The IRS set new limits for Health Savings Accounts for 2018. The contribution limits are rising: For individual accounts: rising by $50 to $3,450 (from 2017's $3,400) For family accounts: rising $200 to $6,900 (from...

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On April 13, 2017, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued final regulations to help stabilize the individual and small group markets. These final regulations, effective June 19, 2017, do not...

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The IRS announced the 2017 HSA limits today. We are especially excited to see they raised the Individual contributions as it has not changed in 2 years. Here are the details: Out of pocket maximums are unchanged at $6,...

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Today commences our Benefits office's Walk Across the U.S. Wellness Challenge! The day also corresponds with the American Heart Association's National Walking Day. The average person walks only 900 - 3,000 steps per...

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A qualified HR expert's ear and compliance tools are not only appreciated but necessary. That's why Integra continues to provide our Employee Benefits clients with complimentary access to ThinkHR Workplace. ThinkHR is...

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Less than a month ago, Blue Shield announced that they were unable to come to an agreement with Sutter Health. The termination which began January 1, 2015, affected all Independent Provider Associates, Medical Groups,...

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Stanford Health Care (formerly known as Stanford University Medical Center) and Anthem Blue Cross have been engaged in contract negotiations for a few months. Unfortunately, an agreement to arrive at reasonable...

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Fantastic news has swept the insurance industry and we couldn't be more excited for companies with less than 50 employees! Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 1446 (SB 1446 DeSaulnier) which provides small employers...

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On March 5, 2014, the Internal Revenue Service released the two final rules on ACA health coverage reporting requirements. The new rules are intended toprovide the IRS with information necessary to administer other ACA...

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The IRS announced the maximum contributions to health savings accounts for 2015. The figures will jump slightly, as they have historically, $50 for individuals and $100 for families. The 2015 HSA limits will be $3,350...

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On April 1, 2014, President Obama signed the Protecting Access to Medicare Act retroactively effective to March 2010 in compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Act adds provisions to preserve the...

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There has once again been another delay for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service announced yesterday that the ACA's health coverage Employer Mandate will be...

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Commonly referred to as ObamaCare and certainly misunderstood, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is officially in effect with the new year. With ACA comes numerous changes to health care as you know it. First, ObamaCare isn’...

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It’s been a while since we’ve blogged and for good reason: Health Care Reform is keeping us super busy! The Affordable Care Act (ACA) or as you may be more familiar, Obamacare, is in full swing. October 1st brought the...

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SHOP Exchange Notice All employees must receive a notice, regardless of their full or part-time status, and whether or not the are currently enrolled under your health plan. This includes employees that are not even...

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End of DOMA Directly Impacts Employee Benefits On June 26, 2013, the United States Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). This action indicates that same-gender marriages must now be recognized...

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By now you’ve read or heard about the Supreme Court of the United States ruling regarding marriage. Basically, the Court said that denying recognition to same-sex couples who are legally marriedunder state law is...

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On May 8, 2013, the Department of Labor (DOL) provided temporary guidance and model notices that employers may use to inform their employees about the Exchanges, which will be available January 1, 2014. Please note that...

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On May 2, 2013, the IRS released the new Health Savings Account (HSA) index figures for 2014. The IRS provides this early release to help plan sponsors and participants budget for the upcoming year. The 2014 index...

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The IRS and Social Security Administration have released cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments that apply to dollar limitations set forth in certain IRS Code Sections. The Consumer Price Index rose enough since the third...

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For those of you who use public transit, you will see your annual tax savings increase significantly... if you participate in an Employer-Provided pretax transit program. Congress extended parity for pretax transit and...

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Blue Shield of California recently published some great pieces on healthy grocery shopping and eating. Since it’s that time of year when everyone refocuses on their health and wellness as an essential part of daily life,...

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First, a very happy new year to all of you! Now that we find ourselves on day 2 of 2013, I’m sureyou’ve already briefed yourself on the latest and greatest in Health Care Reform right? No? Read on. Beginning January 1,...

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Beginning in January 2012, Blue Shield is reducing the amount of paper they are sending to their members. Subscribers with claims showing no share cost will receive their Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) online, instead...

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The IRS has announced adjustments that affect health savings accounts in 2013. HSA contribution limits and High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) out-of-pocket maximums will increase slightly. For the first time in three...

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It seems only appropriate that Mother's Day, May 13, 2012, kick off National Women's Health Week. So often, women take care of their family, friends & careers, forgetting to be their own advocate and take care of...

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A healthy company starts with healthy employees. When employees are healthy, productivity increases, absences decrease and premiums may even be reduced. - This year, Anthem is offering seven 30-minute webinars, ranging...

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You may or may not have seen the ribbon with colorful puzzle pieces on car bumpers and pondered the meaning. I personally did not quite know until I typed it into Google. The puzzle pieces signify the mystery and...

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Did you know that Limited Use FSA's are the perfect complement to your Health Savings Account (HSA)? It's true. While the Limited Use FSA differs from a Traditional FSA, they work in the same manner. Employees choose...

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Integra Insurance Services would like to ensure you are aware that the IRS issued revised guidance for form W-2 reporting of group health plan coverage so your business remains compliant. Change to NoticesThe revised...

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Congress has not acted to extend the monthly allowable transit benefit that was increased as a part of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Transit Benefit extension was not included in the Temporary...

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Health insurance is much like a foreign language in that it really is a completely different lexicon to most. If you do not understand how to translate, the miscommunication could easily cause a panic when it comes time...

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Refill and Save Program - United Healthcare's Refill and Save program allows members to receive a $20 discount on their copay when they refill their prescription within a specified amount of time. For a typical 30 day...

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For calendar year 2012, the annual limitation on deductions under § 223(b)(2)(A) for an individual with self-only coverage under a high deductible health plan is $3,100. For calendar year 2012, the annual limitation on...

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As recently as the 1990s, many health insurance plans didn't even cover birth control. Protests, court cases, and new state laws led to dramatic changes. Today, almost all plans cover prescription contraceptives - with...

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You've probably heard that employers will be required to report the cost of employer-sponsored health benefits on W-2 forms. Here are a few questions and answers about W-2 reporting and what employers need to know: - ...

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March 2011 marked the one-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act being signed into law--and several requirements have changed since it was first enacted. The following summary provides a look at seven key changes...

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There are solutions for people who do not have the availability of insurance coverage continuation through their former employer via COBRA. Remember that COBRA is not an insurance plan. COBRA is a federal law that...

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There are solutions for people who do not have the availability of insurance coverage continuation through their former employer via COBRA. Remember that COBRA is not an insurance plan. COBRA is a federal law that...

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No matter where you turn- whether in the local coffee shop, the nightly news or a Facebook status, the rising cost of health care and the overwhelming effects it is having on individuals and employers alike is on...

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This week, we look at another way to manage your insurance to glean the greatest benefit. Designed especially for individuals who take prescription medications on an ongoing basis, home delivery pharmacy (also known as...

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Learning the best way to utilize your insurance plan will allow you to reap the rewards. A common mistake I think we can all agree we have made at one time or another is choosing to go to the emergency room, when in...

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Employee turnover is a substantial expense for most employers. After all, a great deal of time and money goes into recruiting and training employees. There is also a certain degree of productivity loss from the learning...

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The Department of Labor created a frequently asked questions section regarding employee benefits security administration. The questions and answers have been prepared by the Departments of Health and Human Services (...

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Tax day is rapidly approaching, which also means important deadlines regarding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are also rapidly approaching. Maximize your contribution benefits by contributing the maximum amount for 2010....

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There is a new law regarding premium payments (CA AB 2470) which directly affects your coverage. Simply put, this bill states that premiums are due on the first of the month of coverage and if payment is not received by...

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Every now and again, an insurance carrier creates something useful for its members. Today, we learned about the steps that Health Net took to empower their members: Health Net Mobile and Health Net Beginnings. Health...

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