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Thursday, July 8th, 2021
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Inside this issue: PCORI Fees are Due August 2, 2021 Medicare Could Soon Include Dental, Vision and Hearing Benefits Optima's 100% COVID-19 Coverage Ended June 30 8 Policies to Update Before Returning to Work Anthem &...
Wednesday, June 9th, 2021
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides that individuals on state health continuation due to loss of group health coverage from either termination of employment or reduction in hours receive a 100% premium subsidy for their continuation coverage for a period potentially from April 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021
Thursday, May 6th, 2021
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Anthem, along with other Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, recently agreed to settle a multi-district litigation.
Thursday, April 8th, 2021
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
One of the goals of the $1.9 trillion stimulus package was to increase the affordability of individual health insurance. This goal was achieved by dramatically increasing government subsidies to help pay for the cost of coverage.
Wednesday, March 24th, 2021
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Benefits Briefs
A primary purpose of The ARPA was to provide financial assistance with obtaining or retaining health insurance. The ARPA provides a 100% subsidy of COBRA premiums for six-months.
Thursday, March 4th, 2021
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Inside this issue: New Guidance on COVID-19 Outbreak Period  Walgreens No Longer in Anthem Network Update to our Towne Benefits Compliance Agreements COVID-19 Vaccine Information   Click here to read the full March 2021...
Wednesday, February 10th, 2021
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Inside this issue: Reporting Deadlines Approaching Upcoming Employer Webinar, 2021: What’s Next for Benefits and Human Resources? BeneFlex Software Upgrade Optima Health Member COVID-19 Coverage Extended to March 31,...
Friday, January 29th, 2021
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Benefits Briefs
President Biden's executive actions include an executive order aimed at expanding enrollment in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid, and a memorandum rescinding regulations on reproductive health access. Biden’s executive order on health...
Thursday, January 21st, 2021
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Benefits Briefs
A new year always brings changes and so it goes with health plans as well!
Monday, January 11th, 2021
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Inside this issue: Optima Member COVID-19 Coverage Extended to February 28, 2021 Employer Updates for 2021 Anthem Extends Health Plan Timeframes   Click here to read the full January 2021 newsletter!
Thursday, December 3rd, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Inside this issue: Encouraging Employees to Use Telehealth Services Anthem Member Network Changes Ways to Manage Poor Performance Among Remote Employees Upcoming Webinars Click here to read the full December 2020 newsletter!
Thursday, November 5th, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
On Oct. 27, 2020, the IRS announced that the health FSA dollar limit on employee salary reduction contributions will remain at $2,750 for taxable years beginning in 2021.
Thursday, October 8th, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Federal law requires that health insurance carriers spend a certain percentage of fully insured plan premiums on medical care. If they spend less, they refund that money to their group clients.
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Benefits Briefs
Each year, Medicare Part D requires group health plan sponsors to disclose to individuals who are eligible for Medicare Part D whether the health plan’s prescription drug coverage is creditable.
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
If you are confused about COBRA, you are in good company. COBRA can be difficult to administer. With COVID 19 and the recent changes to COBRA administration designed to help COBRA beneficiaries by providing more time to elect and pay for COBRA, it just became infinitely more difficult.
Thursday, August 6th, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Virginia is the first state in the US to pass a comprehensive occupational safety and health standard that deals exclusively with the coronavirus and COVID-19 disease.
Thursday, July 2nd, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Disaster Relief Notices have introduced FSA plan changes due to COVID-19. Allowing mid-year election changes, extending grace periods, and more - discover what each notice entails and find out what they really mean for employers.
Thursday, June 18th, 2020
Posted in Benefits Briefs
The ACA imposes a fee on employers with an HRA or a self-insured plan in order to fund comparative effectiveness research. These fees are widely known as Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fees.
Thursday, June 4th, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
As a response to the COVID-19 challenges, Anthem is issuing premium credits to all Fully Insured employer groups based on their April 2020 invoices.
Wednesday, May 13th, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Many states are putting plans into place to restart the economy. By taking workplace preparedness steps such as updating office layouts, encouraging new behaviors and evaluating existing policies, employers can help further prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of employees.
Thursday, April 9th, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
These are difficult times for countless employees. Many difficult decisions must be made within a very short time. To that end, I want to extend our services, without cost, to any employee who’s lost their job.
Wednesday, April 1st, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Benefits Briefs
It is heartbreaking to witness the destruction COVID-19 is reaping upon our community and the world. We are saddened by the shuttering of businesses, the furloughs and layoffs that have followed and, most of all, by the loss of life that has and...
Friday, March 27th, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Benefits Briefs
Congress passed a $2 trillion economic stimulus package by an overwhelming vote in the Senate and the House. President Trump is expected to sign the bill immediately.
Thursday, March 19th, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Benefits Briefs
The Act requires employers to provide paid leave for some employees related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, among other measures.
Monday, March 9th, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Introducing MyWave Connect to Towne Benefits Employer Clients!
Friday, March 6th, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Benefits Briefs
Compliance Issues for Employers.
Thursday, February 6th, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
The Department of Health & Human Services has Increased Civil Penalties for HIPAA Violations.
Monday, January 13th, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
A Proposed Rule on Health Care Transparency Could Affect Employer Plans.
Friday, January 3rd, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Benefits Briefs
On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed into law a spending bill that prevents a government shutdown and repeals three taxes under the ACA.
Thursday, December 12th, 2019
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Benefits Briefs
The IRS has released the final 2019 forms and instructions for reporting under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6055 and 6056.
Tuesday, December 10th, 2019
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
One Hampton Roads Small Business could win the $10,000 Community Care Award from UnitedHealthcare!
Wednesday, November 20th, 2019
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Benefits Briefs
Beginning in 2020, employers of all sizes may implement a new HRA design – an individual coverage HRA (ICHRA) – to reimburse their eligible employees for insurance policies purchased in the individual market or Medicare premiums.
Monday, November 11th, 2019
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
The IRS has announced Employee Benefit Plan Limits for 2020.
Friday, October 11th, 2019
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Pay or Play Penalties will Increase for 2019 and 2020!
Wednesday, October 9th, 2019
Virginia Beach
Posted in Benefits Briefs
The annual disclosure notice should be given to employees before Oct. 15, 2019.
Monday, September 30th, 2019
Virginia Beach
Posted in Benefits Briefs
The ACA established medical loss ratio (MLR) rules to help control health care coverage costs and ensure that enrollees receive value for their premium dollars.
Wednesday, September 18th, 2019
Virginia Beach
Posted in Benefits Briefs
HealthJoy is a mobile app that helps employees make better healthcare decisions by providing guidance for healthcare decisions.
Wednesday, September 11th, 2019
Virginia Beach, VA
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Medicare Part D Notices are Due Before October 15, 2019!
Thursday, August 8th, 2019
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
The IRS has Expanded Preventive Care for HDHPs to Include Chronic Conditions!
Tuesday, July 16th, 2019
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Dominion National Member Security Breach
Monday, June 17th, 2019
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Medical Loss Ratio Information Needed
Thursday, June 6th, 2019
Posted in Benefits Briefs
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its final Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2020.
Wednesday, June 5th, 2019
Posted in Benefits Briefs
Employers who sponsored an HRA or a self-insured plan with a plan year ending in 2018 owes PCORI fees by July 31, 2019.
Thursday, May 9th, 2019
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
Thursday, April 11th, 2019
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Anthem's EmployerAccess Portal is Getting a Makeover!
Thursday, April 4th, 2019
Posted in Benefits Briefs
The DOL is Issuing a New Proposal on Overtime Exemptions
Tuesday, March 19th, 2019
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
What to do if you Receive an Employer Penalty Letter from the IRS...
Friday, February 22nd, 2019
Posted in Benefits Briefs
Attention Anthem Members: New Member ID Cards are Coming!
Thursday, February 14th, 2019
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
The ACA Individual Mandate Penalty no Longer Applies!
Thursday, February 7th, 2019
Posted in Benefits Briefs
2019 Health Plan Compliance Deadlines
Tuesday, December 4th, 2018
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Inside this issue:  HR HouR, Our Newest Web Series 2018 Employer Reporting 2019 Benefit Plan Limits How to Use FSAs, HSAs and HRAs Picking out Medicare Advantage Plans Employer Shared Responsibility Payments Issued by the IRS Anthem's New...
Wednesday, November 7th, 2018
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Inside this issue: Optima Health Dental Changes 2018 ACA Reporting Proposals to Loosen Restrictions on HRAs Medicare 101 New Notices for Employee Background Checks President Trump Signs Bills Aimed to Protect Consumers from Overpaying for...
Monday, October 8th, 2018
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Inside this issue: New Encryption Email Service Join us for our Compliance Webinar Series IRS Guidance on Tax Credit for Paid Family and Medical Leave Protect your Employees from Seasonal Flu Medicare Part D Notices due by October...
Wednesday, September 5th, 2018
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Inside this issue: Technology Changes at Towne Benefits Join us for our Compliance Webinar Series Medicare Part D Notices due by October 15th Are your Employees Getting the most out of their HSA? Solutions for Managing Diabetes - Anthem...
Wednesday, August 1st, 2018
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Inside this issue: Register for our Continuing Compliance Webinar Series! ACA Reporting - 2018 Draft Forms Released Anthem's Association Program Emergency Room or Urgent Care?  New HSA Bills Proposed in Congress Prescription Drug List...
Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Inside this issue: PCORI Fees Due July 31st DOL Model FMLA Forms Expired Anthem Large Group Payment Procedures IRS Proposes to Expand the Electronic Filing Requirement Association Health Plans Read more here!
Wednesday, June 6th, 2018
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Inside this issue: Virginia Legislature Votes to Expand Medicaid IRS Announces HSA Limits for 2019 A New Anthem Member ID Card is Coming Affordability Percentages will Increase in 2019 Anthem LiveHealth Online Allergy Treatments Telehealth -...
Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018
Posted in Benefits Briefs
The ACA imposes a fee on health insurance issuers and plan sponsors of self-insured health plans to help fund the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. The fee, called the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee, is...
Wednesday, May 2nd, 2018
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Inside this issue: Insuring Your Employees Anywhere in the World Gym Network 360 from Optima Health Did you Miss the ACA Reporting Deadline? Anthem Online Billing and Payment Guidelines LSA Amendment Prohibits Employers from Retaining...
Wednesday, April 4th, 2018
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Inside this issue: Anthem Online Enrollment  IRS Updates Employer Guide for 2018 Tax Changes to Fringe Benefits Summary Plan Description and Wrap Documents Medicare Savings Programs HealthEquity HSA Bulletin Read more here!
Wednesday, March 7th, 2018
Posted in Benefits Briefs
On March 5th the IRS announced changes to certain tax limits for 2018, including a reduced contribution limit for HSAs. The IRS lowered the HSA contribution limit for individuals with family coverage under a high deductible health plan (HDHP) from...
Thursday, March 1st, 2018
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Inside this issue: Compliance Webinar Series with Corbin Granger New Medicare Cards starting April 1, 2018 Anthem Small Groups moving to Online Billing Medicare Part D Disclosures Due DOL Reintroduces 17 Opinion Letters Read more here!
Thursday, March 1st, 2018
Posted in Benefits Briefs
In November 2017 Mid-Atlantic Women’s Care (MAWC) terminated their contract with Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield as an In-Network provider. MAWC is comprised of the following practices, whose patients were all impacted. MAWC and Anthem have...
Thursday, February 22nd, 2018
Posted in Benefits Briefs
Group health plan sponsors are required to complete an online disclosure form with CMS on an annual basis, indicating whether the plan's prescription drug coverage is creditable or non-creditable.
Thursday, February 1st, 2018
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Inside this issue:  Compliance Survey Go Red for Women Spending Resolution Affects ACA Taxes New Tables for 2018 Tax Withholding HR Trends to Monitor in 2018 New Standard for Unpaid Interns Read more here!