Total Benefit Solutions – Page 36 – Total Benefit Solutions Inc

Health Reform: Certain Affordable Care Act Provisions Will No Longer Apply to U.S. Territories

September 9, 2014September 9, 2014Ed MacConnell

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) notified U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands) that the following Affordable Care Act provisions will no longer apply to insured plans sitused in the territories. Please click the link below to read the entire bulletin. Certain ACA Provisions Will No Longer Apply to U.S. Territories-082614R If you have any further questions please contact your Total Benefit Solutions account manager at (215)355-2121.

Health Reform: Treatment of Interns for Employer Penalty Purposes

September 9, 2014Ed MacConnell

If large employers do not offer affordable, minimum value coverage to all “full-time employees” they can be penalized beginning in 2015. A full-time employee (“FTE”) is an employee under the common law standard who works on average at least 30 hours per week, determined monthly. Under the common law standard, an employment relationship exists when the person for whom the services are performed has the right to control and direct the individual who performs the services, not only as to the result to be accomplished by the work, but also as to the details and means by which that result is accomplished. Under this standard, an employment relationship exists… Read More

Health Reform: SHOP Marketplace Changes for 2015

August 29, 2014August 24, 2014Ed MacConnell

Health Reform: SHOP Marketplace Changes for 2015 In 2014, small businesses that offer coverage through an FF-SHOP Marketplace are able to offer their employees a single qualified health plan (QHP). In 2015, small businesses that offer coverage through an FF-SHOP Marketplace may be able to offer their employees a choice of QHPs and qualified dental plans (QDPs). To qualify for an FF-SHOP, a business must: Be located in an FF-SHOP’s service area (generally a state) Have at least one eligible common-law employee on payroll Have 50 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees on payroll This methodology includes part-time employees, but not seasonal employees (those working fewer than 120 days per… Read More

Health Reform: What is a Special Enrollment Period?

August 28, 2014August 24, 2014Ed MacConnell

Special Enrollment Periods Under certain circumstances, individuals may enroll in a QHP or change QHPs outside of the annual open enrollment period. These SEPs are based on certain triggering events or special circumstances. Events that permit an SEP include: Gaining or becoming a dependent through marriage, birth, adoption, placement for adoption, or placement in foster care Gaining status as a citizen, national, or lawfully present individual Loss of coverage (e.g., loss of Medicaid eligibility, QHP no longer available), except if enrollment is terminated based on failure to pay premiums, fraud, or enrollee initiated termination Determination that an individual is newly eligible or ineligible for advance payments of the premium tax… Read More

Medicare Update: Medicare is no longer prevented from recognizing same-sex marriages

August 26, 2014Ed MacConnell

Medicare is no longer prevented from recognizing same-sex marriages Special Update: As a result of the June 2013 U.S. Supreme Court ruling invalidating part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which denied federal benefits to legally married same-sex couples,Medicare is no longer prevented from recognizing same-sex marriages for determining entitlement to, or eligibility for, Medicare. The Social Security Administration is now processing requests for Medicare Part A and Part B Special Enrollment Periods, as well as reductions in late enrollment penalties, for certain eligible individuals in same-sex marriages. Click here for more information.

Health Reform: ACA Checklist for 2015/2106

August 26, 2014August 25, 2014Ed MacConnell

Health Reform: Affordable Care Act Business/Plan Sponsor Checklist for 2015/2106 This bulletin features a checklist, including descriptions of key topics, to guide you through Affordable Care Act compliance in 2015-2016. Click the link to download the ACA Checklist: ACA Checklist for 2015-2016-082214R Should you have any questions, please contact your Total Benefit Solutions Inc., account manager directly at (215)355-2121.

Health Reform: 2015 Annual Open Enrollment Period

August 24, 2014Ed MacConnell

Annual Open Enrollment & Effective Dates The annual open enrollment period (AEP) for 2015 begins on November 15th 2014 and ends on February 14th 2015. The open enrollment period is the time when you can change, or purchase a new qualified health plan (QHP) on a guaranteed enrollment basis. You do not need a special election period, or a life change event to enroll during the annual open enrollment period. The chart below illustrates the effective dates for enrollments taken during the annual open enrollment period. Effective Dates for 2015 Annual Open Enrollment Period

Health Reform: Individual Responsibility Changes for 2015

August 24, 2014Ed MacConnell

Individual Shared Responsibility Payment Amounts for 2014 and 2015 Tax Years The amount of the individual shared responsibility payment increases between 2014 and 2015. 2014: The annual individual shared responsibility payment is the greater of 1% of the taxpayer’s household income that is above the tax return filing threshold for the taxpayer’s filing status, or The taxpayer’s flat dollar amount, which is $95 per adult and $47.50 per child, limited to a family maximum of $285. However the total payment amount is capped at the cost of the national average premium for a Bronze level health plan available through the Marketplaces in 2014. 2015: The annual individual responsibility payment is… Read More

Top 3 Consumer Worries About 2015 Open Enrollment

August 23, 2014August 22, 2014Ed MacConnell

With open enrollment 2015 for individual health insurance coming up in November, employees and clients are worried about the cost of health insurance, the number of uninsured, and Marketplace glitches. This is according to a new survey by Bankrate.com. Click here to read the story on the Zane Benefits website.

FMLA Proposed Rules To Recognize Same Sex Regardless of Residency

August 22, 2014Ed MacConnell

FMLA Proposed Rules To Recognize Same Sex Regardless of Residency The DOL is proposing to amend the regulatory definition of “spouse” under the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) so that “spouse” for purposes of FMLA rights would include a same-sex spouse, regardless of where the employee and spouse live. This means the “place of celebration” will determine whether an individual is a spouse under FMLA, rather than the current rule which uses the “state of residence,” which recognizes a spouse under the law of the state in which the couple resides. Click the link to download the bulletin: 070714-P-ERC-FMLA_Proposed_Rules (1) Please contact you Total Benefit Solutions account manager at (215)355-2121 if… Read More

IRS: Further Guidance on Employer Payment Plans

August 22, 2014Ed MacConnell

New Guidance on Employer Payment Plans The IRS issued an FAQ addressing the potential consequences of an arrangement where an employer reimburses employees for the purchase of individual health insurance premiums on a tax-favored basis (referred to as an “employer payment plan”). For this purpose, individual health insurance premiums includes individual coverage purchased either inside or outside of the Health Insurance Marketplace. The FAQ follows up on earlier guidance describing these types of arrangements (Notice 2013-54). Click the link for more information: 060214_P_ERC_Employer_Payment_Plans (1)

Total Benefit Solutions to partner with ThinkHR

August 22, 2014August 22, 2014Ed MacConnell

In another effort to enhance our client experience and bring value to our small business clients, Total Benefit Solutions is proud to announce that we have entered into an agreement to provide Think HR. Soon our clients will get an introductory e-mail with instructions on how to access their complimentary ThinkHR account. We expect to have this resource available to our clients in September 2014, just in time for this year’s open enrollment period! Think HR will help our clients: Stay up to date with the latest news and resources Remain compliant with best practices from HR professionals Build tools like job… Read More

Horizon: Changes to 2015 MOOP’s

August 22, 2014Ed MacConnell

Changes to Maximum Out-of-Pocket Limits Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all non-grandfathered group health plans regardless of size or funding arrangement, must comply with annual limits on out-of-pocket maximums for in-network covered services that are Essential Health Benefits (EHB)1. These out-of-pocket maximums are also known as a plan’s maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP). Click the link to download the full notice: Changes_to_MOOP_Limits Please contact your Total Benefit Solutions account manager at (215)355-2121 if you have any questions or concerns.

Exchange Notification Reminder

August 15, 2014August 15, 2014Ed MacConnell

Exchange Notification Reminder The very busy renewal date of December 1, 2014, is fast approaching. This notice is to remind you that each employer group must give their employees a Marketplace (Exchange) notification. The first link below is for employer groups that currently do offer coverage. The second link below is for an employer that does NOT offer coverage to employees. Please remember this notification is for the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The form also works for any employer who is based in an FFM (Federal Facilitated Marketplace) State. It is NOT compliant in NY, MD or any other state that provides their own State… Read More

Will you get financial help when you purchase health insurance?

July 8, 2014Ed MacConnell

Will you get financial help when you purchase health insurance? This handy new brochure from Humana is simple to understand. Download it today for a better understanding of your situation. You may qualify for help buying your health insurance. As always, contact us at Total Benefit Solutions Inc if you have any questions or concerns. We can be reached at (215)355-2121. Click here to download

What is HR360?

July 3, 2014July 3, 2014Ed MacConnell

What is HR360? HR360 is the premier online human resources library that features the most current federal and state laws for health care reform, COBRA, FMLA, and hiring and terminating employees. Clients of Total Benefit Solutions have HR360 as a complimentary resource. Watch this short video below and ask us today for your free trial membership, or how your organization can benefit from using Total Benefit Solutions Inc., and HR360. Call us for more information at 1(800)924-6718.

What is Critical Illness Insurance?

June 30, 2014February 8, 2015Ed MacConnell

Why Critical Illness as a “wrap” plan Because: They’re more affordable than you might think. They’re available for employer groups, individuals and seniors. They make selecting a health plan easier. They provide peace of mind against a catastrophic event and large out of pocket expenses. They’re person and portable, it doesn’t matter where you get your health insurance from, having your own critical illness plan makes it better. Many clients have asked how they can supplement their employees coverage when they get enrolled through the affordable care act healthcare.gov marketplace. Employers are permitted to offer wrap plans that consist of “excepted benefits”, meaning they are not regulated by the affordable… Read More

Workplace Posters

June 16, 2014May 23, 2014Ed MacConnell

The Department of Labor (DOL) and its reporting agencies require employers to communicate certain information to their employees. In some cases, the DOL mandates notices to be posted in the workplace. Posting requirements vary based on the size of employer. The following information is required to be posted, depending on business and employer size: Job Safety and Health Protection (OSHA) Equal Opportunity Is the Law Fair Labor Standards Act (minimum wage) Employee Right for Workers with Disabilities (special minimum wage) Family and Medical Leave Act Rights Uniformed Service Employment and Reemployment Rights Federal Construction Project Notice Government Contract Notice Employee Polygraph Protection Act Migrant and Seasonal Worker Act Notification… Read More

Health Care Reform Updates: Updated Model COBRA Election Notice

June 10, 2014Ed MacConnell

Updated Model COBRA Election Notice Includes Information Regarding Health Insurance Exchanges Revised Notice Informs Individuals of New Coverage Alternatives A revised Model COBRA Election Notice is now available for group health plans to inform eligible employees and dependents of the right to continuation of coverage under federal law and how to make an election when a qualifying event occurs. The updated model notice includes information regarding coverage alternatives that will be available through the new Health Insurance Exchanges (also known as Marketplaces). COBRA Election Notice Requirement COBRA (the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) generally applies to group health plans sponsored by employers with 20 or employees (including both full-… Read More

Introducing the AFLAC Individual Dental Plans

May 31, 2014Ed MacConnell

Introducing AFLAC Individual Dental Ask us today for more informtion on an AFLAC Individual Dental plan. Just call our office at (215)355-2121 and a dedicated member of our client service team will be happy to answer your questions or send you detailed benefit information.

What is Hospital Indemnity?

May 27, 2014February 8, 2015Ed MacConnell

Hospital Indemnity Plans as a “wrap” Many clients have asked how they can supplement their employees coverage when they get enrolled through the affordable care act healthcare.gov marketplace. Employers are permitted to offer wrap plans that consist of “excepted benefits”. A group Hospital Indemnity plan can fit the bill and provide a comprehensive financial support plan for a family dealing with a medical crisis. It also allows the employee to make a more prudent health plan selection by giving them coverage for any large deductibles, co-pays or cost sharing scenarios. Hospital Indemnity plans are available to individuals too. Download more information on Shelterpoint’s Hospital Indemnity plan Below is a… Read More

IRS Highlights Stiff Penalty for Reimbursing Individual Premiums

May 25, 2014May 25, 2014Ed MacConnell

From Health Care Reform Digest: Since the IRS and Treasury published Notice 2013-54 in September 2013, pre-tax employer reimbursement of an employee’s individual health insurance premiums has been a hot topic of conversation. Historically, many employers have provided this type of benefit in lieu of offering a group health plan – a strategy that now needs to be reevaluated as a result of regulations implementing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Q1. What are the consequences to the employer if the employer does not establish a health insurance plan for its own employees, but reimburses those employees for premiums they pay for health insurance (either through a qualified health… Read More

Introducing Worksite Benefits

May 20, 2014May 20, 2014Ed MacConnell

INTRODUCING WORKSITE… From Your Trusted Advisor. Worksite Programs are more than just a source of additional insurance products to be purchased at employee expense! A coordinated program will help you manage all your benefits so you can spend more time on your business. Our focus on quality ensures that your employees have the access and affordability that they need. Benefit communication and counseling services help your employees understand and appreciate their benefits. Worksite programs can be expanded and adjusted as your core benefits change, reducing headaches at annual open enrollment time. We have joined forces with the strongest, most reliable Voluntary Benefit providers to offer our clients valuable employee benefit… Read More

Comparative Effectiveness Fee Reminder

May 20, 2014May 20, 2014Ed MacConnell

The Comparative Effectiveness Research Fee is now known as the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Fee. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the Act) imposes a new Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee, formerly the comparative effectiveness research fee, on plan sponsors and issuers of individual and group policies. The first year of the fee is $1 per covered life per year, the second year the fee adjusts to $2 per covered life and then it’s indexed to national health expenditures thereafter until it ends in 2019. Click here to download this bulleting regarding the timely payment of the fees. Purpose of the Fee The assessed fees are to… Read More

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

May 20, 2014Ed 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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