The Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) recently issued proposed regulations addressing a number of provisions under the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”). Some of this guidance will impact employer-sponsored group health plans. Click the link below to download the entire bulletin. Guidance Changes for 2015 ERC
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Another great an helpful video from Humana regarding enrolling on the new health insurance plans. Keep in mind an independent broker like Total Benefit Solutions Inc. can still help you enroll at no additional cost.
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The Department of Health and Human Services has announced the Federal Poverty Line (“FPL”) amounts, as indexed for 2014. Why is this Important? Beginning in 2015, 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 FPL is relevant to the affordability of the coverage, as well as the eligibility for a subsidy. Click the link below to download this important bulletin 2014 FPL Announced – 020314R Remember: Your independent broker at Total Benefit Solutions, Inc. can help you compare, choose and enroll in a plan on the… Read More
Continue Reading“Can I keep my doctor?” is the most commonly asked question when switching healthcare plans. Know what questions to ask about health insurance plan networks before you buy. Take a moment to watch this concise new video from Humana.
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We received the following message this week from IBC’s EVP and President Commercial Markets Christopher Cashman and wanted to pass it on to our clients: As you know, over the past few weeks we have experienced unprecedented challenges as a result of the work required to enroll more than 170,000 members in our new Affordable Care Act (ACA)-compliant products. This has led to significant delays in several business areas, which we understand have been frustrating for you, your customers, and our members. While other health insurers across the country are facing similar challenges enrolling members with new ACA health plans, we are deeply concerned that we have not met your… Read More
Continue ReadingFrom Amerihealth: IHC payment deadline extension ATTENTION: To offer a greater peace of mind for customers purchasing individual coverage through the Federally Facilitated Marketplace or our retail platform, AmeriHealth New Jersey is extending the payment deadline for new IHC members with January 2014 effective dates to February 5, 2014. We are also extending the payment deadline for new IHC members with February 2014 effective dates to March 5, 2014. This change is one more way that we are helping consumers navigate the health care reform environment. If you have any further questions, please contact Total Benefit Solutions (215)355-2121.
Continue ReadingThis week, Fortune 500 retailer Target announced it would no longer provide health insurance for part-time employees as of April 1st. Instead, Target will provide $500 to those losing coverage and provide assistance in signing up for a new ObamaCare plan. For the majority of these part-time employees, this is really good news. Here’s why. According to Target’s news release, the decision came in light of new insurance options through the Health Insurance Marketplaces, and the fact that only 10% of part-time employees had enrolled in its part-time plan. “The launch of Health Insurance Marketplaces provides new options for health care coverage that we believe our part-time team members may… Read More
Continue ReadingThere are many changes for small business groups for 2014. These changes affect sole proprietor plans, licensed professionals and small groups. Please take a moment to review this Q&A and let us know if you have any questions. Q. What is an Open Enrollment Period? A. An Open Enrollment is the time during which you are permitted to make changes to your benefit plan. Q. How will the 2014 Open Enrollment Process Work? A. IBC will be sending you, via regular mail, your, 2014 Renewal Package. Total Benefit Solutions will also follow up with another copy via fax or email. The package will include the 2013 rates for your current… Read More
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Total Benefit Solutions has entered into a strategic partnership with Wellworks for You. This partnership enables us to offer services to our clients for designing and implementing comprehensive wellness programs. We truly believe that corporate wellness programs can deliver benefits to both employers and employees.From a financial standpoint, wellness programs can drive down health care utilization and costs. But more importantly, wellness programs can produce employees that healthy, satisfied, and productive employees and families. Some of the key highlights of this solution include onsite preventative screenings, wellness challenges, rewards, a monthly wellness newsletter, and more. Click the link below to get a quick look at the small business packages available to… Read More
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Horizon BCBSNJ Group Administration – 90 Day Maximum Waiting Period Horizon BCBSNJ has issued This Letter to Group Administrators about the waiting period changes. We would like to provide you with additional clarification regarding this ACA change. • Groups with one to 99 employees who have a waiting period that exceeds 90 days per Horizon BCBSNJ’s system have been changed to a 90 day waiting period as of January 1, 2014. For example: A March 1 renewing group that has a six month waiting period will have a 90 day waiting period as of January 1, 2014. • Additionally, if a new employee is in the waiting period, as of January 1,… Read More
Continue ReadingFrom Amerihealth: We have recently identified an issue with member identification cards that were distributed to existing and new business members with a January 2014 effective date. Some member identification cards were printed with incorrect BIN and PCN numbers. We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible and will reissue new member identification cards to all affected members. In the interim, if you receive questions from affected customers, you may provide them with the correct BIN and PCN numbers below: BIN – 015814 PCN – 06440000 We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any additional questions, please contact your AmeriHealth New Jersey broker… Read More
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Published: Thursday, December 26, 2013 ACA 90 Day Waiting Period Limitation Effective January 1, 2014, a group health plan or health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage shall not apply any waiting period that exceeds 90 days. Please note the following administrative guidelines per carrier: Aetna Groups in the Small Group Market (applicable in all states – NY, NJ, PA, DE, CT): The carrier will change to a maximum of 60 days at the first renewal on or after January 1, 2014 unless the employer advises the carrier differently. Groups in the Large Group (51+ Employees) Market: The benefit waiting period will change at the first renewal in 2014.… Read More
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The Affordable Care Act (ACA) presents opportunities, and uncertainties, to health insurance agents and brokers. Yet as the ACA continues to roll out, it’s becoming clear that health insurance brokers are needed to help consumers and small businesses navigate the changing regulations, health plan choices, and enrollment process.
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Communications to new and renewing HSA customers Customers preparing to migrate to the new platform recently received information about IBC’s new integrated Bank of America HSA. For January 1, 2014, effective dates, new IBC customers and customers who have renewed their QHDHP or newly selected one, will receive a packet by December 31 to help them easily manage the transition to the new Bank of America HSA. It includes: a cover letter about account setup and employer contributions an HSA Employer Portal User Access Request Form for small group and mid-market and larger groups to request access to make HSA contributions via ibxpress.com an FAQ with details about transitioning to… Read More
Continue ReadingWe know that we have an extraordinary number of clients who are waiting for approvals from Independence Blue Cross for their new health insurance plans that are effective on January 1st 2014. Please rest assured that we have been following up on your enrollments each and every day. The following was provided to us this week from IBC: Broker Care Center and Individual Coverage – Primary and Producing Agents The Broker Care Center is currently experiencing high call volume due to peak season and inquiries regarding individual coverage. Please be assured that we are leveraging all resources to reduce your wait time and provide prompt service. Producers are encouraged to… Read More
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Is your business eligible for the expanded Health Care Tax Credit under the Affordable Care Act? Small employers who meet the requirements are eligible for an expanded tax credit of up to 50% of the paid premiums if they meet the following requirements: Less than 25 employees Average wages of under $50,000 ( owners excluded) Employer must pay at least 50% of the premium Coverage must be offered to 100% of the eligible employees working on average of 30 hours per week 75% of the employees must participate in the coverage. In order to get the credit, your business must apply and be approved for eligibility before applying for… Read More
Continue ReadingHealth care reform provides that employers must report the aggregate cost of employer-sponsored coverage on each employee’s annual Form W-2, beginning for the 2012 calendar year (reported on the January 2013 W-2). The amount reported is not taxable. Below you will find a bulletin with a summary of the guidance issued regarding W-2 reporting. W2_Reminder
Continue ReadingACA Virtual Town Hall Presentation on the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit These webinars will cover background information about the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit and are designed to enhance small business owners’ awareness and understanding of how the credit helps make insurance coverage more affordable for small employers. Following the presentation, there will be a live question and answer period with IRS representatives. Topics being discussed include: How the tax credit will make a difference to small employers; How to claim the credit; and ACA informational resources available. The next webinar will take place on December 18 at 3:30 PM ET (click here to register).
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Via The Washington Post: Enrollment records for close to 15,000 HealthCare.gov shoppers were not initially transmitted to the insurance plans they selected, according to a preliminary federal estimate released Saturday…click here to read the story on The Washington Post
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Brokers are reporting that some of their clients are in insurance limbo as they wait for the error to be corrected by HHS or their states. From USA Today… The federal health care exchange is incorrectly determining that some people are eligible for Medicaid when they clearly are not, leaving them with little chance to get the subsidized insurance they are entitled to as the Dec. 23 deadline for enrollment approaches. Read the story on USA Today
Continue ReadingFrom NAHU.org: Since the October 1 launch of the health insurance exchanges, consumers across the country are relying on health insurance agents and brokers more than ever. The problem, however, is that agents and brokers are experiencing far more issues with Healthcare.gov than some consumers. Earlier this week, Janet Trautwein, CEO of the National Association of Health Underwriters, sent a letter to President Barack Obama asking him to take steps to address the back-end technical troubles tripping up brokers who are trying to enroll clients on the federal exchanges. In the letter, we addressed eight technical fixes that need to be addressed immediately, including a link to a local help… Read More
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Health Care Reform Bulletin: Exchange Enrollment Periods Under the Exchange (also known as the Marketplace), there are three enrollment periods: the initial, the annual and the special enrollment periods. Click the link below to download the latest bulletin covering enrollment dates. Exchange Enrollment Dates – 120213R
Continue ReadingEffective January 1, 2014 for new business and as existing groups renew thereafter, Husband and Wife only and Partner only businesses are no longer eligible for Small Group coverage. There are differences on how each state* will handle immediate family members who are also employees. Sole Proprietors Sole proprietors, owners and their immediate family members forming a business are not considered employees and may only buy insurance through the Individual Marketplace. Sole proprietors reporting on Schedule C cannot form a group health plan without having at least one non-spouse common-law employee.** * The FFM states (e.g., NJ, PA, DE) will abide by the above within the SHOP (Small Group Exchange Marketplace). In… Read More
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Zane Benefits December 2, 2013 at 7:30 AM Today, less than 50% of small businesses offer employees health insurance, largely because of the cost. That’s over 2.3 million small businesses that don’t offer health insurance. Under ObamaCare, small businesses (<50 employees) aren’t required to offer health insurance, but most want to. And, there are new advantages of individual health insurance such as the premium tax credits and guaranteed-issue coverage. All of these factors leave many small business owners asking “Can I just reimburse employees’ individual health insurance in 2014?” Under ObamaCare, small businesses (<50 employees) aren’t required to offer health insurance, but most want to. And, there are new advantages of… Read More
Continue ReadingEffective November 29, 2013, final rules provide guidance for employers relating to the implementation of Additional Medicare Tax.Click here for more information.
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