Healthcare 101: Back to Basics | Virginia Employee Benefits Partners

Getting sick can be expensive.  Even minor illnesses and injuries can be very costly to diagnose and treat.  Health care coverage helps you get the care you need and protects you and your family financially if you get sick or injured. We’re breaking down the health insurance basics.  Because, when you understand it, you’re more … Continued

How to Make the Most Out of Open Enrollment | Virginia Benefits Team

Choosing the right benefits during open-enrollment season is so important and can help save money. It can also give individuals and families broader support with their health. Benefits like medical coverage are particularly important with high inflation having such a big impact on people’s budgets. A survey by UnitedHealthcare found that nearly 40% of employees … Continued

Transparency in Health Coverage | Virginia Benefits Partners

New transparency in coverage requirements apply to group health plans and health insurers in the individual and group markets. These rules require plans and issuers to disclose certain price and cost information to participants, beneficiaries and enrollees. These provisions only apply to non-grandfathered coverage, including both insured and self-insured group health plan sponsors. The requirements … Continued

Understanding Your EOB | VA Benefits Agents

Let’s say that you visited the doctor and you are wondering how much that visit is going to cost.  A short while later, you receive something in the mail that looks like a bill – and even says “amount you owe” at the bottom.  However, it doesn’t have a return envelope or tear-off portion for … Continued

Tips to Maximize Your HSA Benefits | Virginia Benefits Group

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are great ways to save tax-free money for medical expenses both in the current term, and for your retirement years. By making wise choices, you can maximize the benefit of these fantastic savings accounts. Let’s take a quick look at the basics and then explore some tips on how to make … Continued

REMINDER: HEALTH PLAN PCORI FEES ARE DUE JULY 31 | Virginia Benefits Team

Employers that self-insured any group health plans in 2018, including health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), are responsible for determining whether the annual PCORI fee applies to their plan. If so, use Form 720 to calculate, report, and pay the fee by July 31, 2019. PCORI stands for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. Federal law imposes a small annual fee on most … Continued

Medicare Part D Notices Due Oct. 15 | Virginia Benefit Advisors

Are you an employer that offers or provides group health coverage to your workers? Does your health plan cover outpatient prescription drugs — either as a medical claim or through a card system? If so, be sure to distribute your plan’s Medicare Part D notice before October 15. Purpose Medicare began offering “Part D” plans … Continued

Ask the Experts: FSA Limits | Virginia Benefits Agents

Question: Our company offers flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for health care and dependent daycare. Our plan limits are the maximum amounts allowed by federal law. Will the IRS increase the limits for 2019? We hold open enrollment in November for employees to make their FSA elections for the following year. Answer: The maximum annual limits … Continued