Total Benefit Solutions – Page 37 – Total Benefit Solutions Inc

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.

Nuts and Bolts of the Small Employer Tax Credit

May 20, 2014Ed MacConnell

This presentation is intended to convey general information about the employer health care tax credit under the affordable care act and is not an exhaustive analysis. Information contained in this presentation may change as guidance develops. Total Benefit Solutions inc and Emerson Reid do not provide legal or tax advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult an attorney or other professional. Click here to download “nuts and bolts” Download Small Business Health Care Tax Credit FAQ’sFAQs

Informal Guidance Clarifies Rules HSA Eligibility and Health FSA Carryovers

May 17, 2014May 16, 2014Ed 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

COMPLIANCE NOTICE: Individual Health Plans as Employee Benefits Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

April 16, 2014April 14, 2014Ed MacConnell

COMPLIANCE NOTICE: Individual Health Plans as Employee Benefits Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Released on September 13, 2013, IRS Notice 2013-54 addresses the viability of individual health insurance plans as a tax-advantaged employee benefit under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Unfortunately, the news was not good for employers wanting to offer such plans to their employees: the IRS determined that such plans are prohibited under the ACA. PLEASE CLICK BELOW TO DOWNLOAD THE RELEASE FROM AMERIFLEX… COMPLIANCE_ Individual Health Plans as Employee Benefits Under the Affordable Care Act

SHOP for Small Group Customers Buying a plan through SHOP versus direct

April 15, 2014April 14, 2014Ed MacConnell

SHOP for Small Group Customers Buying a plan through SHOP versus direct Buying plans through the Small Business Health Options Program, or SHOP, provides an advantage only for employers with fewer than 25 employees that are eligible for a tax credit provided by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If customers are not eligible for this tax credit, there is no advantage to purchasing a plan through SHOP. This is because… Click here to download the SHOP bulletin

Health Reform: New Guidance Clarifies Rules on Health FSA Carryovers

April 15, 2014April 14, 2014Ed MacConnell

IBC and DaVita HealthCare Partners Announce Joint Venture

April 14, 2014April 14, 2014Ed MacConnell

Tandigm Health’s innovative coordinated care model will provide higher-quality care, lower costs Independence Blue Cross (Independence) and DaVita HealthCare Partners today announced the creation of Tandigm Health. This unique joint venture, based in Philadelphia, Pa., will help deliver high-quality, affordable care to the region by combining the expertise of one of the country’s largest, most innovative Blue insurers and a nationally recognized pioneer of physician-centric coordinated care. Click here to read the bulletin Click here to read the press release from the IBC website

HR360: Job Description Builder

April 14, 2014April 14, 2014Ed MacConnell

HR360: Job Description Builder A well-developed job description will help you review employee performance, and hire the best candidates. Our online Job Description Builder is so simple to use. With our efficient tool, you can transform a blank page into a professionally-developed job description in minutes. Just follow these simple steps: Choose from our comprehensive library of job descriptions Check off tasks and activities as well as skills associated with the job Select from the list of physical demands or the job/ work environment or add your own. Print out a complete job description in Word or in an Excel Spreadsheet—it’s that easy! HR360 is a web based subscription service… Read More

Health Reform: Law Repeals Deductible Limits for Small Group Plans

April 14, 2014Ed MacConnell

The Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014, legislation extending the “doc fix” for Medicare payments, also includes a provision that repeals the maximum deductible limits applicable to many small group health plans. As you recall, deductible limits for non-grandfathered small group plans are capped under the ACA at $2,000 for single coverage and $4,000 for family coverage effective for the first plan year on or after January 1, 2014. This legislation repeals the deductible limits as of the date health care reform was enacted (March 23, 2010). Click here to download the bulletin

2014 Group Health Plan Calendar

April 11, 2014Ed MacConnell

The 2014 Group Health Plans Notices Calendar in now available! All-in-One Health Plan Notices Calendar and Downloadable Model Notices Our 2014 calendar provides bottom line information on group health plan required notices and filings, including who must receive them, who must provide them and when notices are due. At last, the notices you need are available in one convenient location, including: Health Care Reform Notices (includes new SBC template for 2014 and information on required PCORI filings) COBRA Notices HIPAA Notices (includes information on elimination of creditable coverage certificates and new model Notice of Privacy Practices) Special Health Care Notices (Women’s Health and Cancer Rights, Mental Health Parity… Read More

Ed MacConnell earns Voluntary Benefits Certification

April 2, 2014March 30, 2014Ed MacConnell

We are pleased to announce that Edward T MacConnell, President of Total Benefit Solutions has earned the certification of Certified Voluntary Worksite Professional from the National Association of Health Underwriters. Voluntary/Worksite products are not new to the employee benefit industry. However, the surge of interest in these products has accelerated as employers seek ways to help attract and retain talent. The industry has responded swiftly with new products, new features, new enrollment technologies and many changes to the underwriting rules of these products. This has created new responsibilities for agents, brokers and consultants as advising clients in this area will differentiate their value to the consumers they serve. Certified Voluntary Worksite… Read More

HHS to Extend Marketplace Enrollment Deadline

March 31, 2014Ed MacConnell

The Washington Post has reported that HHS has released regulations extending the Marketplace open enrollment deadline to around mid-April for individuals who began, but did not complete, a Marketplace application. The extension appears to be based on a self-certification (honor) system, in which individuals attest that they could not timely complete the Marketplace application before the March 31 deadline. This extension may have an impact on employer-sponsored plans to the extent individuals have more time to elect Marketplace benefits and therefore may decline employer-sponsored coverage at the next OE. Keep in mind that IRS cafeteria plan rules currently do not recognize enrollment in a Marketplace plan as a qualified status… Read More

The Truth Agents/Brokers & FFM Navigators The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

March 18, 2014Ed MacConnell

The Truth Agents/Brokers & FFM Navigators The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Shared with permission from B. Ronnell Nolan, HIA, CHRS-President/CEO – HAFA Financial Media Group, LLC, Centennial, CO, compiles this information annually. There are approximately 1.2 million licensed insurance agents nationally. The 1.2 million does not include the staff of licensed agents employed throughout the United States. After adding the staff, imagine the millions of people that Agents represent, educate and protect on a daily basis! With the passing of the ACA, Health Agents for America, Inc. was formed to create a tool box for Agents to use in educating the citizens of their local communities. HAFA is known to… Read More

IBC: Small Group Metallic Plans Mapping

March 18, 2014Ed MacConnell

Upon renewal in 2014 small groups will be automatically “mapped” to a new ACA compliant metallic plan. Find your new recommended 2014 Blue Solutions plan using the chart below. To make your renewal even easier we’ve identified the plan that most closely matches your current plan. Or you can choose from among 36 other options to suit your needs. More comprehensive coverage Blue Solutions health plans now cover Essential Health Benefits like pediatric dental and vision. Your health plan also continues to cover doctor visits, hospital admissions, emergency room treatments, maternity care, lab tests, X-rays, prescriptions, and vision benefits for both children and adults. Click the link below to download the… Read More

IBC: Medicare as Secondary Payer

March 17, 2014Ed MacConnell

Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) requirements determine when Medicare is the primary insurance payer. If your company has 19 or fewer full- and part-time employees, Medicare is almost always primary. If your company is larger, various rules apply to determine whether your group plan is the primary or secondary payer. MSP requirements also apply for Medicare-eligible employees who are disabled or have endstage renal disease. The following information provides a summary of the MSP requirements. This information may help you to correctly target benefits for your Medicare-eligible participants and avoid potentially costly penalties and litigation. You should, of course, also refer to the actual laws and regulations with the assistance of your own legal counsel. Click… Read More

How Does a Group HRA Work?

March 14, 2014March 14, 2014Ed MacConnell

A GroupHRA allows you to use your payroll to bring your employees better, more affordable employer health benefits. Your employees have a high deductible group health insurance policy and receive tax-free reimbursements through their payroll for medical expenses. In addition to payroll reimbursement, you can also make same-day reimbursements to employees by cash, check or direct deposit. Total Benefit Solutions Inc has partnered with Zane Benefit services to provide our clients an affordable, easy, electronic administration solution. What makes an HRA an attractive solution for your organization? The fact that you are in control! Download the report :How A Group HRA Works Click here for more HRA information

IBC: New Lab Provider Effective July 1-IMPORTANT NOTICE

March 12, 2014Ed MacConnell

Independence Blue Cross (IBC) has selected Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings (LabCorp), as its exclusive, nationally-based provider of laboratory services, effective July 1, 2014. The change applies to all Personal Choice®/PPO and Keystone Health Plan East product lines, and affects all individual, group commercial, and Medicare members, for services rendered in the Philadelphia five-county area, and in the contiguous counties. Effective July 1, 2014, Quest Diagnostics laboratories will be an out-of-network provider for Personal Choice and Keystone Health Plan East. IBC will continue to contract with certain local and regional laboratories… Click to download the bulletin

IBC: July 1 rate increase for individual medically underwritten plans

March 9, 2014Ed MacConnell

IBC: We want to let you know that the monthly rates for our individual medically underwritten plans will increase in July 2014. We are notifying members muchearlier than is required to give them the opportunity to enroll in a plan that is compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The reason for the rate increase. We understand that it can be difficult to afford quality health insurance coverage. While we continue to work hard to keep costs down, the cost of health care continues to rise along with our member utilization. This is why it’s necessary for Independence Blue Cross (IBC) to implement an 11.5 percent rate increase. Click the link below to read… Read More

Total Benefit Solutions Makes Enrolling Easier

March 1, 2014March 1, 2014Ed MacConnell

In an effort to meet the enrollment challenges that many are facing under healthcare reform, Total Benefit Solutions Inc has designed a custom form for our clients to use. Using this form and submitting it to Total Benefit Solutions Inc will enable our Marketplace trained and certified licensed independent brokers to assist you in the enrollment process from the registration right through the enrollment! Remember as your independent broker we always work in your best interests, not an insurance company. We represent you, our client and not an insurer or government agency. Click the link below to open the form and get started! When completed, just click the link to… Read More

Affordable Care Act Video: IBX Answers Five Common Questions

February 25, 2014February 22, 2014Ed MacConnell

Not Sure if you qualify? Ask your Total Benefit Solutions Advisor at (215)355-2121

Affordable Care Act Video: Subsidies and Tax Credits

February 22, 2014February 22, 2014Ed MacConnell

Under the Affordable Care Act, individuals and families may qualify for financial assistants to help pay for health care coverage. Age, family size and total household income are the factors that will determine your eligibility for subsidies and tax credits. Answer a few simple questions to learn if you might qualify for financial support: click here or ask your Total Benefit Solutions Adviser to help you by calling us today at (215)355-2121. This short video from Independence Blue Cross makes it easy to understand how they work.

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