Healthcare… the way it should be! Are you tired of waiting multiple weeks to go see your doctor, only to find yourself taking time off work so you can drive through traffic and sit in the waiting room for what seems like forever? Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the stress and anxiety of a difficult life situation and wished you had someone you could trust to hold your hand and walk you through to the other side? Then welcome to CADRPlus, an innovative new health care program that gives you unlimited, 24/7 access to doctors and other industry professionals from the comfort and convenience of your phone or computer,… Read More
Continue ReadingTotal Benefit Solutions Now Offering Online Enrollment with Consult-A-Doctor PLUS
Healthcare… the way it should be! Are you tired of waiting multiple weeks to go see your doctor, only to find yourself taking time off work so you can drive through traffic and sit in the waiting room for what seems like forever? Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the stress and anxiety of a difficult life situation and wished you had someone you could trust to hold your hand and walk you through to the other side? Then welcome to CADRPlus, an innovative new health care program that gives you unlimited, 24/7 access to doctors and other industry professionals from the comfort and convenience of your phone or computer,… Read More
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Health Reform: Final Rule Issued Regarding Health Insurance Provider Fee
Beginning in 2014, a health insurance provider fee applies to covered entities engaged in the business of providing health insurance for United States health risks. United States health risks include the health risk of a U.S. citizen or a resident alien including those living abroad. Thus, insurers issuing expatriate policies covering a U.S. citizen or resident alien living abroad are subject to the fee. Medical, dental and vision carriers in the insured marketplace are subject to this fee. This fee does not apply to self-insured employer-sponsored plans. Click the link below to download the bulletin. Final Rule Issued Regarding Health Insurance Provider Fee
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Relief for Vision, Dental and EAP Benefits and New Wraparound Coverage
The Departments of Labor, Treasury and HHS issued a proposed rule that provides helpful guidance regarding certain excepted benefits, including vision benefits, dental benefits, employee assistance programs (EAPs) and certain wraparound programs. Click the link below to download the bulletin. Relief for Excepted Benefits-012414R
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Health Reform: Final Regulations Issued on Employer Penalty
On February 10, 2014, the IRS released final regulations implementing the Employer Shared Responsibility provision under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for 2015 (the “employer penalty”). This guidance is lengthy and provides helpful clarification in many areas. We are in the process of reviewing the guidance, but you will find some key aspects of this rule below: The employer penalty will apply to employers with 100 or more full-time equivalent employees starting in 2015. For employers with 50-99 full-time equivalent employees, there is a one-year delay and the employer penalty provision will start in 2016. Click the link below to download the bulletin. Final Regulations Issued on Employer Penalty – 021114R
Continue ReadingAmeriHealth New Jersey discontinues “Bill me Later” feature
AmeriHealth New Jersey has recently decided to remove the “Bill me Later” feature from AHNJ4U.com for Individual Coverage. “Bill me Later” gave members who enrolled 15 days prior to their desired effective date the option to be billed at a later time. This feature caused a delay in member billing and ID card production, leading to an exponential increase in call volumes. “Bill me Later” has been removed permanently from AHNJ4U.com, but members still have the option to pay by credit card for first time payments. Another alternative is to utilize an ACH payment option for reoccurring payments. If a member chooses to apply with paper checks, they must include… Read More
Continue ReadingFeasterville Rotary honors Students of the Month for February 2014
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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