Employers

Posted November 15th, 2018 in Employers, Producers

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created a research institute known as the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). The goal of PCORI is to help patients and those who care for them make better-informed decisions about healthcare choices. PCORI is funded by fees which are charged to health plans.

The following information is designed to help employers understand their upcoming payment obligations.

Posted November 1st, 2018 in Employers, Producers

The Department of Labor (DoL), Department of Treasury (DoT) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have jointly proposed new rules that would impact Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) effective January 1, 2020.

Posted October 23rd, 2018 in Producers, Employers

Last week, the 2019 open enrollment period (OEP) season officially kicked off for Medicare beneficiaries. From October 15th to December 7th, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes or enroll in any Part D or Medicare Advantage plan that is available in their service area.

Below is a summary of OEPs for other market segments.   

Posted October 9th, 2018 in Employers, Producers

Each year employers must provide a written notice to Medicare-eligible employees who are covered under their group health plan. The notice must include information about the creditable coverage status of the prescription drug benefit. In other words, the notice tells employees if the prescription drug benefit on the group health plan is at least as good as the standard Medicare Part D plan.

Posted October 4th, 2018 in Employers, Producers

Consumer-Driven Health Plans (CHDPs) have been steadily gaining in popularity for several years now. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) 2018 Annual Benefits Report, 40% of the employers surveyed now offer a CDHP to their employees. SHRM defines a CDHP as a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA) paired with any underlying medical plan.

Posted October 2nd, 2018 in Employers, Producers

While we continue to hear about the rapid growth of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), there is one feature about Health Flexible Spending Accounts (Health FSAs) that keeps some employees enrolled in this type of consumer-driven account (CDA). That’ s the uniform coverage requirement of Health FSAs.

Posted September 27th, 2018 in Employers, Producers

ERISA Section 607 defines the term group health plan as an employee welfare benefit plan providing “medical care” to participants or beneficiaries:

Posted September 20th, 2018 in Employers, Producers, Individuals

2018 ACA Reporting Requirements

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released draft versions of the forms and instructions for the 2018 reporting year. The reporting, which is required under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), helps the IRS enforce the Individual Mandate, Employer Mandate and verify subsidy eligibility for individuals who obtain coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Posted September 18th, 2018 in Employers, Producers

The Employer Mandate regulations refer to seasonal employees and seasonal workers, and yes, there is a difference. Let’s break this down as simply as possible by starting with a few refresher points.

Posted September 11th, 2018 in Employers, Producers, Individuals

The midterm elections will be held on November 6, 2018, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will surely be a hot topic on campaign trails. Republicans are expected to continue down a path of conveying their belief that the ACA is ineffective and has driven up healthcare costs. Democrats are expected to point out consumer protections that are included in the ACA, such as coverage for pre-existing conditions and essential health benefits.

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