October 24, 2018
The IRS and U.S. Departments of Treasury, Labor and HHS have proposed new regulations for Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs), which could expand opportunities for employees and their families to access affordable, quality healthcare.
The proposed regulation would increase the flexibility and use of HRAs by:
- Allowing HRAs to reimburse employees for individual insurance premiums
- Allowing employers to offer standalone HRAs of up to $1,800 if certain conditions are met.
These proposed changes would become effective January 1, 2020.
More information to come. If you have questions on how these regulations may impact your plan, give us a call at (520) 721-4848.
May 26, 2018
We honor the brave men and women who have given their lives to preserve the freedoms and promise of America. In observance of Memorial Day, our office will be closed Monday, May 28, 2018.
April 11, 2018
On April 9, 2018, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued final regulations and related guidance on Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions including the Ten Essential Health Benefits (EHBs), annual out-of-pocket (OOP) maximums, and Marketplace updates and reforms.
The final rule affords greater flexibility to states for determining EHBs, reduces some regulatory requirements in the individual and small group markets and provides annual benefit provision updates. Additional guidance expands the individual mandate hardship exemptions available for 2018 for people living in states with federally-facilitated Marketplaces. (more…)
April 10, 2018
From Health Net of Arizona
It is after thoughtful consideration that Centene Corp. has decided to reduce our product offerings in the Arizona market to focus our resources on serving the underinsured and uninsured (Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace) populations. Therefore, HealthNet of Arizona and HealthNet Life Insurance Company will exit the small and large group markets in Arizona. We understand this may be disruptive to you and your clients and we appreciate your support during this transition period. (more…)
January 24, 2018
LOSS OF LOW-INCOME SUBSIDY (LIS) LETTERS MAILED
Loss of low-income subsidy (LIS) letters were mailed to members who no longer qualify for extra help with their Medicare prescription drug costs effective January 1, 2018. The letter included members’ new premium and cost-sharing amounts that went into effect January 1, 2018. Members who no longer have the subsidy can switch plans as part of a special enrollment period (SEP) or stay with the same plan. The letters were sent to 214 Blue MedicareRx members. A sample letter is available here. (more…)
