On May 12, 2020, the IRS released IRS Notice 2020-29 that provides employers the ability to provide temporary relief to participants of FSA Plans impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. The key areas addressed in the notice provide increased flexibility in regards to mid-year election changes and the extension of claim periods. Employers must amend their plans should they choose… Continue Reading
Benefit Enhancements to H.S.A.’s, HRA’s and FSA’s due to CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) contains important provisions that affect HSAs, HRAs and FSAs. Effective immediately: HSA-qualified health plans can now cover telehealth and other remote care service expenses below the HDHP statutory deductible limit, or at no or low-cost sharing, without affecting an account holder’s ability to continue contributing to… Continue Reading
COBRA Update-June 2020
Generally, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) mandates employers with 20 or more employees to offer continuation of health insurance for certain employees and their families after a job loss or other qualifying events. The Department of Labor (DOL) recently released guidance to provide relief for COBRA deadlines during the COVID-19 Outbreak Period. COBRA… Continue Reading
Alternatives to COBRA Continuation Coverage:
DDI provides benefits administration to all of our insurance clients over 20 employees. We include the following information with each COBRA notification. Health insurance options are complicated and we are here to guide your former employees in the direction that best meets their needs. Individual health plans are available within 60 days of your loss of… Continue Reading
Oregon Department of Business and Consumer Services Emergency Order
The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services issued an emergency order on March 25, 2020. The order provides protection to people and businesses struggling because of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. The order requires all insurance companies to postpone policy cancellations and nonrenewals, extend grace periods for premium payments, and extend deadlines… Continue Reading
CARES Act, COVID-19 Relief Package
On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law. The $2 trillion package provides economic relief to individuals, health care providers, small businesses, and heavily affected sectors of the economy, and is intended to strengthen the federal government and health care system’s response to the COVID-19… Continue Reading
It’s that time of year again! Medicare D Notice and Filing Reminder
All employers, large and small, who offer prescription drug coverage are required to inform their employees and CMS if their prescription drug plan is Medicare creditable by October 15, 2019. This deadline is a result of the annual enrollment period for Medicare which is October 15 – December 7th each year. Even if you are unsure of Medicare eligibility it… Continue Reading
Preview of 2020 small group and individual monthly rates:
PacificSource, Kaiser, Providence and MODA lead the individual market, and Kaiser, Regence, and Providence continue to lead the small group market… Please note that these are only averages as reported by the Oregon Department of Consumer & Business Services, and your rates may vary. Click here for an overview of the Final rate decisions released for 2020 health plans in Oregon. Continue Reading
RBP Buzz
Referenced Based Pricing – Another Self-funded option. Referenced Based Pricing is a non-traditional way of paying hospitals (and in some cases providers) based on a percentage of Medicare pricing instead of the traditional provider network contracted rates. The idea is that traditional provider network rates are much higher than Medicare rates, so Referenced Based Pricing pays… Continue Reading
Self-Funding 101
Self-funding has been around since the 1970’s and in today’s market, Self-funding is getting a lot of attention again as rates continue to increase, along with higher deductibles and out of pocket maximums. Self-funding is a strategy in which an employer funds employee and dependent health care claims instead of paying monthly premiums to a… Continue Reading
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Medicare Disclaimer: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 7 organizations which offer 35 products in Oregon and Washington. Please contact medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all your options. Please note that we are required to record all phone conversations with clients who want to discuss Medicare Advantage and/or Part D prescription drug plans. We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
2111 NE Halsey Street
Portland, OR 97232
503.206.5654
fax 503.296.2585
Medicare Disclaimer: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 7 organizations which offer 35 products in Oregon and Washington. Please contact medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all your options. Please note that we are required to record all phone conversations with clients who want to discuss Medicare Advantage and/or Part D prescription drug plans. We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
