19th Set of FAQ’s Released on Affordable Care Act

Ed MacConnell

Frequently asked questions (“FAQs”), prepared jointly by the Departments of Labor (“DOL”), Health and Human Services (“HHS”), and the Treasury (collectively, the “Departments”),were issued with respect to various Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) requirements, including their effect on COBRA and CHIPRA notices…Topics Include:   Updated COBRA And CHIPRA Notices Out-Of-Pocket Maximum Requirements Generic Drugs Balance Billing Reference-Based Pricing Coverage Of Preventive Services Health FSA Carryover And Excepted Benefits Effect of Carryover on Excepted Benefits Determination Summary Of Benefits And Coverage   Click here to download the bulletin from our partners at Emerson Reid.  

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Informal Guidance Clarifies Rules HSA Eligibility and Health FSA Carryovers

Ed MacConnell

Near the end of 2013, the IRS issued Notice 2013-47 that permits a cafeteria plan to provide for the use of up to $500 of any unused amount remaining in the health FSA in the immediately following plan year (the “carryover” provision). This provision is optional, requires a plan amendment, and cannot be offered if the cafeteria plan allows a grace period. One of the outstanding questions around the carryover provision is the effect it has on HSA eligibility. Recently, the Office of Chief Counsel for the Internal Revenue Service issued a memorandum that informally addresses the interaction of the carryover on HSA eligibility and provides some solutions that may allow an individual retain… Read More

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Aetna: Important updates to our Pennsylvania Small Group eligibility guidelines

Ed MacConnell

This briefing is applicable to all brokers writing Pennsylvania based employers We have updated our eligibility guidelines as it relates to sole proprietors, owners, partners, W-2 employees and husband / wife groups for 2014. These updates have been made to maintain compliance with state and federal requirements. Please review the updates we have outlined below. We thank you for your continued collaboration. The following applies to Small Group Pennsylvania new business and renewals: The definition of an employer is now one W-2 common law employee. This accommodates an owner with at least one “enrolling” W-2 common law employee who is not a spouse and not an owner. Sole proprietors, owners… Read More

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IRS: HSA Contributions and limits for 2015 Released

Ed MacConnell

The IRS has released the 2015 cost-of-living adjustments affecting HSAs and HDHPs. The 2015 IRS HSA limits are increasing for 2015. Click to download the bulletin

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SHOP Rules Finalized, Enrollment Forms Simplified

Ed MacConnell

The Small Business Health Options Program’s (SHOP) place along the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) timeline. It’s now being packaged for mass consumption and soon will be stocked on store shelves across all 50 states. Click here to read more…

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New Guidance on SBC’s

Ed MacConnell

Under health care reform, plan participants and beneficiaries must be provided a 4-page summary of benefits and coverage (“SBC”) and uniform glossary. This requirement is effective for open enrollment periods that begin on or after September 23, 2012. For participants and beneficiaries who enroll in group health plan coverage outside of open enrollment (e.g., newly eligible individuals and special enrollees), the SBC must be provided beginning on the first day of the first plan year that begins on or after September 23, 2012. This requirement is an ongoing one and, as open enrollment season approaches, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury have issued updated guidance and… Read More

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