Generally speaking, health insurance plans in this country have so far sailed through the COVID-19 crisis relatively unscathed. We have seen a significant decline in claims utilization which will help drive rates down in the near future. However, as we see gradual reopening of our communities, it is predicted that non-emergency [...]
In response to the wildfires raging throughout California, several Health Plan carriers have created quick reference guidance for access to care: ANTHEM (click here for Anthem Quick Guide) Between August 18, 2020 and September 17, 2020, Anthem is making changes for California members who live in Sonoma, Napa, Monterey and [...]
Recently it was brought to our attention that one of our member cities, Orland, has implemented a fitness tracker program. Using funds they received from participating in our Risk Management Accreditation Program (reach out to Member Services, you can get up to 10% of your yearly contribution back!) they were [...]
What was the high temperature in your city yesterday? If you were anywhere in California, there is a good chance midday temperatures reached well in excess of 80 degrees, which is the temperature at which Cal OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention measures are required to be in place by California employers. [...]
On November 18, 2016 the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2016-70. This notice extends the due date for furnishing 2016 Form 1095-C statements to employees by 30 days, from January 31, 2017 to March 2, 2017. It also extends the deadline for health insurance issuers and other providers of Minimum [...]
Many California public entities that provide their employees health insurance coverage through CalPERS suffered large increases – some as high as 21% - in their medical insurance rates last year. This was not the case for those in the GSRMA Small Group Health Program. The GSRMA Small Group Health Program [...]
The Affordable Care Act requires most individuals to obtain minimum health coverage or pay a penalty, with some exceptions. The penalty for not having coverage will be assessed for the 2015 tax year. The IRS has clarified that individuals do not have to delay filing their 2015 income tax returns because [...]
Overview The ACA created two new reporting requirements for calendar year 2015 to be reported in 2016. The reports are the Minimum Essential Coverage report (also known as MEC, the 6055 report or the 1094B and 1095B “B series” reports) and the Applicable Large Employer report (also known as ALE, the [...]
Overview The ACA created two new reporting requirements for calendar year 2015 to be reported in 2016.This will be an annual requirement with data from the prior year being reported to the IRS and individuals in the first quarter of each year. The reports are the Minimum Essential Coverage report (also [...]
According to flu.gov, nearly 111 million workdays are lost due to the flu each year, costing employers approximately $7 billion per year in sick days and lost productivity. The flu season can begin as early as October and last until May. Influenza costs businesses an additional $10.4 billion in direct costs [...]