Annually, Medicare Part D requires group health plan sponsors to disclose to those eligible for Medicare Part D and to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) whether the health plan’s prescription drug coverage is creditable. The start date of the annual enrollment period for Medicare Part D is …
Effective September 6th, three federal unemployment programs have officially expired. These programs include Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC). Through Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, gig workers and freelancers, who were usually not eligible for unemployment, received up to 79 weeks of unemployment …
Kingston, PA— August 23, 2021 — Creative Benefits, Inc. proudly announces and welcomes Gertrude C. McGowan, Esq. as a Benefits Consultant. In this capacity, Gert will serve as a strategic partner guiding clients through the procurement and implementation of their benefits package using their short- and long-term objectives as a …
On August 16, 2021, the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor and the Treasury (collectively, the Departments) issued a frequently asked question (FAQ) regarding enforcement of the contraceptive coverage mandate under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Contraceptive Mandate The ACA requires non-grandfathered health plans to cover certain …
Financial concerns are one of the largest causes of stress among employees, and the current pandemic has only exacerbated the need for benefits that help employees navigate the daily stressors in their lives. We’ve seen financial wellness programs gaining traction across a multitude of industries as employers realize the importance …
When employees are well informed about their benefits, they are more inclined to make smart decisions that protect their health and financial well-being. Furthermore, educating employees about the value and range of their benefits can cultivate trust and confidence with their employer, which can have a positive impact on recruitment …
The COVID-19 pandemic has and continues to force many organizations to adapt and reimagine their service offerings to prioritize the health and safety of their employees. Since in-person visits to the doctor were put on hold in 2020, telehealth saw an increase in popularity. This allowed employees and their families …
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently published a proposed rule that would revise several benefit and payment parameters under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for the 2022 benefit year. While the proposed changes primarily impact insurers and Exchanges, it’s important to consider that some provisions could also …
Open enrollment is an opportunity to showcase an organization’s benefits package and the value it provides to employees — with the hope of curbing rising turnover rates. Within the last year, employees’ priorities have changed. Consequently, employees may be seeking enhanced offerings to better protect their health and well-being, while …
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) imposes a fee on health insurance issuers and plan sponsors of self-insured health plans to help fund the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). The PCORI fee is calculated based on the average number of lives covered under a policy or plan and is paid annually …
Retirement planning is one evolving area where employees are seeking out solutions that assist them and their family members in building strong financial futures. According to the Employee Benefits Research Institute, over four out of five workers say their employer converting retirement savings into regular income would be helpful. Additionally, …
Over the course of the year, we have seen increased demand for well-being programs and mental health resources from a wide array of employee populations. To meet this demand, employers have been prompted to create, or ramp up current well-being offerings, which can electrify a healthier and more engaged workforce. …
Throughout the pandemic, the opportunity to engage in traditional healthcare dwindled due to the risk of infection and reallocation of resources. Now, with a large percentage of Americans fully vaccinated and demand for care increasing, the popularity of telemedicine continues to boom. New research shows that virtual care will outlast …
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can be an asset to any employee benefits package because employees can set aside pre-tax funds to be used for eligible healthcare expenses. Due to the nature of the public health emergency posed by COVID-19 and the unanticipated changes in availability of certain medical care, you …
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) as it exists today, will remain in place. On June 17, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in a 7-2 ruling after several arguments challenging the constitutionality of the ACA were brought forth to the court. The Supreme Court determined …
