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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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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!
On the Edge of Compliance - April 2019
Thursday, April 4th, 2019
Posted in Benefits Briefs
The DOL is Issuing a New Proposal on Overtime Exemptions
March Newsletter
Tuesday, March 19th, 2019
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
What to do if you Receive an Employer Penalty Letter from the IRS...
New Anthem ID Cards are Coming
Friday, February 22nd, 2019
Posted in Benefits Briefs
Attention Anthem Members:
New Member ID Cards are Coming!
February Newsletter
Thursday, February 14th, 2019
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
The ACA Individual Mandate Penalty no Longer Applies!
On the Edge of Compliance - February 2019
Thursday, February 7th, 2019
Posted in Benefits Briefs
2019 Health Plan Compliance Deadlines
December Newsletter
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...
November Newsletter
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...
October Newsletter
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...
September Newsletter
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...
August Newsletter
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...
July Newsletter
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!
June Newsletter
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 -...
PCORI Fees Due by July 31, 2018
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...
May Newsletter
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...
April Newsletter
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!
IRS Reduces HSA Limit for Family Coverage in 2018
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...
March Newsletter
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!
Mid Atlantic Women's Care back in Anthem Network effective May 1, 2018
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...
Medicare Part D Disclosures due by March 1, 2018 for Calendar Year Plans
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.
February Newsletter
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!
January Newsletter
Thursday, January 11th, 2018
Posted in Monthly Newsletters
Inside this issue:
Individual Mandate Eliminated in 2019
Deadline Delayed for 2017 Employer Reporting
New Tax Credit offered to Employers
Medicare and HSAs
Read more here!