Empire BCBS Now Anthem BCBS!

Wendy Lopez

In a momentous move, Empire BlueCross BlueShield has officially transformed into Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, marking a significant milestone for the renowned health insurance provider. The company is thrilled to announce the launch of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in both their downstate and upstate markets, reinforcing their commitment to enhancing the overall customer experience. The transition to the Anthem brand is not merely a change in name; it represents a strategic effort to simplify operations and reduce complexities in the market. Anthem is a nationally recognized name, offering a host of advantages for members residing out of state who are affiliated with New York-based companies. By… Read More

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Healthcare Compliance: 2023 Q4 Digest

Wendy Lopez

Stay ahead in healthcare compliance with the 2023 Fourth Quarter Compliance Digest, a consolidated resource featuring all Q4 bulletins from October to December. This document is your one-stop-shop for the latest in health care reform, simplifying the complexities of compliance. Key Features: Up-to-Date Information: Get the latest developments in healthcare compliance from Q4 2023. Convenience in One Document: Access all relevant information in a single, downloadable PDF. Streamlined Access: Easily download the digest for quick and efficient access to essential updates. To explore further, download the PDF below: We’re committed to providing exceptional support, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated Total Benefit Solutions health insurance specialists… Read More

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New Federal Rules: HHS 2023 Penalty Hike

Wendy Lopez

In the world of healthcare compliance, staying up to date with federal regulations and guidelines is crucial to avoid costly penalties. One such regulation that affects healthcare providers and group health plans is the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, commonly known as the “Inflation Adjustment Act.” This act directs federal agencies to adjust civil monetary penalties to account for inflation. In a recent development, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued final rules on October 6, 2023, updating the civil monetary penalties for inflation. Understanding the Updated Penalties The adjusted penalties are applicable to penalties assessed on or after October 6, 2023. It’s… Read More

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Court Vacates Coupon Cost-Sharing Rule

Wendy Lopez

On September 29, 2023, a significant legal development occurred that could affect how health insurance carriers and group health plans handle manufacturer coupons for prescription drugs. The District Court for the District of Columbia vacated a rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that allowed, but did not mandate, the inclusion of manufacturer coupons in calculating the cost-sharing for health plans. In this blog post, we’ll explore the background of this issue, the 2019 HHS rule, and the subsequent legal decisions that have led to this recent development. HHS’s 2019 Rule In 2019, HHS issued a rule to clarify this matter. The rule stated that plans… Read More

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Financial Support Soars for Mental Health Integration

Wendy Lopez

Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, and every American deserves access to quality mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Access to mental health care can be a transformative step in managing and coping with mental health concerns, allowing individuals to lead more fulfilling lives. This article explores the importance of integrating mental health services into other care settings and highlights the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) as a promising approach to enhance access to mental health care. Expanding Access Through Integration Integrating mental health into broader healthcare settings is a pivotal strategy to increase accessibility and support for patients. The Collaborative Care Model, often abbreviated as CoCM,… Read More

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