CIGNA-Healthspring – Page 2 – Total Benefit Solutions Inc

Wellcare: Suspension of MAPD Plans in FL & NC

January 11, 2024January 10, 2024Ed MacConnell

We need to inform you of a critical development affecting MAPD plans in Florida and North Carolina. Starting January 12, 2024, all enrollment and marketing activities for plans under Florida MAPD PPO Contract (H5199) and North Carolina MAPD PPO Contract (H7175) are temporarily halted. These contracts will not be renewed for Plan Year 2025 and will conclude on December 31, 2024. Key Points: Current members of these contracts’ plans DO NOT need to be transferred to alternate plans until the Annual Enrollment Period begins in October 2024. Existing members will stay enrolled in their plans for the entire Plan Year 2024. Uninterrupted access to full plan benefits continues throughout Plan… Read More

Empire BCBS Now Anthem BCBS!

January 10, 2024January 10, 2024Ed MacConnell

In a momentous move, Empire BlueCross BlueShield has officially transformed into Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, marking a significant milestone for the renowned health insurance provider. The company is thrilled to announce the launch of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in both their downstate and upstate markets, reinforcing their commitment to enhancing the overall customer experience. The transition to the Anthem brand is not merely a change in name; it represents a strategic effort to simplify operations and reduce complexities in the market. Anthem is a nationally recognized name, offering a host of advantages for members residing out of state who are affiliated with New York-based companies. By… Read More

Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Updates for 2024

November 7, 2023November 7, 2023Ed MacConnell

The Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) has announced significant changes to the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, effective January 1, 2024. These updates include adjustments to the contribution rate, State Average Weekly Wage, and maximum weekly benefit amount. Employees can also supplement their PFML benefits with accrued paid leave, beginning on November 1, 2023. Contribution Rate Changes In 2024, the contribution rate on eligible wages will increase from 0.63% in 2023 to 0.88%. Individual contributions are capped by the Social Security income limit, which is expected to rise significantly. Employer and Employee Contributions Employers with a minimum of 25 covered individuals in Massachusetts will… Read More

New Federal Rules: HHS 2023 Penalty Hike

October 25, 2023October 25, 2023Ed MacConnell

In the world of healthcare compliance, staying up to date with federal regulations and guidelines is crucial to avoid costly penalties. One such regulation that affects healthcare providers and group health plans is the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, commonly known as the “Inflation Adjustment Act.” This act directs federal agencies to adjust civil monetary penalties to account for inflation. In a recent development, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued final rules on October 6, 2023, updating the civil monetary penalties for inflation. Understanding the Updated Penalties The adjusted penalties are applicable to penalties assessed on or after October 6, 2023. It’s… Read More

Affordable Dental Insurance: A Key Player in Oral Health

October 20, 2023October 20, 2023Ed MacConnell

Dental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and a recent survey has shed light on the satisfaction levels of Americans with their dental insurance plans. The results, published in a press release by AHIP (America’s Health Insurance Plans) on September 26, 2023, provide an insightful perspective on the state of dental insurance in the United States. The survey, conducted by Global Strategy Group (GSG) on behalf of AHIP, focused on individuals who have dental insurance and have visited dental specialists, including dentists, oral surgeons, and orthodontists, in the past year. The findings from the survey paint a positive picture of Americans’ experiences with their dental insurance plans. Key… Read More

Financial Support Soars for Mental Health Integration

October 19, 2023October 19, 2023Ed MacConnell

Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, and every American deserves access to quality mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Access to mental health care can be a transformative step in managing and coping with mental health concerns, allowing individuals to lead more fulfilling lives. This article explores the importance of integrating mental health services into other care settings and highlights the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) as a promising approach to enhance access to mental health care. Expanding Access Through Integration Integrating mental health into broader healthcare settings is a pivotal strategy to increase accessibility and support for patients. The Collaborative Care Model, often abbreviated as CoCM,… Read More

2023 Rule Alert: How Will It Affect Fixed Indemnity Plans?

October 13, 2023October 13, 2023Ed MacConnell

In today’s world, the rising costs of healthcare have left many Americans grappling with the financial burden of medical expenses. While comprehensive health insurance is essential, fixed indemnity health insurance has emerged as a valuable supplemental resource, offering financial protection to individuals when they need it the most. This blog explores the concept of fixed indemnity health insurance and its importance in providing financial peace of mind to Americans. Fixed Indemnity Insurance: This supplemental insurance differs from major medical plans. It pays a fixed sum directly to you when specific medical events, like doctor visits or hospital stays, occur. While it doesn’t cover all the essential health benefits mandated by… Read More

The Value of Employee Health Benefits

October 12, 2023October 12, 2023Ed MacConnell

In today’s world, where healthcare costs can be a significant burden on individuals and families, employer-provided health coverage stands out as a vital resource. More than half of all Americans – over 180 million hardworking individuals and their families – rely on their jobs to secure access to healthcare. In this blog, we’ll explore the invaluable benefits of employer-provided coverage and how it offers affordable access to care, improved health, and peace of mind. Affordable Access to Care Healthcare expenses can quickly add up, and without insurance, it can be a daunting task to manage them. However, for millions of Americans, the path to affordable healthcare begins with their employers.… Read More

2024 Healthcare Premiums Revealed: The Impact Factors

October 4, 2023October 4, 2023Ed MacConnell

The American Health Insurance Providers (AHIP) Association is committed to ensuring that every American has access to affordable and comprehensive health coverage. With nearly 21 million Americans enrolled in the individual market for the 2023 plan year, it’s crucial to understand the factors that will influence individual market premiums in 2024 and beyond. In this blog post, we’ll delve into some of the key drivers shaping the future of individual market premiums. Factors Driving Premium Changes in 2024 As we look ahead to 2024, several key factors will influence individual market premiums: Increasing Provider Costs: The rising cost of medical services provided by doctors and hospitals contributes significantly to premium… Read More

Elevate Your Productivity with Better BenAdmin

September 18, 2023September 18, 2023Ed MacConnell

In a fast-paced world, time is of the essence. We’re all too familiar with the feeling of being buried under a mountain of administrative tasks, wishing for an extra set of hands or a few more hours in the day. Well, wish no more! Enter Better BenAdmin, the game-changer powered by EBM (Efficiency-Boosting Machine). Seamless Schedule Management Scheduling headaches? Not anymore. Better BenAdmin effortlessly handles your calendar, ensuring that appointments are well-organized and conflicts are a thing of the past. No more double-bookings or time wasted on manual scheduling. Effortless Email Handling Say goodbye to the endless email backlog. Better BenAdmin sorts, filters, and responds to emails with precision and… Read More

Choosing the Right Health Insurance: HMO vs. PPO

September 15, 2023September 15, 2023Ed MacConnell

When it comes to health insurance, understanding the differences between various plans is crucial for making an informed decision. Two common types of health insurance plans are Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). While both offer coverage for medical expenses, they have distinct features that can significantly impact your healthcare experience and costs. In this blog, we’ll explore three key differences between PPOs and HMOs to help you decide which one aligns better with your needs. 1. Network Flexibility: PPO: Preferred Provider Organizations are known for their expansive networks of healthcare providers. This includes a wide array of specialists and the option to seek care from out-of-network… Read More

What’s New in the 2023 ACA Open Enrollment?

August 21, 2023August 21, 2023Ed MacConnell

The 2023 Affordable Care Act (ACA) Open Enrollment period is upon us, marking a significant milestone as Health Insurance Marketplaces open their doors for the tenth year. From November 1, 2022, to January 15, 2023, individuals and families have the opportunity to secure comprehensive healthcare coverage. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the key changes and updates for this year’s open enrollment, focusing on insights gathered from the Kaiser Family Foundation’s informative article titled “Nine Changes to Watch in Open Enrollment 2023” [source: www.kff.org/policy-watch/nine-changes-to-watch-in-open-enrollment-2023/]. As the ACA Open Enrollment enters its tenth year, changes abound, ensuring improved access, affordability, and assistance for individuals and families seeking healthcare coverage. Staying… Read More

Unlock Your Best Health: 5 Must-Know Tips & Tools!

August 2, 2023August 2, 2023Ed MacConnell

Five major tips and resources for maintaining overall health and wellness: Remember, it’s important to personalize these tips to your individual needs and consult with healthcare professionals before making significant changes to your lifestyle. We’re committed to providing exceptional support, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated Total Benefit Solutions health insurance specialists at (215)-355-2121. We’re here to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

1095-B Tax Form Available Electronically for Employees of Cigna Fully-Insured Clients

February 12, 2023February 9, 2023Ed MacConnell

Effectively 1/1/23, Cigna transitioned from physically mailing 1095-B tax forms to on-demand electronic availability for customers on fully-insured client medical plans. Just one way Cigna is making healthcare simpler for customers, enrollees can access their 1095-B tax forms anytime, anywhere via myCigna.com® . Click here to read more. As always contact your Total Benefit Solutions group health insurance specialist at (215)355-2121 if you have any further questions or concerns.

Health Insurance Broker Change Leads to Better Results

July 7, 2022July 6, 2022Ed MacConnell

Watch Video The Issue A mid-sized group prospect was unhappy with their current broker and looking for a change. They thought more could be done to help control their employee benefit budget and were looking for guidance. They came to us with a 17% health insurance renewal. Our Solution Our team met with the business owner and Human Resource Director to review the following: The corporate goals and philosophy regarding employee benefits The benefit structure and costs of their present programs Options for cost containment strategies How to integrate wellness into their benefits portfolio Methods for better communication of the benefit programs to employees The Result The customer was pleased… Read More

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