The HIPAA Privacy Rule protects the privacy of patient’s health information but is balanced to ensure that appropriate use and disclosure of information remains necessary during a public health emergency. This information may be used to treat a patient, protect public health, and may be used for other critical purposes. …
In efforts to ease consumers’ concerns about healthcare costs in light of the COVID-19 crisis, at least nine states have reopened their health insurance exchanges for uninsured residents to enroll in coverage. The response stems from the necessity for uninsured patients to be able to receive the medical care they …
CMS Issues FAQ’s on Essential Health Benefit Coverage & the Coronavirus To remove barriers and financial disincentives to COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) on essential health benefit (EHB) coverage. EHB is a core set of items and …
As the coronavirus continues to spread, working from home is becoming the new norm for many U.S. employees. Big tech companies including Amazon, Google, and Apple announced that most of their workforce will be working remotely in an effort to slow down the spread of the virus. During these uncertain …
On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the Act) into law. The Act requires employers to provide paid leave for some employees related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, among other measures. The leave provisions of the Act take effect no later than 15 days …
Health insurance companies are taking action to ensure members have coverage for and access to needed testing as the new coronavirus strain, COVID-19, continues to spread across the United States. Carriers such as Aetna, Independence Blue Cross, Highmark, and Cigna are actively monitoring the spread of the virus; and diligently …
A patient’s ability to better access healthcare and overcome traditional barriers of time and distance comes with the help of innovative technologies. To keep up in a world consumed by tech, the healthcare industry continues to listen to the demands of its consumers with further acceptance and utilization of telemedicine. …
On March 2, 2020, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a third major challenge to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) after rulings in two other major cases confronted core previsions of the healthcare law. The court agreed to hear the case in its new term which begins in October 2020. …
Health officials worldwide are working to contain cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus that originated in China. In January, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern.” As the virus continues to …
On February 21, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Office of Chief Counsel released a memorandum clarifying that there is no applicable statute of limitations on pay or play penalty assessments under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Meaning, there is no time limit for the IRS to assess penalties for …
Since 2014, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has continuously extended a transition policy for certain health plans that do not comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This policy has been extended another year. Health insurance issuers have the option of renewing current polices for current enrollees …
On January 31, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published its proposed Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2021. The proposed rule explains the benefit and payment parameters under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If finalized, the provisions included in the proposed rule would apply for …
Group health plan sponsors who provide prescription drug coverage to individuals who are eligible for coverage under Medicare Part D, are required to complete an online disclosure form with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The plan sponsor must complete the online disclosure within 60 days after the …
CVS Health has designed a new program called RxZERO, which aims to provide affordable medications to individuals living with diabetes without the astronomical out-of-pocket expenses. “Eliminating out-of-pocket costs for diabetes medications ensures long-term affordability, improves adherence and, most importantly, puts patients on the path to better health.” Dr. Troyen A. …
On February 4, 2020, President Donald Trump delivered the 2020 State of the Union Address (SOTU) to a joint session of Congress. A series of topics were presented including private healthcare, federal paid family leave and prescription drug cost reform. These items have already made significant impacts on the employee’ …
