Introducing 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!

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Trump 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

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New 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    

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CMS 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

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New 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

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Total 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

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IRS 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

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ThinkHR 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

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PCOR 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.

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2019 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

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IBX 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.

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IBX 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

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IRS 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

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Video: 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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DOL 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

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IRS 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

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Congress 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

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2017 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.  

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Received 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

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Searching 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:  

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Aetna Funding Advantage for Small Businesses

Aetna Funding Advantage (AFA) is a new 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. The benefits of self-funding have traditionally been considered by larger companies. But Aetna Funding Advantage has changed that. It is specifically designed to be attractive and affordable for small businesses like yours. Watch this short video and download the documents below for some information. As always please contact your Total Benefit Solutions dedicated account manager at (215)355-2121 if you have any questions, concerns or would like to learn… Read More

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Guidance Issued on QSEHRAs

  Under the Affordable Care Act, a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) must be integrated with a group health plan (as it could not meet the market reform provisions on its own) and was not able to reimburse employees for individual premiums. However, on December 13, 2016, President Obama signed into law the “21st Century Cures Act” which established QSEHRAs (a special standalone HRA). Click to Download Guidance Issued on QSEHRAs This guidance is big news for small groups who would prefer to provide a reimbursement as opposed to a group health plan. Please contact your Total Benefit Solutions account manager at (215)355-2121 if you have any questions or concerns.  

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New Indexed PCORI Fees Issued

Under the Affordable Care Act, (ACA) a fund for a new nonprofit corporation to assist in clinical effectiveness research was created. To aid in the financial support for this endeavor, certain health insurance carriers and health plan sponsors are required to pay fees based on the average number of lives covered by welfare benefits plans. These fees are referred to as either Patient-Centered Outcome Research Institute (PCORI) or Clinical Effectiveness Research (CER) fees. The applicable fee was $2.26 for plan years ending on or after October 1, 2016 and before October 1, 2017.  For plan years ending on or after October 1, 2017 and before October 1, 2018, the fee… Read More

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2018 Individual Health Insurance Open Enrollment: PA Independence Individual Consumer Plans and Rates

  Individual Health Insurance Open Enrollment 2018! Don’t do it yourself! Our dedicated professionals are here to help you take the fits out of the benefit planning process!  One mistake and you could be stuck with a bad plan all year! We work with all available plans both on the healthcare.gov marketplace and off! Have your own expert help you! Our experts are trained to help you Choose between on and off exchange options Maximize any subsidy eligibility. Help you understand the cost sharing subsidies Help you choose the plan that is the best fit for you Explain the differences between the plan design and your out of pocket expectations Fill… Read More

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New Executive Order and Insight on the Employer Mandate

New Executive Order and Insight on the Employer Mandate President Trump signed an Executive Order (“EO”) on October 12, 2017, directing various federal agencies to take regulatory action that will “increase health care choices for millions of Americans.” Along with the EO, the Administration issued a press release and some internal talking points that provide helpful insight into what the agencies are directed to review. Click to download this bulletin

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