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Urgent Care – Too Much of a Good Thing?

There was a time – not that long ago – when insurers, healthcare consultants and employers were trumpeting a new solution to replace costly emergency room (ER) visits… Urgent Care facilities. With average ER costs approaching $2,000 in many urban geographies, the burgeoning urgent care concept was all the rage. Steer members to these local, 24/7 providers – at those off-hours when members otherwise find themselves in the ER – providing a better experience for the member and a far lower cost to the plan. Viewpoints from Adam Okun Unfortunately, it is beginning to appear that urgent care has become too …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/urgent-care-too-much-of-a-good-thing/

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Antitrust Settlement Update

Quick Facts A recent Blue Cross Blue Shield antitrust lawsuit resulted in a proposed settlement of $2.67 billion dollars. The final hearing on the settlement will be held on October 20, 2021. Multiple different damages classes including fully insured and self-funded plans are eligible to receive payment under the settlement. Individuals and plans who wish to seek payment must take action to file a claim or opt out to retain the right to sue. Introduction Many individuals and employers have recently received a postcard informing them of a proposed $2.67 billion settlement stemming from a 2012 class …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/blue-cross-blue-shield-bcbs-antitrust-settlement-update/

Agency FAQs Provide Clarity on the Mental Health Parity Comparative Analysis

… the comparative analysis is requested and found to be insufficient by a federal or state agency, the agency will suggest corrective action be taken within 45 days. Recent legislation prioritizes enforcement efforts for existing rules that require parity for group health plan coverage of mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Group health plans that provide coverage for mental health or substance use disorder benefits and are therefore subject to mental health parity rules will soon be required to prepare a comparative analysis and have it available upon request. The carrier will handle this responsibility on behalf of fully insured …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/agency-faqs-provide-clarity-on-the-mental-health-parity-comparative-analysis/

American Rescue Plan Act COBRA Subsidy Overview & FAQs

Quick Facts Starting April 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021, certain COBRA beneficiaries will be given the opportunity to participate in COBRA continuation coverage at no cost. Employers will cover the cost of the subsidies and request a refund for the COBRA premiums not paid against the employer’s Medicare portion of the payroll taxes. The DOL has provided three new COBRA model notices and a summary of the subsidy rules that must be provided to qualified beneficiaries. Introduction To help clients better navigate the complexities of the recently announced Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) subsidies under the American …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/american-rescue-plan-act-cobra-subsidy-overview-faqs/

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) COBRA Subsidy Guide

Overview To help clients better navigate the complexities of the recently announced Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) subsidy under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), EPIC, through our partner Benefit Comply, has put together the following guide. We hope this document aids with the basics of the requirements and provides some meaningful direction while we await further guidance from the agencies. Congress passed the $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill on March 11, 2021. The bill includes a federal subsidy that will cover 100% of the cost of COBRA continuation coverage for up to 6 months for individuals who …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/american-rescue-plan-act-arpa-cobra-subsidy-guide/

Covering Coronavirus: Risk Considerations Volume 2, Issue 8

EPIC Risk Advisory Bulletin Volume 2, Issue 8 In this issue, we take a focused look at: Supply Chain and Business Risks Air Travel Forecast Insurance Products and Coverage Information How Climate Change is Impacting the P&C Industry Manufacturing Companies Face Increased Cyber Risks Business Interruption Presumptive Compensability News of Note Human Resources and Employee Benefits New OSHA Head Could Implement Tough Coronavirus Standard Federal Tax Credits for Businesses That Vaccinate Employees Updated Masking Guidelines for Vaccinated Individuals Recognizing and Addressing Employee Burnout Insights from Across the Firm The information presented here is intended to provide a high level …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/covering-coronavirus-risk-considerations-volume-2-issue-8/

Vaccine Incentive Programs

… Prevention’s (CDC’s) recent guidance on promoting vaccination in the workplace. The primary exemptions to consider include those exemption requests arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The available guidance recommends that employers develop voluntary vaccination campaigns and employee incentive plans to promote employee vaccinations. Employers implementing vaccination programs should follow the recommended guidance offered by the federal and state agencies. The currently available CDC, Department of Labor (DOL) and EEOC (collectively “Agency” or “Agencies”) guidance advise employers that to maintain a permissible vaccine program, they

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/vaccine-incentive-programs/

Are You Ready for Healthcare Disruption? It’s Coming

Anthem, the nation’s largest health insurance carrier, warned of higher medical costs to come in their recent earnings forecast – due in part to more rapid than expected vaccine administration and bounceback of medical expenses as non-COVID 19 expenses are in greater demand. This sentiment was also shared by UnitedHealthcare in their earning report. There is no doubt that the negative medical cost inflation seen in COVID-stricken 2020 was an aberration. Medical cost trend is reemerging and the nation’s largest retailers clearly see the potential. Viewpoints from Craig Hasday Amazon, the most valuable company in terms of …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/are-you-ready-for-healthcare-disruption-its-coming/