March 3, 2023
Compliance Recap | February 2023
February saw the start of Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting for health coverage provided in 2022. The ACA reporting deadlines range from February 28 to March 31, 2023, and the state deadlines range from January 31,2023 to April 30, 2023. Preparing for the end of the COVID-19 National ...
February 28, 2023
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Inclusive Meetings: Creating Spaces Where All Can Contribute
It’s true – the loudest voice often gets the most “airtime.” You have likely been in a meeting where one person dominates the conversation, leaving teammates struggling to add their ideas and questions. Research reveals that men from minority groups and women are often uncomfortable speaking up ...
February 21, 2023
Workplace Culture | Unplugged: Creating Time to Think
In today’s “always on” work culture, it is not uncommon to be in a virtual meeting, viewing a presentation, and checking your phone simultaneously. Your time is precious. Research shows it takes almost 23 minutes to get back on track after being interrupted. Getting space to think without phone ...
February 16, 2023
Advocacy in Action | Hospital Bill Assistance
A member was hospitalized and received a provider bill for medical supplies totaling $3,137.75 and an explanation of benefits from the insurance carrier showing a member responsibility of $64,398.00 for the hospital bill. The member knew he had already satisfied the plan’s $1,500 in-network ...
February 14, 2023
Dear HR Manager from Stepping on my Toes
Dear HR Manager, One of my employees is infringing on my responsibilities. He emails directives to the department without my approval. Sometimes the information is incorrect and sends the team into a tizzy. At other times, it is correct but outside of his domain. What do I do? – Stepping On My ...
February 6, 2023
Compliance Recap | January 2023
2023 began quietly as the dust settles around open enrollment and the plan changes that can come with it. Proposed End to the Public Health Emergency and the COVID-19 National Emergency In a statement made through the Office of Management and Budget on January 30, President Biden announced his ...
February 3, 2023
President Biden Reveals Plan to End National COVID-19 Emergency
On January 30 President Biden issued a statement of policy to Congress in which he announced that the administration plans to end both the National Emergency related to COVID-19 originally declared by President Trump in 2020 and the public health emergency (PHE) declared by the U.S. Department ...
January 30, 2023
Compliance Reminder | ACA Reporting Obligation and Due Dates
If you are an Applicable Large Employer (ALE) and offer medical benefits to your employees, you are required to complete IRS forms 1095-C and 1094-C, and report appropriately to the IRS and to your employees. The reporting indicates which full-time employees were offered medical coverage during ...
January 24, 2023
DOL Announces 2023 Penalties for Health & Welfare Plan Compliance Errors
Since 2015, federal agencies have been required to annually review the laws and regulations they enforce to adjust applicable penalties for inflation. These adjustments, or so the theory goes, provide higher incentives for plan sponsors to ensure their benefit plans and programs remain ...
January 18, 2023
Advocacy in Action | Reprocessed Claims Assistance
A member contacted Purple Card because she had received another bill from her medical provider for charges dating back to a year prior. The member sent a copy of the bill and asked her Patient Advocate to check and see why the provider was still sending her a bill. The Patient Advocate checked ...
