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To keep you current on information critical to your business, below are updates and resources to support your sales and service efforts. To access our full library, visit the News and Industry Perspectives site.
A new rule regarding health reimbursement arrangements (HRA), for the first time explicitly permits employers to pay for an individual medical plan obtained by an employee without having to report such payment as income to the employee. The new rule, which takes effect in 2020, also establishes a new type of health reimbursement arrangement that can be used to pay for individual market ancillary plans obtained by an employee. Learn more.
Claremont is hosting the next in our series of no-cost continuing education events Tuesday, July 30th starting at 12:30 pm. Earn two CE credits by attending the two one-hour courses “All Things Compliance" and “Landmines of PreTax Benefits.”
Back by popular demand to lead the sessions is Carolyn McNairy, Vice President Compliance for TASC, our co-sponsor. Stay for the bonus session "A Briefing on The New HRA Rule."
Small group PPO rates will increase an average of 1.5% and HMO plans will increase an average of 1.0% for October through December effective dates.
Updates
Benefit plans and provider networks remain unchanged.
Employer eServices (EeS) moves to OptumID (OID) in August.
Teledoc® joins UHC Virtual Visits network of providers September 1, 2019.
SmileDirectClub offers no-cost dental benefits: 3D image or at-home impression kit, retainer, premium teeth whitening, plus discounted dental rates.
Vision benefits: expanded diabetes eye care, enhanced contact lens benefit, and children's eye care program.
UHC Motion® program helps members earn health savings account credits, reduce healthcare costs, and boost well-being.
Broker Bonus Earn up to $50,000 per group (in California) with at least 10 eligible employees and effective dates from February 1, 2019, through January 1, 2020.
A proven leader in human resources administration, tax reporting, compliance, and more, Heartland's hassle-free customizable payroll and HR services ensure client satisfaction and retention.
Integration with Ease
Eliminates duplicate entries in both systems and manual keying errors, while automating the updating of deductions as open enrollment occurs.
Automatically pushes new hire information, payroll deductions resulting from benefit additions or changes, and employee updates from Ease into the payroll system with a click of the mouse.
Allows brokers and employers to centralize employee records, set up and manage payroll, and combine benefits administration with HR administration, and tax reporting.
Protect Your Client Base Heartland does not, and will not, compete with benefit broker partners by selling employee benefits.
Payroll Referral Program Brokers can generate an ongoing stream of revenue from every referral that results in a sold client.
Following months of negotiations, Blue Shield of California has terminated contracts (HMO/PPO/POS and Medicare Advantage) with Healthy Hospitals and KPC Hospitals System, effective June 30, 2019. Get the details.
IN THIS ISSUE Healthcare Reform: Sweeping New Rule on Health Reimbursement Arrangements ---------------------------------- Continuing Education: Improve Your Compliance Knowledge ---------------------------------- UnitedHealthcare Q4-2019 Small Group Rates and Updates ---------------------------------- Featured Partner: Heartland Payroll – Reputable, Syncs with Ease, Not Competitive with Brokers ---------------------------------- Blue Shield of CA: Contracts Terminated with Southern California Hospitals
IMPORTANT DATES July 15 • Application Deadline: - TASC ---------------------------------- July 17 • SAHU Member Lunch ---------------------------------- July 18 • SAHU Drive to Support Childhood Cancer ---------------------------------- July 25 • Application Deadline: - Chinese Community Health Care - Covered California for Small Business ---------------------------------- July 30 • Two, One-Hour CE Courses: - All Things Compliance - Landmines of Pretax Benefits ---------------------------------- July 31 • Application Deadline: - Reliance Standard ---------------------------------- August 5 • Application Deadline: - DeltaCare - Delta Dental - Humana ---------------------------------- August 6 • Application Deadline: - Blue Shield of CA - MetLife ---------------------------------- August 7 • Application Deadline: - Beam Dental - Choice Builder - Principal - UnitedHealthcare ---------------------------------- August 8 • VCAHU Casino Night ---------------------------------- August 12 • GGAHU, SAHU, and SVAHU 5th Annual Medicare Summit ---------------------------------- August 14 • SDAHU PAC Day at The Races ---------------------------------- August 15 • Application Deadline: - TASC ---------------------------------- August 20 • LAAHU and VCAHU 5th Annual Medicare Summit ---------------------------------- August 21 • SAHU Member Lunch ---------------------------------- August 25 • NAHU Leadership Conference ---------------------------------- August 28 • OCAHU & SDAHU 2019 Senior Summit ---------------------------------- September 19 • DCAHU 3rd Annual Medicare Summit
As always, we'll keep you informed about healthcare reform issues and news affecting you and your clients. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you succeed.
