29, 2023Ed MacConnell

A limited medical plan is a form of supplemental health insurance that can be used with or without a major medical plan. Limited medical plans have a set amount of money for treatment that they give to you to pay for common medical expenses. They recognize that common services like wellness visits can sometimes turn into a financial strain for people. Since this type of insurance does not cover everything due to a predetermined limit on what you receive, you will want to look closely at the benefits before choosing a plan. It can be helpful to pair a limited medical plan with a major medical plan. Doctors visits and… Read More

What is Stop Loss Coverage?

January 26, 2023January 23, 2023Ed MacConnell

Stop-loss insurance, in combination with a self-funded group health plan, is a type of coverage that protects companies from catastrophic or unexpected medical claims. Why choose a plan with stop-loss coverage? Protecting a company financially is critical and stop-loss is an employer’s safety net. With the Self-Funded Program, , stop-loss insurance is always included in employers’ monthly payments. This protects the employer against higher-than-expected claims. With level-funding, employers will never have to pay more than the amount, agreed upon up front, that they are responsible for funding the claims account each year. By choosing a self-funded plan with stop-loss coverage, employers limit their risk, protect themselves against high claims, and have… Read More

What is a drug formulary?

January 14, 2023January 14, 2023Ed MacConnell

The drug formulary is a list of medications that have been selected by an insurance company for their medical effectiveness, positive results, and value. The formulary includes generic medications and a defined list of brand medications. Sometimes it includes specialty mediations. Most formularies will have exclusions, or drugs not covered by your plan. You maximize your benefits when you purchase formulary medications. Your health insurance specialists at Total Benefit Solutions, In. can help you understand your plan’s formulary and how to find or search that list. Contact us today at (215)355-2121 if you have questions about your health insurance plan’s drug coverage.

Health Insurance Shopping Is Confusing!

October 10, 2022August 22, 2022Ed MacConnell

The professionals at Total Benefit Solutions, Inc are here to help you find the right coverage for you or your small business! our health insurance experts Are certified, licensed and experienced to help you deal with ACA plans (Obamacare), Medicare supplements, short term medical and small group health plans too! Call us today at (215)355-2121.

Health Insurer Ordered to Stop Selling in Washington

September 22, 2022August 17, 2022Ed MacConnell

Medova Healthcare, which sold illegal insurance plans through chambers of commerce, has agreed to stop selling in Washington, according to the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. The company also agreed to a $310,000 suspended fine, according to the OIC. It operated in 38 states including Washington and served 35,000 employees nationwide. Medova sold health insurance plans to almost 140 small businesses in the state, covering 1,487 employees, through chambers of commerce. One of them mentioned in the OIC investigation was the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. The chamber did not respond to inquiries. The health plans were marketed to small businesses as traditional insurance plans, but they were self-funded Employment Retirement… Read More

Medicare Creditable Coverage Part D notification requirements

September 15, 2022September 15, 2022Ed MacConnell

FROM INDEPENDENCE: Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires plans that offer prescription drug coverage to their Medicare‑eligible employees, retirees, and dependents to notify them by October 15 as to whether that coverage is “creditable” or “non‑creditable.” What customers must do Customers must take the following steps to comply with this requirement: Review the materials provided to determine whether their prescription drug coverage is creditable or non‑creditable. Disclose to their Medicare‑eligible members (employees and their dependents) whether their prescription drug coverage is creditable or non‑creditable prior to the Medicare Part D Annual Election period, running from October 15 through December 7 of this year and at other times during the future.… Read More

Additional Guidance on New Prescription Drug Reporting Requirement

September 15, 2022September 14, 2022Ed MacConnell

As previously reported in 2021, Section 204 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (“CAA”) requires plan sponsors of group health plans to submit informationannually about prescription drugs and health care spending to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) on behalf of the Departments of Health and Human Services(“HHS”), Labor (“DOL”), and the Treasury (collectively, the “Departments”). The first deadline is December 27, 2022. CMS recently updated guidance related to this reporting requirement that provides some helpful clarification. Click the link below to download this bulletin. As always please contact your Total benefit Solutions, Inc health insurance specialist at (215)355-2121 if you have any further questions or concerns.

IBC: Understanding your network

September 9, 2022July 22, 2022Ed MacConnell

The type of health plan you choose determines the network of providers you can visit. In-network providers are the doctors and hospitals in your plan’s network. You’ll save the most money by visiting network providers. Out-of-network providers are those not in your plan’s network. You may pay more for out-of-network services, and some services may not be covered at all. Know your options — before you need them When you need care and your primary care doctor isn’t available, remember you have other options that don’t involve a trip to the emergency room. Using virtual care, retail clinics, or urgent care centers can save you time and money. https://www.ibx.com/get-care/find-doctors-and-healthcare-providers/where-to-go-for-care Click here for links to your network and more… Read More

What is a Qualifying Life Event or QLE?

July 29, 2022July 14, 2022Ed MacConnell

There are 4 basic types of health insurance qualifying life events. (The following are examples, not a full list.) Loss of health coverage Losing existing health coverage, including job-based, individual, and student plans Losing eligibility for Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP Turning 26 and losing coverage through a parent’s plan Changes in household Getting married or divorced Having a baby or adopting a child Death in the family Changes in residence Moving to a different ZIP code or county A student moving to or from the place they attend school A seasonal worker moving to or from the place they both live and work Moving to or from a shelter or… Read More

Case Study Library

July 22, 2022July 22, 2022Ed MacConnell

We present a few case studies to illustrate how we have helped our clients solve their complicated employee benefit challenges. Click here to learn more!

What does ” Guaranteed Issue” health insurance mean?

July 14, 2022Ed MacConnell

Guaranteed issue A requirement that health plans must permit you to enroll regardless of health status, age, gender, or other factors that might predict the use of health services. Except in some states, guaranteed issue doesn’t limit how much you can be charged if you enroll. Not all health insurance plans are guaranteed issue. Have any questions about your health insurance? Contact your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc health insurance specialists at (215)355-2121 http://www.totalbenefits.net

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