The House of Representatives passed two pieces of legislation that, among other things, purport to improve and “modernize” health savings accounts (“HSAs”). While the bills call for significant changes to the current rules affecting HSAs, the specific details are very different. Both pieces of legislation have been sent to the Senate for consideration. Whether the Senate will take up these bills, let alone approve them “as is,” remains uncertain. There appears to be some bi-partisan agreement to loosen the current HSA rules, which means it is possible that we may see changes to these arrangements, which could be effective as early as January 1, 2019. When more information is available, we will… Read More
Continue ReadingIntroducing Xpress Healthcare with Aetna Dental Access!
Total Benefit Solutions offers Xpress Healthcare with a great dental discount & more for Individuals, Families and Seniors! Click Here to shop, compare & enroll!
Continue ReadingThe Four Stages of Medicare Part D (2018)
The Four Stages of Medicare Part D Coverage
Continue ReadingWatch Out For Medicare Scams!
Your new Medicare card is on the way, so if someone calls and says you need to give them your personal information or money to get the new card, hang up! It’s a scam. Medicare will never call uninvited and ask for personal information or money for you to get your new Medicare Number and card.Learn what to do if you get a suspicious call like this. If you haven’t gotten your new Medicare card yet, don’t worry. Mailing cards to each group of states takes at least a month, so you might get your card at a different time than friends or neighbors in your area. In the meantime, keep… Read More
Continue ReadingTrump Administration Expands Access To Short-Term Plans That Do Not Meet ACA Requirements
The New York Times (8/4 Pear) reports that on Wednesday, the Trump Administration unveiled “a final rule…that clears the way for the sale of many more health insurance policies that do not comply with the Affordable Care Act and do not have to cover prescription drugs, maternity care or people with pre-existing conditions.” These new options “will help people struggling to afford coverage under the 2010 law, said James Parker, a senior adviser to” HHS Secretary Alex M. Azar II. On its front page, the Washington Post (7/31, A1, Goldstein) reports that these policies, which are intended “to fill brief gaps in coverage, will be available for 12 months at… Read More
Continue ReadingNew Jersey Out-of-Network Bill
On June 1, 2018, New Jersey Gov. Murphy passed the Out-of-Network Consumer Protection, Transparency, Cost Containment and Accountability Act (the “OON Act”). In general, the OON Act applies to emergency services and other care provided by out-of-network physicians in in-network settings (i.e. hospital-based physicians). It takes effect on September 1, 2018. Click the link below to download the full story: Click to Download For more information or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact your Total Benefit Solutions Account Manager at 215-355-2121
Continue ReadingYour New Medicare Card is on the way! Watch out for scams!
Watch out for scams Your new Medicare card is on the way, so if someone calls and says you need to give them your personal information or money to get the new card, hang up! It’s a scam. Medicare will never call uninvited and ask for personal information or money for you to get your new Medicare Number and card. Learn what to do if you get a suspicious call like this. If you haven’t gotten your new Medicare card yet, don’t worry. Mailing cards to each group of states takes at least a month, so you might get your card at a different time than friends or neighbors in your area.… Read More
Continue ReadingAssociation Health Plans: What Do New Guidelines Mean for Healthcare?
From our PEO partners at Extensis… Back in October, President Trump signed an executive order intended to help make healthcare more affordable to individuals and small employers.This executive order marked the administration’s continued efforts to undo aspects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It also encouraged the use of Association Health Plans (AHPs) on a much larger scale (county, state, region, or even nation-wide) to potentially lower the costs of healthcare for individuals and smaller businesses. At the time, the President directed the Labor Department to study how to make AHPs a feasible option. Click here to read the story
Continue ReadingMedicare Part D Donut Hole Closing Sooner!
Did you know? The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 moved up the date for closing the so-called donut hole for brand name drugs to 2019. It was previously 2020. For 2019 and every year after, the beneficiary cost sharing for brand name drugs after the initial coverage limit is 25% — the same as after the deductible and before the initial coverage limit. In 2020, the beneficiary cost sharing for generic drugs will also be 25%. Ask your Total Benefit Solutions Account Manager for more information at (215)355-2121. Total Benefit Solutions Inc. is your Medicare health insurance specialist! We work for your benefit!
Continue ReadingCMS Expands the Extension of Needed Relief for Marketplace Enrollees Who Missed Medicare Enrollment
CMS is offering assistance to certain individuals enrolled in both Medicare Part A (and/or Part C) and the Exchange for individuals and families to drop their Exchange coverage and enroll in Part B without penalty. Further, CMS is offering assistance to certain individuals who dropped or lost their coverage from the Exchange and are paying a Part B late enrollment penalty from their subsequent enrollment into Part B. These eligible individuals can have their penalty reduced. Individuals can apply for the special enrollment and reduction in late enrollment penalties during a limited time – it is available now and ends September 30, 2018 Read Blog Post from MedicareRights.org CMS SHIP… Read More
Continue ReadingFour Stages of Medicare Part D
It’s easy to see why Many people are confused by the Medicare part D plan coverage deductibles, limits and the donut hole. We have provided this graphic for you, our clients and friends to make it a little easier to see in a pie chart. Click the link below to download this graphic bulletin. 2018 Four Stages Of Medicare Part D Want to compare part D plans in your area quickly? Click here Have more questions? Call us today at (215)355-2121.
Continue ReadingNew Association Health Plans
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.
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