These new rates will take effect for the calendar year 2022. Please reach out to your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc health insurance specialists at (215)355-2121 if you have any questions or concerns about this notice.
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What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Medicare coverage can be complex. Some of the rules of Medicare coverage can change without the beneficiary even knowing. Who even knows when their employer crosses an enrollment threshold? Best advice is to always speak to a health insurance specialist who is certified and experienced in the many facets of health insurance including the intersections between Medicare and Employer coverage. Contacting Total Benefit Solutions, Inc is the first step!
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UCR vs MAC Dental plans. What’s the difference?
 When members use an OON (out-of-network) provider, the cost of their procedures may vary from that which they’d see INN (in-network). UCR (Usual, Customary and Reasonable) and MAC (Maximum Allowable Cost) determine how their dental insurance will pay for the procedures. UCR (Usual, Customary and Reasonable)If a member has a UCR-based plan, providers charge a fee that has been set as the most commonly charged amount for that procedurein that location. This reimbursed amount is determined by analyzing claims data in a specific geographic location. MAC: Maximum Allowable ChargeIf a member has a MAC-based plan, providers charge any fee that they have set for a procedure. The reimbursed amount… Read More
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HHS Extends Public Health Emergency until July 20, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic Public Health Emergency, scheduled to expire on April 21, 2021, was renewed. This will once again extend the period for an additional 90 days and as a result, numerous temporary benefit plan changes will remain in effect. Click to Download _HHS_Extends_Public_Health_Emergency_until_July_20_2021
Continue ReadingIBC: MLR Additional Rebates
Notice from Independence Blue Cross: Health insurance premium rebates for 2017 Small Group policyholders and 2018 Consumer policyholders As a result of a United States Supreme Court decision last year, Independence received additional payment from the Federal Government that impacted our Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) for 2017 and 2018. Beginning the week of May 17, Small Group policyholders from 2017 and Consumer policyholders from 2018 will receive checks that are a rebate for a portion of their health insurance premiums for that year. What is MLR? The Affordable Care Act requires that all health insurers spend a percentage of each premium dollar received towards paying claims, clinical services, and activities that improve health care quality for… Read More
Continue Reading5 reasons you may want to switch Medigap policies
Switching Medigap policies 5 reasons you may want to switch Medigap policies You’re paying for benefits you don’t need. You need more benefits. You want to change your insurance company. You want a policy that costs less. Can I switch policies? In most cases, you will not have a right under federal law to switch Medigap policies, unless one of these applies: You’re eligible under a specific circumstance or guaranteed issue rights You’re within your 6-month Medigap open enrollment period You don’t have to wait a certain length of time after buying your first Medigap policy before you can switch to a different Medigap policy. Note As of January 1, 2020,… Read More
Continue ReadingBCBS Antitrust Litigation and Tentative Settlement –Impact on Group Health Plans
  BCBS Antitrust Litigation and Tentative Settlement – Impact on Group Health Plans  This material was updated on March 22, 2021, to include new information posted on the settlement website. Please refer to the BCBS settlement page and/or materials from the specific BCBS carrier for more information. Antitrust litigation that commenced against the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and member companies1 in 2012 appears to be coming to a settlement. In short, plaintiffs alleged that Blue Cross Blue Shield companies across the country entered into agreements not to compete with each other for customers of health insurance. On November 30, 2020, the court preliminarily approved a proposed settlement… Read More
Continue ReadingWhat is a Medicare Medical Savings Account Plan?
A Medicare Medical Savings Account plan (MSA) is a special type of Medicare Advantage plan (Part C). This type of plan may offer the freedom of choice for people who want more control over their health care dollars and decisions. And along with the autonomy come some responsibilities. There are two important parts to a Medicare MSA plan. A special bank savings accountA high-deductible health plan The Medicare Savings Account Plan Special Bank Savings Account The savings account part of a Medicare MSA plan is self-managed like any other bank savings account. One main difference is that the account is funded with money from Medicare versus by you. Medicare beneficiaries… Read More
Continue ReadingUpdate on COVID-19 Vaccine and Vaccine Administration Cost
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine and Vaccine Administration Cost Medicare has increased and simplified its payment rate for administration of the COVID-19 vaccine to $40 per dose. This change may impact group health plans with respect to their payment rate to providers. Non-grandfathered group health plans are required to cover, without cost sharing, the COVID-19 vaccine. This obligation extended to coverage associated with administering the vaccine. The federal government continues to pay for the vaccine itself through funding authorized by the CARES Act.For vaccines administered in-network, plans will pay the rate negotiated with in-network providers, and that continues to be true. For vaccines administered out-of-network, however, group health plans must reimburse… Read More
Continue ReadingIndy Medicare Part D Health Plan Terminated
Indy Health Insurance Company, a stand-alone Part D plan in Arkansas, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Illinois, and Georgia has been terminated.
Continue ReadingTax Advantaged Benefit Documents
The IRS Code has numerous provisions designed to help employers provide essential benefits to their employees tax-free. This saves the employee approximately 30% in income taxes on expenses they’re already paying for, and because the employees have reduced their taxable income, the employer realizes a reduced matching payroll tax liability of approximately 8%. Everybody saves money.  To take advantage of these tax deductions the IRS requires that the employer have a written plan document and the Department of Labor and ERISA law require that every employee receive a summary plan description (SPD) explaining the new benefit in easy to understand language.  This site is dedicated to providing employers… Read More
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