This is something that is happening right now, the rebirth of association health plans, but even better than before! I have been asked about being able to do this for years. We are super excited about this and this should be better than what we were able to do before with previous association health plans. Sole proprietors and small businesses will need to join an association in order to get these plans and they are going to be designed to be lower in cost than the current small group plans. Please review the bulletin by downloading below and call us at (215)355-2121 if you have any questions. Click to… Read More
Continue ReadingTotal Benefit Solutions-now offering travel health insurance
Introducing GeoBlue Travel Health Insurance We are delighted to now be able to offer our clients a unique set of international health insurance and trip protection plans through GeoBlue International Blue Cross . GeoBlue advantages include: Richer Benefits – rich coverage without the hidden surprises Better Service and Care – concierge-level access to an elite network of the most internationally-friendly medical providers around the world More Peace of Mind – you have the confidence associated with the most recognized health insurance brand in the U.S. GeoBlue plans offer unique benefits and services not available elsewhere. Each GeoBlue policy includes access to best-in-class doctors and hospitals in 190 countries. Members have the ability… Read More
Continue ReadingYou’re getting a new Medicare card!
You’re getting a new Medicare card! Between April 2018 and April 2019, we’ll be removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards and mailing each person a new card. This will help keep your information more secure and help protect your identity. You’ll get a new Medicare Number that’s unique to you, and it will only be used for your Medicare coverage. The new card won’t change your coverage or benefits. You’ll get more information from Medicare when your new card is mailed. Click here to download more information
Continue ReadingTotal Benefit Solutions announces affiliation with Medi-Share
Total Benefit Solutions is proud to announce our selection as a select broker with Medi-Share. Medi–Share is a faith based healthcare sharing program where Christians share their financial resources to pay each other’s medical expenses. Medi-Share can be offered to employees of small groups as well as individual families in need of an alternative health care solution. Click here to learn more about Medi-Share Medi–Share isn’t insurance. Christian Care Ministry and the Medi–Share program are not registered or licensed by any insurance entity, nor is it required to be.
Continue ReadingExpanding Access to Quality, Affordable Health Coverage for Millions of Americans Employed by Small Businesses
On June 19, 2018, the U.S. Department of Labor expanded access to affordable health coverage options for America’s small businesses and their employees through Association Health Plans. Association Health Plans work by allowing small businesses, including self-employed workers, to band together by geography or industry to obtain healthcare coverage as if they were a single large employer. Association Health Plans will also be able to strengthen negotiating power with providers from larger risk pools and greater economies of scale. The Department of Labor expanded access to Association Health Plans as a result of President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order “Promoting Healthcare Choice and Competition Across the United States.” As always… Read More
Continue ReadingIRS reverses decision on 2018 HSA limits
The IRS reversed its March 5 decision to decrease the 2018 contribution limit for family coverage only. The new contribution limit is back to $6,900 (previously adjusted to $6,850). To review the official IRS announcement, visit the Internal Revenue Service press release (published April 26, 2018). This means individuals who have already contributed $6,900 are fine and do not need to return any money. And those individuals who have automatic contributions that would have exceeded the earlier $6,850 limit in 2018 are fine. No changes need to be made as long as they do not exceed the $6,900 family contribution maximum. If you have questions, please contact your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc.… Read More
Continue ReadingThinkHR Webinar: How to Easily Build a Compliant Multistate Handbook
May 22 and 24, 8:30 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time ThinkHR Webinar: How to Easily Build a Compliant Multistate Handbook Handbooks, not rule books: A new approach to an old requirement Register Now Join Dan Riordan, President and COO at ThinkHR and Shannon Flanagan, Director of People Operations at ThinkHR, as they discuss some of 2018’s hot topics when it comes to employee handbooks. Dan and Shannon will share their insights on how employers can update their marijuana/drug testing and social media policies to reflect today’s environment while staying compliant with changing laws and providing a safe and supportive workplace. Then, stick around to get a preview demo of… Read More
Continue ReadingPCOR Fee Filing Reminder for Self-Insured Plans
The PCOR filing deadline is July 31, 2018 for all self-funded medical plans and HRAs for plan years ending in 2017. Please note: if your organization has an HRA, you are required to file and pay these fees. Click the link below to download the full bulletin. PCOR Fee Filing Reminder for Self-Insured Plans – 051418R As always please contact your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc account manager at (215)355-2121 if you have any questions or concerns regarding this notice.
Continue Reading2019 Inflation Adjusted Amounts for HSAs
The IRS released the inflation adjustments for health savings accounts (HSAs) and their accompanying high deductible health plans (HDHPs) effective for calendar year 2019. Most limits increased from 2018 amounts. 2019 Inflation Adjusted Amounts for HSAs – 051418R As always if you have any questions about this bulletin, please contact your Total Benefit Solutions account mananger at (215)355-2121
Continue ReadingTotal Benefit Solutions Introducing My Benefit Link
In our ongoing effort to provide our clients with a top notch experience, Total Benefit Solutions is proud to announce that we have partnered with My Benefit Link. MyBenefitLink is an online resource center for a company’s employees. It serves as the Internet HR arm and provides the following advantages: Online enrollments Paperless onboarding process HR tools and reports List of all benefits available to the employee of the company Links to carrier forms, doctor directories and formulary drug lists Useful financial calculators Ask your Total Benefit Solutions account manager today if you have any questions about My Benefit Link. Call (215)355-2121.
Continue ReadingIBX Mobile App
Download the free IBX app for your iPhone or Android to help you make the most of your Independence Blue Cross health plan. With new and improved features, the IBX app gives you easy access to your health care coverage 24/7, wherever you are. Learn more: http://bit.ly/ibxmobil Questions or concerns? Please call your Total Benefit Solutions account manager at (215)355-2121.
Continue ReadingIBX Wire – A Powerful New Way to Communicate
IBX Wire – A Powerful New Way to Communicate IBX Wire™ is IBC’s member messaging service that makes it easier to find support, stay informed, and get things done. It will let you know when you have important account updates, product offers, or health related items that need your attention, and gives you the tools to take action on them quickly and easily. Notifications will be sent via automated text message. Message and data rates may apply. Not required to purchase goods and services from Independence Blue Cross. Text STOP to stop and HELP for help. Terms and conditions at www.myhelpsite.net/ibx. RELAY® is a registered trademark and service mark,… Read More
Continue ReadingIRS cuts 2018 family HSA contribution limit
Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the 2018 contribution limit for family coverage in a health savings account will be $6,850—not $6,900, as previously announced by the IRS. The Society for Human Resource Management reports that the IRS has recalculated the limit because the tax law applies the so-called chained consumer price index to increases in HSA contribution limits, as well as to a few other employee benefit contribution limits. Internal Revenue Bulletin No. 2018–10, released March 5, clarifies not just that change but others as well. While the annual tax-deductible HSA contribution limit for tax year 2018 will remain at $3,450 for HSA account holders with self-only coverage through a high-deductible… Read More
Continue ReadingVideo: All About United Healthcare All Savers Level Funded Self Insurance Plans
All About United Healthcare All Savers Level Funded Self Insurance Plans Ask us today if an All Savers plan could be a good fit for your company! Call your Total Benefit Solutions account manager at (215)355-2121.
Continue ReadingYour Medicare Card Is Changing!
The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015 requires that Social Security Number-based Health Insurance Claim Numbers (HICN) be removed from Medicare cards by April 2019; this is in an effort to lessen the current risk of beneficiary medical identity theft. A unique Medicare number, called the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier or MBI, will replace the current HICN. Beginning in April 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will begin the process of mailing new Medicare cards and will meet the statutory deadline for replacing all cards by April 2019. Educational Resources: CMS Transition to New Medicare Numbers and Cards – Fact Sheet CMS Website –… Read More
Continue ReadingAetna Funding Advantage (AFA) is a new self-funded option for small groups
Aetna Funding Advantage (AFA) is a self-funded option that provides all of the financial and plan design flexibility of a traditional arrangement with special features designed to help companies with as few as 2 employees achieve even greater savings on their health insurance. Ask us today if self funding could be a good fit for your organization! Call your Total Benefit Solutions Inc. account manager at (215)355-2121 for more information! Learn more here: AFA-Customer-Flyer New! Minute Clinic Benefit! $0 Copay Minute Clinic Visits Flyer More Documents for downloading: Springboard Marketplace Your Online Administration and Enrollment Portal AFA AppleWatch Wellness Flyer AFA Sample Usage Reports Aetna & Teledoc for AFA AETNA… Read More
Continue ReadingMedicare Part D CMS Notification Reminder
Employers sponsoring a group health plan need to report information on the creditable status of the plan’s prescription drug coverage to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In order to provide this information, employers must access CMS’s online reporting system at: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Prescription-Drug-coverage/CreditableCoverage/CCDisclosureForm.html Click here to download the complete bulletin As always please contact you Total Benefit Solutions, Inc. account manager at (215)355-2121 if you have any additional questions or concerns.
Continue ReadingDOL Penalties Increase for 2018
In 2015, Congress passed the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 2015 (the “Inflation Adjustment Act”) to direct federal agencies to adjust the civil monetary penalties for inflation every year. Civil penalties ensure compliance with federal regulation by incentivizing employers not to violate federal regulation and providing federal agencies the power to ensure compliance. However, when penalties are too low, or have failed to be increased for inflation, compliance with federal regulation remains stagnant. The Department of Labor (DOL) recently published the annual adjustments for 2018 that increase certain penalties applicable to employee benefit plans Click here to download the full bulletin As always please contact your Total Benefit… Read More
Continue ReadingIRS Releases 2018 Inflation Adjustments to Tax Provisions
The Internal Revenue Service released the annual inflation adjustments that will apply to certain benefit plan tax provisions in 2018. Revenue Procedure 2017-58, which can be accessed by clicking here, identifies inflation-adjusted items for different provisions of the tax code. From an employee benefits standpoint, the following limits may be of interest to employers: The dollar limit on voluntary employee salary reduction contributions to health flexible spending accounts is increased to $2,650 for plan years beginning in 2018. The monthly exclusion amount for transportation and transit passes is increased to $260. The monthly limit for the qualified parking exclusion is increased to $260. The dollar amount used to determine the penalty… Read More
Continue ReadingCongress Passes Tax Reform Bill
On December 20, 2017, the House and Senate sent President Trump the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for signature. The House of Representatives passed their version of the bill on November 16, 2017 while the Senate passed their version on December 2, 2017. Because the versions were not identical, a Tax-Bill Conference Committee was formed from members of the Senate and the House of Representatives to negotiate the text of the combined bill. After the finalized text was approved and released by the committee, the House and Senate each passed the combined bill (which happened on December 20th in the House and December 19th in the Senate) before… Read More
Continue ReadingExtension of Deadline for 2017 Forms 1095-C
On December 22, 2017, the IRS issued Notice 2018-06, which provides a limited extension of time for employers to provide 2017 Forms 1095-C to individuals. It also extends good-faith transition relief from certain penalties for the 2017 reporting year. The deadlines to provide Forms 1094-C and 1095-C to the IRS was not extended. Should you have any questions, please contact your Total Benefit Solutions account manager at (215)355-2121. Click to Download Extension of Deadline for 2017 Forms 1095-C
Continue Reading2017 Employer Reporting Requirements
2017 Employer Reporting Requirements The below document outlines sections 6055 & 6066, the “B” and “C” forms, and the employer reporting obligations to both employees and the IRS. Download 2017_Employer_Reporting_Requirements Click here to watch a brainshark video that explains the forms and reporting requirements.
Continue ReadingReceived Letter 226J – Now What?
The IRS issued Letter 226J to certain Applicable Large Employers (“ALEs”). This letter describes the proposed Employer Shared Responsibility Payment (“ESRP”) owed for calendar year 2015. Download this bulletin
Continue ReadingSearching for Keystone HMO Proactive Providers by Tier?
Please note you must select the proactive plans from the list. Go to this link: Choose a health plan: From the drop down select, Medical then Keystone Proactive: Now your search will return physicians with Tier listings showing:
Continue ReadingFind Your Keystone Proactive HMO Providers by Tier
Searching for providers by tier? Please note you must select the proactive plans from the list. Go to this link: Choose a health plan: From the drop down select, Medical then Keystone Proactive: Now your search will return physicians with Tier listings: Simple hospital listing by tier: Click here Download “Talk to your doctor about the Keystone Proactive plans” Keystone HMO Proactive provider Quality Standards Questions? Contact your Total Benefit Solutions account manager at(215)355-2121.
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