guidance health insurance self insured HRA – Total Benefit Solutions Inc

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

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.

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

Health FSA Plan Document Section 125

February 13, 2025February 11, 2025Loramei Romeo

Employees have the potential to save up to $1,280, while employers may realize savings of as much as $320. Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plans are designated tax-exempt accounts that permit employees to access up to $3,300 in 2025 in pre-tax funds for out-of-pocket medical, dental, and vision expenses that are not covered by other insurance plans. What is a Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? A Health Flexible Spending Account enables employees to set aside pre-tax funds for medical expenses that are not covered by their insurance. These Health FSA plans can also be integrated with a Premium Only Plan (POP) and/or a Dependent Care FSA. The FSA acts as… Read More

Section 125 POP (Premium Only Plan) With HSA Module

February 10, 2025February 10, 2025Loramei Romeo

Section 125 Premium Only Plan can be pre-taxed HAS Savings Employers prefer High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) and offering their employees’ Health Savings Accounts (HSA). The problem is whether the HSA portion (saving component) qualifies as a pretax payroll deduction through the Section 125 Premium Only Plan. HSA savings component allows to be pre-taxed because a $30 HSA module for the $149 Section 125 Premium Only Plan was developed. Employers can obtain all necessary materials to set up an HSA Section 125 for a fee of $179.00 for the Basic PDF version sent via email, or $229 for the PDF version along with a Deluxe 1-inch Binder delivered by USPS. This… Read More

Premium Only Plan Document (POP) Section 125

February 7, 2025February 6, 2025Loramei Romeo

What is a Section 125 Premium Only Plan?The Revenue Act of 1978 introduce IRS Section 125, which allows employers to reduce payroll taxes by adjusting the payroll process. Also, Section 125 Premium Only Plan employees can choose from pre-tax or tax-free basis pay for their portion of premium insurance rather than after-tax basis, which creates saving for both the employer and employee. How Employees Benefit from a Premium Only Plan.Section 125 premium deductions can save employees 20 or 40% of their pre-tax. The tax savings are on city, state, and federal income taxes, including Social Security and Medicare taxes on money used to pay for their portion of insurance premiums… Read More

Notice For: Braven Health and Horizon NJ TotalCare (HMO D-SNIP)

February 5, 2025February 4, 2025Loramei Romeo

For: Braven Health and Horizon NJ TotalCare (HMO D-SNIP) Hackensack Meridian Health Remains In-Network for Braven Health and Horizon DSNP MembersAs of June 1, 2025, Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) terminated their hospital from Horizon Hospital Network unless Horizon agrees to increase prices for services and cares at their facilities. This change does not impact Braven Health or Horizon NJ TotalCare (HMO D-SNP). Braven Health and Horizon TotalCare (HMO D-SNP) members can continue using HMH providers and hospitals. Why is this not impacting Braven Health and DSNP and will it soon?Only certain Horizon members are affected by the change in hospital network status. Braven Health and Horizon TotalCare (HMO D-SNP) members… Read More

State Health Coverage Calendar 2024 Reporting Requirements

February 4, 2025February 4, 2025Loramei Romeo

District of Columbia, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Vermont already released the individual health mandates requirements. Supply the information. The Paperwork Burden Reduction Act upon request for federal forms 1095-C or (1095-B) the employers are allowed to make when: Both federal and state regulations that is applicable should be met. As of this article’s publication federal relief has not implemented in District of Columbia, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Like previous years Forms 1095-C (or 1095-B) should be prepared by employers. Have Questions? and want to read more about the changes click State Health Coverage Reporting Requirements for Calendar Year 2024 for more details. We are dedicated… Read More

Individual Coverage HRA: Choice and affordability

February 4, 2025January 31, 2025Loramei Romeo

QSE-HRA or Qualified Small Employer HRA Companies with fewer than 50 employees are qualified for $199 small employer HRA plan document a group health insurance alternative. What is QSE-HRA? To establish a QSE-HRA for qualified groups with less than 50 employees offering no group health plan the plan documents are available for $199 in Basic PDF email version. Qualified Small Employers can offer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) if they do not offer a group health plan, HRA uses tax-free dollars to reimburse employees who individual health plans. Employers cannot offer another group health plan to qualify QSE-HRA, which includes any other HRA, Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Limited Health… Read More

Wrap SPD Plan Document for Group Health Insurance

January 31, 2025January 29, 2025Loramei Romeo

Wrap SPD Plan use a Wrap SPD for Your Group Health Plan to Avoid the $110 Per Day Fine Under the Affordable Care Act A Wrap SPD document must be sent within 120 days of the Plan’s effective date if you provide group health insurance, as mandated by the Affordable Care Act and the Department of Labor’s enforcement of the ERISA legislation. $149 one-time charge sent by email in PDF format$50 Optional Deluxe Binder mailed by USPS$30 Optional Supplemental Insurance Rider Wrap Summary Plan Description (SPD) and Why Do I Need One? The following is a concise summary of the Wrap SPD document requirements set out by ERISA and the… Read More

Reminder for Medicare Part D CMS

January 28, 2025January 28, 2025Loramei Romeo

Employers who sponsoring a group health plan, whether they are self-insured or insured, are required to notify the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the creditable (or non-creditable) status of the plan’s prescription drug coverage. Employers must go to CMS’s online reporting system at https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Prescription-Drug-Coverage/CreditableCoverage/CCDisclosureForm.html. to provide this information. Just a friendly reminder that notice needs to be given by the following dates: • Within 30 days following the prescription drug plan’s termination. • Within 60 days following the start of each plan year. • Within 30 days following any modification to the prescription drug plan’s creditable coverage status. If an employer-sponsored prescription drug plan’s creditable coverage status changes… Read More

Horizon and Braven Health Prescription Drug Benefits

January 27, 2025January 27, 2025Loramei Romeo

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Horizon and Braven Health Prescription Drug Benefits GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro are covered by the prescription drug benefits of Horizon Medicare Blue Rx (PDP) and Braven Health Medicare Advantage plans. GLP-1 medications are used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. Medicare, however, only covers these medications for diabetes. Prior authorization is also required for GLP-1 medications. This implies that before we agree to cover the medication, the member or their practitioner must obtain plan approval. To guarantee pharmaceutical safety and assist in directing the proper use of specific medications, prior permission is implemented. The medication may not be covered by the plan if the member DOES… Read More

Federal Poverty Guidelines Announced for 2025

January 24, 2025January 24, 2025Loramei Romeo

The 2025 federal poverty guidelines were recently released by the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), they provide the federal poverty level (FPL) affordability safe harbor for the purposes of the employer mandate under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The 2025 FPL safe harbor is $117.63/month in the lower 48 states and DC, $146.95/month in Alaska, and $135.22/month in Hawaii for plan years starting on February 1, 2025, or later. To qualify for the FPL affordability safe harbor, a plan may employ poverty rules that are in force six months prior to the start of the plan year. The lower 48 states and DC utilize $113.20/month for plans with… Read More

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