Changes to Personal Spending Accounts Beginning January 1, 2011, December 13, 2010
With the passage of national health care reform, important changes have been made to Personal Spending Accounts starting in 2011. The law impacts a number of areas, including reimbursements and withdrawals, and reimbursements for over-the-counter (OTC) medications and products.
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New IRS Small Business Tax Credit Form, December 6, 2010
The IRS released final guidance and a new form with instructions for eligible small businesses to use in order to claim the new small business health care tax credit. The amount of the credit can then be included as part of the general business credit on an employer's income tax return.
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National Health Care Reform: 2010 Recap and 2011 Reminders, December 1, 2010
A recap of notable national health care reform provisions that went into effect in 2010, as well as a reminder of things to keep in mind for 2011.
Should Your Client "Grandfather" a Group Health Plan?, November 12, 2010
To help you assist your clients in deciding whether to grandfather their health plans under national health care reform, we have compiled a list of important questions to consider.
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Update: IRS Defers W-2 Reporting, November 10, 2010
The IRS recently issued a draft Form W-2 for 2011 and announced that it will defer the new requirement for employers to report the cost of health coverage for employees on their W-2. Reporting by employers will be optional in 2011.
Defining "Essential Benefits", November 8, 2010
What do essential benefits include? National health care reform includes a provision with a list of essential benefits.
Federal Election Implications, November 4, 2010
What challenges will the outcome of 2010 midterm elections present for national health care reform? In this article, Deirdre Savage, Senior Director of Public Government and Regulatory Affairs, discusses recent election results and how they may impact health care reform.
Product Portfolio and Benefit Design Updates, November 1, 2010
Effective January 1, 2011, we are making several changes to our standard plan designs. This is part of an ongoing effort to enhance our portfolio and address the immediate implications of national health care reform and Federal Mental Health Parity.
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Notification of Appeals Process Changes for Self-Insured Accounts, October 25, 2010
The new law will change internal and external appeals process obligations for self-insured accounts and grant their members new rights.
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Expanded Coverage for Preventive Care Under National Health Care Reform, October 21, 2010
As part of the new law and beginning on or after September 23, 2010, group and individual health plans and group health insurers can no longer require cost sharing for certain preventive services. Coverage of certain preventive services is also required.
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Employer Guide to Dependent Coverage to Age 26, October, October 18, 2010
Download our fact sheet to learn more about employer responsibilities regarding dependent coverage to age 26, including information about the mandated 30-day enrollment period, model language for notifying employees, and dental coverage extension. View PDF
Important Dependent Coverage Changes for Employers, October 1, 2010
Employers with plans that offer coverage to dependents must provide a mandated 30-day enrollment period to eligible dependents up to age 26.
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Information on Small Employer Wellness Grants, September 17, 2010
Beginning in 2011, some small employer groups will be eligible to receive federal grants in order to provide employees with comprehensive workplace wellness programs. To be considered, employers must have fewer than 100 employees working 25 or more hours per week.
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Early Retiree Reinsurance Program Recipients Announced, September 1, 2010
The Department of Health and Human Services has announced its first group of Massachusetts employers and unions to receive funding under the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program.
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Internal and External Member Appeals Update, August 30, 2010
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts already has a comprehensive internal and external member appeals process in place. However, given the new national health care reform provisions, certain changes may apply.
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Information on the Grandfather Rule, August 26, 2010
What is the grandfathering rule, what is our approach to grandfathering, and what are the requirements for grandfathered plans? This information and more is provided to help you understand how grandfathering may impact your business.
This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult your legal counsel regarding your specific situation.
Please note that this content is only intended to describe national health care reform requirements under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). It does not address Massachusetts law requirements or the potential impact of Massachusetts law on federal PPACA requirements.
For purposes of PPACA implementation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts assumes the plan year is the policy year, unless an account notifies us otherwise.
