Coverage of At-Home COVID Tests
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 at-home) COVID-19 tests until the end of the Coronavirus Public Health Emergency.
Each of our carrier partners is handling this differently. Please see below for the guidance we have at this moment. We will continue to share carrier guidance as it becomes available.
Free COVID-19 tests are also available through government programs and can be ordered here.
Updates from Anthem
Roanoke Oral Surgery
Roanoke Oral Surgery issued a notice to terminate its professional agreement with Anthem on January 31, 2022. This includes Anthem group and Individual plans, Par/PPO, HMO, and HIX.
Members' benefits may continue to cover care from Roanoke Oral Surgery at the same level for a limited time on or after February 1, 2022. This may apply if they are receiving ongoing treatments or have a procedure scheduled. They can contact the Member Services number on their ID card for more information.
HSA Bank Change
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.
Emergency Coverage Corp
Starting February 9, 2022, Emergency Coverage Corporation (ECC) doctors will not be in your Anthem clients' plans. However, if your clients' employees receive emergency care from ECC doctors, their plans will cover the care at the same level as care provided by doctors in their plan's network.
Click here for a full list of ECC facilities where members receive emergency care.
New Broker Compensation Disclosure Requirement
On December 30, 2021 the DOL provided answers to questions regarding the new compensation transparency obligations under the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA). Click here for the DOL answers.
Effective December 27, 2021, the CAA requires entities providing brokerage and consulting services, including their affiliates and subcontractors, who expect to receive $1,000 or more in direct or indirect compensation, to provide group health plan sponsors with a written disclosure “reasonably in advance of” when the contract is entered, extended, or renewed.
Additional Resources:
Broker Compensation Disclosure Requirements
Sample Broker Compensation Disclosure Form
IMG Global Plan Updates
IMG has made changes to their Global Series plans that will affect all new business sold on or after January 3, 2022 and renewals on or after January 1, 2022. The Global Series plans have undergone a modification to the Pandemic and Epidemic language to include coverage for COVID-19 as well as had the following rate increases:
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- New Business: +9%
- Renewals: +11.8%
- Global Senior: +9%
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.