Adding Mental Health Benefits to Open Enrollment In 2019, 11 percent of employees surveyed indicated a struggle with anxiety and/or depression. This year, after the pandemic, that number rose to 40.1 percent. Clearly Covid has taken a toll on the mental health of many Americans and it’s critical employers respond to this by adding or […]

Breaking News – Transparency Rule is Finalized Transparency is a hot topic and breaking news from the White House addresses transparency for plans and health insurance issuers. As of Jan. 1, 2023, health plans and insurers will be required to provide the cost for all out of pocket costs and negotiated rates for all care […]

How COVID-19 is Changing Open Enrollment  We can add open enrollment to the growing list of activities affected by COVID-19. As many employers enter that crucial benefits time, they are becoming more reliant on technology and are having to balance safety with the personal attention employees are used to receiving in regard to benefits. For […]

US Employers Expect Health Cost Increases in 2021 A study by The Business Group found that many large employers expect a health cost increase of 5.3% starting in 2021. Part of the expected increase is due in part to mental health projections which include increases in online resources, training, flexible work schedules, and more. Covid-19 […]

We've compiled health benefit news from sources relevant to claims managers and third-party administrators. From the latest updates on COVID-related initiatives to innovation in health care, we strive to provide interesting and relevant information for our customers. Executive order on Prescription Drug Costs The Trump administration is issuing an Executive Order to reduce the amount […]

We've compiled health benefit news from sources relevant to third-party administrators. From the latest updates on COVID-related initiatives to innovation in health care, we strive to provide interesting and relevant information for our customers. COVID Impacts on COBRA In May, the U.S. Department of Labor released a rule extending the time frame in which employees […]

Deadlines for Covid-19 Related Claims Approaching A joint notice from the Department of Labor, the IRS, and the Department of the Treasury recently provided guidance to health plan administrators about upcoming deadlines and requirements under ERISA and the IRS.According to the joint notice, deadlines are from March 1, 2020 until 60 days after the announcement […]

COVID-19 Effects on TPAs Surprise Billing Ban May be Included in Latest Coronavirus Legislation As the government races to push out relief for Americans, and businesses, the newest stimulus package, may include a ban on surprise billing for those affected with COVID-19. For providers and hospitals who receive assistance from the government, lawmakers are considering […]

Treatment for Covid-19 and Insurers As the pandemic begins to effect more Americans, Vice President Mike Pence met with insurers to address concerns about the cost of treatment for those who are insured. Members of this group agreed to waive co-payments and deductibles for Covid-19 testing, however America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) reiterated that out-of-pocket […]

Medicare for All and Other News “Mostly False” Rating for Sanders Statement on Single-Payer Savings Senator Bernie Sanders recently cited a study from British medical journal, The Lancet, that stated a single-payer system would save the health care system “hundreds of billions of dollars”. However, the Kaiser Health News pegged this statement as “Mostly False” […]