Senior Pension Administrator
Scholz & Friends Enlightened Retirement Group, Inc.
in TX

Client Relationship Manager
Dietrich
in PA

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Association Health Plans: A Primer for Large Employers

"While it has been the subject of media attention, the expanded AHP definition will not directly affect most large group plans. Additionally, the recent challenge to the final rule injects some uncertainty into the future of AHPs." Buck

Now is a great time to join Worldwide Employee Benefits Network (WEB)

Worldwide Employee Benefits Network represents more than 30 areas of expertise within the Benefits Industry. Join today .

OCR Cybersecurity Newsletter: Considerations for Securing Electronic Media and Devices (PDF)

"To reduce the risk of loss, theft, and the potential of a breach of PHI, organizations may want to consider the following questions ... [1] Is there a record that tracks the location, movement, modifications or repairs, and disposition of devices and media throughout their lifecycles? ... [2] Does the organization's record of device and media movement include the person(s) responsible for such devices and media? ... [3] Are workforce members (including management) trained on the proper use and handling of devices and media to safeguard ePHI? ... [4] Are appropriate technical controls, for example, access controls, audit controls, and encryption, in use?" [August 2018] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS]

Use Open Enrollment to Educate Employees about Preventive Services Visits

"[T]his wording [can be shared] with employees at open enrollment and when billing issues arise: 'This is my annual physical, which is free for me. If I ask any questions that would make you bill this as a diagnostic visit, please let me know so I can make an informed decision on whether I want you to answer the question or if I'd like to come back another time to discuss it with you.' ... For many patients, asking about billing for preventive services may be the first time they bring up the impact of health care costs on their financial health, even if it's a big issue for their household." The Alliance

Surprise Medical Bills Are What Americans Fear Most in Paying for Health Care

"Thirty-nine percent of insured adults under age 65 said they had received a medical bill within the previous 12 months that they'd figured would be covered or that was higher than they anticipated. Half of those people said the bill was less than $500, but nearly 1 in 8 said they were on the hook for $2,000 or more." HealthLeaders Media

Senators Clash with Administration on Causes of High Prescription Drug Prices

"According to the Administration, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and drug distributors ... are largely to blame for higher drug prices. However, Democratic Senators, PBMs, and drug distributors have recently pushed back against the Administration's claims, arguing that the Administration's claims are not supported by any evidence, and, in some cases, are contrary to the core functions of PBMs and drug distributors." Sheppard Mullin

What Employers Need to Know About ACA 'Pay or Play' Mandates

Sept. 18 webinar will clear up any confusion about the ACA 'Pay or Play' mandates and help employers to avoid penalties. Discount for BenefitsLink readers .

Bundled Payment Does Not Drive Hospitals to Increase Volume

"In 2013, [CMS] introduced a voluntary program for hospitals called Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI). Under this alternative payment model, CMS makes a single, preset payment for an episode, or 'bundle,' of care, which may include a hospitalization, postacute care, and other services.... [1] Participation in the BPCI program was not significantly associated with an overall change in the volume of surgeries performed. [2] The mean quarterly market volume in non-BPCI markets increased 3.8 percent after the program was launched. For BPCI markets, the increase was 4.4 percent. [3] The analysis found only one change in case mix: patients who had previously used skilled nursing facilities were slightly less likely to undergo a lower extremity joint replacement surgery at a hospital participating in BPCI." The Commonwealth Fund

IRS Guidance Softens Impact of Recent UBIT Changes on Benefit Plan Investors

"Effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, benefit plans with two or more unrelated trade or businesses will no longer be able to 'net' the income and losses of the businesses in the aggregate when determining the UBIT. Instead, the UBIT for the tax year is based on the sum of the unrelated business income (UBI) (but not less than $0) for each trade or business.... The new law also limits the application of the carryover of net operating losses for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 to the UBI of the same trade or business in future years." Groom Law Group

Judge Kavanaugh's Record in Benefits, Labor, and Employment-Related Cases

"Judge Brett Kavanaugh has decided numerous benefits, labor, and employment-related cases during his dozen years on the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. While the Supreme Court nominee's record in these areas shows a tendency to side with employers, he has also found merit in employees' claims." Buck

Implementation of Preventive Care

Any guidance on how often a self-insured plan must implement updates to the USPSTF A and B Preventive Care Recommendations? How soon after a recommendation is released must a non-grandfathered plan implement it as a covered preventive service without cost sharing? BenefitsLink Message Boards

Press Releases

Strategic Alignment Further Establishes National Firm's Presence in Texas OneDigital Health and Benefits

Connectum Capital Management A.S. is the First Norwegian Investment Advisor Certified for Investment Advisor Fiduciary Excellence Centre for Fiduciary Excellence [CEFEX]

Buck Completes Sale to H.I.G. Capital Buck

OneAmerica Adds 30-Year Sales Pro in Florida, Bolsters Investment in Chicago OneAmerica

New Site Highlights ICI Research and takes on Common Myths about the US Retirement System Investment Company Institute

Preeminent ERISA Law Firm Launches Retirement Plan Investment Advisor Search Consulting Service Wagner Law Group P.C.

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Most Popular Items in the Previous Issue

When Should Health Plan Sponsors Prepare for the Revised 5500? Right Now! Fisher Phillips, via Lexology

IRS Letter 5699: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Accord

Could HSAs Be Getting a Make-Over? Hill, Chesson & Woody