by Admin. | Dec 15, 2016 | individual health insurance
21st Century Cures Act Passed
On Tuesday The 21st Century Cures Act Passed and signed by President Obama. The ‘Act” has numerous components but the the greatest impact on small business is the HRA ( health reimbursement arrangement) component.
The Cures Act allows small employers to reimburse individual health coverage premiums up to a dollar limit through HRAs called “Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements” (QSE HRA). This provision will go into effect on January 1, 2017.
The IRS previously limited Employer reimbursement of individual premiums in light of the requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). For many years, employers had been permitted to reimburse premiums paid for individual coverage on a tax-favored basis, and many smaller employers adopted this type of an arrangement instead of sponsoring a group health plan. However, these “employer payment plans” are often unable to meet all of the ACA requirements that took effect in 2014, and in a series of Notices and frequently asked questions (FAQs) the IRS made it clear that an employer may not either directly pay premiums for individual policies or reimburse employees for individual premiums on either an after-tax or pre-tax basis. This was the case whether payment or reimbursement is done through an HRA, a Section 125 plan, a Section 105 plan, or another mechanism.
Who is eligible?
The Cures Act now allows employers with less than 50 FT employees (under ACA counting methods) who do not offer group health plans to use QSE HRAs that are fully employer funded to reimburse employees for the purchase of individual health care.
What are the funding limits?![HRA Updated 2017](https://5zs2d3.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/av.21st_century_cures.feature_0.png)
The reimbursement cannot exceed $4,950 annually for single coverage, and $10,000 annually for family coverage. The amount is prorated by month for individuals who are not covered by the arrangement for the entire year. Practically speaking, the monthly limit for single coverage reimbursement is $412, and the monthly limit for family coverage reimbursement is $833. The limits will be updated annually.
Impact on Individual Subsidy Eligibility?
For any month an individual is covered by a QSE HRA/individual policy arrangement, their subsidy eligibility would be reduced by the dollar amount provided for the month through the QSE HRA if the QSE HRA provides “unaffordable” coverage under ACA standards.
Employees applying for coverage on federal or state health insurance exchanges will need to disclose the amount that the employer is making available via the HRA. That amount will be used by the exchange in calculating whether an employee’s household income exceeds ACA affordability thresholds (2017 – 9.69 % of household income), as well as determining subsidy amounts for those that meet the eligibility requirements. Those employees eligible for a subsidy will have their monthly amount reduced by the monthly HRA amount available through their employer.
If the QSE HRA provides affordable coverage, individuals would lose subsidy eligibility entirely. Caution should be taken to fully education employees on this impact.
COBRA and ERISA Implications?
QSE HRAs are not subject to COBRA or ERISA.
Annual Notice Requirement?
The new QSE HRA benefit has an annual notice requirement for employers who wish to implement it. Written notice must be provided to eligible employees no later than 90 days prior to the beginning of the benefit year that contains the following:
- A statement to the employee that it is their responsibility to provide the federal or state health insurance exchange with the amount being provided in HRA funds, as this amount will be used by the exchange when calculating need based premium assistance.
- A statement that if the employee is not covered by minimum essential coverage for any month of the tax year, they could be subject to a penalty under the Individual Mandate provisions of the ACA.
Failure to provide this notice will result in a penalty to the employer of $50 per applicable employee, up to a $2,500 maximum per calendar year. Transition relief is available for plans starting in the first quarter 2017 – they will have until April 1, 2017 to provide notices to employees.
Record-keeping, IRS Reporting?
Because QSE HRAs can only provide reimbursement for documented healthcare expense, employers with QSE HRAs should have a method in place to obtain and retain receipts or confirmation for the premiums that are paid with the account. Employers sponsoring QSE HRAs would be subject to ACA related reporting with Form 1095-B as the sponsor of MEC. Money provided through a QSE HRA must be reported on an employee’s W-2 under the aggregate cost of employer-sponsored coverage. It is unclear if the existing safe harbor on reporting the aggregate cost of employer-sponsored coverage for employers with fewer than 250 W-2s would apply, as arguably many of the small employers eligible to offer QSE HRA’s would have fewer than 250 W-2s.
Individual Premium Reimbursement Prohibitions
Outside of the exception for small employers using QSE HRAs for reimbursement of individual premiums, all of the prior prohibitions from IRS Notice 2015-17 remain. There is no method for an employer with 50 or more full time employees to reimburse individual premiums, or for small employers with a group health plan to reimburse individual premiums. There is no mechanism for employers of any size to allow employees to use pre-tax dollars to purchase individual premiums. Reimbursing individual premiums in a non-compliant manner will subject an employer to a penalty of $100 a day per individual they provide reimbursement to, with the potential for other penalties based on the mechanism of the non-compliant reimbursement.
Contact Us Now For analysis if this works for your small business? Please contact our payroll and reimbursement team on your HR/Payroll/Compliance needs at Millennium Medical Solutions Corp (855)667-4621 for immediate answers.
by Admin. | Nov 23, 2016 | Uncategorized
Overtime Pay FLSA on HOLD
Overtime Pay FLSA on HOLD. Yesterday, Judge Amos Mazzant III issued an injunction blocking the overtime rule changes that were set to take effect on December 1.
The
New FLSA Overtime Rules changes would have raised the white collar exemption from $455/week ($23,660/year) to $913/week ($47,476/year). This is welcome news for groups struggling with the impact of the rule-both to their budgets as well as its impact on workplace flexibility and employee morale.
![Overtime Pay FLSA on HOLD](https://5zs2d3.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Meeting-Room-Photo-MMS-Compliance-and-FLSA-Rules-300x228.jpg)
Overtime Pay FLSA on HOLD
At this time, employers do not need to implement changes by the December 1, 2016 deadline. After hearing the full case, the court could allow the rule to go forward. The incoming Trump Administration now has more time to make changes, including ending the rulemaking permanently or issuing a new rule with a more reasonable salary threshold, as SHRM and Employers have advocated.
Click below for full article.
Should you have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out and speak with our HR and Payroll Specialists.
Happy Thanksgiving!
by Admin. | Nov 22, 2016 | Uncategorized
Understanding the Labels on Your Thanksgiving Turkey
Use this cheat sheet to help navigate labels when shopping for your Thanksgiving turkey
From our wellness partner, Cleveland Clinic
There’s a lot to consider when shopping for your Thanksgiving turkey. Use this cheat sheet to help you navigate what the labels mean and ask the right questions so you’re bringing home a bird that suits your needs.
1. USDA-certified organic turkey
![slide_1](https://2rdnmg1qbg403gumla1v9i2h-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2015/11/slide_1-1024x684.jpg)
This means it was raised without antibiotics or pesticides, fed organic feed and given access to the outdoors. They are usually more expensive than grocery store turkeys and they need to be ordered a couple weeks before Thanksgiving.
2. Heirloom or Heritage turkey
![slide_2](https://2rdnmg1qbg403gumla1v9i2h-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2015/11/slide_2-1024x684.jpg)
Specific breeds of turkey that are naturally raised outdoors without hormones or antibiotics. This slower-growing turkey has a little more fat marbling, meaning a richer flavor and texture. These also need to be ordered a week or two ahead of Thanksgiving Day.
3. Conventional grocery store turkey
These are factory farmed turkeys known as the Broad Breasted White Turkey. They are bred to have more white meat and typically raised with antibiotics to promote growth.
4. “Enhanced,” “prebasted” or “marinated”
These labels mean the turkey has been injected with a solution to enhance flavor, increasing its sodium content from 75 mg to as much as 710 mg. Read the fine print so you know all of the ingredients.
5. “Hormone-free” or “No hormones added”
This is a misleading label you can ignore. It implies a healthier choice, but federal regulations already prohibit the use of hormones in poultry.
6. “Natural”
A turkey labeled natural can still be enhanced or prebasted and fed antibiotics. It is supposed to mean minimally processed, containing no artificial flavoring, coloring, ingredients, preservatives or other artificial ingredients. Read the fine print to know all of the ingredients and talk to your grocer.
7. Final Tip
If you’re buying a bird from a local poultry farmer, be sure to ask how it was raised and whether or not it’s been enhanced with a solution to add flavor.
![happy-thanksgiving](https://5zs2d3.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Happy-Thanksgiving-300x80.jpg)
Gobble! Gobble! We hope you all enjoy the long Thanksgiving weekend. Get the latest on healthcare news on our website.
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by Admin. | Nov 21, 2016 | Obamacare
1095 Filing Extended to March 2, 2017.
The employer reporting deadlines are delayed, not deleted! When are the 1095 filing forms due?
Form
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Delivered to the Employee
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Delivered to the IRS (Paper)
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Delivered to the IRS (Electronically)
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1095-C
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3/2/2017
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2/28/2017
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3/31/2017
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1094-C
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N/A
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2/28/2017
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3/31/2017
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What does this mean?
Similar to last year, the IRS is making an accommodation to employers to prepare their forms. The filings are still due to the IRS as per the original deadline. Our HR/Payroll parters are still prepared to help your compliance needs and meet all of the deadlines and reporting burdens.
For a copy of Notice, please click on the link below:
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-16-70.pdf
Please contact our team for immediate answers on your HR/Payroll/Compliance needs at Millennium Medical Solutions Corp (855)667-4621 for immediate answers.
Note: This delay does not impact the timing of Form 1095 A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement. 1095 A is the form you receive if you purchase your health insurance through the Marketplace and not through your employe
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Sincerely,
Alex Miller
by Admin. | Nov 10, 2016 | Health Care Reform, Obamacare
2017 Election Results and ACA
The 2017 Election Results and ACA is a hot topic creating buzz. With the outcome of the 2016 elections now official, the Republicans will hold the majority in both chambers of Congress and control of the White House beginning in 2017. Our posting CLINTON VS TRUMP ON HEALTHCARE was a general summary of their differences on Healthcare.
Since President-elect Trump ran on a platform of “Replace and Repeal” of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), we anticipate that acting on this campaign promise will be one of the top priorities of the new Trump administration. We anticipate there will be significant disruption for individuals, employers, brokers and carriers across the country.
Republicans will likely need to use the process of Budget Reconciliation to pass legislation through the Senate, given the party did not secure enough seats to control a filibuster-proof supermajority. In other words, the legislation can pass in the Senate with a simple majority vote and not a super majority (which requires 60 votes). Reconciliation can be used to take away some, but not all, of the ACA. It is anticipated that certain provisions of the ACA would be targeted such as Medicaid expansion, the availability of subsidies and premium tax credits in the Marketplace, and the employer and individual mandate. It cannot be used to remove non-budgetary provisions (for example, insurance mandates like “to age 26”). In addition, it is conceivable that a Trump administration may simply direct various federal agencies (such as the Department of Labor) to not enforce certain ACA provisions.
The Republicans have not laid out a specific plan on what will replace the ACA. Generally, the party has supported the existing employer-based system (with some party members calling for limits on the tax exclusion). Based on published white papers on the President-elect Trump’s website, other aspects of a healthcare overhaul plan may include:
- Tax credits for purchasing individual health insurance;
- Expansion of Health Savings Accounts and HighDeductible Health Plans;
- Continuation of the prohibition on pre-existing condition exclusions from health insurance;
- High risk pools;
![washington-dc](https://5zs2d3.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/washington-dc.jpg)
- Interstate sales of insurance; andMedical malpractice reform.
The process to repeal and replace the ACA will take time and nothing will happen between now and the New Year. Open enrollment is currently underway in the Marketplaces across the country and it is expected that individual policies (and subsidies for lower and middle-income individuals) will be available to enrollees as of January 1, 2017. What is unknown is whether the Trump administration and subsequent legislation will affect the Marketplace and subsidies in mid-2017 or instead phase out this coverage after the 2017 calendar year.
- The employer mandate (for applicable large employers);
- Form 1094-C and 1095-C reporting for CalendarYear 2016;
- Any ACA taxes and fees for self-funded plans to pay directly (such as reinsurance fees); and
- Plan design changes applicable to plan years thatbegin on or after January 1, 2017.
In addition, all other federal law mandates impacting employer health and welfare plans such as ERISA,HIPAA, COBRA, Code Section 125, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, and the Service Contract Act / Davis Bacon and Related Acts are still good law. There has been no indication that these non-ACA laws are targeted for repeal or replacement.
Stay tuned for updates as more information gets released. Sign up for latest news updates. Please contact our team on your 2017 health plan renewal at Millennium Medical Solutions Corp (855)667-4621 for immediate answers.
by Admin. | Nov 3, 2016 | group health insurance, Millennium Medical Solutions Corp, Small Business Group Health
Why a Private Exchange? A Private Exchange Answers These Top 10 Questions.
![Why a Private Exchange?](https://5zs2d3.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/private-exchange-model-300x198.png)
- Defined Contribution: I don’t want to get involved in peoples individual health insurance needs. How does the Employer extricate from this very personal and important employee need and yet still offer this benefit? I like the defined contribution similar to a 401k.
- Tax Advantages: How do I offer the group and employee pre-tax advantages not offered on an individual basis?
- Group Insurance Upgrade: How do I upgrade from the diminishing individual market and meet strict group underwriting? Rates are higher, smaller networks and lower benefits in this segment.
- Full Fortune 500 Benefits: How do I offer balanced voluntary benefits similar to a Fortune 500 company? Some employees are asking for group discounted dental, vision, disability, life insurance and supplemental coverage such as AFLAC but we can’t guarantee the minimum participations.
- Simplify: I don’t have the time needed to make annual plan changes. How do I empower my employees with choice, education and various networks to make their own choices? Many times I’d just rather absorb the 10% increase than deal with the changes.
- Choice: I have employees all over the Metro area. How can you help me offer more than 1 or 2 health plans as benefits have become more complex and networks increasingly narrow geographic sensitive in nature?
- Technologies: Can you give me the technologies needed to make this paperless? Do you have a platform that I can use as an intranet communication portal? Can I securely store documents such Employee handbooks and notification?
- Added Value: Can you offer additional supporting tools aside from technology? Do you have COBRA and section 125 cafeteria documents?
- HR: Do you have an HR Services for Employers Support? Will you have employee support such as a 24/7 independent CS concierge services?
- Personalization: Will I have an in person experienced knowledgeable consultant available for support on plan design, metrics, and customer care and employee open enrollment?
Is a Private Exchange Right For My Group?
If you’re a small business owner who has concerns about payroll, filing paperwork, and complying with government regulations, co-employment may be the service you’ve been looking for. In some cases, a Private Exchange may NOT be right for you. With Health Care Reform your company may qualify for a small business tax credit or a be eligible for a large group discount under a PEO.
Try us on a custom demo, contact us at (855)667-4621 .
Resource:
Private Exchange White Papers
Video Easecentral Benefits Online Enrollment
by Admin. | Oct 31, 2016 | family health insurance, Health Care Reform, Health Exchanges, Individual Exchanges, individual health insurance, State Exchanges
2017 Individual Open Enrollment
Everything you need to know ahead of tomorrow’s 2017 Individual Open Enrollment. This Open Enrollment marks the 4th anniversary of Obamacare a.ka. The Affordable Care Act. As a helpful resource, the new NY and NJ rates with important deadlines are listed below. 33 States such as NJ use the healthcare.gov website or at https://medicalsolutionscorp.demo.hcinternal.net/individual/individual/homePage. States such as NY and CT use their own Marketplace – NYS of Health and AccessHealth CT. Importantly, individuals not expecting a subsidy may also apply Off-Exchange which in many case has more options and Insurers.
2017 NY Individual Health Plans
These rates are for New York City unless otherwise indicated, and for a single person. For a family premium, multiply by 2.85, Husband/Wife
multiply by 2.0 and Parent/Children multiply by 1.70. The non single deductibles are out of pocket maximums are doubled. These are for standard plans, which two-thirds of customers enrolled in during 2016.
While deductibles for platinum, gold and silver plans have stayed the same, many bronze plan deductibles have increased 33 percent. That means consumers who purchase a bronze plan — presumably for its lower monthly premium — are paying more out of pocket for their medical costs before their insurance company kicks in a dime. A family of four that purchased a bronze plan will have an $8,000 deductible in 2017, up from $6,000 in 2015. For someone young and relatively healthy, that might be OK, but that person is vulnerable to a very large bill if he or she needs expensive medical care. It’s the platinum plans where New York State really shows itself to be a national outlier. Roughly 18 percent of New Yorkers chose a platinum plan in 2016, compared to 2 percent across the nation, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Here are the 2017 rates:
2017-nys-marketplace-rates-1
2017 NJ Individual Health Plans
NJ Dept of Banking and Insurance posted the 2017 NJ individual health plans Monday. Only two carriers will offer plans on the state’s Obamacare marketplace next year: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and AmeriHealth.
Additional insurers are participating off-exchange or outside the Marketplace. Examples: Aetna, CIGNA and Oxford. There are additional 20 plan options available off exchange. A notable new entrant, Health Republic of NJ, will no longer be available for 2017. See – Health Republic NJ Shutting Down.
Here are the 2017 rates:
2017-new-jersey-individual-health-benefits-plans-and-rates
2017 Individual Open Enrollment Deadlines
- November 1, 2016: Open Enrollment starts — first day you can enroll in a 2017 insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Coverage can start as soon as January 1, 2016.
- December 15, 2016: Last day to enroll in or change plans for new coverage to start January 1, 2017.
- January 1, 2017: 2017 coverage starts for those who enroll or change plans by December 15.
- January 15, 2017: Last day to enroll in or change plans for new coverage to start February 1, 2017
- January 31, 2017: 2016 Open Enrollment ends. Enrollments or changes between January 16 and January 31 take effect March 1, 2017.
If you don’t enroll in a 2016 health insurance plan by January 31, 2017, you can’t enroll in a health insurance plan for 2016 unless you qualify for a Marketplace Special Enrollment Period.
Penalty: The uninsured penalty rises to $695 or 2.5% of your income, whichever is higher.
Coverage start dates
If you enroll before the 15th of any month, your coverage starts the first day of the next month. If you enroll after the 15th of the month, you’ll have to wait until the month after that for your coverage to start. So, for example, if you enroll on January 16, your coverage would start on March 1.
Enroll using our online comparison shopping tool for both on and off-Exchange Marketplace to be released next week. Email us or Contact us at (855)667-4621.
by Admin. | Oct 28, 2016 | healthcare, Hospitals
Top 10 medical innovations for 2017
The Cleveland Clinic announced its list of the top 10 medical innovations for 2017 that have the potential to transform healthcare.![cleveland-clinic](https://5zs2d3.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/cleveland-clinic-300x170.jpg)
The 11th annual list was announced Wednesday during the Cleveland Clinic 2016 Medical Innovation Summit, held this week at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland and the adjacent Global Center for Health Innovation.
A team of more than 100 doctors and researchers assembled by the Clinic examined nearly 200 nominations to identify and rank the top 10 innovations. The panel doesn’t highlight brands or companies, but rather the innovation and its potential applications in healthcare.
The Top 10 Medical Innovations of 2017 are listed below in order of anticipated importance:
1. Using the microbiome to prevent, diagnose and treat disease
Trillions of bacteria in the body make up communities known as the microbiome. Within the last 10 years, researchers have discovered that the chemicals microbes emit can interfere with how food is digested, medicine is deployed or how a diseases progresses.
The National Microbiome Initiative has accelerated research and development, and biotech companies are looking at the microbiome’s potential to develop new diagnostics or therapies and probiotic products to prevent microbe imbalances.
Experts believe that next year the microbiome will solidify itself as “the health care industry’s most promising and lucrative frontier,” according to a news release.
2. Diabetes drugs that reduce cardiovascular disease and death
In the past, medications have fallen far short of addressing the mortality rates for type 2 diabetes. Half will die from complications from cardiovascular disease. Those odds reach 70% after the age of 65. But new medications began dropping mortality rates this year.
Empaglifozin modifies the progression of heart disease by working with the kidneys, and liraglutide has a comprehensive effect on many organs, according to the release.
2017 could bring a complete shift in the medicines prescribed and further research into new ways to target type 2 diabetes, experts predict.
3. Cellular immunotherapy to treat leukemia and lymphomas
One of the first cellular immunotherapies is about to hit the market, and early results suggest leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphomas might be curable, even in advanced stages, according to the release.
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies are a form of immunotherapy in which T-cells are removed and genetically reprogrammed to find and destroy tumor cells. After attacking and killing foreign cancer cells, they often remain to minimize the risk of relapse.
The treatment, results for which have been impressive, is expected to be presented to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration next year for treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
4. Liquid biopsies to find circulating tumor DNA
“Liquid biopsies” are blood tests that uncover signs of actual DNA, or cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), which is shed from a tumor into the bloodstream and is more than 100 times more abundant in blood than tumor cells.
Several companies are developing testing kits expected to hit the market this year.
Liquid biopsies are being hailed as a flagship technology of the Cancer Moonshot Initiative, a national effort to end cancer.
5. Automated car safety features and driverless capabilities
New automatic safety features could make a dent in dangerous car accidents, which remain a leading cause of death and disability as well as a major expense. In 2015, there were 38,300 fatal car crashes in 2015, and medical costs nationwide in one year total nearly $23 billion nationwide.
The automated features include collision warning systems, drowsiness alerts and adaptive cruise control. More are likely coming.
Though legal and safety questions remain, major investments into driverless cars are being made by software, private transportation and auto manufacturing companies.
6. Fast healthcare interoperability resources
For many years, billing departments, doctors’ offices, insurance companies and more have operated with systems that couldn’t talk with each other. Experts predict that 2017 is the year to make sense of this tangled web.
An international committee called HL7 will soon release a new tool, FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources), which will serve as an interpreter between systems or offices. The first release will focus on clinical data while the second will look at administrative data, with the potential to end a lot of frustration.
7. Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression
For one third of patients with depression, medications don’t work. Alternatives include intensive treatment options, such as electroconvulsive therapy.
Initial studies of ketamine, a drug commonly used for anesthesia, indicated that 70% of patients with treatment-resistant-depression (“TRD”) saw an improvement in symptoms within 24 hours of a low-dose injection. Ketamine, also known in the 1960s as a party drug, was studied for its ability to target and inhibit the action of N-methyl-D-aspartate (“NMDA”) receptors of nerve cells.
The FDA granted Fast Track Status to the development of a new NMDA-receptor-targeting medications based on the ketamine profile. The FDA gave some, like esketamine, breakthrough status, enhancing the potential for these drugs to be available to patients in 2017.
8. 3D visualization and augmented reality for surgery
Two of the most intricate surgical practices, ophthalmology and neurology, began experimenting in the past year with technology that allows surgeons to keep their heads up while using high-resolution, 3D visual representations of their subjects.
Using data, stereoscopic systems create visual templates. Surgeons who’ve piloted the technology say it brings added comfort and visual information that allows them to operate more effectively and efficiently while also giving medical residents a clear picture of what they’re doing.
Augmented reality glasses that display holographic images of human anatomy could bring the end of cadaver labs at medical schools.
Along the same lines, software companies are building augmented reality glasses that display holographic images of human anatomy. Medical schools see the end of cadaver labs. The Clinic and Case Western Reserve University were among the early adopters to work with Microsoft’s HoloLens, a mixed reality device that allows users to interact with holograms.
9. Self-administered HPV test
Most sexually active woman contract the human papilloma virus (HPV), certain strains of which are responsible for 99% of cases of cervical cancer. The most common malignancy is in women 35 years and younger.
HPV prevention and treatment, which have made great strides, are restricted to women who have access to tests and vaccines.
An approach to expand that care will launch in 2017 with self-administered HPV test kits developed by scientists with the idea that women can mail samples to a lab and be alerted to dangerous HPV strains.
10. Bioabsorbable stents
In July, the first bioabsorbable stent was approved in the U.S. The stent, made of a naturally dissolving polymer, widens clogged arteries for two years before being absorbed much like dissolvable sutures, leaving behind a healthy natural artery.
Annually 600,000 people are treated for coronary artery blockage with metal coronary stents, which stay in their chests permanently most of the time. These stents may inhibit natural blood flow or cause other complications.
Experts believe the market potential for absorbable stents will approach $2 billion in six years.
“Cleveland Clinic announces top 10 medical innovations for 2017” originally appeared in Crain’s Cleveland Business.
by Admin. | Oct 25, 2016 | individual health insurance, NJ
2017 NJ Individual Health Plans ![2017 NJ Individual Health Plans 2017 NJ Individual Health Plans](https://5zs2d3.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/new_jersey.g.gif)
NJ Dept of Banking and Insurance posted the 2017 NJ individual health plans Monday. Only two carriers will offer plans on the state’s Obamacare marketplace next year: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and AmeriHealth.
Additional insurers are participating off-exchange or outside the Marketplace. Examples: Aetna, CIGNA and Oxford. There are additional 20 plan options available off exchange. A notable new entrant, Health Republic of NJ, will no longer be available for 2017. See – Health Republic NJ Shutting Down.
Here are the 2017 rates:
2017-new-jersey-individual-health-benefits-plans-and-rates
by Admin. | Sep 20, 2016 | group health insurance
Empire Strikes Back – 2017 Plans![Empire blue cross 2017 plans](https://5zs2d3.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/the-empire-strikes-back_2-300x119.jpg)
Empire recently announced their re-entry back into the New York small group market for 2017. A legendary broad networked PPO is welcome news especially in the NY small group market of 1-100 employees. Recently, the broad national networks have diminished to only 2 national health insurers, Aetna and Oxford. As a result of Empire Blue Cross participation in the BlueCard PPO program members enjoy unparalleled national access network to 96% of hospitals and 93% of doctors across the country. This national program will be on 18 of 28 plans below.
3 distinct networks:
![PPO Network Savings](https://5zs2d3.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Blue-Priority-Member-Network-Savings-300x190.jpg)
PPO Network Savings
- PPO/EPO Network – traditional non-gatekeeper large network of approximately 85,384 physicians, 160 facilities and the BlueCard PPO
- Blue Priority Network – hybrid of broad PPO/EPO 160 facilities and similar Pathway’s 65,796 physicians network.
- Pathway Network – HMO value based narrower gatekeeper referral network of 109 facilities and 60,535 physicians. Limited to 28 NYS Counties.
Additional Features:
- Telemedicine will be available on all products
- Vision – Limited adult vision will be available on all products at no additional cost.
![empires-whole-health-connection](https://5zs2d3.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Empires-WHole-Health-Connection-300x225.jpg)
- Pharmacy – All plans use their large BCBS formulary Except the HMOs, and the Silver and Bronze Blue Priority Plans. They will be utilizing what they call the Select Formulary.
- Clinical Programs – health coaching/advocacy, disease management, behavioral health, maternity and Gaps in Care
- Online Resources – wellness coaching, discounts, health assessments and The Weight Center.
- Healthy Support – Wellness program offers easy ways to earn up to $900 per member, per year. Gym Reimbursement $400 single/$600 couple, $100 Wellness + Flu Shot, Online Wellness toolkit, up to $150 and $50 Tobacco-free certification online.
DOCTOR SEARCH: Click Here
BENEFITS SUMMARY: OXFORD Platinum, Gold, Silver AND Bronze
Small Group Rates: 1st Quarter 2017
Drug Formulary: Click Here
Blue Priority FAQ: Click Here
Pathway FAQ: Click Here
Ask us about Empire’s flexible low participation voluntary group dental, vision, disability and life insurance plans. Stay proactive and contact us today for a customized consult on how your organization can prepare ahead for ACA, Benefits, Payroll and HR @ (855) 667-4621 or info@medicalsolutionscorp.com.
![empire-voluntary-ancillary-dental-whole-life](https://5zs2d3.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Empire-Voluntary-Ancillary-Dental-Whole-Life-300x225.jpg)