Important COVID-19 Information: We understand you have a lot of questions about the COVID-19 pandemic. Please use this page to find carrier updates, legislative news and more! Learn more here!
Benefits Briefs
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Key ACA Taxes Repealed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.
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
New Anthem ID Cards are Coming
Friday, February 22nd, 2019
Posted in Benefits Briefs
Attention Anthem Members:
New Member ID Cards are Coming!
On the Edge of Compliance - February 2019
Thursday, February 7th, 2019
Posted in Benefits Briefs
2019 Health Plan Compliance Deadlines
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...
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...
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.