Regulatory Changes

Inflation Adjustments and Their Impact on 2022 Benefit Plan Administration

Inflation Adjustments and Their Impact on 2022 Benefit Plan Administration

The IRS and Social Security Administration have already announced key dollar amounts necessary for 2022 benefit plan administration. In addition, the IRS has issued the optional standard mileage rates.

Now is a great time to get to know these new numbers and consider what benefits deserve a place in your 2022 plan.

COVID-19 Test Coverage: New Requirements for Health Plans and Insures

COVID-19 Test Coverage: New Requirements for Health Plans and Insures

The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury jointly issued an FAQ recently to provide guidance for health plans and health insurers on how to reimburse for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests.

Healthcare That’s a Call or Text Away: Get to Know Link Primary Care

Healthcare That’s a Call or Text Away: Get to Know Link Primary Care

“Ask yourself when the last time was your doctor personally called you just to ask how you are?” said Mia, a Link Primary Care member. “Mine does regularly.”

Mia is one of many who’ve opted for a non-traditional primary care option like direct primary care (DPC) or concierge care. What was once considered “luxury medical care” and came with a price tag to match, is now becoming more accessible and, in our rapidly changing world, more essential.

Navigating Religious Objections to Employer COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements

Navigating Religious Objections to Employer COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements

As companies continue to develop – and pivot – their strategies for successfully and safely bringing employees back into the office, one thing some have turned to is the implementation of a COVID-19 vaccine requirement as a condition of employment.

This week, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) addressed questions about the religious implications of such requirements and how they interact with federal equal opportunity (EEO) laws.

The No Surprises Act: What It Means for Employers and Their Employees

The No Surprises Act: What It Means for Employers and Their Employees

To help ensure there are “no surprises” when the No Surprise Act goes into effect, we’re taking a closer look at the latest rule, what it means, and some potential consequences.

MLR Rebate Checks are on Their Way! Use Our Calculator to See How Much to Distribute to Employees.

MLR Rebate Checks are on Their Way! Use Our Calculator to See How Much to Distribute to Employees.

MLR premium rebate checks began mailing this month and those who qualify are expected to receive their check for the 2020 plan year by the end of the month.

For benefit health plan 2020, UnitedHealthcare’s results show 53 group aggregation sets – 23 small group and 30 larger group – are qualified to receive premium rebates totaling $141,754,976. Additionally, 6 individual aggregation sets are qualified to receive rebates totaling $3,667,822.

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs for Employers

  • Can an employer ask an interviewee if they have the COVID vaccine?

  • Can an employer mandate new hires to have the COVID vaccine or not offer a job because of not having the COVID vaccine?

  • Can the group mandate the vaccine? If not, can they terminate individuals who do not have the vaccine? If not – is there anything they can do?

  • Can the employer offer higher medical premiums for employees who do not have the vaccine and lower premiums for employees who do?

Stop Letting Major Hospitals and Insurers Take Control of Your Health Care Costs

Stop Letting Major Hospitals and Insurers Take Control of Your Health Care Costs

One might think that health insurers aim to procure the most favorable rates for their customers. However, data collected due to the recent federal order requiring hospitals to disclose a complete list of prices they negotiate with private insurers has found that this, too often, is not the case.

Special COBRA Notice Deadline for Employers Approaching Fast

Special COBRA Notice Deadline for Employers Approaching Fast

The deadline to send a new COBRA notice required under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) is approaching quickly. Employers and COBRA administrators will need to send those notices no later than September 15, 2021, to satisfy that obligation.

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