Employers whose health care plans include prescription drug benefits for active employees or retirees who are Medicare-eligible must notify those covered individuals by October 15 of each year whether their drug benefit is “creditable coverage”. This means that the drug coverage it […]
COVID-19 expanded benefits update
April 22, 2022 There is a new COVID-19 update for members covered by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Health Advantage (fully insured health plans). Arkansas Blue Cross and Health Advantage are committed to the safety and well-being of […]
Affordable Insulin Initiative
You know diabetes is one of the costliest illnesses your clients’ employees can have. In fact, according to a 2020 study, about 13.6% of adult Arkansans have diabetes, and we rank 5th in the nation for the condition. Blood sugar management […]
Insurers and health plans to cover COVID-19 at home tests On Jan. 10, 2022, the Departments of Labor, Treasury and Health and Human Services released guidance to support the Administration’s directive that health insurers and group health plans cover, subject […]
Blue Cross Blue Shield Over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 test
Over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 test FAQs We are proud to do our part to protect our members from COVID-19. Beginning January 15, 2022, each of our members* can receive 8 FDA-approved, over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 antigen tests a month at no […]
New Required Health Plan Coverage for Over- the-Counter COVID-19 Tests
Federal agencies release guidance expanding health plan coverage for COVID-19 testing On December 2, 2021, the Biden Administration published an action plan outlining additional steps it intends to take to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The action plan included a requirement for […]
U.S. Supreme Court Acts on OSHA and CMS Healthcare Worker Vaccination Mandates
On January 13, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court (the “Supreme Court” or “Court”) issued its long-awaited decisions for the following two federal vaccination mandates: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard for COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing (the […]
Legislative Update! The Sixth Circuit reinstates the OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard mandating employees be vaccinated or tested weekly.
Late Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, a three-judge panel of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted the stay of the OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). OSHA promptly issued this statement extending enforcement deadlines: Litigation update: “OSHA is gratified the U.S. […]
What Employers Should Do With MLR Rebates
It’s that time of year again. Employers who sponsor a fully insured group health plan may be receiving a Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) rebate from insurers. Self-insured medical benefit plans are not subject to these requirements. The rebates raise several […]
More Flexibility Coming to Flexible Spending Accounts
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020 (CARES Act), the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) and now the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) each include many provisions that affect retirement, welfare and fringe benefit programs. […]
