Stretching Your Healthcare Dollars

We are dedicated to providing exceptional service, so please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated Total Benefit Solutions health insurance specialists at (215)-355-2121 or fill out the contact form below. We are available to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

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Updated Guidance Offers More Information on Form 1095-C Reporting Relief

The IRS released Notice 2025-15, providing guidance on an alternative method for furnishing Forms 1095-C and 1095-B under the Affordable Care Act. This new method allows employers to provide these forms only upon request, given they meet specific notice requirements, including clear communication and accessibility on their website. Employers must post the notice by March 3, 2025, and ensure it remains accessible through October 15 of the following year. Despite this change, employers are still required to file all 2024 Forms 1095-C with the IRS electronically by March 31, 2025. Employers should review their current delivery policies and decide whether to adopt this new method while ensuring compliance with any… Read More

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Health FSA Plan Document Section 125

Employees have the potential to save up to $1,280, while employers may realize savings of as much as $320. Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plans are designated tax-exempt accounts that permit employees to access up to $3,300 in 2025 in pre-tax funds for out-of-pocket medical, dental, and vision expenses that are not covered by other insurance plans. What is a Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? A Health Flexible Spending Account enables employees to set aside pre-tax funds for medical expenses that are not covered by their insurance. These Health FSA plans can also be integrated with a Premium Only Plan (POP) and/or a Dependent Care FSA. The FSA acts as… Read More

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Section 125 POP (Premium Only Plan) With HSA Module

Section 125 Premium Only Plan can be pre-taxed HAS Savings Employers prefer High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) and offering their employees’ Health Savings Accounts (HSA). The problem is whether the HSA portion (saving component) qualifies as a pretax payroll deduction through the Section 125 Premium Only Plan. HSA savings component allows to be pre-taxed because a $30 HSA module for the $149 Section 125 Premium Only Plan was developed. Employers can obtain all necessary materials to set up an HSA Section 125 for a fee of $179.00 for the Basic PDF version sent via email, or $229 for the PDF version along with a Deluxe 1-inch Binder delivered by USPS. This… Read More

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Horizon and Braven Health Prescription Drug Benefits

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Horizon and Braven Health Prescription Drug Benefits GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro are covered by the prescription drug benefits of Horizon Medicare Blue Rx (PDP) and Braven Health Medicare Advantage plans. GLP-1 medications are used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. Medicare, however, only covers these medications for diabetes. Prior authorization is also required for GLP-1 medications. This implies that before we agree to cover the medication, the member or their practitioner must obtain plan approval. To guarantee pharmaceutical safety and assist in directing the proper use of specific medications, prior permission is implemented. The medication may not be covered by the plan if the member DOES… Read More

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Federal Poverty Guidelines Announced for 2025

The 2025 federal poverty guidelines were recently released by the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), they provide the federal poverty level (FPL) affordability safe harbor for the purposes of the employer mandate under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The 2025 FPL safe harbor is $117.63/month in the lower 48 states and DC, $146.95/month in Alaska, and $135.22/month in Hawaii for plan years starting on February 1, 2025, or later. To qualify for the FPL affordability safe harbor, a plan may employ poverty rules that are in force six months prior to the start of the plan year. The lower 48 states and DC utilize $113.20/month for plans with… Read More

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Important Update Regarding the Distribution of Form 1095-B for Tax Year 2024

Horizon BCBSNJ is constantly searching for methods to make working with us more convenient and easier. For this reason, Horizon has modified the way they provide Form 1095-B to their members who are fully insured this year. What is Form 1095-B?The names, residences, Social Security numbers, and number of months that each member of a fully insured health plan was covered from January 1 to December 31 of each calendar year are reported on Form 1095-B. Form 1095-B is explained in greater detail here. How Is Distribution Changing This Year?  In previous years, Form 1095-B was sent by mail to all subscribers enrolled in a Horizon fully insured plan. However,… Read More

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Changes for Prescription Drug Coverage

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SJRA and Larchmont Facilities returns to Horizon’s Network

South Jersey Radiology Associates (SJRA) which includes Larchmont Medical Imaging has made an agreement with Horizon BCBSNJ. On January 1, 2025, they will return to the network. *SJRA services are regarded as out of network if they are provided between April 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. There will be no retroactive processing of claims. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service, so please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated Total Benefit Solutions health insurance specialists at (215)-355-2121 or fill out the contact form below. We are available to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

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Independence – Update regarding ID Cards for January 1st IBX Customers

The IBX Team has provided us the following update regarding ID Cards for January 1st Customers. Due to the large volume of cards being processed and mailed for January, members may not receive their physical ID cards before January 1. To ensure uninterrupted access to care for members with ID cards processing in the second half of December, letters are being mailed to plan subscribers containing their new member ID numbers and ID numbers for all covered dependents. The sample letter is attached, and it’s important to note these members can access their ID cards on the portal until they receive the physical card. We’re just trying to be proactive… Read More

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New Jersey Releases 2025 Disability and Family Leave Amounts

New Jersey has announced the 2025 contribution rates and benefit level parameters for the Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Family Leave Insurance (FLI) programs. Temporary Disability Insurance 2025 For qualified New Jersey workers who are unable to work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or other disability, or for specific public health emergencies, TDI offers benefits. Employees must have worked 20 weeks and earned at least $303 per week (Base Week Amount) or earned $15,200 (Alternative Earnings Test) in the four quarters (base year) before taking vacation to be eligible for TDI. 85% of an employee’s average weekly pay, up to a maximum of $1,081, is the weekly TDI benefit… Read More

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New PCOR fee Announced

The IRS released Notice 2024-83 on December 3, 2024, which states that the PCOR fee which is determined by the adjusted applicable dollar amount used for plan years that starts on or after October 1, 2024, and before October 1, 2025, is $3.47. For self-funded medical plans which includes level funding and some HRAs including ICHRAs for plan years ending in 2024 the PCOR filing deadline is July 31, 2025. For insured policies the carriers are responsible for paying. Employer Action: There are no further required actions for employes with self-funded health plans (or an HRA) as of the moment. Reminders will be sent in mid-2025 for the fee and… Read More

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ACA Compliance for Forms 1094-C + 1095-C

In terms of ACA reporting of minimum essential coverage (MEC), you are probably an Applicable Large Employer (ALE) if you had an average of fifty (50) full-time equivalent employees in the previous calendar year or if you are an employer of any size that provides a level funded or self-insured plan. The deadlines are: Employees must submit their 1095-C forms by March 3, 2025, at the latest. IRS-required copies of 1094-C and 1095-C forms are due by March 31, 2025, if filing online, or February 28 if filing on paper. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service, so please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated Total Benefit Solutions health… Read More

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In 2025, would you like more?

HSA funds are carried over each year.  Why not increase your savings? Additionally, if you contribute to your HAS before the year ends, you can lower your income that is subject to taxes. For self-only coverage, the maximum contribution in 2024 is $4,150, and for family coverage, it is $8,300. Moreover, if you are at least 55, you will receive an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution. Employer contributions, direct transfers, and payroll deductions are all included in the annual cap. We’re sure you are as excited about this as we are!  Please reach out if you have any questions. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service, so please do not hesitate… Read More

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December and January renewals deadlines

Clients renewing in December, November 12 is the deadline to complete the enrollments, after this the enrollment will still be accepted but there will be delays with the member ID cards. Which includes small and large groups whether they are fully insured, self-funded clients, with both active and passive renewals. When enrolling later than November 12 after receiving completed enrollment the ID cards will be mailed after ten business days. To access new member ID number online it will take six business days after receiving complete enrollment. Clients renewing in January, Because of the anticipated volume of enrollment changes and new enrollments which adds additional processing time the deadline is… Read More

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Departments Issue Final MHPAEA Regulations

The final rules for the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity of 2008 (MHPAEA) were released on September 9, 2024, by the Department of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury in order to guarantee that those seeking treatment for mental health (MH) or substance use disorder (SUD). MHPAEA provides nonquantitative treatment limitations (NQTLs) cannot be applied to MH/SUD unless they are equivalent and applied no more strictly for MH/SUD benefits than for medical/surgical benefits. The final rules amend the definitions of definition of “medical/surgical”, “mental health benefits”, and “substance use disorder benefits” by removing a reference to the state guidelines. The most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical… Read More

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2025 Part D Changes and Employer Sponsored Group Health Plans

Employers must inform the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) and participants and beneficiaries who qualify for Medicare Part D of the creditable or non-creditable status of the group health plan prescription drug plan(s). When prescription medication coverage meets or exceeds Medicare Part D, it is considered creditable. Any coverage that falls short of Medicare Part D’s quality standards is deemed non-creditable As previously reported, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) changed aspects of the Medicare Part D program to enhance and improve Medicare Part D coverage. The changes include: As a result of these changes, some employer sponsored prescription drug coverage may no longer qualify as creditable… Read More

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Cigna Changes to MA ID cards

As with the 2025 plan year, our Medicare Advantage ID cards will be altered. By utilizing our digital portals to obtain a member’s current PCP, treating providers will be encouraged to use them more efficiently, which will prevent needless treatment delays brought on by the referral process. See what’s changing below, so you’re ready to answer any customer questions this upcoming AEP. What’s changing? 2024 2025 What is staying the same? When are these changes occurring? Members in HMO plans are still required to maintain a PCP New enrollees with a 1/1/2025 effective date will start receiving ID cards without PCP information as soon as 10/15/2024. The PCP network name… Read More

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Special Enrollment Period Extended: Florida Emergency Declaration – Hurricane Idalia

Please be advised that a state of emergency was extended for certain Florida counties. This declaration allows for a one-time Special Enrollment Period (SEP), in the event beneficiaries were unable to make an election during another qualifying election period. Please reference the following guidelines for the incident period. This DST-SEP applies to the Florida counties listed below. Important Compliance Information Who is eligible: This SEP opportunity is ONLY available to beneficiaries who:​ Details : Impacted Counties: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Nassau, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas,… Read More

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You can access your PCORI membership report on uhceservices.com

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), health insurers, and plan sponsors are responsible for paying the PCORI fee. The  Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee also helps fund research that evaluates and compares health outcomes, clinical effectiveness, and the risks and benefits of medical treatments and services. Sponsors of self-funded (ASO) plans are required to submit Form 720 and pay the PCORI fee to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) immediately. The payment must be made by July 31 of the year that follows the conclusion of the plan year. A PCORI Membership Report is given to UnitedHealthcare Level Funded groups whose plan year ends in 2023 to help with PCORI fee… Read More

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Cigna+Oscar Announcement

Oscar and Cigna Healthcare have made the decision not to renew Cigna + Oscar Small Group plans nationally as of December 15, 2024. They will continue to provide coverage for Cigna + Oscar Small Group services through the end of each member’s policy, and specific timing is dependent on each groups’ enrollment date. Dates: As per the federal and state deadlines, Cigna + Oscar will inform plan sponsors and insured persons about the discontinuation. Oscar will stay active in the individual market and concentrate on that area of the company’s operations. To see ARTICLE We are dedicated to providing exceptional service, so please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated… Read More

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United Healthcare and Mount Sinai Renew Relationship

In accordance with a new multi-year agreement between UnitedHealthcare and Mount Sinai Health System, individuals participating in employer-sponsored and individual plans, such as the Oxford Health Plan, will once again have network access to the system’s hospitals. Additionally, the agreement guarantees continuous, uninterrupted access to the doctors at Mount Sinai. for more information click HERE We are dedicated to providing exceptional service, so please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated Total Benefit Solutions health insurance specialists at (215)-355-2121 or fill out the contact form below. We are available to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

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UnitedHealthcare – RxDC Information Required by Deadline

Please assist us in answering the required questions in the CAA Pharmacy Data Collection request information that is located in the employer/broker portal. It will make sure that UnitedHealthcare can successfully submit the data report. In order for us to prepare the data for submission to CMS by June 1, 2024, we must get the information by April 10, 2024, thus your prompt answer is extremely important. To read more click HERE We are dedicated to providing exceptional service, so please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated Total Benefit Solutions health insurance specialists at (215)-355-2121 or fill out the contact form below. We are available to answer any questions… Read More

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Aetna – Data Collection Requirement for Rx Data Collection Reporting Submission

The deadline for submitting Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) reporting for the reference year 2023 is June 1, 2024. Certain data items that were not necessary for the first submission must be included in this one. As a result, Aetna has created a procedure to help our plan sponsors submit these reports. Important Update: Data Collection Requirement for Prescription Drug Data Collection Reporting Submission Read more HERE We are dedicated to providing exceptional service, so please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated Total Benefit Solutions health insurance specialists at (215)-355-2121 or fill out the contact form below. We are available to answer any questions or address any concerns you… Read More

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FTC to send nearly $100 million in refunds to consumers of Benefytt’s fraudulent health plans

Refunds are being sent by the Federal Trade Commission to customers it claims purchased fraudulent health plans that Benefytt Technologies misrepresented as Obamacare plans or  Affordable Care Act. Benefytt, which operated under several identities, including Health Insurance Innovations, used deceptive websites and aggressive marketing to trick people looking for health insurance into purchasing fake policies that came with expensive monthly premiums, according to the FTC’s August 2022 complaint. “Benefytt pocketed millions selling sham insurance to seniors and other consumers looking for health coverage,” Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a statement at the time the original complaint was filed.  Qualified for the refund: Click HERE to… Read More

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