2022 Health Insurance Outlook, Changes
As we enter 2022, there are a number of changes on the horizon that plan sponsors need to be aware of as they will affect group health plans as well as employees enrolled in those plans. Some of the changes concern
Dealing with COVID Vaccination Status Friction Points with Employees
The controversy over COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the workplace continues growing and human resources are sounding the alarm on how employers should approach the matter. While the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and impending OSHA regulations will provide some cover to employers
Helping Your Employees Find the Right Plan for Them
Studies have found that nine out of 10 employees opt for the same benefits every year and that around a third of workers don't fully understand the group health plan benefits they are enrolled for. Staying in the same plan after
Draft Would Help Policyholders Meet Drug Deductibles, Copays
A model measure would require health plans to include financial assistance that policyholders receive, as well as drug rebates, towards their pharmaceutical deductibles, copays and coinsurance. Most health plans do not allow rebates and outside financial assistance to count towards a
COVID-19 Home Test Kits Reimbursable under FSAs, HSAs
Under new guidance issued by the IRS, at-home COVID-19 testing kits will be considered a reimbursable medical expense under the three main health care savings vehicles offered to employees. This new guidance adds to the list of personal COVID-19-related expenses for
Pandemic Spurs Supplemental Benefits Uptake Among Workers
A new study has found that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic nearly half of U.S. workers added one new supplemental health-related benefit on top of their group health coverage. The 2021 “Aflac WorkForces Report” found that 44% of employees bought
Large Employers Must File ACA Forms, Not the Insurers
One mistake more and more employers are making is failing to file the required Affordable Care Act tax-related forms with the IRS. If you are what's considered an "applicable large employer" (ALE) under the ACA, you are required to file with
New Issues for 2022 Group Plan Open Enrollment
Employers are entering the second year of open enrollment taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is still having an outsized impact on the process and which has changed the face of health insurance. There are a number of issues that
Group Plan Affordability Level Set for 2022
The IRS has announced the new affordability requirement test percentage that group health plans must comply with to conform to the Affordable Care Act. Starting in 2022, the cost of self-only group plans offered to workers by employers that are required
Coverage for Virtual Substance Abuse Treatment Grows
Thousands of American families have been affected by the tragedy of someone with a substance abuse problem. For many, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding available and affordable treatment has been difficult or impossible. Recently, however, virtual treatment options have become