The coronavirus pandemic has forced employers to reimagine how they conduct business now and in the future. With many companies extending telework opportunities and seeking ways to limit contact in the workplace, employers are beginning to plan for virtual open enrollment. Businesses have and will continue to face adjustments to …
Since the coronavirus pandemic swept through the United States, nearly 43 million Americans have filed for unemployment. Consequently, uncertainty for what the future holds has been a common theme for many employers in recent months, which has inevitably influenced the lives and routines of their employees. To keep remote employees …
As healthcare spending escalates, many organizations are looking to design innovative programs that curb costs without sacrificing overall employee care and satisfaction. One cost-shifting strategy gaining popularity amongst employers is the reference-based pricing (RBP) model. How RBP Works RBP works by setting spending limits on certain procedures or services — …
As the scope of the coronavirus pandemic continues to expand, Aetna continues to show its commitment to help support and protect its members. The carrier is mindful of the challenges their small business customers and employees have had to face, which has led to the initiative to again extend and …
As the current pandemic continues to raise health concerns, many health insurance carriers have taken the initiative to ensure members have continued coverage for and access to COVID-19 related testing and treatment. For instance, Cigna announced they have extended their previously announced support for customers, by implementing the following COVID-19 …
The proactive response made to help flatten the COVID-19 curve and preserve personal protective equipment (PPE) has impacted the healthcare economy in profound ways, especially to the dental industry. On March 16, 2020, the American Dental Association (ADA) issued guidance stating that dental practices need to postpone elective procedures and …
In times when there is fear, anxiety, and unpredictability, providing comfort and support to individuals is imperative. That is why Philly-headquartered insurance carrier, Independence Blue Cross (IBC), has launched a new initiative — “Calls of Kindness.” Through this initiative, IBC employee volunteers call Medicare members to proactively check-in on their …
On May 20, 2020 the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released Revenue Procedure 2020-32, which provides the inflation adjusted amounts for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) for the 2021 plan year. As cost of living expenses continue to rise, the IRS annually adjust the following amounts …
We’re excited to highlight the community efforts of one of our clients, Dieffenbach’s Potato Chips Inc. — a Womelsdorf-based company, known for its UGLIES® Kettle Cooked Potato Chip brand, which takes minorly imperfect potatoes previously disposed of by farmers to ultimately reduce the national percentage of food waste. In an …
The global COVID-19 pandemic has altered life as we know it. Uncertainty of what lies ahead does not mean managing your health should be put on the back burner. Maintaining healthy exercise, nutrition, and sleep habits may feel especially challenging during this time, but these habits are critical for managing …
To assist with the issues presented by the Novel Coronavirus outbreak, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released Notice 2020-29, which provides flexibility for mid-year election changes under a Section 125 cafeteria plan during 2020. This flexibility has been designed to encourage employers, who sponsor health flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and …
Over the last several months, the rise of COVID-19 has presented an excessive amount of challenges to individuals, businesses, institutions and across national and global healthcare systems. In efforts to restore imbalances in the healthcare industry, UnitedHealth Group, along with many other insurance carriers, have rose to the occasion. UnitedHealth …
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, employees may be more likely to have unused funds in their health flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or dependent care assistance program (DCAP) accounts. Health FSAs and DCAPs are accounts individuals can make pre-tax contributions to, that are then used to pay for certain out-of-pocket …
Plans to reopen around the country are beginning to go into effect, which means workers who have been working from home or who were furloughed in response to COVID-19, may be returning to the workplace. As employees’ health and wellness remains a top priority, employers need to recognize the added …
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools and day care facilities have been forced to close. With the lack of availability and, in some cases, need for childcare, employees are being encouraged to re-evaluate their Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) contributions and consider alternate uses for these funds. Under ‘normal’ circumstances, …
