#healthinsuranceNJ – Total Benefit Solutions Inc

Tower Health is back!

July 26, 2024July 23, 2024Mirasol BandongNo Comments

Tower Health is back in Cigna Medicare Advantage network in Pennsylvania! After productive negotiations with Tower Health in Pennsylvania, Cigna is happy to announce that they are back in their Medicare Advantage network effective June 1, 2024. This includes Phoenixville and Pottstown Hospital, all Primary Care Physicians (PCPs), specialists, ancillary providers, and other hospitals that were previously in-network. 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.

Disaster Special Election Periods in several states

July 15, 2024July 12, 2024Mirasol Bandong

This is an important announcement for customers in Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas and West Virginia and for those with business in these states. The counties below are under a federal or state designated SEP due to an emergency. Applications for disaster SEP are only accepted as long as the SEP declaration is in place. For the most recent information, if a deadline is not specified below, please use Producers’ University’s Ongoing SEP tracker. Applications for SEPs submitted after the declaration date of that SEP will not be accepted. IMPORTANT : Please be aware The SEP begins on the date of the incident’s start, if that occurs earlier, or on… Read More

Medicare Part D’s new $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription costs.

July 3, 2024July 2, 2024Mirasol Bandong

There are significant changes coming to Medicare Part D plans in 2025. In 2024 once your out-of-pocket spending on prescriptions tops about $3,300, you qualify for Medicare’s “catastrophic coverage” and pay nothing for your covered Part D drugs for the rest of the year. (In 2023, once you hit catastrophic coverage, you still owed 5% of your drug costs.) But come 2025, people with Part D plans won’t have to pay more than $2,000 in out-of-pocket costs, thanks to a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This new rule applies only to medications covered by your Part D plan, though, and does not apply to out-of-pocket spending on… Read More

Special Enrollment Period Extended: Florida Emergency Declaration – Hurricane Idalia

June 28, 2024June 28, 2024Mirasol Bandong

Please be advised that a state of emergency was extended for certain Florida counties. This declaration allows for a one-time Special Enrollment Period (SEP), in the event beneficiaries were unable to make an election during another qualifying election period. Please reference the following guidelines for the incident period. This DST-SEP applies to the Florida counties listed below. Important Compliance Information Who is eligible: This SEP opportunity is ONLY available to beneficiaries who: Details : Impacted Counties: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Nassau, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas,… Read More

man in white medical scrub suit standing beside girl in blue denim jacket

Medicare: Did You Know Part A?

June 26, 2024June 26, 2024Ed MacConnell

If an individual does not qualify for premium free Part A what they pay for Part A will vary depending on how long they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare (FICA) taxes. Have more questions? Ask the Medicare health insurance specialists at Total Benefit Solutions, Inc for more information (215)355-2121.

Disaster Special Election Periods in several states

June 24, 2024June 20, 2024Mirasol Bandong

This is an important announcement for customers in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, Oklahoma and Texas and for those with business in these states. The counties below are under a federal or state designated SEP due to an emergency. Applications for disaster SEP are only accepted as long as the SEP declaration is in place. For the most recent information, if a deadline is not specified below, please use Producers’ University’s Ongoing SEP tracker. Applications for SEPs submitted after the declaration date of that SEP will not be accepted. IMPORTANT : Please be aware The SEP begins on the date of the incident’s start, if that occurs earlier, or on the declaration date. The SEP… Read More

You can access your PCORI membership report on uhceservices.com

June 19, 2024June 18, 2024Mirasol Bandong

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), health insurers, and plan sponsors are responsible for paying the PCORI fee. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee also helps fund research that evaluates and compares health outcomes, clinical effectiveness, and the risks and benefits of medical treatments and services. Sponsors of self-funded (ASO) plans are required to submit Form 720 and pay the PCORI fee to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) immediately. The payment must be made by July 31 of the year that follows the conclusion of the plan year. A PCORI Membership Report is given to UnitedHealthcare Level Funded groups whose plan year ends in 2023 to help with PCORI fee… Read More

Cigna+Oscar Announcement

May 15, 2024May 14, 2024Mirasol Bandong

Oscar and Cigna Healthcare have made the decision not to renew Cigna + Oscar Small Group plans nationally as of December 15, 2024. They will continue to provide coverage for Cigna + Oscar Small Group services through the end of each member’s policy, and specific timing is dependent on each groups’ enrollment date. Dates: As per the federal and state deadlines, Cigna + Oscar will inform plan sponsors and insured persons about the discontinuation. Oscar will stay active in the individual market and concentrate on that area of the company’s operations. To see ARTICLE We are dedicated to providing exceptional service, so please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated… Read More

IRS Addresses Tax Treatment Of Work-Life Referral Services

May 7, 2024May 6, 2024Mirasol Bandong

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) clarified the tax treatment of several work-life referral (“WLR”) services offered by employers in a new Fact Sheet FAQ. According to the FAQ, the value of the WLR services may be deducted from employees’ salary as a de minimis fringe benefit in cases when they are included in employee assistance programs (“EAPs”) or are otherwise bundled with other services. WLR Programs WLR services are offered to qualified employees through the employer-funded WLR program. WLR services are informative and referral consultations that help staff members locate, engage, and bargain with life-management providers to find answers to personal, professional, or family problems. Generally speaking, unless a part… Read More

Medicare Supplement plan closure

April 15, 2024April 15, 2024Mirasol Bandong

AmeriHealth will stop accepting new enrollments for any Medicare Supplement plans as of April 1, 2024, the date the plans go into effect. Medicare Supplement Plans A, C, D, F, G, G-HD, and N were provided by AmeriHealth. Members who are presently enrolled in these plans will continue to receive services from AmeriHealth, guaranteeing that their coverage will not be stopped. To read more about the article click HERE 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… Read More

2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement

April 11, 2024Mirasol Bandong

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Announcement of Calendar Year (CY) 2025 Medicare Advantage (MA) Capitation Rates and Part C and Part D Payment Policies (the Rate Announcement). The objectives set forth by CMS for Medicare and Part D align with our overall program vision for the agency, which includes advancing health justice, promoting affordability and the Medicare program’s sustainability, and driving comprehensive, person-centered care. Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement 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… Read More

Update on Legislation – EmblemHealth

March 29, 2024March 28, 2024Mirasol Bandong

President Joe Biden presented his budget proposal on March 11th, 2024, for the federal fiscal year that would start on October 1st. Along with raising taxes on people earning more than $400,000 annually, the budget would also help extend talks with pharmaceutical corporations to prolong the Medicare program’s financial viability. click HERE to read the whole article. 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.

United Healthcare and Mount Sinai Renew Relationship

March 28, 2024March 27, 2024Mirasol Bandong

In accordance with a new multi-year agreement between UnitedHealthcare and Mount Sinai Health System, individuals participating in employer-sponsored and individual plans, such as the Oxford Health Plan, will once again have network access to the system’s hospitals. Additionally, the agreement guarantees continuous, uninterrupted access to the doctors at Mount Sinai. for more information click HERE 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.

Claim Processing Delays and Invoice Updates

March 27, 2024March 26, 2024Mirasol Bandong

On February 21, 2024, MVP stopped doing business with Change Healthcare and its subsidiaries, as well as all digital interactions. This was due to a cyber security breach. In compliance with national and state regulations, MVP is implementing innovative business solutions and restoring affected service functionality as needed. Processing Delays for Provider Claims : New York State Department of Financial Services encourage issuers and pharmaceutical benefit managers (PBMs) to take into account granting provider requests to halt or reverse specific administrative processes. MVP is assessing each provider’s request for suspension and tolling individually and determining whether a certification is necessary. To read more click HERE We are dedicated to providing… Read More

Health Care Cyberattack

March 26, 2024June 27, 2024Mirasol Bandong

Although it does not yet know when the recovery from the Change Healthcare hack last month will be completed, UnitedHealth is testing the system to restore it. This week, the care giant said that it is testing technology for processing medical claims. It already has mostly restored systems for handling drug claims and processing payments. The technology utilized to file and handle insurance claims is provided by Change Healthcare. It works with claims from many insurers and processes around 14 billion transactions annually. Some patients might be directed to different pharmacies where billing issues are less of a concern. Industry executives have stated that delays in patient bills are possible. Progress:… Read More

UnitedHealthcare – RxDC Information Required by Deadline

March 22, 2024March 21, 2024Mirasol Bandong

Please assist us in answering the required questions in the CAA Pharmacy Data Collection request information that is located in the employer/broker portal. It will make sure that UnitedHealthcare can successfully submit the data report. In order for us to prepare the data for submission to CMS by June 1, 2024, we must get the information by April 10, 2024, thus your prompt answer is extremely important. To read more click HERE 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… Read More

Wellness Rewards Incentive

March 14, 2024Mirasol Bandong

Medicare participants covered by Jefferson Health Plan will get a personalized mailer regarding their Wellness Rewards program. Members of this program can earn spending money as a reward for completing health-related tasks. Among the health-related pursuits that are eligible for incentives are: Visit https://www.jeffersonhealthplans.com/medicare/ to review Medicare Advantage plans and benefits that works for you. Have more Medicare questions? For more information contact your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc health insurance professionals at (215)355-2121

Is The Covid 19 vaccine covered by Medicare in 2024?

February 24, 2024February 23, 2024Ed MacConnell

I s The Covid 19 vaccine covered by Medicare? Medicare does cover the updated (2023–2024 formula) Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for people 5 and older. If you’re immunocompromised (like people who have had an organ transplant and are at risk for infections and other diseases), you can get a 3-dose series of updated (2023–2024 formula. Have more Medicare questions? For more information contact your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc health insurance professionals at (215)355-2121

2024 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles

February 22, 2024February 22, 2024Ed MacConnell

On October 12, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2024 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs, and the 2024 Medicare Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts. The Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) help more than 10 million people with coverage of Medicare premiums and, in most cases, other cost sharing. In their continued efforts to improve access to health care and lower costs for millions of Americans, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through CMS, recently finalized a rule to streamline enrollment in MSPs, making coverage more affordable for an estimated 860,000 people. In addition, the… Read More

CONSENT FOR HEALTH INSURANCE BROKER ASSISTANCE

February 21, 2024February 21, 2024Ed MacConnell

CONSENT FOR BROKER ASSISTANCE FORM AS REQUIRED UNDER THE 2023 CMS-9899-F AMENDMENT OF 45 CFR § 155.220 Click here to complete the consent form This consent form outlines your rights. Please read it carefully. As a licensed Health Insurance Broker, Ed MacConnell of Total Benefit Solutions Inc has completed the annual Affordable Care Act certification by the Marketplace in your state. With this yearly training, and an individual or family’s formal consent, brokers are authorized to search for and assist households with their Marketplace account. The purpose of this form is to receive your informed written consent. Terms of Consent I give my permission to Total Benefit Solutions Inc, and/or their staff… Read More

Employer 2024 Penalties Associated with the ACA (Affordable Care Act)

February 21, 2024February 20, 2024Ed MacConnell

Add New Post Employers with a large number of part time employees have unique challenges when it comes to ACA compliance. Those with 50 or more full-time or full-time equivalent employees must meet two important requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or be subject to penalties A and B, A PENALTY: Employers who fail to offer a Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) plan that provides certain wellness and preventive care to full-time employees may face a penalty of $2,970 per fulltime employee (minus the first 30). B PENALTY: A penalty of $4,460 per full-time employee who enrolls in a subsidized plan throughout a government exchange if the employer fails to… Read More

2023 RxDC Reporting Instructions Released

February 16, 2024Mirasol Bandong

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) recently updated its Prescription Drugs Data Collection (“RxDC”) reporting instructions for 2023 data. There are some noticeable differences. As previously reported, group health plan sponsors (typically employers) are required to submit information to CMS on prescription drugs and health care spending on an annual basis (“RxDC reporting”). The first reporting deadline for calendar years 2020 and 2021 was December 27, 2022 (extended to January 31, 2023). The next deadline for reporting on calendar year 2023 is June 1, 2024, which, despite being a Saturday, is a firm date. It should be noted that carriers, pharmacy benefit managers (“PBMs”), and third-party administrators (“TPAs”)… Read More

Cheapest Health Insurance in Pennsylvania (2024 Plans)

February 15, 2024February 15, 2024Ed MacConnell

Premium costs on Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace, Pennie vary by Catastrophic, Bronze, Silver or Gold tier. In Pennsylvania, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield offers the most affordable Bronze and Catastrophic plans, while UPMC Health Plan and Jefferson Health Plans provide the lowest-priced Gold and Silver plans in 2024, respectively. Of course, just because one plan costs less to buy does not make it the best plan to meet your needs. The health insurance experts at Total Benefit Solutions, Inc can shop the entire market for you, taking into account the healthcare needs of your family and guide you to the best plan for you. Contact us today at (215)355-2121.

Navigating the Basics of Medicare: Understanding the Four Parts

February 5, 2024February 5, 2024Wendy Lopez

Medicare, a vital healthcare program for seniors and certain disabled individuals, comprises four key parts. This post breaks down each part’s coverage, providing a concise overview for better understanding. Medicare Eligibility: Eligibility kicks in at age 65 or after receiving 24 months of Social Security Disability payments. Unlike private insurance, Medicare doesn’t have family plans, allowing individuals to make independent coverage choices. The Four Parts of Medicare: Visit the website for a deeper dive into the intricacies and benefits of Medicare. 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… Read More

Special Election Period may be available to members affected by severe weather

January 24, 2024January 29, 2024Ed MacConnell

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have declared a weather-related emergency or major disaster in your state. Medicare beneficiaries affected may be eligible for a Special Election Period (SEP). For marketing materials that comply with CMS marketing requirements, please visit the UnitedHealthcare Toolkit. Who is eligible? Beneficiaries who do not live in the impacted areas but receive assistance making healthcare decisions from someone who lives in one of the affected areas are also eligible; and What does this mean for beneficiaries? Enrollment Overview If a consumer contacts you as a result of this SEP, you may help them enroll in one of our plans and may be eligible for a… 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: