Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is extra insurance you can buy from a private health insurance company to help pay your share of out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare. You must have Original Medicare – both Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) – to buy a Medigap policy. Ask us today if you have questions about Medigap enrollment, rates or coverage at (215)355-2121.
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The COVID-19 pandemic drove a significant reduction in the number of Black patients who were getting screened for colorectal cancer, and Independence Blue Cross is aiming to change that in its home turf of Philadelphia… https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/philly-blues-program-aims-get-more-blacks-screened-colorectal-cancer
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A Professional Employer Organization (P.E.O.) is a company that provides comprehensive HR outsourcing services to small and medium-sized businesses. As your independent broker, Total Benefit Solutions, Inc can shop and compare various PEO’s to help determine which one might be the best fit for your organization, if any. Just like we can do with insurance carriers ad TPA’s! We have had a lot of questions about PEO’s so we created these pro and com quick tips to give you a quick overview of the top points about PEO’s that are asked the most often. The professionals at Total Benefit Solutions are independent and can evaluate the PEO offerings of multiple… Read More
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According to an official statement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on Monday, the projected average total premium for Part D beneficiaries is anticipated to decrease by 1.8% in 2024. This reduction would bring the average monthly premium down to $55.50 from the 2023 figure of $56.49. The computed average monthly premium for Medicare Part D coverage in 2024, at $55.50, encompasses the combined average basic premium and the supplementary premium for plans featuring enhanced coverage. CMS emphasizes that this projection offers the most precise estimate of individuals’ 2024 Part D premium expenses. In addition to this update, CMS has disclosed several other important figures for the… Read More
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UnitedHealthcare’s contract with Orlando Health is set to expire on July 31. If an agreement is not reached before the deadline, most services will no longer be covered for individuals on various plans, starting from August 1. The affected plans include employer-sponsored and individual plans, Medicare Advantage (including the Group Retiree PPO plan), and Medicaid (including the Dual Special Needs Plan). Both parties have been engaged in months of negotiations to establish new terms. With less than two weeks remaining, tensions have escalated, and accusations of delaying negotiations, disseminating misleading information, and proposing unreasonable terms have been exchanged by both sides. United Healthcare has taken proactive measures to notify approximately… Read More
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Unleash the Full Potential of Your Health Coverage! Are you making the most of your health benefits? The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) administers crucial health benefit laws that cover employer-based health plans. These laws safeguard your rights to essential information about your health plan, guide you on qualifying for benefits and making claims, ensure continued health benefits during job transitions, and offer protections for special medical conditions. Start by exploring your health coverage options, delving into different plans, and matching them with your needs. Not sure if your plan covers mental health or substance use disorder services? We’ve got you covered with essential information on these benefits too! Your… Read More
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Short-term health insurance, also known as temporary health insurance, is a type of health coverage designed to provide temporary medical insurance for a limited duration, typically ranging from a few months to a year. While short-term health insurance may not be suitable for everyone, it does offer certain benefits for specific situations. When people label Short Term health as “ JUNK” it is clear they do not understand that many people still need short term health insurance coverage. The ACA solved many problems when it comes to access to coverage, but first problem is the COBRA prohibition which specifically disallows ACA tax credits for people who can get on COBRA.… Read More
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Health insurance is a type of insurance coverage that helps individuals and families manage the costs of medical expenses and healthcare services. It provides financial protection against the high costs of medical treatments, hospitalizations, prescription drugs, and other healthcare-related services. Health insurance is designed to help people access the medical care they need without facing significant financial burdens. Health insurance provides a safety net against unexpected and costly medical events, allowing individuals to seek necessary medical care without facing crippling financial burdens. It also promotes preventive care, encouraging people to get regular check-ups and screenings to detect potential health issues early. It’s important to note that the coverage and cost-sharing… Read More
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Health insurance typically does not cover the cost of a swimming pool for personal use. Health insurance is designed to provide coverage for medical services, treatments, and supplies that are necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses or injuries. Swimming pools are a comfort item and are generally not considered medically necessary. However, there may be some exceptions in certain cases where a swimming pool is prescribed as part of a medical treatment plan for specific conditions such as physical therapy or rehabilitation. In such cases, coverage for a swimming pool may be possible, but it would require a thorough evaluation and approval process by the insurance company. It’s… Read More
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For self-employed individuals or today’s gig workers, obtaining health insurance can be a bit different compared to traditional employer-sponsored plans. Empower yourself with a range of valuable choices to explore! Take a moment to peruse the document below, where you’ll find a comprehensive list of options available to you. We’re committed to providing exceptional support, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated Total Benefit Solutions health insurance specialists at (215)-355-2121. We’re here to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.
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Managing Health Costs in 2023 Multiple industry and benefits sources are predicting health insurance premium increases in the range of five to eight percent for 2023. An analysis by Aon is forecasting a 6.5% increase. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is expecting a bump of 5.6%, based on a prediction by Mercer. The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans says employers are anticipating a 7.5% increase. The country’s oldest actuarial consulting firm, Buck, has forecast an increase in the range 5.8% to 6.9%. If you have any questions or concerns about this news please contact your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc health insurance specialists at (215)-355-2121
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Self-Funding Popular – Especially for Large Firms Many larger firms self-fund their health plans or pay for some workers’ health services directly – rather than through the use of health insurance. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of covered workers are in self-funded plans. That includes 20% of workers at small firms and 82% at large firms. Deductibles for Most Most employees with health insurance have a cost share before their insurance begins to pay benefits. Among those with single coverage, the average annual deductible is $1,763, similar to the $1,669 average in 2021. For most plan types, the single coverage deductible is higher for employees at small firms. The average is $2,543… Read More
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If you’ve had a life-changing event that reduced your household income, you can ask to lower the additional amount you’ll pay for Medicare Part B and Part D. Life-changing events include marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse, loss of income, and an employer settlement payment. Amended income tax returns Call +1 800-772-1213 and tell the representative you want to lower your Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) if you had an amended income tax return. Fax or mail your request Fill out the Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount-Life-changing Event (SSA-44) (PDF) form. Fax or mail your completed form and evidence to a Social Security office. For support completing this task call +1 800-772-1213… Read More
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Preferred Provider Organization plans remain the most common plan type. Nearly half (49%) of insured employees enrolled in a PPO in 2022. That compares to 29% enrolled in an HDHP, 12% enrolled in an HMO, nine percent in a Point-of-Service (POS) plan, and one percent in a conventional (indemnity) plan. If you have any questions or concerns about this bulletin, please contact your Total Benefit Solutions Inc health insurance account manager at (215) 355-2121
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Average Contributions Most employees do make a contribution toward their insurance costs. Covered workers, on average, contribute 17% of the premium for single coverage and 28% of the premium for family coverage. These numbers are similar to those reported by KFF in its EHBS in 2021. The average contribution for workers at small firms is $7,556, which is more than a third higher than the average for those at large firms ($5,580). Workers at private, for-profit firms contribute a higher percentage of the premium versus those at public firms, regardless of coverage type. A fortunate one-third of employees (33%) at small firms are enrolled in coverage where the employer pays… Read More
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The latest survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) concerning employer-sponsored health benefits found modest increases in employers’ and employees’ costs in 2022. In its 24th Employer Health Benefits Survey (EHBS), KFF found the average annual premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance in 2022 were $7,911 for single coverage and $22,463 for family coverage. These amounts were up from $7,739 and $22,221 in the previous year, respectively – an increase of $172.00 for single coverage and $242.00 for family coverage. The average family coverage premium is up 20% over the past five years and up 43% during the past 10 years. Small vs. Large Employers In 2022, workers insured through their employers at both… Read More
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As of 2023, the out-of-pocket cost of insulin products is limited to no more than $35 per month in all Part D plans. In addition, adult vaccines covered under Part D, such as the shingles vaccine, are covered with no cost sharing. Starting in 2024, people with Medicare who have incomes up to 150% of poverty and resources at or below the limits for partial low-income subsidy benefits will be eligible for full benefits under the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) Program. The law eliminates the partial LIS benefit currently in place for individuals with incomes between 135% and 150% of poverty. Also starting in 2024, the calculation of the… Read More
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Changes in 2025 include a new $2,000 out-of-pocket spending cap, elimination of the coverage gap phase, a higher share of drug costs paid by Part D plans in the catastrophic phase, along with a new manufacturer price discount and reduced liability for Medicare in this phase, and changes to plan costs and the manufacturer price discount in the initial coverage phase. Out-of-pocket drug spending will be capped at $2,000 Beginning in 2025, Part D enrollees’ out-of-pocket drug costs will be capped at $2,000. This amount will be indexed to rise each year after 2025 at the rate of growth in per capita Part D costs. (This cap does not apply… Read More
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In 2024, costs in the catastrophic phase will change: the 5% coinsurance requirement for Part D enrollees will be eliminated and Part D plans will pay 20% of total drug costs in this phase instead of 15%. The 5% coinsurance requirement for Part D enrollees in the catastrophic phase will be eliminated In 2024, once Part D enrollees without low-income subsidies (LIS) have drug spending high enough to qualify for catastrophic coverage, they will no longer be required to pay 5% of their drug costs, which in effect means that out-of-pocket spending for Part D enrollees will be capped. In 2024, the catastrophic threshold will be set at $8,000. This… Read More
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The standard design of the Medicare Part D benefit currently has four distinct phases, where the share of drug costs paid by Part D enrollees, Part D plans, drug manufacturers, and Medicare varies (Figure 1). (The Part D enrollee shares reflect costs paid by enrollees who are not receiving low-income subsidies.) If you have any questions or concerns please contact your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc Medicare health insurance specialist at (215)355-2121.
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Starting July 1, members who have an over-the-counter (OTC) benefit administered by OTC Health Solutions, can purchase eligible OTC items in person at all CVS stores (except for CVS pharmacies inside Target or Schnuck stores), in addition to ordering them by phone and online. This will make it even easier for members to take advantage of this popular benefit. Members can use the store locator link, or call 1-833-331-1573 (TTY: 711) to find a store. Contact your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc health insurance specialist at (215)-355-2121 if you have any questions or concerns.
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OAK BROOK, Ill., June 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Delta Dental announced key findings from the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) Dental Plan Survey, which provides feedback from Delta Dental patients about their oral health care experiences. Delta Dental is the only carrier utilizing the survey nationwide to continuously enhance patient experiences with its outstanding network of dentists. This trusted anonymous survey tool is used in the health care industry to evaluate a patient’s experience throughout their dental care journey and includes questions related to care from dentists and staff, access to dental care, and dental plan information and services. Recent CAHPS Dental Plan Survey findingsMore than 20,000 Delta Dental adult… Read More
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We want to remind you that we are making changes to the Value and Select Drug Program (Select) formularies for July 1. Updates are made to these formularies on a quarterly basis. A flyer summarizing the changes to each formulary is available by clicking on Value formulary or Select Drug Program. The complete, updated lists for July 1 are available on our website. To view, choose the link to either the Value or Select formulary. The updated list is available under “Formulary drug documents.” Members, as well as their providers, who are impacted by the changes were sent letters in April (60 days in advance). Members are encouraged to talk with their provider about switching… Read More
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We are pleased to announce that Independence Blue Cross has chosen Teladoc Health (Teladoc) as our vendor of choice for telemedicine, telebehavioral health, and teledermatology virtual care services! Teladoc will replace MDLIVE as the provider of these services effective January 1, 2024. Teladoc advantages Teladoc will triple the size of the virtual care provider network, which will help members receive the specific care that meets their needs. Offering services through Teladoc will allow us to expand our existing relationships with Livongo condition management programs, and offer the myStrength behavioral health tool, both of which are owned by Teladoc. MyStrength will replace On To Better Health in our portfolio of products.… Read More
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The IRS has released a revised Form 720, Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return, the proper method to file and report PCORI fees. If you owe a PCORI fee, it must be paid using IRS Form 720 by July 31, following the last day of the policy year or plan year. Form 720 and the fee must be submitted on the same date. If your business does not owe a PCORI fee, IRS Form 720 does not need to be completed. Issuers and plan sponsors will only be required to file Form 720 once a year. Per the IRS, “Issuers and plan sponsors who are required to pay the PCORI fee… Read More
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