Benefits Briefs
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.
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.
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...
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.
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...
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...
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Coronavirus in the Workplace
Compliance Issues for Employers.
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.
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.
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.
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.