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Here is What You Need to Know About 2025 Open Enrollment and Annual Enrollment
With Open Enrollment on the horizon, now is a good time to review your current health insurance plan and make any changes needed. Here are some reminders and tips to help make your enrollment season smooth and constructive.
Seven Advantages of Offering Basic Life Insurance to Your Employees
Life insurance is a popular employee benefit that is advantageous for both the employee and the employer. Here are a few ways that life insurance can benefit employers:
Compliance Corner: Major Change to Affect Medicare Part D Credibility That Employers Need to Think About
Beginning in 2025, Medicare beneficiaries will pay no more than $2,000 out-of-pocket for prescription drugs covered under Part D, Medicare’s outpatient drug benefit.
The Rise of ICHRAs as an Option for Employers
With medical costs on the rise, many employers are evaluating their healthcare options to find cost-effective means to provide their employees with quality healthcare options. An option gaining traction with employers are Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements or ICHRA, for short.
Compliance Corner: ICHRA Compliance for Employers
ICHRAs still have to comply with the same employer-based coverage rules, notices, and filings as traditional group health insurance plans. Here is a quick list for those considering these vehicles for their employee benefit packages.
15 Low- and No-Cost Employee Benefits to Offer
Many of today’s most popular benefits come at little to no cost for employers. As the race for talent remains tight, employers may consider offering these affordable employee benefits to appeal to workers.
Why You Need Travel Medical Insurance
Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, someone with a pre-existing condition, or looking to travel abroad for extended trips, travel health insurance can help you in the event of unexpected accident or illness. Here's why you should consider adding travel medical insurance to your trip plans.
GUIDE: What to Expect When Shopping for Group Health Insurance Coverage
Whether you are shopping for group benefits for the first time or you are conducting your annual benefit review, here’s an overview of the most important details your advisor considers as well as some frequently asked questions we receive from our clients.
What is a Full-Flex Cafeteria Plan?
Full-flex, or full cafeteria plans, enable an employer to create stipend for each employee to spend on a selection of benefits. If allowed by the employer, the employee can opt out of benefits, receiving the remaining amounts as taxable income.
Compliance Corner: PCORI Fees Due to IRS No Later Than July 31, 2024
Fees to fund the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) are due from employers who sponsor self-insured health plans such as Level Funded and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs). The filing is due to the IRS no later than July 31, 2024.
Join Us for a LIVE Medicare 101 Presentation! Register Today!
Join licensed sales agent Bram Binsky and our friends from Medical Mutual of Ohio to learn about the basics of Medicare, review your plan options, and get the guidance you need so you can feel more confident in choosing a Medicare plan.
IMPORTANT: Updates to Short-Term Limited Duration Insurance Coming September 2024
If you currently have a short-term health insurance plan or were looking into a short-term plan for your family, please contact your ARC client advisor to develop a plan of action as soon as possible!
Compliance Corner: Are Your Medical Benefits Near a Fault Line?
It’s important to review your employee medical contributions periodically, such as at renewal time, if you’re giving an advantage to highly compensated employees over other employees on medical premiums. Your ARC client advisor can provide reference material to help you to determine if your plan meets the criteria to avoid issues as well as strategies to walk back if you find that your plan needs adjusting.
Your Employee Benefits Questions Answered: Employee Contribution Options for Medical Coverage
When it comes to determining employee contribution rates, the best approach is to offer the same benefits to all employees with the same pricing structure. It’s easier to administer, remember, communicate, and manage while avoiding any discrimination issues. However, we recognize that it may not work best for your unique situation.
Important Upcoming RxDC Reporting Deadlines for Employers
Here are the upcoming deadlines for employers to provide the requested information if they were covered by these insurers for any part of 2023.
Compliance Corner: Looming Carrier Deadlines for RxDC Reporting
Beginning last year, many insurance companies now send out client surveys to collect information that is needed to complete government RxDC reporting on behalf of employers. Nearly all insurance companies have client surveys out to employers at this time.
6 Ways to Enhance Your High-Deductible Health Plan
Here are six ways you can re-balance the scale between premium savings and member costs when moving to a higher deductible.
February is National Heart Month! Are You Living a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle?
Which of these five factors do you incorporate into your life to keep your ticker healthy?
Raising Awareness and the Utilization of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
EAPs include services and education for issues including mental health, substance abuse, financial health, legal problems, child and elder care, gambling addiction, psychological issues, and more. These programs are designed to boost employee well-being, satisfaction, performance, and health.
Reminder for Employers: Medicare Part D Disclosures Due by February 29 for Calendar Year Plans
Group health plan sponsors are required to complete an online disclosure form with CMS on an annual basis and at other select times, indicating whether the plan’s prescription drug coverage is creditable or non-creditable.
Four New Year’s Resolutions That Might Actually Stick
It's 2024 and now is a great time to set your goals for the new year (ya know, if you're in to that sort of thing).
Attention Employers: Don’t Forget About the Upcoming ACA Reporting Deadlines!
Employers subject to ACA reporting under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6055 or 6056 should prepare to comply with reporting deadlines in early 2024. We will be providing a comprehensive by-carrier guide for this year's ACA reporting soon.
The Anti-Grinch Guide to Navigating Stress During the Holiday Season
The holidays can be stressful with trying to make room for everything in your schedule, operating on a tighter budget, wrapping up (no pun intended) the end of your year, and trying to connect with loved ones while also dealing with boisterous, eggnog-fueled uncles. Here are four strategies you can use to put your mental health first during the holidays.
A Message From ARC’s Director of Employee Benefits: What to Expect Around the 2024 January Renewal Cycle
While we’re doing all that we can to ensure this renewal season runs as smoothly as possible, we wanted to make you aware of the season we’re walking in now. Here are some things you need to know to ensure your enrollment goes smoothly this year.
Why Reviewing Your Monthly Invoice is Important for Your Business and Your Employees
If you have made changes to your policy (adds, terminations, other changes), it’s important to review your invoice to ensure those changes are reflected.
Compliance Corner: New Gag Clause Attestations Due December 31, 2023
Attestations are to be submitted via the CMS-HIO System. The first filing in 2023 covers the period of December 27, 2020, through December 31, 2023.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The Significant Financial Burden of a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Further testing or treatment for breast cancer beyond preventive care may have substantial financial consequences, so much so that the out-of-pocket costs for some cancer treatments may prevent individuals from seeking or continuing treatment.
What You Need to Know About the Cost of Medicare Supplements
Price is the only difference between plans with the same letter that are sold by different insurance companies. But how do carriers determine these prices?
Are Your Employees Losing Their Medicaid Coverage?
Employers who have employees enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP should encourage their employees to make sure their state Medicaid or CHIP agency has their up-to-date contact information.
EMPLOYER ACTION REQUIRED: Anthem Has Transitioned to a New Life and Disability System
Anthem recently transitioned their life and disability business to StanCorp Financial Group (The Standard), and, as a result, they are migrating L&D groups to a single enrollment and billing system called Compassi. If you received a notice from Anthem regarding this change, action may be required on your part.
Compliance Corner: 2024 Affordability Threshold Lowered to 8.39 Percent
Large employers have a federal mandate to provide coverage, submit government reporting, and to ensure that employee premium cost for coverage doesn’t exceed certain amounts or they will be subject to penalties. The cost of coverage limitations is called the Affordability Threshold. It is indexed annually by the IRS.
Is a Narrow Network Plan Right for Your Organization?
One strategy many employers are embracing to help manage rising health care costs is adopting narrow network plans to better meet employee needs and reduce overall health care costs.
Strategies for Identifying and Resolving Gaps in Benefits Offerings
To attract and retain top talent, employers must go beyond competitive salaries and create holistic and meaningful employee benefits packages that address diverse workforce needs.
Why Dental Benefits Are Crucial for Your Overall Well-Being
Selecting and utilizing dental benefits is crucial because the condition of your teeth and gums significantly impacts your overall health.
Affordable Care Act Enhanced Premium Subsidies Continue Through 2025
In March of 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) was implemented as an economic stimulus in response to the COVID pandemic. Here is how it has affected and still affects premium subsidies.
Compliance Corner: PCORI Fees Due to IRS No Later Than July 31, 2023
Fees to fund the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) are due from employers who sponsor certain self-insured health plans such as Level Funded and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) that are not treated as excepted benefits. The filing is due to the IRS no later than July 31, 2023.
Patient Protections from Surprise Medical Bills in the “No Surprises Act”
There’s nothing worse than receiving an unexpected medical bill. It’s the worst kind of surprise. The “No Surprises Act” was enacted in December of 2020 to increase health care transparency and protect consumers from surprise medical bills.
The Importance of Engagement and Advocacy in Customer Service
At ARC Benefit Solutions, we believe that prime customer service is dependent on our engagement with our clients and our role as advocates.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Five Tips to Take Care of Your Mental Health
Show your brain some love this month with these five tips.
What is an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
An EAP is an employer-sponsored program that offers services or referrals to help employees deal with personal problems. Traditionally, the focus was drug and alcohol abuse, but many employers have expanded programs to include a variety of issues.
Compliance Corner: Employer Filing for the RxDC Report Due on June 1, 2023
The RxDC Report is an annual filing required by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and is due on June 1, 2023.
Important New Guidance on Preventive Care
The gist of this court ruling is that it has ruled it unconstitutional to require insurers/payers cover 100 percent coverage of some preventive services and how those services are determined.
Here are Some Stress Management Activities You Can Try for National Stress Awareness Month
While some stress is unavoidable and necessary for avoiding potentially serious situations, a consistent increase of stress levels for longer than necessary can impact your health.
It’s Spring Cleaning Time! Here are Five Tips to Make the Most of Your Spring Cleaning This Year
For the busy folk out there with kids, packed schedules,…
Compliance Corner: Is Your Plan Subject to COBRA Continuation of Coverage?
COBRA applies to group health plans maintained by employers that had at least 20 employees on more than 50 percent of its typical business days in the previous calendar year.
What is the Difference Between Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Homes?
And what can patients expect Medicare to cover when it comes to these services?
Reminder for Employers: Medicare Part D Disclosures Due by March 1 for Calendar Year Plans
Group health plan sponsors are required to complete an online disclosure form with CMS on an annual basis and at other select times, indicating whether the plan’s prescription drug coverage is creditable or non-creditable.
Compliance Corner: Notice Requirements and Why Employers Need a Premium Only Plan
In this month’s Compliance Corner, we’ll cover a document that employers are required to have in place when paying for employer-sponsored health coverage using pre-tax funds under Section 125 of the IRS Code: the Premium Only Plan (POP).
Employers: Here’s Your Yearly Reminder to Audit Your Invoices!
Now that the fourth quarter and the holidays are over, it’s time to set your goals for 2023, including cleaning up your monthly invoices from your insurance carrier to make sure you are not being overcharged.
5 Strategies for Reducing Employee Benefits Costs in 2023
Employers have a variety of ways in which they can help contain health care expenses. Choosing the right method will depend on unique employee populations and budgets.
The Rise of Cost Transparency in the American Health Care System
While it is common practice to “shop” for the best deal on cars or houses, the health insurance industry, “which accounts for nearly 20 percent of the economy,” has provided little to no access to precise information on just how much a particular service or procedure may cost prior to scheduling an appointment.
Compliance Corner: Considerations for Employees or Dependents Becoming Eligible for Medicare
As employees of companies near age 65, they become eligible for Medicare, which has a lot of implications for their health coverage. This article contains answers to frequently asked questions to help you and your employees make the best decision and stay compliant.
Healthy Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Friends and Loved Ones
To help ring in your loved ones' New Year, consider these health and wellness gifts to help with their 2023 goals.
Compliance Corner: Pharmacy Benefit Reporting is Due by December 27, 2022
All fully insured carriers and nearly all administrators with whom we work are handling the filing on behalf of their employer clients.
The Inflation Reduction Act and What it Means for America’s Medicare Population
The passing of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is the latest in spending bills that at least partially targets help for Medicare eligible and beneficiaries.
4 Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving
Here are four tips to help you nourish your body this Thanksgiving holiday and avoid the dreaded food coma.
Compliance Corner: IRS Issues New Guidance Regarding ACA Premium Tax
The IRS provided new guidance on October 11, 2022, to fix the “Family Glitch” effective January 1, 2023. The new regulations state that a family’s entire income would be taken into consideration for the calculation of affordability for individual health insurance subsidies.
What are Voluntary Benefits and Why Should You Offer Them to Your Employees?
Since many employers find it increasingly difficult to provide employees with a complete benefit package, voluntary benefits have become an ideal solution. Voluntary benefits allow employers to offer benefits that are attractive to employees without added cost to the company.
Inflation’s Impact on 2023 Open Enrollment
Many employees are currently feeling financially strained because of inflation. With open enrollment fast approaching, inflation could impact the choices employees make when it comes to their benefits.
Consider This: Are You and Your Employees Prepared for Retirement?
If you need up to 80 percent of your current income to retire, are you prepared? As an employer, there are a number of benefits for both you and your employees when you offer a 401(k).
Compliance Corner: Remind Your Employees About Medicare Part D Creditability!
The federal government requires that employers notify plan participants who may be making decisions about Medicare coverage of their plan’s status so they can make an informed decision. The deadline is October 14, 2022.
Take Charge of Your Health for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! According to Breastcancer.org, an estimated 170,000 people in the United States are living with metastatic breast cancer.
What You Need to Know About the Inflation Reduction Act
The newly passed Inflation Reduction Act (IFA) will help consumers offset premiums who have individual coverage through the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) for at least the next three years.
September is Healthy Aging Month! Follow These Three Tips to Help You Maintain Your Health and Function
From taking care of your body with regular screenings to getting moving, there are many ways you can positively influence your health. Here are three habits you can add to your life to age healthily.
Contribution Requirements for Small Group Employers
Many small business owners offer health insurance to attract and retain good workers. However, these owners do have to meet specific requirements.
How Workers’ Comp Works for Ohio Businesses
Although health insurance and workers’ compensation coverage…
Will the New Transparency in Coverage Laws Help Contain Healthcare Costs?
The No Surprises Act placed limits and procedures for determining costs on certain out-of-network claims, while the Consolidated Appropriations Act enacted transparency requirements for insurance companies, hospitals, pharmacy benefit managers, and insurance brokers.
DON’T Feel the Burn This Summer: Protect Your Skin From UV Rays
July is Ultraviolet Safety Month so we're coming in hot (pun intended) with four tips to stay safe in the sun.
Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage: Which Plan is Best for You?
To make an informed decision about your Medicare coverage, it is imperative to understand the differences between the two options: Medicare Supplement plans and Medicare Advantage plans.
IMPORTANT: New Employer Requirements for Transparency in Coverage Effective July 1, 2022
This notice is for clients with self-funded medical benefit plans. This includes all level-funded and most MEWA plans. Fully Insured clients do not need to do anything as the insurance carrier is required to comply.
Compliance Corner: Don’t Forget to Pay Your PCORI Fee!
We interrupt your regularly scheduled Compliance Corner to bring you a COMPLIANCE ALERT! to remind customers about the PCORI filing and fees due by July 31, 2022.
What’s the Point of Disability Insurance?
For most people, their paycheck is what fuels this continuous flow of money. We build our lives and expenses around the money we earn from our jobs. But are you protecting your paychecks with disability insurance coverage?
Breaking Down What You Need to Know Before Choosing an Individual Health Insurance Plan
Understanding and reviewing health insurance plans can be complicated, so breaking it down into simplified concepts may improve the process and make you more comfortable with your decisions.
Compliance Corner: Notice Requirements That You Need to Know About
Last month, we introduced our Compliance Corner to help employers better understand their requirements from the government. This month, we’ll review the various notice requirements that apply to employee benefit programs.
Is a Health Savings Account a Good Option for You?
HSAs are tax-advantaged savings accounts offered to individuals with high-deductible health plans to save for qualified medical expenses.
Attention OPERs Members: Here’s What You Need to Know About ICHRA
To keep the OPERS health fund solvent, the plan was replaced by a medical stipend program known as an Individual Health Reimbursement Arrangement, or ICHRA.
Attention Employers: Commission Disclosures From ARC
A new rule requires health insurance brokers to inform their employee benefit clients how they are compensated by the carriers.
Compliance Corner: The DOL’s List of Federal Laws Impacting Employer-Based Coverage
Over the next several months, we’re going to provide a brief overviews of the areas of compliance that we hope will help you better understand these obligations.
Your Guide to Supplemental Health Insurance Products
There are a number of ancillary products available on the market including accident, critical illness, dental, vision, and hospital indemnity.
It’s Time to Spring Clean Your Employee Benefit Documents!
Here are a couple of tasks our employee benefit client advisors have recommended for your spring cleaning checklist.
Your Options for Submitting Your Monthly Premium Payments to Keep Your Account Updated
Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of the payment options provided by insurance carriers.
REMINDER: Employers Need to Report Part D Creditability to CMS By March 1
Employers need to notify CMS within 60 days of their renewal of whether their plan(s) is creditable or not for Part D.
Here are the Medicare Enrollment Periods You Need to Know About
When turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare, it is crucial to understand the time frames for enrollment because they can be a factor in your Medicare coverage options/decisions.
ARC’s Top Five Blog Posts of 2021
2021 has wrapped up and we're moving into 2022 with a goal of continually educating our clients so they can be empowered consumers. Here are some of our favorite blog posts from the past year that can help you this year.
Your Frequently Asked Questions About Deductibles Answered
Your deductible is the annual amount you must pay each year for specific non-copay health care services before your insurance begins to pay.
Your Quick Guide to Contribution Limits for HSA Plans in 2022
For health savings accounts (HSA), there are a number of contribution limits to consider, including the minimum annual deductible, out-of-pocket maximums, and more.
Do I Need a Referral From My Primary Care Physician with a PPO Plan?
Unlike an HMO, PPOs enable clients to visit specialists without a referral if they are in network.
Steps to Ensure Your Benefit Documents are Organized for 2022
A good, well-rounded benefits package is one of your strongest assets for employee retention and recruitment. But it also means there is some upkeep and organization requirements at the start of the year.
Employee Benefits are Like a Thanksgiving Meal…
From turkey to cranberry sauce, here these are the benefits that employees are most attracted to and how those benefits may affect your business.
An Employer’s Guide to Open Enrollment
Here are some helpful tips to make Open Enrollment a meaningful time for your employees.
So, Who Does the Affordable Care Act Really Help?
The law was designed to decrease the uninsured population in the United States by offering benefits that were more accessible to the general population with expanded Medicaid eligibility, guaranteed issue, subsidies and cost-sharing reductions, essential health benefits, and more.
Four Practical Ways to Make Your Healthy Habits Stick
The internet is chock-full of information about why self care is important. However, the real head scratcher is how to incorporate those self care habits into your daily life and make them stick.
Attention Employers: Don’t Forget to Update Your FormFire Accounts!
Remember, all employees need to update FormFire before your advisor can shop all available quotes on the market. As such, the sooner you update, the better off you’ll be.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Renewal This Year
It’s that time of the year again! Renewal season is upon us and we want to make sure you’re receiving the best service and support possible.
Stay Safe While You Travel! Consider Travel Health Insurance for Your Out-of-Country Trip
Before you start packing your bags and buying those plane tickets, there are still a few administrative details to consider, including travel protection insurance and travel health insurance.
HMO Versus PPO: What is the Difference?
Here is a comprehensive list of the differences between the two plans.
Are You Taking Care of Your Chompers? Why Dental Coverage is Important to Your Health
Dental plans emphasize preventive care, saving you money in the long run from more major procedures that may result from not visiting the dentist on a regular basis.
Protect the Skin You’re In! July is Ultraviolet Safety Awareness Month
It is extremely important to know the risks associated with too much sun exposure and how to protect yourself and your family from those risks.
ATTENTION EMPLOYERS: PCORI Fees are Due by July 31, 2021
The purpose of PCORI is to progress the quality and relevance of evidence-based medicine.
The Secrets to Designing an Effective Employee Benefits Program
We field many questions from employers on the best way to structure an employee benefit package, from cost control to plan structure to funding mechanisms. Here are just a few of our most frequently asked questions, along with considerations from our team.