Total Benefit Solutions – Page 9 – Total Benefit Solutions Inc

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Independence Blue Cross: Changes to the Select and Value formularies for July 1

May 1, 2023May 1, 2023Ed MacConnell

Independence Blue Cross (Independence) is making changes to the Select Drug Program (Select) and Value formularies for July 1. Independence routinely updates its prescription drug formularies and reviews the list of drugs requiring prior authorization as part of our procedures for safe prescribing. These changes are approved by our Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. Updates are made to the Select and Value formularies quarterly. The updated lists for July 1 will be available on the website on May 1. Select the link to either the Select or Value formulary. The updated list is available under “Formulary drug documents.” Standard changes can include: Members, as well as their providers, who are impacted by the… Read More

Horizon BCBSNJ Small Group to Add a Surcharge for Premium Payments Made With Credit Cards

May 1, 2023May 1, 2023Ed MacConnell

Effective with the June bill Horizon BCBSNJ will add a surcharge when a credit card is used to make a premium payment. The surcharge amount will be displayed on the payment screen. During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ) changed how they accepted premium payments from their Small Group customers to allow the use of credit cards. With the PHE ending, effective with the June bill Horizon BCBSNJ will add a surcharge when a credit card is used to make a premium payment. The surcharge amount will be displayed on the payment screen. Small Group Customers Still Have No-Cost Payment OptionsHorizon BCBSNJ offers… Read More

2023 First Quarter Compliance Digest

April 7, 2023April 6, 2023Ed MacConnell

Download the 2023 First Quarter Compliance Digest, featuring all of the released compliance bulletins for January through March. This document is a valuable resource, putting all of the latest health care reform news and updates in one location. As always, don’t hesitate to contact your Total Benefit Solutions health insurance specialists with any questions or concerns today at (215)355-2121.

IBC: Employer Portal Handbook

March 28, 2023March 24, 2023Ed MacConnell

Not sure how to use your IBC billing and enrollment portal? Download this helpful guide. As always contact your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc health insurance specialists at (215)355-2121 for any further questions or concerns.

The health plan categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold, & Platinum

March 24, 2023March 23, 2023Ed MacConnell

Plans in the Marketplace are presented in 4 health plan categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. FYI: Health plan categories are based on how you and your plan split the costs of your health care. They have nothing to do with quality of care. How you and your insurance plan split costs Which health plan category is right for you? Bronze Silver Gold Platinum Note: Plans in all categories provide free preventive care, and some offer selected free or discounted services before you meet your deductible. Have any questions regarding this notice? Don’t hesitate to contact your Total Benefit Solutions health insurance specialists today at (215)355-2121.

10 Things to Know About Medicaid Managed Care

March 23, 2023March 16, 2023Ed MacConnell

Managed care is the dominant delivery system for Medicaid enrollees. With 72% of Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled in comprehensive managed care organizations (MCOs) nationally, plans have played a key role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and are expected to work with states in conducting outreach and providing support to enrollees during the unwinding of the continuous enrollment requirement. While managed care is the dominant Medicaid delivery system, states decide which populations and services to include in managed care arrangements which leads to considerable variation across states. Additionally, while we can track state requirements for Medicaid managed care plans, plans have flexibility in certain areas including in setting provider payment rates… Read More

What is cost sharing reduction (CSR)?

March 22, 2023Ed MacConnell

A discount that lowers the amount you have to pay for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. In the Health Insurance Marketplace®, cost-sharing reductions are often called “extra savings.” If you qualify, you must enroll in a plan in the Silver category to get the extra savings. Have any questions regarding this notice? Don’t hesitate to contact your Total Benefit Solutions health insurance specialists today at (215)355-2121.

Did You Know? Cigna + Oscar plans in Pennsylvania offering you a simple, non-tiered network?

March 21, 2023March 21, 2023Ed MacConnell

That’s right! ? Cigna + Oscar plans in Pennsylvania utilize Cigna‘s Open Access Plus Network. Offering you a simple, non-tiered network. This includes facilities you know and use, such as: View the full Pennsylvania network here. Please contact your health insurance specialists at Total Benefit Solutions, Inc iat (215)355-2121 f you have any further questions or concerns about Oscar heath!

ACA special enrollment period opens soon for people losing Medicaid coverage

March 17, 2023March 16, 2023Ed MacConnell

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will open an ACA special enrollment period (SEP) for people losing Medicaid coverage due to the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). The PHE ends May 11. The ACA SEP aims to maintain continuity of coverage as people transition from Medicaid into a Marketplace-qualified health plan. It runs March 31 to July 31, 2023. Have any questions regarding this notice? Don’t hesitate to contact your Total Benefit Solutions health insurance specialists today at (215)355-2121.

The End of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: How will telemedicine be affected?

March 16, 2023February 13, 2023Ed MacConnell

On Jan. 30, 2023, the Biden Administration announce it will end the public health emergency (and national emergency) declarations on May 11, 2023. Telemedicine What’s changing: Some flexibilities associated with providing health care via telehealth during the public health emergency will end. What’s the same: Expanded telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries was once tied to the public health emergency but, due to recent legislation, will remain unchanged through December 31, 2024. Most private insurers already covered telemedicine before the pandemic. In Medicaid, states have broad authority to cover telehealth without federal approval. Most states have made, or plan to make, some Medicaid telehealth flexibilities permanent. Have any questions regarding this notice?… Read More

Allstate Benefits Level Funded Plan Member Kit

March 14, 2023March 10, 2023Ed MacConnell

Considering Level funding and/or reference based pricing for your group health insurance? Download the brochure below to learn more about it them contact your health insurance specialists at Total Benefit Solutions, Inc today to compare your current plan to level funded and reference based pricing options! The brochure includes information on reading an EOB, Vitality and the healthcare blue book as well. As always we can be reached at (215)355-2121. Employee-eKit-with-Healthcare-Bluebook-Member-FlyerDownload

What is an agent and broker?

March 13, 2023February 24, 2023Ed MacConnell

A trained insurance professional who can help you enroll in a health insurance plan. Agents may work or a single health insurance company; brokers may represent several companies. You won’t pay anything additional if you enroll with an agent or broker. As always, don’t hesitate to contact your Total Benefit Solutions health insurance specialists with any questions or concerns today at (215)355-2121.

What is State Mandated Disability or TDB?

March 9, 2023March 9, 2023Ed MacConnell

New Jersey Temporary Disability Benefits (TDB) and Family Leave Insurance (FLI). The New Jersey Temporary Disability Benefits (TDB) law, enacted in 1948 and later amended in 2008 to include Family Leave Insurance (FLI), allows for NJ covered workers to take paid time off for their own non-occupational related injury or illness (under TDB) or to care for a family member with a serious health condition or bond with a new child (under FLI). Which employers are subject to the law? Most New Jersey employers subject to the provisions of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) are also subject to NJ TDB law and are required to provide coverages for their employees working in… Read More

The End of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: How will COVID treatments be affected?

March 8, 2023February 10, 2023Ed MacConnell

On Jan. 30, 2023, the Biden Administration announced it will end the public health emergency (and national emergency) declarations on May 11, 2023. COVID Treatment What’s changing: People with public coverage may start to face new cost-sharing for pharmaceutical COVID treatments (unless those doses were purchased by the federal government). Medicare beneficiaries may fact cost-sharing requirements for certain COVID pharmaceutical treatments after May 11. Medicaid and CHIP programs will continue to cover all pharmaceutical treatments with no-cost sharing through September 2024. After that date, these treatments will continue to be covered; however, states may impose utilization limits and nominal cost-sharing. What’s the same: Any pharmaceutical treatment doses (e.g., Paxlovid) purchased… Read More

What is a bronze health plan?

March 7, 2023February 27, 2023Ed MacConnell

One of 4 plan categories (also known as “metal levels”) in the Health Insurance Marketplace®. Bronze plans usually have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest costs when you get care. They can be a good choice if you usually use few medical services and mostly want protection from very high costs if you get seriously sick or injured. Note: Bronze plan deductibles can be very high. This means you could have to pay thousands of dollars of health care costs yourself before your plan starts to pay its share. All health plans in all categories provide free preventive services, and some plans offer other services at low or no… Read More

Notice: White House announces COVID-19 PHE and National Emergency will be allowed to expire

March 3, 2023February 16, 2023Ed MacConnell

On January 30, 2023, the White House announced its plan to allow the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) and National Emergency periods to expire on May 11, 2023. We have provided example scenarios in the Compliance Alert that demonstrate the impact of the national emergency period expiration. We encourage you to review each example to determine the impact on your specific plan(s). Although we encourage you to review the entire Compliance Alert, we have provided a summary of the content for your review: Public Health Emergency During the PHE, group health plans are required to cover the cost of COVID-19 tests and testing-related services without cost-sharing or prior authorization or… Read More

What is the tax filing requirement?

March 2, 2023February 23, 2023Ed MacConnell

The minimum amount (or threshold) of income requiring you to file a federal tax return. 2022 filing requirements for most taxpayers: Gross income of at least $12,950 (individuals) or $25,900 (married filing jointly). Different thresholds apply for dependents, people 65 and older, and those who use other tax filing statuses (like married filing separately). Have any questions regarding this notice? Don’t hesitate to contact your Total Benefit Solutions health insurance specialists today at (215)355-2121.

The End of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: How will PCR and rapid tests be affected?

March 1, 2023February 9, 2023Ed MacConnell

On Jan. 30, 2023, the Biden Administration announced it will end the public health emergency (and national emergency) declarations on May 11, 2023. PCR and rapid tests ordered or administered by a health professional What’s changing: Although most insured people will still have coverage of COVID tests ordered or administered by a health professional, these tests may no longer be free. What’s the same: Uninsured people in most states were not eligible for the temporary Medicaid pathway for COVID testing and therefore will continue to pay full price for tests unless they can get tested through a free clinic or community health center. Have any questions regarding this notice? Don’t… Read More

Do HSA’s, FSA’s, or HRA’s carryover or rollover?

February 28, 2023February 22, 2023Ed MacConnell

Health Savings Account (HSA): All funds belong to the employee. Unused balances roll over into the next year. Funds do not expire from year-to-year. Rollover funds do not count towards the contribution limit. Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Amounts must be incurred by the end of the plan year and do not usually carry over unless an employer allows up to $610 to carry over into the next year. Amounts that roll do not affect the maximum election that can be made for the plan year. Otherwise, employers may adopt a 2 and half month grace period that allows participants to access unused amounts remaining in their accounts. Health Reimbursement… Read More

Small Group – Form 1095-B: Who receives it and why

February 27, 2023February 21, 2023Ed MacConnell

Form 1095-B is a health insurance tax form used to report certain information to the IRS and taxpayers about individuals who are covered by Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC). What are the IRS reporting requirements? The ACA requires individuals to obtain and report that they had MEC or otherwise qualify for an exemption from the requirement. However, there is no longer an individual tax penalty following the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Individuals may need Form 1095-B to demonstrate MEC for nontax-related purposes. The ACA also requires certain employers to offer all full-time employees and their dependents MEC to meet affordability and minimum value standards. This is known as the… Read More

The End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: How will at-home COVID tests be affected?

February 24, 2023February 9, 2023Ed MacConnell

On Jan. 30, 2023, the Biden Administration announced it will end the public health emergency (and national emergency) declarations on May 11, 2023. At-home COVID tests What’s changing: At-home (or over-the counter) tests may become more costly for people with insurance. After May 11, 2023, people with traditional Medicare will no longer receive free, at-home tests. Those with private insurance and Medicare Advantage (private Medicare plans) no longer will be guaranteed free at-home tests, but some insurers may continue to voluntarily cover them. For those on Medicaid, at-home tests will be covered at no-cost through September 2024. After that date, home test coverage will vary by state. A temporary Medicaid… Read More

UHC: Short Term Medical no longer offered in DE & SD, starting February 17, 2023

February 23, 2023February 16, 2023Ed MacConnell

Effective February 17, 2023, the United Healthcare-branded Short Term Medical product, underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company will no longer be available for new sales in Delaware and South Dakota. View the updated product availability grid. This change does not affect existing business of this product in these states. Current customers can keep their coverage until the plan’s term date if they continue plan payments and meet the eligibility requirements of their plan. As always, don’t hesitate to contact your Total Benefit Solutions health insurance specialists with any questions or concerns today at (215)355-2121.

Medicaid Redetermination

February 22, 2023February 16, 2023Ed MacConnell

Pennsylvania resumed their redetermination process for current Medicaid members February 1, 2023. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) provided states with additional Medicaid funding. To receive additional funding, a state was required to pause all Medicaid disenrollment. The pause on Medicaid disenrollment is now ending and states will resume Medicaid redeterminations of eligibility and disenrollment of those determined to be ineligible for Medicaid coverage. Loss of eligibility for Medicaid is a Qualifying Event for Special Enrollment on the Marketplace. Many of these individuals could be eligible for financial assistance on the Marketplace and will need enrollment assistance from a broker. Visit the Medicaid Redetermination Resource Center for important updates… Read More

Notification Reminder for Forms 1095-C and 1095-B

February 21, 2023February 14, 2023Ed MacConnell

Under the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”), the deadline for applicable large employers (“ALEs”) to furnish Form 1095-C and 1095-B to certain individuals (such as full-time employees in the case of Form 1095-C) is January 31 with respect to the preceding calendar year. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) released final regulations on December 12, 2022 with respect to ACA reporting requirements. These final regulations provided an automatic extension of 30 days to furnish these statements to individuals. This means that Wednesday, March 2, 2023 is the deadline to furnish individuals with 2022 Forms 1095-C and 1095-B. This extension is automatic; employers or other reporting entities are not required to file a… Read More

Thinking about a PEO?

February 18, 2023February 9, 2023Ed MacConnell

We Can Help You Navigate the World of Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs). PEOs have become a growing solution for small- and mid-sized employers looking to streamline their administrative processes. However, the number of PEOs has risen dramatically, leaving employers with many options and confusion about where to start. What is a PEO?If you are unfamiliar with the term PEO, it is a business entity that helps service other businesses in the areas of payroll administration, human resources, risk management, and employee benefits. Total Benefit Solutions, Inc. can help you find the right PEO in a complex market and select the best fit for your company. We can quote PEO services… Read More

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