Dickerson News
Q2 Updates from Anthem, Blue Shield and Oscar
Although Anthem Blue Cross’s agreement for commercial business with Sutter Health had extended only through December 31, 2018, they are still currently involved in negotiations on a new contract. The current agreement also allows Sutter providers to remain available to members while negotiations continue past this date. If negotiations aren’t successful within the next two months, ... Read moreWriting with Anthem Just Got Easier – Find Out How!
Relaxed Participation? No DE9C Required? Writing with Anthem Just Got Easier! Anthem wants to make it easier for you to write business now through 6/15 effective dates. The new Q2 updates include: Relaxed participation! Only 25% participation for groups of 5 or more enrolled subscribers required, and 65% participation for 4 or less subscribers enrolled. Individual coverage for on- and off-exchange ... Read moreLegal Alert – Government Shutdown and Employee Benefits
In the wake of the partial government shut down, many private employers are grappling with how to handle their subsequent loss of work or funding. This advisor can assist employers with understanding how a furlough, lay off, or reduction in force might impact their employee benefits. Click here for specifics. Read moreGavin Newsom’s first hires suggests the next California governor has big health care plans
Gavin Newsom might not be able to accomplish his ambitious campaign goal of bringing government-funded universal health care to California, but his first hires suggest he’s planning something big. Incoming chief of staff Ann O’Leary helped develop the Children’s Health Insurance Program when she worked in the Bill Clinton White House. His cabinet secretary — typically the second-highest-ranking cabinet ... Read moreDistrict Court Judge in Texas Strikes Down the ACA – But Law Remains In Effect for Now
Click here to read the article online. On Friday, December 14, a federal judge in Texas issued a partial ruling that strikes down the entire Affordable Care Act (ACA) as unconstitutional. The White House has stated that the law will remain in place, however, pending the appeal process. The case, Texas v. U.S., will be appealed ... Read moreProhibition Regarding Short-Term Limited Duration Health Insurance Policies
Dave Jones Insurance Commissioner California Department of Insurance This notice alerts insurance companies and agents that, effective January 1, 2019, short-term limited duration health insurance cannot be issued, amended, sold, renewed, or offered in California. Short-term limited duration health insurance is health insurance coverage provided pursuant to a health insurance policy that has an expiration date specified ... Read moreCalif., N.Y. approve Cigna-Express Scripts merger with conditions
By Shelby Livingston | December 13, 2018 California and New York regulators approved health insurer Cigna Corp.’s acquisition of pharmacy benefit ... Read moreMedicare Part D Coverage Gap Proposal Would Not Reduce Drug Spending
Pharmaceutical manufacturers are asking Congress to reduce their contributions to the Medicare Part D program, a change that would boost beneficiary and taxpayer spending under the health insurance program for older Americans but not reduce total drug costs. Under Medicare Part D, which is administered by insurance plans that provide prescription drug benefits, the insured, the plan, manufacturers, and Medicare ... Read moreState-Run Retirement Savings Plan OK’d, Mandatory Enrollment Coming in 2020
California employers that don’t already offer a workplace retirement savings vehicle will be required to either begin offering one via private market or provide their employees access to CalSavers, a state-run retirement savings plan, as early as June 2020. The CalSavers pilot program is open for employers to enroll; however, mandatory enrollment and contributions don’t go ... Read moreIRS Extends ACA Reporting Deadline and Transitional Relief in 2020
Click here to read online IRS Extends ACA Reporting Deadline and Transitional Relief in 2020 On Thursday, the IRS issued Notice 2018-94, which will extend the information-reporting due dates under section 6055 and 6056 from January 31, 2019, to March 4, 2019. The announcement comes after continued advocacy from NAHU requesting a delayed due date for reporting. ... Read more