#aca – Total Benefit Solutions Inc

Is "Junk" Insurance Worth It? Understanding Short-Term Health Plans

January 18, 2026January 18, 2026Ed MacConnell

Short-term health insurance plans have earned the nickname "junk insurance" from critics, but that doesn't tell the whole story. While these plans come with serious limitations, they can serve a purpose in very specific situations. The question isn't whether they're inherently good or bad: it's whether they're right for your particular circumstances. Let's cut through the noise and break down exactly what you're getting (and what you're not getting) with short-term health plans, so you can make an informed decision. What Are Short-Term Health Plans? Short-term medical insurance plans are temporary health coverage designed to bridge gaps between more comprehensive insurance policies. Think of them as a Band-Aid solution: they're… Read More

Lost Your Job? Here’s Your Complete Guide to Health Insurance Options (COBRA vs ACA vs Medicaid Compared)

December 6, 2025December 23, 2025Ed MacConnell

Losing your job hits hard enough without worrying about losing your health insurance too. The good news? You’ve got options, and we’re going to walk through every single one so you can make the smartest choice for your situation. Here’s the reality: You have 60 days from your last day of coverage to make a decision. That might seem like plenty of time, but trust me: these 60 days fly by when you’re dealing with job searches, unemployment paperwork, and everything else that comes with a career transition. The three main paths forward are COBRA (continuing your old employer’s plan), ACA Marketplace plans (buying individual coverage), and Medicaid (government assistance… Read More

What It Takes to Stay Balanced While Running a Business

June 9, 2025May 29, 2025Loramei Romeo

Running a small business might be the most exhilarating decision you’ve ever made, but no one tells you it’s also an emotional woodchipper. Deadlines, payroll, unpaid invoices, looming tax forms — the pressure doesn’t clock out when you do. And the worst part? Most of the stress feels invisible, yet it colors every interaction, every strategy session, every hour of sleep you don’t get. But you don’t have to white-knuckle it through madness. There are ways to claw back a little peace. Maybe not perfect peace, but enough to make it through Thursday without screaming into a closet. Prioritize Self-Care Let’s start with the basics, the stuff you already know… Read More

Cafeteria Plans (Section 125 Plans)

June 2, 2025May 23, 2025Loramei Romeo

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.

How will Aetna’s departure affect ACA exchanges?

May 19, 2025Loramei Romeo

Aetna’s decision to withdraw from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces in 17 states by the end of 2025 raises questions about the stability and future of these exchanges. While it’s uncertain if other carriers will follow Aetna’s lead, the history of the ACA marketplace has been marked by a dynamic pattern of exits and entries. We understand that navigating the ever-changing regulations and economic challenges can be daunting for consumers seeking health insurance. The future of health insurance exchanges is uncertain, which is why it’s crucial to emphasize policy stability and market adaptability. The ACA exchanges play a vital role in providing access to health insurance, but they do… Read More

IRS just announced the 2026 Health Savings Account Contribution Limits

May 12, 2025May 7, 2025Loramei Romeo

As we look ahead to 2026, it’s important to understand the new contribution limits for health plans. The self-only contribution limit has increased to $4,400, while the family limit is now $8,750. Additionally, the annual deductible for high-deductible health plans has also seen increases, with self-only coverage now requiring a deductible of at least $1,700 and family coverage at $3,400. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for optimizing employee benefits and promoting financial well-being. How is your organization adapting to these new health plan regulations? 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… Read More

ACA Individual Market Highmark

May 8, 2025May 6, 2025Loramei Romeo

On May 2, 2025, Crozer Health located in Delaware PA, will be closing, which includes Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital. In the last year 4,600 Highmark Commercial and Medicare members have used services at Crozer Health. Members who used any services from Crozer health in the last year will be notified and be assisted in helping finding providers and facilities. Through logging in on the member portal online or the MyHighmark app members can find alternative in-network doctors. The 2025 Agent Field Guide is a comprehensive resource for doing business with Highmark, covering technical processes, commissions, compliance, agent oversight, and detailed product information for MA, D-SNP, and ACA lines of business.… Read More

Aetna CVS Health will exit the ACA Marketplace, as of December 31,2025

May 6, 2025May 6, 2025Loramei Romeo

There has been an important update about ACA customers coverage. Aetna CVS Health has decided to exit the Individual and Family Plan business, as of December 31,2025. There will be no change to customer’s current plan for 2025. Therefore, you can count on the same service you have today for the rest of 2025. By July 1,2025, you will receive a letter from Aetna CVS Health with more information and next steps. During the fall Open Enrollment season, members will need to choose a new health insurance plan with a different company to be covered in 2026. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service, so please do not hesitate to… Read More

Small Shifts, Big Impact: Simple Strategies to Elevate Your Overall Well-Being

May 5, 2025May 1, 2025Loramei Romeo

Feeling your best—inside and out—doesn’t always require a drastic overhaul. Sometimes, the smallest shifts in daily habits can yield the biggest results. The goal isn’t to chase perfection but rather to create a sustainable routine that fosters both physical and mental wellness. From the way you start your mornings to ensuring you have the right safety nets in place, every choice you make contributes to your overall well-being. Here are a few simple yet powerful strategies to help you feel more energized, balanced, and at peace with yourself. Begin Your Day with Purpose Mornings set the tone for the rest of your day, and a chaotic start can leave you… Read More

Next Year Cost for Pennie Customers May Increase

April 29, 2025April 29, 2025Loramei Romeo

Pennie has announced that enrollees receiving advance premium tax credits will likely face higher costs in 2026 due to the expiration of enhanced federal tax credits at the end of 2025. This change will result in increased monthly premiums for most enrollees unless Congress acts to extend these credits. Pennie is committed to keeping customers informed through various communications, including postcards, emails, and text messages, to help them understand the upcoming changes and find the lowest costs on high-quality health coverage. The enhanced tax credits, introduced in 2021, have provided significant financial savings, but their expiration means reduced savings for many enrollees starting January 2026. We are dedicated to providing… Read More

Price Transparency Rules Addressed in New Executive Order

April 14, 2025April 3, 2025Loramei Romeo

On February 25, 2025, Executive Order 14221 was signed, enhancing health care price transparency rules. This order builds on previous regulations by requiring actual prices for health care services, standardizing pricing data reporting, and strengthening enforcement policies. Employers with fully insured plans must ensure their carriers comply, while those with self-funded plans should contract with third-party administrators to meet disclosure requirements. The new guidance is expected by May 26, 2025, and employers should prepare to update service agreements accordingly. Have Questions? and want to read more about the changes click New Executive Order Addresses Price Transparency Rules for more details. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service, so please do… Read More

South Jersey Radiology is in the Clover Network

April 11, 2025April 11, 2025Loramei Romeo

New In-Network Providers Effective April 1st. Clover Health is constantly working to expand our provider network to give our members more choice of in-network providers that will save them money with lower copays. We’ve added the following providers to our network effective 4/1/2025. New Providers HR Health Care Patient Dispatch Health Management – Multi-Specialty Services Texas & Pennsylvania Dr. Joseph Wolf SchatzSpecialist, PsychiatryMontgomery County, PA River City Internal MedicinePCPTX Vascular and Interventional Specialists, PCSpecialistMiddlesex County, PA New Jersey Alejandro Flores, DSW, LCSWSpecialist, PsychologyMiddlesex County, NJ JR Physical Therapy, LLCPT/OT, Physical TherapyBergen County, NJ DASMD ClinicPCPBergen County, NJ Total Rehab MoorestownSkilled Nursing FacilityNJ Metuchen Family Medicine, LLCSpecialist, Family MedicineMiddlesex County, NJ Bill Powell… Read More

Benefits 101 Comparison HSAs HRAs FSAs

April 4, 2025April 3, 2025Loramei Romeo

Have Questions? and want to read more about the changes click HSA FSA HRA Comparison Chart for more details. 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.

Stretching Your Healthcare Dollars

April 2, 2025April 3, 2025Loramei Romeo

Enhancing the security of member portal registrations

March 28, 2025March 25, 2025Loramei Romeo

Independence Blue Cross has enhanced the security of its member portal and mobile app by introducing a one-day pause during the registration process. This pause allows for additional validation of member data before account activation. Members will receive an email once their account is ready. For immediate access or assistance, members can call 1-844-214-2389. Additionally, updated marketing materials, including flyers on managing health care and benefits online, are available for members and clients. Independence Blue Cross remains committed to safeguarding personal information while ensuring a positive user experience. Have Questions? and want to read more about the changes click Securing member portal registrations for more details. We are dedicated to providing exceptional… Read More

Compliance Checklist for Calendar Year 2025

March 26, 2025March 25, 2025Loramei Romeo

The calendar year 2025 has released its deadline for small groups (less than 50), some deadlines may change depending on the plan start date that is not January 1st. The calendar shows the Section 6055/6056 filing deadline to the dates with Medicare part d notice. Have Questions? and want to read more about the changes click Calendar Year Compliance Checklist for more details. 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.

Recent Lawsuits Face Scrutiny for Tobacco Surcharges

March 21, 2025March 20, 2025Loramei Romeo

Recently, there has been an increase in class action lawsuits targeting large group health plan sponsors. These lawsuits claim that the extra insurance premiums charged to tobacco users, known as “tobacco surcharges,” through wellness programs violate HIPAA nondiscrimination rules. This litigation serves as a reminder for employers to thoroughly review their plan designs to ensure compliance with these regulations. Below is a summary of the plaintiffs’ arguments and some key considerations for employers when implementing tobacco-related incentives. Have Questions? and want to read more about the changes click Tobacco Surcharges Face Growing Scrutiny in Recent Lawsuits for more details. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service, so please do not hesitate… Read More

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

March 7, 2025March 7, 2025Loramei Romeo

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

Message for our valued partners from IBX

March 4, 2025March 4, 2025Loramei Romeo

IBX, mission is to improve the health and well-being of those we serve. We are committed to innovation to reduce costs, provide equitable, holistic health care, and simplify the user experience for everyone we have the privilege to serve. To achieve these objectives, we embarked on an ambitious plan two years ago to transition our business to a more modern, flexible platform. This plan aims to streamline processes, enhance accuracy, and improve plan configurability, resulting in a more modern, personalized, and enhanced user experience. We appreciate your support and partnership in this ambitious endeavor. We acknowledge that some of these changes have presented challenges, and your understanding and support have… Read More

Kroger pharmacy is back in MA and PDP network

February 28, 2025February 28, 2025Loramei Romeo

Kroger and affiliated pharmacies have rejoined Medicare Advantage (MA) and Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) network which are effective on February 5, 2025. Kroger is included in the network for all our PDP plans, such as Saver Rx, Extra Rx, and Assurance Rx. Starting February 5, 2025, all claims from Kroger pharmacies will be processed as in-network. Claims made before this date will not be reimbursed. Below is a list of Kroger and its affiliated pharmacies that are now in our MA and PDP network. Bakers Pharmacy Dillon Pharmacy Gene Maddy Kroger Owen’s Pharmacy QFC Pharmacy City Market Fred Meyer Pharmacy Gerbes Pharmacy Mariano’s Pharmacy Payless Pharmacy Ralphs Pharmacy Copps Food… Read More

Latest Developments in the Johnson & Johnson ERISA Fiduciary Case

February 24, 2025February 21, 2025Loramei Romeo

The U.S. District Court of New Jersey recently dismissed claims in a class action lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson (J&J) regarding the management of their prescription drug benefits. The plaintiffs alleged that J&J breached its fiduciary responsibilities under ERISA, resulting in higher payments for prescription drugs, premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays, as well as lower wages and limited wage growth. However, the court ruled in J&J’s favor on the fiduciary breach claims, stating that the plaintiff lacked Article III standing due to speculative allegations about higher premiums and insufficient evidence of redressable injury. Despite this, the court did not dismiss the claim that J&J failed to furnish requested plan documents,… Read More

New Guidance Released for the No Surprises Act and Gag Clause Prohibition

February 20, 2025February 18, 2025Loramei Romeo

The new guidance on the No Surprises Act (NSA) and gag clause prohibition, detailed in FAQ Part 69, clarifies the requirements for open negotiation, notice, and disclosure for plans, issuers, and providers related to the Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process. It addresses the coordination of surprise billing rules and plan sponsor responsibilities regarding gag clauses. The NSA protects against surprise medical bills for out-of-network costs, limiting individual cost-sharing to an amount based on the Qualified Payment Amount (QPA). The federal IDR process resolves disputes on reimbursement amounts, with FAQ 69 addressing recent litigation impacts on QPA calculation and other NSA implementation questions. The gag clause prohibiting compliance requires agreements to… Read More

Armanini, Kolodychak, & Basile L.L.P. Out-of-Network Effective April 4, 2025

February 19, 2025February 19, 2025Loramei Romeo

Armanini, Kolodychak, & Basile L.L.P., a specialized oral surgery group in Erie, PA, has requested to not renew their Highmark contract, effective April 4, 2025, for all members. We are currently negotiating this contract and aim to reach an agreement before April 4; however, there is a significant risk that the group will become out-of-network. Highmark members may still be able to access services at this practice if their dental coverage is in-network and services are billed to their Dental Plan. Members can always find alternative in-network doctors and hospitals by logging in to the member portal online or through the MyHighmark app. Approximately 865 Highmark members have used services at… Read More

One Employer or Spouse, Section 105 HRA

February 18, 2025February 14, 2025Loramei Romeo

What is a Section 105 HRA for 1 Employee or Spouse? Employers with small businesses that only have one employee or hire their spouse, Section 105 HRA are designed specifically for them. With Section 105 HRA spouse or employee/s can reimburse for family health insurance and medical expenses tax-free, indirectly the employers also benefit from as a dependent of the spouse/employee or as tax-deductible expenses to the business and employee. IRS Letter Ruling 9409006 and Section 105 of the Internal Revenue Code, Revenue Ruling 71-588 made this plan possible. Any health plan with 2 or more employees he annual and lifetime dollar limit is eliminated because of the Affordable Care… Read More

Annual Update for 2025 for New Jersey Policyholders

February 17, 2025February 17, 2025Loramei Romeo

This letter is intended to provide you with information on New Jesey Temporary Disability Benefits (TDB) changes for 2025. This Annual Update should be included in the employee posting. Please note that this information must not only be posted at the same place of employment, but must also be provided to the employee under the following circumstance: The following NJ TDB changes are applicable January 1, 2025, until December 31, 2025: Maximum Contribution amounts: Maximum Weekly Benefit: 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… Read More

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: