Cadillac Tax | Total Benefit Solutions Inc

AmeriHealth New Jersey prepares to comply with new Transparency requirements

August 19, 2021August 19, 2021Ed MacConnell

From Amerihealth NJ: Health care and health insurance are among the most regulated industries in the U.S., making compliance a crucial requirement for success. AmeriHealth New Jersey has a strong track record of compliance to local, state, and federal guidelines, and we are working to comply with the new Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) and Transparency in Coverage Rule (TCR) requirements. We have been focused on transparency for our members for years, and we are now further sharpening our efforts related to transparency and accountability pertaining to the recent legislation for which we have developed an enterprise-wide implementation program to ensure requirements are met. We have a cross-functional team that is… Read More

2021 Second Quarter Compliance Bulletins Compilation

July 7, 2021July 7, 2021Ed MacConnell

This document is a valuable resource, putting all of the latest health care reform news and updates in one location!

Impact of Key Provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 COVID-19 Relief on Marketplace Premiums

April 3, 2021April 2, 2021Ed MacConnell

there are millions of uninsured people who could be getting subsidized coverage on the ACA Marketplaces, but have not taken advantage of this financial help. In many cases, it may be that the financial help available to them is not sufficient to make the premium or the deductible affordable

What is a minimum essential coverage (MEC) plan?

February 26, 2021February 26, 2021Ed MacConnell

The Affordable Care Act states that all individuals must have health benefits and all employers with 50 or more full-time employees must provide coverage to all eligible employees or they are subject to fines/penalties. This can be known as “pay or play” or employer shared responsibility. We offer Minimum Essential Coverage plans which both penalties are satisfied for the employee and the employer. MEC plans are substantially less expensive than traditional medical insurance and serve as a low-cost solution for most companies. To contain healthcare costs, many employers and other plan sponsors are considering Minimum Essential Coverage, or MEC, health insurance. MEC plans can keep your workforce healthier. Preventable diseases, gone… Read More

New Jersey Small Employer Stop Loss Bill

March 13, 2019March 13, 2019Ed MacConnell

A bill has been introduced in New Jersey in both the Senate and Assembly that, if passed, would prohibit insurance carriers or other insurers subject to the insurance laws of New Jersey or any other state from offering, issuing or renewing any stop loss insurance policy of any kind to small employers. Stop loss insurance provides reimbursement for catastrophic, excess or unexpected expenses and is used by small employers to self-insure part of the health insurance coverage they provide for employees. Under New Jersey law, in connection with a group health plan, a small employer means an employer with 2-50 eligible employees on business days during the preceding calendar year. If passed,… Read More

Important Info! HSA Limits for 2019

November 1, 2018Kimberly Leonardi

Congress Passes Tax Reform Bill

December 31, 2017December 31, 2017Ed MacConnell

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

Extension of Deadline for 2017 Forms 1095-C

December 31, 2017December 31, 2017Ed MacConnell

On December 22, 2017, the IRS issued Notice 2018-06, which provides a limited extension of time for employers to provide 2017 Forms 1095-C to individuals. It also extends good-faith transition relief from certain penalties for the 2017 reporting year. The deadlines to provide Forms 1094-C and 1095-C to the IRS was not extended. Should you have any questions, please contact your Total Benefit Solutions account manager at (215)355-2121. Click to Download Extension of Deadline for 2017 Forms 1095-C

Compliance Bulletin & Reform Center

March 13, 2017March 10, 2017Robert MacConnell

Health Care Compliance and Reform Education Center A fundamental change in the way the United States handles health care has arrived. Benefit rules and coverage change faster today than they used to in ten years! Our Compliance and Health Reform Education Center is where we will keep a copy of our health care reform bulletins throughout the year, in an easy to view format where you can download a brief summary or watch a short informative video. Click here to visit totalbenefitscomply.com Please contact your Total Benefit Solutions account manager at (215)355-2121 if you have any further questions.

Update on the Status of the ACA

January 17, 2017Ed MacConnell

Update on the Status of the ACA With the impending inauguration, recent actions by the Senate and some confusing media reports, we wanted to provide a short Q&A to help you understand current events and what to expect as we head down the health care reform road in 2017… What’s the latest news? Download the bulletin for an update: Download Update on the Status of the ACA As always please contact your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc. account manager at (215)355-2121 if you have any questions or concerns.

2016 Compliance Year In Review Digest

January 10, 2017January 10, 2017Ed MacConnell

2016 Compliance Year In Review Digest A complete digest of all our compliance bulletins for the entire year of 2016 from our business partners at Emerson Reid. A handy guide to all of the year’s updates and changes all in one place. Download your copy now and keep it for future reference. Click to Download Compliance Digest 2016 Year in Review As always please contact your Total Benefit Solutions Account Manager at (215)355-2121 if you have any questions or concerns.

ACA: Important Implementations & Delays in 2016

July 15, 2016July 17, 2016Ed MacConnell

As our third year of the ACA Open Enrollment Period arrived, it’s time to examine some of the new implementations in 2016. Some of the major components, especially those affecting businesses were delayed or deferred since the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010. This year is considered to be a big year due to the “full implementation” of the employer mandate as well as a number of changes, repeals, and moratoriums on other sections of ACA. Some of the key changes are listed below: CHANGES AND IMPLEMENTATIONS Full implementation of the Employer Mandate Currently it is not mandated that employers provide health care to their employees. Moving forward, however, if… Read More

New ACA Delays/Extensions/Eliminations Chart–Download Free

June 12, 2016Robert MacConnell

With so many different ACA provisions, HR360’s simple new chart provides you and your clients with a clear understanding of the key requirements that have been delayed, extended, or eliminated under the Affordable Care Act. Our business partner, HR360’s simple chart features important ACA delays, extensions, and eliminations, including: Eliminated automatic enrollment provisions Delay of the “Cadillac” tax Extension of information reporting deadlines Download ACA_Delays_Extensions_and_Eliminations

Form 1095-C Notification Reminder and Frequently Asked Questions

March 19, 2016March 20, 2016Ed MacConnell

Form 1095-C Notification Reminder and Frequently Asked Questions 2015 Forms 1095-C must be furnished to individuals by March 31, 2016. Generally, if Forms 1094-C and/or 1095-C are incorrect and incomplete, a penalty may apply if not corrected by the due date and the employer cannot show reasonable cause. Briefly, the amount of penalties can range from $50/form with a $500,000 maximum penalty/year to $250/form with a maximum penalty of $3M/year. Click here to download Form 1095-C Notification Reminder and Frequently Asked Questions – 031516R As always please contact your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc. account manager at (215)355-2121 if you have any questions or concerns about this bulletin, or any other… Read More

Obama administration backs off on ACA rules for 2017 health plans

March 8, 2016Ed MacConnell

CMS released a sweeping final rule (PDF) Monday afternoon that solidifies the Affordable Care Act’s coverage policies for 2017. The agency proposed tight network adequacy provisions and standardized health plan options in November, which fueled antipathy from the health insurance industry. Click here for the full story from Modern Healthcare As always, please contact your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc account manager at (215)355-2121 if you have any questions or concerns about the Affordable Care Act.

2016 Federal Poverty Guidelines Updated

February 18, 2016Ed MacConnell

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 Federal Poverty Line (“FPL”) is relevant to this penalty in two ways. Please click the link below to download the bulletin with he new guidelines. 2016 Federal Poverty Guidelines If you have any additional questions regarding this bulletin, or the Affordable Care Act please contact your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc account manager at (215)355-2121.

New Guidance Tackles Employer Mandate Issues

February 6, 2016February 6, 2016Ed MacConnell

A number of Employer Mandate updates are included in this bulletin. Please click on the link to download this important update. As always please contact your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc account manager if you have any questions or concerns regarding this release at (215)355-2121. Download Update:Employer Mandate Issues 2016

New Qualified Transit and Parking Guidance

January 23, 2016January 30, 2016Ed MacConnell

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (the “Act”) permanently changed the pre-tax transit benefits to be at parity with parking benefits. As a result, the Act retroactively increased the 2015 transit benefits from $130 to $250. For 2016, the transit and parking pre-tax benefits are $255. Click the link below to read the entire bulletin. New Qualified Transit and Parking Guidance – 012216R

Health Care Reform: Taxes and Fees-PCORI Fee, Transitional Reinsurance Fee, Insurer Fee and Excise Tax

July 17, 2015July 17, 2015Ed MacConnell

Health Care Reform: Taxes and Fees-PCORI Fee, Transitional Reinsurance Fee, Insurer Fee and Excise Tax From United Healthcare: Taxes and fees under the health reform law impact both fully insured and self-funded plans. But, they impact funding types differently. Employers with self-funded health plans submit applicable health reform fees directly to the government, and those with fully insured health plans will see fees prorated into their premiums. The fees are prorated over 12 months. Here is what you need to know about these fees and how they will impact your business. Please note that this document, provided by United Healthcare, has carrier specific language, however please contact your Total Benefit… Read More

Cadillac Tax Preliminary Guidance: Part II

May 26, 2015Ed MacConnell

The IRS issued Notice 2015-16 to begin the process of developing regulatory guidance regarding the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage, commonly known as the “Cadillac Tax.” Beginning January 1, 2018, a 40% excise tax will apply on the cost of applicable coverage that exceeds prescribed thresholds (described later in this article). Click the link below to download the bulletin: Cadillac Tax Part II