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Compliance Alert: Employer Mandate Question

Our experts are always on call for compliance support. Here is the answer to a recent question from a broker about the ACA Employer Mandate: Question Does an inactive business still have 2018 e...

Governor Gavin Newsom Takes on Health Care

In his first act as California’s 40th Governor, Gavin Newsom introduced a series of health care-related executive actions and budget proposals. ACA Subsidies Extended to Higher Income Individuals and ...

DMHC Approves Cigna’s Acquisition of Express Scripts

The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) approved Cigna’s acquisition of Express Scripts. “The conditions imposed on Cigna and Express Scripts will improve plan performance, increase ac...

Employees Drastically Underestimate the Value of Their Benefits

Comparability.com is a somewhat addictive website that asks online users to answer questions about their workplace. In one survey, employees estimate the value of their benefits including “healthcare,...

Prescription Drugs Are a Significant Factor in Higher Premiums

Prescription drug costs are a major contributor to driving up health plan premiums according to a recent report by the California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC). Health plans paid nearly $8....

Anthem Blue Cross Releases Q2 2019 Rates

Anthem Blue Cross made a huge overhaul to their portfolio in Q1 2019. They terminated plans, added plans, revised their plan names, and enhanced their tele-health offering. So what can we expect in ...

Benefit Trends for Part-Time Employees

With flexible work arrangements on the rise, more employers are considering benefits for part-time employees. Seventy-nine percent of employers surveyed by the International Foundation of Employee Ben...

Anthem Blue Cross Continues Negotiations with Sutter

A recent news release announced that Anthem and Sutter will continue negotiations past their 12/31/2018 contract end date. Negotiations appear to be leaning toward a renewal as Anthem announced that ...

Holden On Film Now Available on iTunes

Executive Producer, Phil Lebherz recently announced the ability to order the film Holden On through iTunes. Based on a true story, the film focuses on exposing the stigma surrounding mental illness. S...

Anthem Blue Cross Teams up with Act Wise for Integrated HSAs

HSA plans are gaining more traction as employers look for ways to save money and encourage their employees to get involved in their health care. It is important to have an HSA bank partner that integ...

Anthem and Enloe Extend Contract During Negotiations

The contract between Anthem Blue Cross and Enloe Medical Center in Chico, CA was set to expire on December 31, 2018. They have agreed to extend the contract to January 15, 2019. This is promising sinc...

UnitedHealthcare Releases Q2 Portfolio and Rate Update

UnitedHealthcare has released new rates for April to June 2019. On a statewide average, HMO rates will decrease 0.6% while PPO rates will increase 3.3%. There are no changes to their current plans a...

EEOC Wellness Rules – Incentive Limits Removed/Vacated

The EEOC recently released final rules, removing the incentive limits from the wellness program rules that must be followed to avoid violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic...

Anthem Blue Cross Updates Policy for Anniversary Date Change

Beginning February 1, 2019, Anthem Blue Cross will update their policy for anniversary date changes. An anniversary change can be made once in a 12-month period. New rates and benefits will apply. An...

Texas Judge Issues Controversial ACA Ruling

A Texas district court judge has issued a decision in Texas v. Azar, ruling that the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is unconstitutional. The judge also argued that the individual ...

Sharp Health Plan Changes Small Group Underwriting Guidelines

Sharp Health Plan changed their small group underwriting guidelines, making it easier to do business: Participation has been lowered from 70% to 60%. The minimum participation has been lowered...

Details of the CVS-Aetna Merger and a Possible Roadblock

District Court Judge Richard Leon said he is considering halting the integration of CVS Health and Aetna — even though the two companies closed their merger. He ordered a hearing on December 18. In a...

DaVita Rescinds Contract Termination with Anthem Blue Cross

DaVita Health Plan of California (also known as DaVita HealthCare Partners Plan, Inc.) rescinded its notice of termination with Anthem Blue Cross. The rescission includes Commercial HMO, PPO, Medicare...

Retail Clinics Get Good Reviews From Consumers

Retail clinics are becoming an increasingly popular health care option. Recently, Kaiser Permanente® opened clinics in several Target stores in Southern California. Also, MinuteClinics are a prominen...

Kaiser Permanente® Helps Airport Passengers Reduce Stress

Kaiser Permanente® has introduced some practical and whimsical ways for passengers departing Terminal 2 at the Oakland International Airport to reduce the stress of air travel. Portions of the securit...

UnitedHealthcare Extends Offer for 5% Second-Year Rate Cap on Dental

UnitedHealthcare is extending their second-year dental rate cap offer through June 1, 2019. Groups that add new dental coverage through June 1, 2019 are eligible for a 5% second-year rate cap. Here ar...