Category: AARP Medicare

If you’re a small or mid-sized business owner, you’ve probably already started thinking about 2027 renewals. Premium pressure is still real, employee expectations are not getting any lower, and plan design decisions now can affect recruiting, retention, and compliance later. That is exactly why Minimum Value matters. This is not just an Insurance 101 concept. For employers, especially those near the 50 full-time equivalent (FTE) line, Minimum Value is a practical benchmark for building coverage that is both defensible and useful. At Total Benefit Solutions Inc, we help employers compare options with an advocate’s eye, not just a quoting spreadsheet. We do not work for one carrier. We work for… Read More

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If you employ 50 or more people in New Jersey, a new state Medicaid fee needs to be part of your 2027 budget planning now. Under New Jersey P.L. 2026, c.23 (A5324/S4533), the state imposed an annual fee on employers connected to employees and dependents enrolled in the state Medicaid program. The fee is assessed per enrolled person, not only per employee. The law took effect July 1, 2026. The first employer notification is due by March 1, 2027, and payments are due by April 15, 2027. That timing makes this a 2027 planning issue today. It should not be left in a file labeled “review next spring.” What the… Read More

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If your group health plan renews on January 1, 2027, your renewal season is already underway. The most important decisions are typically made between September and November 2026, not in December when paperwork is due. Unlike individual ACA coverage, group health insurance does not have one national open enrollment period. Your group plan follows its plan year and renewal date (the anniversary date when your current coverage renews). That gives you flexibility, but it also means you are responsible for starting the process early enough to compare options, negotiate pricing, communicate changes, and complete compliance work. At Total Benefit Solutions, we help business owners shop and compare plans, evaluate funding… Read More

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If your company sponsors a group health plan with prescription drug coverage, October 15 is a deadline you cannot treat as an administrative formality. Each year, employers must provide Medicare Part D creditable or non-creditable coverage notices to Medicare-eligible individuals covered by the plan before Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period. The notice tells employees and their covered family members whether the employer’s prescription drug coverage is expected to pay at least as much as standard Medicare Part D coverage. The 2026 notice deadline is October 15. At the same time, employers need to prepare for an important 2027 change: CMS has retired the legacy 2009 Simplified Determination Method for plan years… Read More

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Pennsylvania regulators approved an average 15.97% increase for 2027 individual-market health insurance plans, including coverage purchased through Pennie. Small businesses will see an average approved increase of 10.28% in the small-group market. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) finalized the rates on September 18, 2026. The new rates take effect January 1, 2027. These are serious increases, but the averages are not predictions of what any one person or business will pay. Your actual premium may change by a very different amount depending on your plan, carrier, region, age, location, household income, family size, and market competition. The approved increases are lower than insurers requested For the individual market, insurers initially… Read More

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If you are self-employed, finding health coverage can feel like an unavoidable compromise. You may need to choose between an ACA individual plan, a high-deductible option with significant out-of-pocket exposure, or going without the type of network and plan structure you want. That is why the “group of one” market deserves closer attention. A group of one may include a sole proprietor, independent contractor, gig worker, consultant, entrepreneur, or other self-employed professional who operates a bona fide business but does not have traditional employees. Ameristead Health Plans may offer an alternative for eligible applicants through a self-funded employer group arrangement available through Total Benefit Solutions. This option is not automatically… Read More

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If you receive health coverage through Pennie and are lawfully present in the United States, you may receive an important notice about your 2027 financial assistance. Due to a new federal law, several categories of lawfully present immigrants will no longer qualify for federal premium tax credits beginning January 1, 2027. This is a significant change, but it is important to understand exactly what it means: the change concerns financial assistance for health coverage, not necessarily your ability to enroll in a Pennie plan. People who no longer qualify for premium tax credits may still have the option to enroll by paying the full price of coverage. Pennie has begun… Read More

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If you have Medicare, the decisions you make during the 2026 Annual Election Period (AEP) can determine how your coverage works throughout 2027. The AEP runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. Any change you make during this window generally takes effect on January 1, 2027 (your plan must receive your enrollment request by December 7). This year, reviewing your coverage is especially important because Medicare beneficiaries may see changes to prescription drug plans, negotiated drug prices, premiums, formularies, and access to certain GLP-1 medications. At Total Benefit Solutions, we help you review your options, compare plans, understand the fine print, and advocate for the benefits you are entitled… Read More

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If you manage employee benefits for a small to medium-sized business, you are likely all too familiar with the relentless pressure of rising healthcare costs. Traditional group health plans often force employers into a difficult corner: either absorb double-digit premium hikes or shift more financial burden onto your employees through higher deductibles and copays. Fortunately, innovative financing models combined with breakthrough supplementary coverage programs are changing the game. By integrating zero copay coverage into level-funded group health plans, you can dramatically lower out-of-pocket costs for your workforce while protecting your bottom line. At Total Benefit Solutions Inc., we specialize in helping businesses navigate complex insurance structures. As independent advocates, we… Read More

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A new proposal in Congress could change how many employers schedule and compensate hourly workers. The Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act, introduced this week by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Representative Mark Takano (D-CA), would gradually lower the federal overtime threshold from 40 hours to 32 hours. The proposal has received attention because supporters argue that employees should share in productivity gains from artificial intelligence, automation, and other technology. Opponents, including Senator Bill Cassidy, have warned that the change could increase labor costs, raise prices, reduce hiring, and encourage offshoring. For small and midsized employers, however, the most overlooked issue may not be the schedule. It may be the impact on… Read More

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As a growing business owner or HR leader, offering competitive employee health benefits is vital for talent attraction and retention. But when your workforce expands across state lines, or when key employees frequently travel for client meetings, traditional regional health plans quickly become a administrative headache. If your company sponsors a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan through a Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) affiliate (such as Anthem, Highmark, or Horizon), you likely have access to one of the most powerful network tools in the industry: the BlueCard PPO program. Yet, despite its prevalence, many employers and employees do not fully understand how nationwide network access actually works behind the scenes.… Read More

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If you are a business owner or an HR manager, you probably think you’re doing everything right. You pay your premiums on time, you distribute those glossy insurance carrier booklets to your employees, and you keep your records organized. But there is a hidden compliance trap lurking in your filing cabinet, one that could cost your company $110 per day, per participant. This isn't just a hypothetical scenario; it’s a federal requirement under ERISA (the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974). Many employers mistakenly believe that the "Certificate of Insurance" or the "Summary of Benefits and Coverage" (SBC) provided by their insurance carrier satisfies their legal obligation to provide… Read More

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You may hear the words referral, preauthorization, prior authorization, precertification, and preapproval when arranging medical care. Because these terms sound similar, it is easy to assume they mean the same thing. They do not. A referral generally determines whether your primary care provider (PCP) has directed you to see another doctor or specialist. A preauthorization determines whether your health insurance company must approve a specific service, procedure, medication, or piece of medical equipment before you receive it. Depending on your plan and the care you need, you may require one, the other, or both. Missing a required referral or preauthorization can result in a denied claim, delayed treatment, or a… Read More

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Timely update (September 3, 2026): Employers may now hear the term CHOICE Arrangement instead of ICHRA. CMS and the SBA rebranded ICHRA as the Custom Health Option and Individual Care Expense Arrangement (CHOICE Arrangement), but the benefit itself has not changed. All existing rules, compliance standards, and reimbursement mechanics remain the same. Designing a competitive and sustainable employee benefits package is one of the most critical financial and operational decisions you will make as a business owner or human resources leader. For decades, the default choice for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) was a traditional group health insurance plan. However, rising premium costs and diverse workforce demographics have sparked a… Read More

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If your 2027 health insurance renewal arrives with a double-digit increase, you may hear a familiar explanation: medical costs are up, prescription spending is up, and expensive GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic are putting pressure on the plan. That explanation may be partly true. It is not a complete renewal strategy. You should not simply absorb a large premium increase because someone says “Ozempic” and moves on. You should demand three specific numbers from your broker: then use them to compare affordable group health insurance options, plan designs, and carriers. The timing matters. On August 6, 2026, KFF reported that nearly 300 insurers across all 50 states and the District… Read More

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If you have heard the term CHOICE Arrangement this week, you may be wondering whether a new health benefit has been created, or whether your existing plan needs to change. Here is the key point: CHOICE Arrangement is the new federal name for the Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement, or ICHRA. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the rebranding on September 3, 2026, during an event at Hancock Health in Indiana. The terminology is new. The underlying benefit rules are not. What does CHOICE stand for? CHOICE stands for Custom Health Option and Individual Care Expense Arrangement. An ICHRA, now called… Read More

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September is the right time to prepare for the 2027 Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace season, not December, when millions of people are trying to compare plans, verify doctors, estimate income, and submit applications at once. Open Enrollment begins November 1, 2026. The decisions you make in September and October can help you avoid rushed choices, unexpected bills, and coverage gaps. Your deadline depends on where you live: Enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage beginning January 1, 2027. In Pennsylvania, through Pennie, the final Open Enrollment deadline is January 15, 2027. Enroll between December 16 and January 15 for coverage beginning February 1, 2027. In Arizona, through HealthCare.gov, plan… Read More

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State-level health insurance mandates are shifting rapidly, and Illinois employers must prepare for a new wave of compliance requirements taking effect on January 1, 2027. Whether you operate a growing small business or manage a municipal group health plan, staying ahead of these legislative updates is critical to avoiding penalties and ensuring your employees receive their entitled benefits. At Total Benefit Solutions Inc, we believe that proactive planning is the cornerstone of effective employee benefits management. Below, we break down the key 2027 Illinois health benefit law changes, explain how ERISA impacts your plan design, and outline actionable steps you can take today. Understanding the Scope: ERISA vs. State Insurance… Read More

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After you receive medical care, your health insurance company usually sends an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). This statement explains how your claim was processed, what the provider billed, what your plan allowed, what insurance paid, and what you may owe. An EOB can look complicated, but it is an important record: not a bill. Reviewing it carefully can help you identify processing mistakes, prevent overpayment, and understand how your health benefits are being applied. What Is an Explanation of Benefits? An EOB is a statement from your health insurance plan describing the outcome of a healthcare claim. It may be mailed to you or made available through your plan’s secure… Read More

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If your business is subject to the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) Employer Shared Responsibility Provisions (ESRP), the latest notification wave from the Internal Revenue Service requires your immediate, undivided attention. The IRS has officially begun issuing Letter 226-J for Tax Year 2024, proposing potential penalty assessments for Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) who failed to offer qualifying health coverage or whose reporting filings contained critical discrepancies. At Total Benefit Solutions Inc., we know that receiving any correspondence from the IRS can cause immediate panic for business owners and HR directors. However, understanding what these letters mean, and acting swiftly, makes the difference between a resolved inquiry and a severe, unwarranted financial… Read More

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Turning 65 while you are still working creates an important Medicare decision: Do you enroll in Medicare Part B now, or can you delay it while keeping your employer health coverage? The answer depends on more than your birthday. Employer size, whether your coverage is based on active employment, how your plan coordinates with Medicare, and the type of prescription drug coverage you have can all affect your next step. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Before you decline or delay Part B, confirm the rules that apply to your specific employment and health plan situation. What Medicare Part B Covers Medicare Part B generally covers medically necessary outpatient services, including… Read More

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Choosing how to structure employee health benefits is one of the most critical financial and strategic decisions your business will face. For decades, the traditional group health insurance model was the undisputed standard for employers of all sizes. However, rising premiums and shifting workforce expectations have created an urgent need for greater flexibility. At Total Benefit Solutions Inc, we specialize in cutting through insurance complexity to help employers design benefit structures that actually work. Whether you manage a nimble startup or a growing mid-sized enterprise, understanding the nuances of modern funding models is essential. To help you evaluate your options, we have partnered with industry leaders to examine how emerging… Read More

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As you review Medicare coverage in 2026 and begin preparing for 2027, you may be considering a less traditional combination: Medicare Supplement High-Deductible Plan G paired with a hospital indemnity policy. This strategy can reduce monthly premiums while adding a separate source of cash if you experience a qualifying hospitalization. However, it also creates important coverage gaps and financial responsibilities that you should understand before enrolling. The pairing may be appropriate for some people, but it is not automatically the lowest-cost or best option. The right evaluation compares premiums, potential medical use, provider access, policy rules, and your ability to handle unexpected expenses. What Is High-Deductible Medigap Plan G? High-Deductible… Read More

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If your business is planning for 2027 by waiting for the next renewal letter, your benefits strategy may already be behind. The rules are not changing in one single sweeping event. Instead, employers are facing a shifting combination of higher medical costs, prescription drug pressure, evolving affordability thresholds, state-by-state requirements, network changes, and greater employee expectations. One national analysis of 2027 small-group rate filings found a median proposed premium increase of approximately 14%, although actual increases will vary by carrier, state, group size, plan design, and final regulatory approval. That makes comparison more important than ever. Here are 10 warning signs that your small business health plan strategy needs a… Read More

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If you own or manage a small or mid-sized business, health insurance renewal season can feel like a yearly negotiation with no good answers. A carrier’s proposed increase may be 15%–30% as an example of the market pressure many employers experience: not a universal outcome: and even a smaller increase can create difficult choices. Do you absorb the additional cost? Pass more of it to employees? Increase deductibles and copayments? Or reduce the richness of the plan until the benefit is no longer competitive? For employers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Arizona, and other states, traditional fully insured coverage remains an important option. However, it is not the only strategy worth… Read More

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