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February 2022 Employer Newsletter

Norfolk, VA | Thursday, February 03, 2022 | Posted in Employer News & Webinars

Employee Wellness February Employee Wellness

Provide your employees the latest wellness newsletter with this month's edition of Live Well, Work Well. Also available in Spanish.

Educate employees about their benefits with the February Benefits & Me Newsletter.

February is American Heart Month!

Optima Members Can Win $100 through March 30

From now through March 30, 2022, Optima members could win a $100 gift card to the retailer of their choice. There's no purchase necessary — just download the Optima Health mobile app and register to be automatically entered into the drawings. 

The Optima app has instant access to important plan information and questions, including member ID cards, virtual consults, treatment estimators, HSA and HRA access, and more!

Download the Optima app now! The earlier members sign in, the more chances they have to win. Learn more here!

Medicare News

How Does an HSA Work with Medicare?

Why Medicare Doesn't Pay for At-Home COVID Tests

Older Americans are Spending More on Healthcare and Housing

Anthem HSA Transition Effective March 31, 2022

On March 31, 2022, BMO Harris will become the bank for Anthem HSA accounts. In this new role, BMO Harris will handle all the movement of money to and from HSAs, including contributions and payments. The custodian (responsible for protecting the consumer and managing the account) will remain Wealthcare Saver. Click here for an Employer FAQ regarding this transition.

Employers that offer HSAs and contribute either pre-tax employee and/or employer contributions to their HSAs via ACH will be affected by this change. Employees who make contributions to their HSA via an ACH direct deposit from a personal bank account will also be affected. 

This transition requires action from employers and employees with Anthem HSAs. Employers will need to update their banking to reflect BMO Harris’s banking information no later than March 21, 2022. Group Administrators received an email communication via DocuSign in mid-November which outlined what action they need to take based on their HSA funding method.

Anthem is encouraging group administrators to communicate with any of their employees who may have automated bill payments via ACH direct debit or who may make HSA contributions via ACH direct deposit. These employees will need to change the unsolicited ACH routing number. Click here for an email template.

HR Insights 

February 2022 HR Newsletter

PCORI Fee Amount Adjusted for 2022

Upcoming ACA Reporting Deadlines

BCBSNC Now Pays Dental Benefits Direct to Providers

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina now allows direct payment of dental benefits to dentists, regardless of their contractual participation status. Non-contracted dentists must have the member's agreement and provide the appropriate indication on the claim form.

This new practice became effective December 1, 2021, for individual and group segments with the following standalone dental products:

February HR Insights

  • Dental Blue
  • Dental Blue Preferred PPO
  • Dental Blue Select
  • Dental Blue for Individuals
  • Dental Blue for Individuals PPO

Your company will continue to see the most savings by encouraging employees to visit in-network dentists. This employee flyer communicates the benefits of going in-network, as well as what to expect based on the change to the payment practice for out-of-network dentists. 

New Broker Compensation Requirement

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. 

Towne Benefits understands the importance of compliance with all benefits and privacy laws. We take great care to protect Personally Identifiable Information (PHI) and sensitive health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We are now doing the same by going to great lengths to comply with the CAA.

Beginning in September 2021, we sent all employer clients new Administrative Service Agreements (ASA), referring to the new compensation disclosure rules and our compliance with other benefits laws. Additionally, we will provide you with compensation information at the time of your renewal, a requirement under the CAA.

Towne Benefits appreciates your trust in us to deliver excellent customer service and the required services to maintain your employee benefits successfully. If you have specific questions about compensation, please feel free to contact us for additional details.

 

The information herein should not be construed as legal or tax advice in any way. This content is provided for informational purposes only. You should seek the advice of your attorney or tax consultant for additional or specific information.