Posted on October 11, 2013
Frequently Asked Questions for Small Group Employers and Their Brokers What is metallic tiering? The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) has changed many of the rules for health plans offered in the small group market. One of the most far-reaching changes is the requirement that all health plans in the small group market […]
Posted on October 11, 2013
Health exchanges opened for business on October 1, 2013. Click below to view the number of unique visitors and completed applications for state-based exchanges, including the Massachusetts Health Connector, and the federally-facilitated exchange. http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/10/04/us/opening-week-of-health-exchanges.html?ref=politics
Posted on September 18, 2013
Frequently Asked Questions for Sponsors of Self-Insured Health Plans What is “Minimum Essential Coverage” (“MEC”)? MEC is the standard for determining if an individual’s health coverage satisfies the requirement under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care (“ACA”) for individuals to obtain health coverage. Does the self-insured plan offered to my employees meet the MEC standard? […]
Posted on August 29, 2013
This Employer Blast updates HNE’s Facts for Employers: Temporary Guidance – Employee Notice of Exchange (June 25, 2013) in which we noted that the Massachusetts Health Connector intended to issue guidance specific to Massachusetts employers. Yesterday, the Health Connector issued its streamlined, Massachusetts-specific template that Massachusetts employers can use to satisfy the ACA marketplace notification […]
Posted on August 28, 2013
Frequently Asked Questions for Sponsors of Self-Insured Health Plans What is Maximum Out-of-Pocket (“MOOP”)? MOOP is the most that a plan member is required to pay for health care services during a plan year. Which member costs are applied to a member’s MOOP? The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (‘ACA”) has standardized which costs […]
Posted on August 22, 2013
Health New England (HNE) is the recipient of the Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Employer of Choice Award in the non-manufacturing category. “We are very proud to be recognized as an employer of choice in our region. HNE is committed to fostering a culture of high performance. HNE’s associates receive ongoing education/training, coaching/professional development, comprehensive wellness […]
Posted on August 12, 2013
OVERVIEW: On June 26, the Supreme Court has ruled that Section 3 of the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. As a result, the federal government generally will recognize marriages valid under state law, including those between same-sex couples. Health New England plans already cover same sex spouses. Why is HNE offering a […]
Posted on July 3, 2013
The U.S. Treasury Department announced yesterday that it will give an additional year before the ACA mandatory employer and insurer reporting requirements begin. Formal guidance is expected within the next week. You will find the official statement here: http://www.treasury.gov/connect/blog/Pages/Continuing-to-Implement-the-ACA-in-a-Careful-Thoughtful-Manner-.aspx
Posted on June 27, 2013
Dear Health New England Member, At Health New England (HNE), we want to inform you when your pharmacy benefits change. Starting September 3, 2013, BriovaRx™ will be HNE’s preferred specialty pharmacy. HNE will no longer cover medications from other specialty pharmacies. BriovaRx™ is an experienced specialty pharmacy provider. They offer excellent customer service and clinical […]
Posted on June 25, 2013
(print) OVERVIEW: On May 8, 2013, the Department of Labor (DOL) provided temporary guidance on the Employee Notice of Exchange. The Affordable Care Act created a new section of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), requiring certain employers to provide notice to employees of coverage options available through the health insurance Marketplace or an exchange, […]