In March, the employee benefits world watched as the House Speaker unveiled a proposal to replace parts of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) with the American Health Care Act (AHCA). The AHCA bill was withdrawn from consideration by the full House on March 24 because it appeared that there would not be […]
Read moreCategory: CMS
Compliance Recap // February 2017
February had relatively little activity in the employee benefits world because a new Secretary of the Department of Health and Humans (HHS) was recently confirmed and HHS started its rulemaking under the new administration. On February 10, 2017, the U.S. Senate confirmed Rep. Tom Price as the new Secretary of HHS, who has a budget […]
Read moreCMS’ Proposed Rule on ACA Market Stabilization
On February 17, 2017, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule to stabilize the health insurance market and address risks to the individual and small group markets. CMS proposes changes to guaranteed availability of coverage, network adequacy, essential community providers, open enrollment periods, special […]
Read moreLimited seating available! Sign up now for a our February webinar on Medicare Secondary Payer and CMS Data Match
Benefit Insurance Marketing is pleased to extend an invitation to attend our upcoming monthly compliance Webinar. In conjunction with our alliance with United Benefit Advisors, you have the opportunity to learn more about the latest compliance trends and regulations from one of the nations leading employment and benefit law firms, Fisher Phillips. Best of all, you can take […]
Read moreCompliance Recap // October 2016
October was a busy month for administrative rulemaking in the employee benefits world. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released final instructions for Forms 1094-C and 1095-C, guidance on the taxability of health care sharing ministry employer contributions, and health care information reporting tips. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released guidance on HIPAA […]
Read moreFinal Summary of Benefits and Coverage Template and Updates
A Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) is two-and-a-half page (double-sided) communication required by the federal government. It must contain specific information, in a specific order, and with a minimum size type, about a group health benefit’s coverage and limitations. On April 6, 2016, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of […]
Read moreMedicare Part D Creditable Coverage Notice – Due October 15th
It’s that time again; time to send a Medicare Part D notice of creditable coverage to your eligible employees letting them know whether or not the prescription drug coverage you offer them is creditable. All employers, regardless of size, who sponsor group health plans with prescription drug coverage must provide notification annually by October 15 […]
Read moreAre Opt-Outs on the Way Out?
Opt-out payments or cash in lieu of benefits have been a staple in the employee benefits industry for many years. Employers offer individuals who are eligible to enroll in their group health plan a sum of money, typically paid monthly, to those who waive enrollment in the group health plan. Employers who offer group health […]
Read moreCompliance Recap // May 2016
After a quiet few months, federal agencies were quite busy during the month of May, issuing four important final rules that impact employers. Specifically, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued the long-awaited revisions to the white collar exemptions of the Fair Labor Standards Act; the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its final […]
Read moreWhat Employers Need to Know about the IRS-SSA-CMS Data Match Program
Beginning in early 2016, many employers received letters from the IRS-SSA-CMS Data Match program. These letters are addressed to the employer and begin by stating that “Medicare needs your cooperation.” Employers are directed to report information on the IRS/SSA/CMS Data Match Secure Web Site (https://www.cob.cms.hhs.gov/DataMatch/). The data being requested is often extensive, and can cover […]
Read more