The Transparency in Coverage Final Rules (TiC Final Rules) require group health plans and health insurance issuers to disclose on a public website detailed pricing information in three separate machine-readable files (MRFs) Specifically, the following information must be disclosed: READ MORE: ACA COMPLIANCE BULLETIN [PDF] … [Read more...]

Under the No Surprises Act (“NSA”), when out-of-network (“OON”) providers cannot agree to a payment amount from insurers, the payment amount is determined by an Independent Dispute Resolution (“IDR”) process. On February 23, 2022, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas invalidated portions of the interim final rules regarding IDR that presumed the qualified payment … [Read more...]

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Lifeline) launches nationwide on July 16. Similar to dialing 911 for medical emergencies, people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis can call or text 988 and be connected immediately to trained counselors who will listen, provide support and connect them to resources if necessary. The three-digit dialing code is new, but the Lifeline is not. Previously … [Read more...]

Mental health—your mental and emotional well-being—can change over time due to factors like workload, stress and work-life balance. Observed every May, Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to join together to fight stigma and provide support for people with mental illness and their families. Mental illnesses are some of the most common health conditions in the United States. READ MORE AND … [Read more...]

On April 29, 2022, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2022-24 to provide the inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs) for 2023. The IRS is required to publish these limits by June 1 of each year. These limits include: The maximum HSA contribution limit; The minimum deductible amount for HDHPs; and The maximum out-of-pocket … [Read more...]

Employers with employee benefit plans that operate on a calendar year basis must file their annual reports (Forms 5500) for 2021 with the Department of Labor (DOL) by Aug. 1, 2022. An employer may extend this deadline to two and one-half months (until Oct. 17 2022) by filing IRS Form 5558 by Aug. 1, 2022. READ MORE: COMPLIANCE BULLETIN [PDF] … [Read more...]

In anticipation of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that overturned Roe v. Wade, states have enacted various laws regarding insurance coverage of abortion. Some states have banned or restricted abortion coverage, while other states require plans to cover abortions. Certain states (such as Oklahoma and Texas) now enable individuals to bring civil … [Read more...]

Instead of quitting the workforce entirely, many employees have simply been finding better jobs. Economists have begun referring to this situation not as the “Great Resignation,” but rather as the “Great Reshuffle.” Crucial decision factors for employees seeking better jobs generally revolve around compensation, benefits, career advancement and workplace flexibility. Employee quits reached a … [Read more...]

PFIZER SAYS ITS COVID-19 VACCINE PROTECTS YOUNGER TEENS Neergaard and Perrone, 3/31 (AP) Pfizer announced Wednesday that its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and strongly protective in kids as young as 12, a step toward possibly beginning shots in this age group before they head back to school in the fall. Most COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out worldwide are for adults, who are at higher risk from the … [Read more...]

Provided by: Morrison Insurance Services, Inc. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new guidance for people who have been fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine. Such individuals have been given the go-ahead to resume many activities that have been on hold since the beginning of the pandemic. What’s Changed According to the CDC, people are considered fully … [Read more...]