News, Views and Tips for Employers
Want to stay current on all things health insurance? Sign up for our monthly Employer Newsletter and our Benefits Briefs. Towne Benefits' monthly Employer Newsletter is packed with everything you need to know about industry advancements, changes, news, resources, products and services.
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September 2022 Newsletter
While the Inflation Reduction Act is primarily aimed at fighting inflation and reducing carbon emissions, it also contains a number of reforms that will impact health coverage. The health reforms included in the bill have staggered effective dates and will be implemented over the next several years.
August 2022 Newsletter
On August 1, the IRS issued the contribution percentages in 2023 for determining the affordability of an employer’s plan under the ACA.
July 2022 Newsletter
The ACA imposes a fee on employers with a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or a self-insured plan in order to fund the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.
Transparency in Coverage Rules
Effective July 1, 2022, Transparency in Coverage rules require health insurance carriers and health plans to publicly publish large amounts of healthcare data using a Machine-Readable File (MRF) format.
June 2022 Newsletter
The Transparency in Coverage Final Rules require group health plans and health insurance issuers to disclose on a public website detailed pricing information in three separate machine-readable files (MRFs) by July 1, 2022.
May 2022 Newsletter
Inside this issue:
HSA/HDHP Limits Increase for 2023
Employee Retention in Turbulent Times
Virginia Aligns Overtime Pay Laws with FLSA
Join Blue Cross NC for a Webinar on Managing Pharmacy Costs
Click here to read the May 2022 newsletter!
Proposed Change to Family Coverage Affordability Rules
The IRS has released a proposed rule that would change the existing rules for eligibility for the premium tax credit.
April 2022 Newsletter
Anthem, Inc., has filed a preliminary proxy statement to change its name. The new name, pending shareholder approval in May, will be Elevance Health.
March 2022 Newsletter
From now through March 30, 2022, Optima members could win a $100 gift card to the retailer of their choice.
February 2022 Newsletter
Under the newly passed law, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), compensation paid to a broker must be disclosed to both fully insured and self-insured group health plans.
Coverage of At-Home/Over-The-Counter COVID-19 Test Kits
A recent announcement from the federal government intends to increase access to COVID-19 testing. As of January 15, 2022, members can get reimbursed by their health plan without cost-share for the costs of over-the-counter (also called...
January 2022 Newsletter
Inside this issue:
Upcoming Drug Changes for BCBSNC
Medicare Savings Programs
Roanoke Oral Surgery Leaving Anthem Network
OSHA Vaccine ETS Reinstated for Private Employers
Click here to read the full January 2022 newsletter!
Proposed Rule Extends ACA Reporting Furnishing Deadlines
The IRS has released a proposed rule that extends the annual furnishing deadlines for Sections 6055 and 6056 reporting under the ACA.
December 2021 Newsletter
Inside this issue:
Anthem HSA Transition for ACH Processing (VA)
How Medicare Beneficiaries can Appeal Income-Related Charges that Result in Higher Premiums
Valley Health Leaving Optima Network
Suspension of OSHA Vaccine &...
OSHA Issues COVID-19 Workplace Vaccine and Testing Mandate
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) relating to COVID vaccinations has been released and will be published in the Federal Register on November 5, 2021. Below are some key provisions that may...
November 2021 Newsletter
Inside this issue:
Enhancements to Cigna's Employer Portal
Optima Health Partners with CareCentrix
Medicare Rules for HSAs After 65
Group Size Survey for BCBSNC
Click here to read the full November 2021 newsletter!
October 2021 Newsletter
Inside this issue:
MLR Rebate Updates
Updated Member ID Cards for Anthem (VA)
and BCBS (NC)
New UnitedHealthcare Wellness Offering
Cigna January 2022 Pharmacy Update
Click here to read the October 2021 Newsletter!
September 2021 Newsletter
Each year, Medicare Part D requires group health plan sponsors to disclose to individuals who are eligible for Medicare Part D and to CMS whether the health plan’s prescription drug coverage is creditable.
New Virginia Maternity Benefit
Starting on July 1, 2021, each insurer proposing to issue individual or group accident and sickness insurance policies providing short-term disability (STD) income protection coverage whose policies provide coverage for short-term disability arising...
August 2021 Newsletter
The Virginia Human Rights Act has been amended to require reasonable accommodations for disabilities that apply to employers with more than 5 employees.
July 2021 Newsletter
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 &...
June 2021 Newsletter
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
May 2021 Newsletter
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.
April 2021 Newsletter
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.
COBRA Subsidy Provisions of The ARPA
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.
March 2021 Newsletter
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...
February 2021 Newsletter
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,...
President Biden has Issued Executive Actions to Strengthen Americans' Access to Affordable Health Care
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...
Benefit Changes for 2021
A new year always brings changes and so it goes with health plans as well!
January 2021 Newsletter
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!
December 2020 Newsletter
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!
November 2020 Newsletter
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.
October 2020 Newsletter
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.
Medicare Part D Notices Are Due Before October 15, 2020
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.
September 2020 Newsletter
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.
August 2020 Newsletter
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.
July 2020 Newsletter
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.
PCORI Fees are Due July 31, 2020
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.
June 2020 Newsletter
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.
May 2020 Newsletter
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.
April 2020 Newsletter
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.
A Note from our President, Richard Herzberg, Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic
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...
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Passed into Law
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.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act Passed into Law
The Act requires employers to provide paid leave for some employees related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, among other measures.
March 2020 Newsletter
Introducing MyWave Connect to Towne Benefits Employer Clients!
Coronavirus in the Workplace
Compliance Issues for Employers.
February 2020 Newsletter
The Department of Health & Human Services has Increased Civil Penalties for HIPAA Violations.
January 2020 Newsletter
A Proposed Rule on Health Care Transparency Could Affect Employer Plans.
Key ACA Taxes Repealed
On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed into law a spending bill that prevents a government shutdown and repeals three taxes under the ACA.
On the Edge of Compliance - December 2019
The IRS has released the final 2019 forms and instructions for reporting under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6055 and 6056.
December Newsletter
One Hampton Roads Small Business could win the $10,000 Community Care Award from UnitedHealthcare!
On the Edge of Compliance - November 2019
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.
November Newsletter
The IRS has announced Employee Benefit Plan Limits for 2020.
October Newsletter
Pay or Play Penalties will Increase for 2019 and 2020!
Medicare Part D Notices are Due Before Oct 15
The annual disclosure notice should be given to employees before Oct. 15, 2019.
How Employers Should Handle MLR Rebates
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.
Towne Benefits Announces Partnership with HealthJoy
HealthJoy is a mobile app that helps employees make better healthcare decisions by providing guidance for healthcare decisions.
September Newsletter
Medicare Part D Notices are Due Before October 15, 2019!
August Newsletter
Thursday, August 8th, 2019
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
The IRS has Expanded Preventive Care for HDHPs to Include Chronic Conditions!
July Newsletter
Tuesday, July 16th, 2019
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Dominion National Member Security Breach
June Newsletter
Monday, June 17th, 2019
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Medical Loss Ratio Information Needed
On The Edge of Compliance - June 2019
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.
PCORI Fees are Due July 31, 2019
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.
May Newsletter
Thursday, May 9th, 2019
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
April Newsletter
Thursday, April 11th, 2019
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Anthem's EmployerAccess Portal is Getting a Makeover!