News

Transparency in Coverage: New for ’22

Healthcare costs are expected to trend higher by about 6.5 percent this year. COVID-19 and mental health care will drive the increase, among other health issues. But some relief is already here. Effective January 1, the No Surprises Act aims to protect patients after a service or product has already been provided by banning certain out-of-network billings and educating patients on how to question charges. The Transparency in Coverage rule, also now in effect, will help patients before a service

Home » News » Page 15

How Employers Can Attract and Retain Top Talent

When the pandemic hit, workers were being furloughed or laid off in droves as forced shutdowns shrank or entirely eliminated many businesses. As businesses attempt to hire people back, another phenomenon has taken shape. Workers are refusing to go back to previous jobs or quitting the ones they do have. With so many positions to fill and so many people not working, what’s an employer to do? Money Alone is Not Enough Logic might dictate

Home » News » Page 15

No Surprises Act: Making Healthcare Costs More Transparent

More than a third of employees in a recent survey said that the medical bills they receive after seeking care are “always or usually” a surprise to them. Yet, 28% say they pay them anyway because they don’t want to fight with the insurance company. What causes surprise medical billings? Insurance plans cover large portions of medical care, but deductibles or co-pays may come into play. Out-of-network providers may charge more for a service than

Home » News » Page 15

Heart Health in Women

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both African American and Caucasian women. Despite the launch of numerous awareness initiatives, only a little more than half of women understand the risks. With understanding comes preventative measures. So let’s look at what heart disease is and what we (especially women) can do about it. What is heart disease? “Heart disease” includes a variety of conditions

Home » News » Page 15

Help Employees Understand Their Benefits

Companies spend a lot of time and money creating valuable benefits plans for employees. But even after all that work, they still often get low participation. Good benefit choices require employers to help employees understand their benefits. PlanSponsor recently reported that two-thirds of employees want year-round help understanding and using their benefits. That number goes up to 78% among Millennials. So, let’s take a look at what employees need to best use the benefits you provide.

Home » News » Page 15

“11 years of ACA: Consumer-directed health care accounts thrive” – BenefitsPRO Features Remarks from DataPath CMO

The ACA is in its second decade of affecting healthcare across the country. This legislation continues to have a major impact on Americans across a range of economic groups and industries. Its affects can also be felt in the CDH market. Originally Posted by BenefitsPRONovember 22, 2021 Healthcare reform has been debated for years, with many recent U.S. presidents trying to reshape the American system in different ways. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is the

Home » News » Page 15

Boost Employee Productivity by Respecting Physical and Mental Wellbeing

The pandemic has changed so many areas of life, including the way we work. Without warning, millions of Americans found themselves working remotely, becoming teachers at home, and having to isolate from colleagues and friends. The isolation and lack of camaraderie affected people differently. As employers begin to reopen offices, how can they keep employees productive while also respecting their physical and mental wellbeing? What challenges are employers facing to keep employees productive? As we

Home » News » Page 15

Where We Are: COVID-19 Relief and Health Plans

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, many relief measures have been enacted, from stimulus payments to extended deadlines to COBRA subsidies. Keeping up with these relief measures, how long they apply and what employers need to do to stay compliant can be most challenging. With expiration dates right around the corner, it’s important to know what’s coming in terms of COVID-19 relief and health plans. But before we get into that, how did we get here to

Home » News » Page 15

2022 FSA Contribution Limit Increased to $2,850

On November 10, 2021, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced 2022 annual limits for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) contributions, maximum carryover amounts, Transportation benefit (Transit/Commuter/Parking) contributions, and Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRAs) amounts. The announcement was made in Rev. Proc. 2021-45. 2022 FSA Contributions The maximum health FSA contribution limit will be $2,850. Health FSAs can be used for a wide range of qualified out-of-pocket expenses. These include over-the-counter and prescription medications, deductibles,

Home » News » Page 15

Is Your HSA Boosting Your Retirement Fund?

As pandemic-related losses have driven business owners to cut costs, High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) have enabled them to provide healthcare options to employees while minimizing premium expenses. Due to higher deductibles, HDHPs require some adjustment on the part of employees. To help with out-of-pocket costs, HDHPs are often coupled with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). HSAs were designed to help make healthcare more affordable and give people more freedom in making healthcare choices. You can

Home » News » Page 15
+ More