Feasterville Rotary has honored two Neshaminy High School seniors from Feasterville as their Student of the Month for the month of February 2014. The presentation was held on Tuesday morning, Feb. 11. They are Saje Breuer and Alexandra Urusow. Both students are pictured here with their parents, their principal Mr William Ritchey and Rotary President Ed MacConnell. Congratulations Saje and Alexandra!
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Healthcare Reform Update: ‘Pay or Play’ Delayed Until 2016 for Large Employers With Fewer Than 100 Full-Time Employees
‘Pay or Play’ Delayed Until 2016 for Large Employers With Fewer Than 100 Full-Time Employees Brought to you via HR360.com Newly issued final rules provide guidance for large employers who are subject to the shared responsibility (“pay or play”) requirements under Health Care Reform. These employers may be liable for a penalty if they do not offer affordable health insurance that provides a minimum level of coverage to full-time employees (and their dependents), and any full-time employee receives a premium tax credit for purchasing individual coverage on the Health Insurance Marketplace (Exchange). Click the link below to download the bulletin: Pay or Play Delayed to 2016
Continue ReadingVideo: Who can help me enroll?
Who can help you enroll on a new affordable care act plan? Remember an independent broker like Total Benefit Solutions Inc can still help you enroll on a plan on the Federal Healtcare Exchange or off at no additional cost to you. Your independent broker is still truly your healthcare advocate! Another simple yet educational video from Humana:
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Affordable Care Act: Coming Guidance Changes
The Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) recently issued proposed regulations addressing a number of provisions under the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”). Some of this guidance will impact employer-sponsored group health plans. Click the link below to download the entire bulletin. Guidance Changes for 2015 ERC
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Video: How to Buy Health Insurance Under the Affordable Care Act
Another great an helpful video from Humana regarding enrolling on the new health insurance plans. Keep in mind an independent broker like Total Benefit Solutions Inc. can still help you enroll at no additional cost.
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2014 Federal Poverty Levels Released
The Department of Health and Human Services has announced the Federal Poverty Line (“FPL”) amounts, as indexed for 2014. Why is this Important? Beginning in 2015, large employers may be subject to the employer penalty under the Affordable Care Act if they do not offer affordable, minimum value coverage to all full-time employees and at least one full-time employee receives a subsidy in the Exchange. The FPL is relevant to the affordability of the coverage, as well as the eligibility for a subsidy. Click the link below to download this important bulletin 2014 FPL Announced – 020314R Remember: Your independent broker at Total Benefit Solutions, Inc. can help you compare, choose and enroll in a plan on the… Read More
Continue ReadingCan I keep my doctor?
“Can I keep my doctor?” is the most commonly asked question when switching healthcare plans. Know what questions to ask about health insurance plan networks before you buy. Take a moment to watch this concise new video from Humana.
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Important Message from IBC’s Christopher Cashman
We received the following message this week from IBC’s EVP and President Commercial Markets Christopher Cashman and wanted to pass it on to our clients: As you know, over the past few weeks we have experienced unprecedented challenges as a result of the work required to enroll more than 170,000 members in our new Affordable Care Act (ACA)-compliant products. This has led to significant delays in several business areas, which we understand have been frustrating for you, your customers, and our members. While other health insurers across the country are facing similar challenges enrolling members with new ACA health plans, we are deeply concerned that we have not met your… Read More
Continue ReadingAmerihealth NJ: Individual Health Insurance payment deadline extension
From Amerihealth: IHC payment deadline extension ATTENTION: To offer a greater peace of mind for customers purchasing individual coverage through the Federally Facilitated Marketplace or our retail platform, AmeriHealth New Jersey is extending the payment deadline for new IHC members with January 2014 effective dates to February 5, 2014. We are also extending the payment deadline for new IHC members with February 2014 effective dates to March 5, 2014. This change is one more way that we are helping consumers navigate the health care reform environment. If you have any further questions, please contact Total Benefit Solutions (215)355-2121.
Continue ReadingWinter Storm Update:Friday February 7th
OUR OFFICES ARE OPENING THIS AFTERNOON BUT WITH LIMITED RESOURCES. WHILE WE HAVE MADE PROGRESS WE ARE WORKING TO RESTORE ALL COMMUNICATIONS AND HOPE TO BE OPERATING AT FULL CAPACITY SOON. WE ARE MONITORING AND RESPONDING TO EMAILS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. AS OF NOON TODAY WE HAVE INTERMITTENT INTERNET AND PHONE SYSTEMS. IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE REACHING US, OR ARE WAITING ON A RETURN CALL FROM US PLEASE BE PATIENT AS WE WORK HARD TO TAKE CARE OF EVERYONE. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS HAS CAUSED.
Continue ReadingWinter Storm Update
DUE TO THIS WEEK’S DEVASTATING WINTER STORM , OUR OFFICES ARE OPERATING TODAY BUT WITH LIMITED RESOURCES. DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL WE HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL AT REGAINING FULL OPERATION SYSTEMS. WHILE WE HAVE MADE PROGRESS WE ARE WORKING DILIGENTLY TO COMPLETELY RESTORE ALL POWER, PHONES AND INTERNET AND HOPE TO BE OPERATING BY MID DAY ON FRIDAY FEBRUARY 7TH. WE ARE MONITORING AND RESPONDING TO EMAILS. CURRENTLY WE HAVE INTERMITTENT INTERNET AND ONE PHONE LINE. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS HAS CAUSED.
Continue ReadingTotal Benefit Solutio s Closed Due To Winter Storm
PLEASE NOTICE: DUE TO THE WINTER STORM TODAY, FEBRUARY 5TH OUR OFFICES ARE CLOSED. WE ARE WORKING DILIGENTLY TO RESTORE POWER, PHONES AND INTERNET AND HOPE TO BE OPERATING BY MID DAY ON THURSDAY FEBRUARY 6TH. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENINCE THIS HAS CAUSED.
Continue ReadingTarget to Drop Health Benefits for Part-Timers… Good News for Employees?
This week, Fortune 500 retailer Target announced it would no longer provide health insurance for part-time employees as of April 1st. Instead, Target will provide $500 to those losing coverage and provide assistance in signing up for a new ObamaCare plan. For the majority of these part-time employees, this is really good news. Here’s why. According to Target’s news release, the decision came in light of new insurance options through the Health Insurance Marketplaces, and the fact that only 10% of part-time employees had enrolled in its part-time plan. “The launch of Health Insurance Marketplaces provides new options for health care coverage that we believe our part-time team members may… Read More
Continue ReadingIBC 2014 Renewals Important facts to know Q+A
There are many changes for small business groups for 2014. These changes affect sole proprietor plans, licensed professionals and small groups. Please take a moment to review this Q&A and let us know if you have any questions. Q. What is an Open Enrollment Period? A. An Open Enrollment is the time during which you are permitted to make changes to your benefit plan. Q. How will the 2014 Open Enrollment Process Work? A. IBC will be sending you, via regular mail, your, 2014 Renewal Package. Total Benefit Solutions will also follow up with another copy via fax or email. The package will include the 2013 rates for your current… Read More
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Total Benefit Solutions has entered into a strategic partnership with Wellworks for You.
Total Benefit Solutions has entered into a strategic partnership with Wellworks for You. This partnership enables us to offer services to our clients for designing and implementing comprehensive wellness programs. We truly believe that corporate wellness programs can deliver benefits to both employers and employees.From a financial standpoint, wellness programs can drive down health care utilization and costs. But more importantly, wellness programs can produce employees that healthy, satisfied, and productive employees and families. Some of the key highlights of this solution include onsite preventative screenings, wellness challenges, rewards, a monthly wellness newsletter, and more. Click the link below to get a quick look at the small business packages available to… Read More
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Horizon Blue Cross Important Update on Benefit Waiting Periods
Horizon BCBSNJ Group Administration – 90 Day Maximum Waiting Period Horizon BCBSNJ has issued This Letter to Group Administrators about the waiting period changes. We would like to provide you with additional clarification regarding this ACA change. • Groups with one to 99 employees who have a waiting period that exceeds 90 days per Horizon BCBSNJ’s system have been changed to a 90 day waiting period as of January 1, 2014. For example: A March 1 renewing group that has a six month waiting period will have a 90 day waiting period as of January 1, 2014. • Additionally, if a new employee is in the waiting period, as of January 1,… Read More
Continue ReadingAmerihealth Important Notice
From Amerihealth: We have recently identified an issue with member identification cards that were distributed to existing and new business members with a January 2014 effective date. Some member identification cards were printed with incorrect BIN and PCN numbers. We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible and will reissue new member identification cards to all affected members. In the interim, if you receive questions from affected customers, you may provide them with the correct BIN and PCN numbers below: BIN – 015814 PCN – 06440000 We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any additional questions, please contact your AmeriHealth New Jersey broker… Read More
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ACA 90 Day Maximum Waiting Period – Small and Large Group Markets Update
Published: Thursday, December 26, 2013 ACA 90 Day Waiting Period Limitation Effective January 1, 2014, a group health plan or health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage shall not apply any waiting period that exceeds 90 days. Please note the following administrative guidelines per carrier: Aetna Groups in the Small Group Market (applicable in all states – NY, NJ, PA, DE, CT): The carrier will change to a maximum of 60 days at the first renewal on or after January 1, 2014 unless the employer advises the carrier differently. Groups in the Large Group (51+ Employees) Market: The benefit waiting period will change at the first renewal in 2014.… Read More
Continue ReadingIBC Group Medicare Security 65 Billing Issues
Security 65 Invoices Security 65 groups that are transitioning to our new operating platform effective January 1, 2014 are receiving premium invoices that reflect a zero-dollar balance. These invoices were sent in error and new invoices reflecting the appropriate premium due and membership information are being generated. Please be assured that this was an invoice issue only and did not affect membership. All members are currently active and there is no impact to access of care.
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6 Reasons Health Insurance Brokers Become Even More Important in 2014
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) presents opportunities, and uncertainties, to health insurance agents and brokers. Yet as the ACA continues to roll out, it’s becoming clear that health insurance brokers are needed to help consumers and small businesses navigate the changing regulations, health plan choices, and enrollment process.
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IBC Communications to new and renewing HSA customers
Communications to new and renewing HSA customers Customers preparing to migrate to the new platform recently received information about IBC’s new integrated Bank of America HSA. For January 1, 2014, effective dates, new IBC customers and customers who have renewed their QHDHP or newly selected one, will receive a packet by December 31 to help them easily manage the transition to the new Bank of America HSA. It includes: a cover letter about account setup and employer contributions an HSA Employer Portal User Access Request Form for small group and mid-market and larger groups to request access to make HSA contributions via ibxpress.com an FAQ with details about transitioning to… Read More
Continue ReadingPlease note our holiday office hours
Please note our holiday office hours: Tuesday December 24th: We will close early at 1:00PM Wednesday December 25th: Closed for the Christmas Day Holiday Thursday December 26th: We will reopen at 12:00 Noon until 5:00PM Tuesday December 31st: We will close early at 1:00PM Wednesday January 1st 2014: Closed for the New Year’s Day Holiday Thursday January 2nd 2014: We will reopen at 10 AM until 5:00PM Click here to watch our fun holiday JibJab video.
Continue ReadingIBC January 1 2014 Enrollments-UPDATE
We know that we have an extraordinary number of clients who are waiting for approvals from Independence Blue Cross for their new health insurance plans that are effective on January 1st 2014. Please rest assured that we have been following up on your enrollments each and every day. The following was provided to us this week from IBC: Broker Care Center and Individual Coverage – Primary and Producing Agents The Broker Care Center is currently experiencing high call volume due to peak season and inquiries regarding individual coverage. Please be assured that we are leveraging all resources to reduce your wait time and provide prompt service. Producers are encouraged to… Read More
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Small Business SHOP application
Is your business eligible for the expanded Health Care Tax Credit under the Affordable Care Act? Small employers who meet the requirements are eligible for an expanded tax credit of up to 50% of the paid premiums if they meet the following requirements: Less than 25 employees Average wages of under $50,000 ( owners excluded) Employer must pay at least 50% of the premium Coverage must be offered to 100% of the eligible employees working on average of 30 hours per week 75% of the employees must participate in the coverage. In order to get the credit, your business must apply and be approved for eligibility before applying for… Read More
Continue ReadingHealth Reform: W-2 Reminder
Health care reform provides that employers must report the aggregate cost of employer-sponsored coverage on each employee’s annual Form W-2, beginning for the 2012 calendar year (reported on the January 2013 W-2). The amount reported is not taxable. Below you will find a bulletin with a summary of the guidance issued regarding W-2 reporting. W2_Reminder
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