President Joe Biden recently outlined his American Rescue Plan for economic relief from the coronavirus — citing the need for a more robust vaccination plan, as well as additional direct payments to American families to aid in the recovery effort of the U.S. economy. “The very health of our nation …
In 2020, we focused on our physical health by protecting ourselves and others from the spread of COVID-19. In doing so, we have also realized the importance of simultaneously prioritizing our mental health and well-being. Prior to the pandemic, 5% of employees reported they experienced impaired mental health. Now, 18% …
In Philadelphia, diabetes rates are higher than national and state levels, high blood pressure levels exceed both national and state benchmarks, and the rate of obesity is higher than national levels. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these circumstances, making it essential to inform and motivate individuals on how they can …
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a proposed rule that would make certain changes to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule. The proposed changes are intended to: Support individuals’ engagement in their care; Remove barriers to coordinated care; and Reduce regulatory burdens …
As of January 6th 2021, there are two vaccines — the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and the Moderna vaccine — that have received approval for emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration. Inevitably, information from multiple sources about each vaccine is being spread across different mediums, making it essential …
On December 18th 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the second vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19. FDA scientists found the Moderna vaccine to be “safe and efficacious,” prompting the FDA’s determination that the Moderna vaccine has met the statutory criteria …
Between the COVID-19 pandemic, debates over the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and various approaches on future public health strategies, healthcare was a core element of Joe Biden’s campaign for the U.S. presidency. With that being said, employers can begin to plan and strategize about how President-elect Joe Biden and Vice …
In response to today’s circumstances, we have seen increased demand for telemedicine from healthcare consumers. For many, the opportunity to engage in traditional healthcare (i.e. visiting a doctor’s office or emergency room) has dwindled due to risk of infection and reallocation of resources. Consequently, individuals across the nation have had …
In response to an executive order presented in June 2019, the Department of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Treasury have issued a final rule regarding coverage transparency. The rule imposes new transparency requirements on group health plans and health insurers in the individual and group markets. …
Creative Benefits, Inc. has been recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal — Ranked #11 in the Philadelphia region on PBJ’s 2020 Employee Benefits Consultants List! As the eleventh largest employee benefits consulting firm in the area (based on number of local Benefits Consultant Professionals), we are proud of our evolution …
In efforts to expand access to healthcare and support communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, UnitedHealth Group (UHG) has donated $1,250,000 to East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine. The funding funnels into telepsychiatry services intended to better address the mental health needs of new mothers and expectants; as well …
On July 15th, CVS Health launched “Time for Care” — a campaign that reinforces the importance of accessing primary healthcare and encourages individuals to prioritize their primary healthcare needs. “Time for Care” includes a national television ad, a microsite, digital content, and Aetna member program components that address concerns for individuals …
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 was scheduled to expire for plan or policy years ending on or after October 1, 2019. However, a federal …
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 …
