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NYS 2021 Final Rates Approved    

NYS 2021 Final Rates Approved    

by | Aug 14, 2020 | group health insurance, healthcare, individual health insurance, NY News, Small Business Group Health

NYS has approved 2021 health insurance rate requests yesterday. Small group rates increase 4.2% and 1.8% for individuals.

  1. As per NY State Law, Health Insurers are required to send out early notices of rate request filings to groups and subscribers see original –NYS 2021 Rate Requests.  Despite only 3 months of mature claims data experience for 2020  health insurers’ original requests were noticeably below average.  Ultimately NYS reduced this request substantially by approximately 63%.

The 2021 small group rate increase was the second-lowest ever approved at 4.2% vs  2020’s approval of  7.9%. This reflects a lower cost utilization due to COVID-19. The average medical-loss ratio, which represents the portion of premiums spent on medical claims and quality improvement, was 70% last year in the individual market nationwide.

Rate Factors

The state noted that the premiums increase main driver are medications.  “The drug costs account for the largest share of medical expenses, followed by inpatient hospital costs, and outpatient hospital costs.”

More than one million New Yorkers are enrolled in small group plans, which cover employers with 1 to 100 employees. Insurers requested an average rate increase of  11.4% in the small group market.  DFS cut the weighted average requested rate increases by 63% for 2020, saving small businesses over $565 million.

Health Insurance Tax is Back

The HIT (Health Insurance Tax) is back. For Small businesses, this translates to an estimated 2.5%-3% added surcharge. For States like NYS where there is already approx. 16% added surcharge to high premiums, this becomes daunting.  It is no surprise the unpopular HIT was suspended. In 2017, payers escaped making $13.9 billion in payments due to the moratorium, according to a 2018 analysis by Oliver Wyman, commissioned by UnitedHealth Group.  This may have saved consumers billions on their insurance coverage.“The taxes on health insurance are non-deductible for federal tax purposes for health insurers,” the report explained.

Website Stop The Hit calculates $5,000 as the average tax for a 10-man small business for example. Calculates how the HIT affects your State and your business, here. Take action now: tell Congress to repeal the HIT! Join small business owners across the country in stopping the HIT. Sign the petition here.

Small-Group Market

Final Small Groupo Rates NYS 2021

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Learn how a Private Exchange and our PEO Partnership can help your group please contact us at info@medicalsolutionscorp.com or (855)667-4621.

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NYS 2021 Rate Requests

NYS 2021 Rate Requests

by | Jun 8, 2020 | group health insurance, healthcare, individual health insurance, Small Business Group Health

The NYS 2021 Rate Requests filings were released today.  The total weighted average increase request was 11.4% for  Small Group Market with some citing Coronavirus as necessitating higher premiums next year.That figure is heavily influenced by the request of UnitedHealthcare’s Oxford, which has recently controlled about half the market and requested an 13.6% increase.  The total weighted Indiv market request is an 11.7%.

Background:

Health Insurers have been meeting the COVID-19 challenge by paying 100% for diagnosis and treatments at no cost to the consumers. Additionally, health insurers have been advancing cash payments to hospitals while also absorbing sustained premium losses. 

This early filing request deadline request requirement is not an Obamacare requirement.  As per NY State Law carriers are required to send out notices of rate increase filings to groups and subscribers.These are simply requests and the state’s Department of Financial Services has authority to modify the final rates. But they are the first indication of what New Yorkers can expect when shopping for health insurance on the individual marketplace at the end of this year.

A spokeswoman for the state Health Plan Association said insurers have worked to control costs, which have been driven up by rising prescription drug prices and state mandates that require coverage of certain services.

In the small-group market, national insurers such as UnitedHealthcare’s Oxford and Empire Blue Cross have requested 13.8% and 16.6% rate hikes. Recent start-up, Oscar Health has requested a 29.1% increase. Disappointingly, the google-backed health insurer has been a leader in health technology and had supposedly righted the ship with new plan designs.

Fortunately, the localized hospital-owned network such as Healthfirst has requested a modest 5.5% increase. This is consistent with last years 4.7% increase and their inflation busting average of 5% last 3 years. Similarly, the Fishkill-based, MVP Healthcare, is asking for only a 4.1% hike which is even lower than their 7% for 2020. MVP has averaged a stable 6% increase last three years. 

Conclusion

Final rate approval are expected in early August. The past rate reductions averaged 10-50% savings. Last year, plans asked for an average increase of 9.2% and NYS 2020 Final Rates Approved at a 7.9% increase. 

Defined Contribution Choice:  Instead, the correct approach for a small business in keeping with simplicity is a defined contribution model using a Private Exchange or a PEO.  This is a true defined contribution empowering employees with the choice of leading insurers offering paperless technologies integrating HRIS/Benefits/Payroll.  Both employee and employers still gain tax advantage benefits under the business.  Also, the benefits, rates and network size are superior under a group plan as THE RISK OUTLINED ABOVE ARE HIGHER FOR INDIVIDUAL MARKETS THAN SMALL GROUP PLANS.

To be clear: These trends affect a small subset of the insurance market—non-group plans that cover less than 2 percent of the population. Many qualify for tax credits that lower their net costs and reduce or eliminate the impact of year-to-year rate increases.However, non-group customers with incomes above 400% of the poverty level ($48,560 for a single adult) get no subsidy—and feel the full brunt of any hikes.

Resource

  • For a custom analysis detailing YOUR upcoming 2019-2020 renewal please contact our team at Millennium Medical Solutions Corp  (855)667-4621.  We work in coordination with Navigators to assist with Medicaid, CHIP Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus and Medicare Dual Eligibles.   We have Spanish, Russian, and Hebrew speakers available.  
  •  See Health Reform Resource

Learn how a Private Exchange and our PEO Partnership can help your group please contact us at info@medicalsolutionscorp.com or (855)667-4621.

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6 Advantages of a PEO during COVID-19

6 Advantages of a PEO during COVID-19

by | May 3, 2020 | COVID-19, healthcare, HR, PEO, Small Business Group Health

6 Advantages of a PEO during COVID-19

As COVID-19 unfolds, the importance of a PEO for a Small Business becomes evident. How can you protect your employees while also managing costs?  Here are examples of how our PEO clients have benefited.

 1. Rapid Law Changes

With recent CARES Act and FFCRA(Families First Coronavirus Response Act) to help struggling businesses, overwhelming info and regulations have mounted for the small business owner. Who is eligible for benefits? Tax credits? Furloughs and COBRA? Is their business Essential? Paid Sick Leave eligibility and additional tax credit entitlement?

PEOs provide a full team of experts who anxiously awaited the legislation, final rulings, and updates on all the Acts. They spend countless hours diving into legal jargon to answer business owners’ questions. Then, PEOs work alongside organizations to implement processes that assist in keeping the business compliant. They also help employees through the difficult time, with the livelihood of the business always in mind.

2. PEOs help with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans through the CARES Act

Lenders are asking for historical payroll data and tax reports quickly produced by a PEO’s HRIS System. Many small businesses without HR help find these systems financially draining. Example: Needed 940/941 reporting is issued which can be sent to SBA Lender.  Also, several leading  PEO’s have supported clients with NYS Shared Loans Program.

Working with clients to understand options.

 3. Payroll Burden

Payroll administration is now a nightmare. Tracking the FFCRA emergency sick leave and expanded FMLA separately from regular sick and FMLA leave has thrown a wrench in many payroll processors’ systems. Add on any furloughed or terminated employee reporting and tracking, and now the job has doubled.

Instead, our PEO Clients are spending their time on mission-critical work that could make or break the business. Additionally, their payroll is processed by professionals who have the time and expertise to know the nuances of payroll and payroll tax laws with back up teams of professionals in place.

 4. Staffing Needs – On-Boarding and Terminations 

A minimum 75% of PPP loans must be spent on staffing costs.  Companies that had previously furloughed or terminated employees find they need to hire employees back. This comes with additional paperwork and many employee questions, such as whether benefits wait periods start over. 

Conversely, when businesses do need to furlough or terminate employees, the PEO is a great guide for compliance. The layoff process, COBRA,  paperwork including government reporting are supported. 

5. HR Excellence

Partnering with a PEO is much like gaining access to a full-service HR division, with a team of HR experts who are up-to-date with new and changing employment laws and able to identify ways to streamline your HR.

According to a report conducted by the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO), PEOs provide access to more HR services at a cost that is close to $450 lower per employee, compared to companies that manage their HR services in-house. 

 Studies show that businesses in a PEO arrangement grow 7-9 percent faster, have 10-14 percent lower turnover, and are 50 percent less likely to go out of business.

 6. Affordable and Better Benefits

By joining a large group risk-pool a a PEO can help employers gain access to high quality employee benefits, such as health insurance options with stable and affordable rates. Due to costs, small businesses often find high-quality employee benefits out of reach.  The savings on health insurance alone can pay for the PEO itself.  

If you’re interested in hearing more about the advantages of partnering with a PEO, we’d love to talk to you. Fill out the form below or email info@medicalsolutionscorp.com for a FREE Consultation Today!

The information provided on this website is intended for informational purposes only.  Millennium Medical Solutions Corp. does not offer legal or medical guidance.  Those with legal or medical questions should seek appropriate assistance from a licensed professional.  Stay up to date by signing up for Newsletter and Coronavirus Dashboard below.

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Learn how our PEO Partnership can help your group please contact us at info@360peo.com or (855)667-4621.

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For more information on PEOs or a customized quote please submit your contact. We will be in touch ASAP.

How Does My Insurance Cover Coronavirus

How Does My Insurance Cover Coronavirus

by | Mar 10, 2020 | COVID-19, Health, healthcare, Small Business Group Health, Wellness

CoronaVirus Resource Dashboard
What the Coronavirus Means for Your Business

 **  April 18, 2023- Covid-19 Public Health Emergency Ending May 11, 2023  **

As a business organizational Coronavirus Preparedness Plan is necessary step but how about your sponsored group healthcare plan?  Does your your Insurance cover Coronavirus testing and treatment?

There has been a lot of news coverage recently about the Coronavirus: Type COVID-19 outbreak. You and your family may have questions about the outbreak and want to know how to stay healthy. For the latest information, please visit the New York State Department of Health, NJ, CT and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites. You will find updates on this rapidly changing situation, plus prevention advice and instructions.

 In most traditional group health plan arrangements, testing for COVID-19 should be covered  like other diagnostic tests (e.g., the flu test or rapid strep test) when medically necessary. States like NY, CA, OR and Washington have issued requiring (among other things) insurance carriers to cover services associated with testing for the COVID-19 without cost-sharing. It is likely that other States will adapt similair rules shortly. 

In light of the spread of COVID-19 and their goal of supporting the health and well-being of their members, the following resources are now available for members in all markets and all group sizes.

 

ShelterPoint DBL

March 25, 2020-   NY “Emergency COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave” ​How is COVID-19 quarantine defined under the NY law? Under what circumstances does a quarantine qualify for benefits under this act?“Emergency COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave” applies to employees who are ordered by the State of NY, Department of Health, a local Board of Health, or any other governmental entity to be under mandatory or precautionary quarantine/isolation due to COVID-19. More

New York vs. New Jersey: How Does Their Statutory Disability Insurance Coverages Compare?

NYS Emergency COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave infograph

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overview NY Emergency COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave

Aetna

1. For the next 90 days, Aetna will offer zero co-pay telemedicine visits for any reason.

  • Aetna is recommending members use telemedicine as their first line of defense in order to limit potential exposure in physician offices.
  • Cost sharing will be waived for all video visits through the CVS MinuteClinic app, Aetna-covered Teladoc offerings and in-network providers delivering synchronous virtual care (live video-conferencing).

Click on the links below for Teledoc Coronavirus Flyers.

2. Aetna will waive co-pays for all diagnostic testing related to COVID-19.

  • This policy will cover the test kit for patients who meet CDC guidelines for testing, which can be done in any approved laboratory location.
  • Aetna will waive the member costs associated with diagnostic testing at any authorized location.
Anthem CT

 

Amerihealth

Testing will be covered. During this public health crisis, AmeriHealth New Jersey will cover as a preventive service and waive cost sharing (such as co pays and coinsurance) for the COVID 19 test when performed at a hospital or an approved laboratory.

Telemedicine is available. To help reduce potential exposure, AmeriHealth New Jersey also encourages members to utilize telemedicine services if they are available as part of a member’s plan. To encourage use of these services, AmeriHealth New Jersey will waive member co pays where applicable for telemedicine visits for the next 90 days. To access telemedicine options, members should login to our member website at amerihealthnj.com.

Treatment will be covered. At this time, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for COVID 19. Members should receive care from their doctor to help relieve symptoms as they would other viral respiratory infections. AmeriHealth New Jersey continues to cover medically necessary health care costs to treat infectious diseases, including COVID 19, based on the terms of the member’s insurance plan.

Prescriptions can be filled. AmeriHealth New Jersey has lifted prescription refill restrictions on maintenance medications, such as the “refill too soon” limit, for members in states that have declared a state of emergency because of the virus. We are carefully monitoring COVID 19 developments and will make adjustments to policies as appropriate. We recommend that members call the Pharmacy Services number on their ID cards as needed if they require additional medication refills due to a potential quarantine situation.

EmblemHealth
EmblemHealth has confirmed that telemedicine is available in all Small Group plans, including the HSA plans.    GHI and HIP
Cost sharing for telemedicine has been waived for HSA plans.

• Telemedicine: TELADOC EmblemHealth To reduce urgent care and emergency room visits during the outbreak as well as provide peace of mind, members can access their available telemedicine benefit by going to teladoc.com or call 800-TELA-DOC (800-835-2362).

• 24/7 Nurse Line: As always, EmblemHealth’s 24-Hour Nurse Line, is available and members can speak with an experienced, licensed nurse anytime. Members can call 877-444-7988 for confidential, one- on-one health counseling and accurate information to help make informed health care decisions.

• Benefits and cost-sharing: Cost-sharing as required by the state for testing, as well in-network cost-sharing for physician’s office visits, urgent care visits and emergency room visits associated with testing are being waived. EmblemHealth will not require preauthorization for COVID-19 testing.

• Provider assistance and tools: Ensuring affordability and keeping costs down is all our responsibility including our providers. We are working closely to ensure our providers have the latest information and tools to help in diagnostic practices and testing protocols.

• AdvantageCare Physicians access: ACPNY is prepared to receive people in need of care. Isolation rooms, screening protocols, and direct contact with testing centers, are in place to ensure proper care and the protection of our employees and patients. People should call their primary care physician before seeking care at a physical location.

Resource: https://www.emblemhealth.com/live-well/covid19

Empire and Anthem Blue Cross

Amid the growing concerns about the spread of COVID-19 in communities across the country, Anthem is eliminating the burden of additional costs for members in its affiliated health plans by providing coverage of the coronavirus screening test at no out-of-pocket cost.

Will my Empire benefits cover COVID-19 testing and care?

Don’t worry — if your in-network provider orders a coronavirus test, your Empire health plan will cover the cost for the test and the in-network provider care visit and you will not be subject to any cost sharing.

Empire is waiving these costs for all affiliated fully-insured, Individual, Medicaid and Medicare plans. For high deductible health plans your deductible will apply. For self-funded plans, check with your employer or call the number on your ID card.
Please encourage your employees to visit anthem.com/blog, anthem.com/ca/blog, or empireblue.com/blog where they can always find the most up-to-date information.
The updated flier will soon be available in Spanish and other required languages (including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and Cantonese).
View our press release here.
Healthfirst

HealthFirst COVID-19 Resource Page – Healthfirst is actively monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and is here to help you get access to the care you need. Continue to check this page as it will be updated as new information becomes available.  

Will my Healthfirst benefits cover Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and evaluation?
Healthfirst is waiving co-pays for all diagnostic testing and evaluations related to coronavirus. This means that if your PCP or in-network provider orders a coronavirus test, your Healthfirst health plan will cover the cost for the test and the in-network provider visit related to the coronavirus evaluation. You will not be subject to any cost sharing for the test or the in-network provider visit.

Finding Care

Call your doctor if you develop a fever, have a cough, or have difficulty breathing. Let your doctor know if you’ve been in close contact with a person known to have Coronavirus (COVID-19), or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area where the coronavirus virus has spread. Be sure to carefully follow your doctors’ instructions.

You can also receive virtual care. The Healthfirst Teladoc (telehealth) service is available for eligible members* and is covered for coronavirus related services. If you think you may be infected, Teladoc doctors can answer questions about the disease, evaluate your risk, and advise you on next steps. The Teladoc clinical team is trained on the latest protocols for local and national notification, testing, and management of people under investigation for the coronavirus.

Request a Teladoc visit by phone at 1-800-Teladoc (1-800-835-2362) or by visiting this website.

Horizon

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield NJ HBCBSNJNew Jersey’s largest health insurance provider, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, will cover all COVID-19 tests, the company announced in a press release.

Horizon said there would be a number of other coverage changes for their over 3.2 million members in relation to COVID-19, also known as coronavirus or the novel coronavirus. They include:

Effective Immediately, Horizon BCBSNJ is taking these steps:

    • Waiving prior authorizations for a visit to a primary care physician, urgent care center, or emergency room for evaluation of upper respiratory symptoms, fever, shortness of breath or other conditions that may represent COVID-19.
    • Waiving prior authorizations for diagnostic tests and for covered services that are medically necessary and consistent with CDC guidance if diagnosed with COVID-19.
    • Waiving prior authorization for lab studies or diagnostic testing required during an ER evaluation or inpatient hospital stay.
    • Waiver of Prior Authorization for diagnosis of COVID-19
      • We will cover, with no cost share to the member, the appropriate medically necessary diagnostic testing for COVID-19.
      • Horizon will cover the full cost of the COVID-19 test
        • Waive early medication refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications (consistent with member’s benefit plan) and/or encourage members to use 90-day mail order benefit. Horizon will also ensure formulary flexibility if there are shortages or access issues and not hold patients liable for additional charges stemming from obtaining a non-preferred medication resulting from shortages or access issues.
        • Increased access to prescription medications  Access to Telehealth and Nurse Advice Hotlines 
          • 24/7 access to free telehealth services staffed by nurses trained to help patients who believe they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Members can also use these services for other ailments in order to avoid trips to the doctors office or urgent care facilities.  Those service are available through the company’s free “Horizon Blue” app, the www.HorizonBlue.com online portal, or by phone at 1-888-624-3096. Members may also use those services to consult with a nurse about other health concerns and potentially avoid a visit to a physician office or urgent care facility.  
          • Relaxation applies to covered services delivered by video or telephone from in-network and out-of-network health professionals.
          • Waiving member cost-sharing for covered services provided by an in-network health care professional for telemedicine visit.
          • Applies to all covered IN-NETWORK  ONLY services delivered by telemedicine including those provided by primary care doctors, specialists, therapists, mental health and substance use treatment professionals, or urgent care doctors.
        • April 20, 2020 –  Horizon COVID-19 Resource Guide
        • Apri 6, 2020 – Horizon COVID-19 Resource Guide

        • March 31, 2020 Horizon Update: effective 4/1 credit card payments will be accepted by phone. No fees. Call 1-800-225-1955 

        • March 31, 2020 Horizon Update- Waiving Rules to Speed Hospital Admissions

        • Helping Impacted Employees Maintain Health Coverage

        • Horizon COVID-19 FAQ

MVP

All fees associated with COVID-19 testing are waived for MVP members in Commercial fully insured plans, Medicare plans, Medicaid Managed Care, and Child Health Plus. The directive issued by DFS does not apply to self-funded plans, but MVP’s self-funded employer groups have the option to implement the waived cost-share. The same rules for New York will apply to Vermont Commercial members of MVP.

MVP will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and share the most up-to-date information at mvphealthcare.com/COVID19.

MVP – MyVisitNow and MyERNow MetroPlus (No telemedicine app-need to call Physician direct)

For additional resources about COVID-19, please go to:

MVP Health Care
Oscar

New 2019 OscarIn response to the growing number of cases related to COVID-19 (colloquially known as the coronavirus), we want to let you know that Oscar is here to help keep your employees safe and informed as the situation progresses.

To support the health and safety of your clients, we are making the following resources available to Oscar members:

  • Waiving cost-sharing for COVID-19 diagnostic testing. If your client’s doctor recommends they should be tested for COVID-19, they will not be charged for the lab test.
  • Continuing to offer $0 telemedicine services (Doctor on Call).* Telemedicine is a great option for people who think they could have COVID-19. Our telemedicine PCPs can recommend COVID-19 testing and direct your clients to the right place for testing.
  • An online COVID-19 resource center: hioscar.com/covid19. We created this webpage so Oscar members can stay up-to-date on the latest information and understand their care options.
  • Oscar | How to help your clients worried about premium payments
As a reminder, Oscar members have access to our Doctor on Call service 24/7 and our Concierge team is prepared to support in any way. Your clients can call their Concierge team at 1-855-672-2755. They can also secure message Concierge or request a Doctor on Call consultation from their Oscar app or online account (hioscar.com/member) at any time.
Oxford

Oxford UHCAs a commitment to our members and their communities, UnitedHealth Group has done the following:

Learn more from UnitedHealth Group’s full announcement.

For additional resources including an uhc-member-faq-coronavirus-2020 available to members, please see Important Information for Members from UnitedHealthcare on COVID-19. We will continue to provide updates as we monitor the situation.

COVID-19 FAQs for Group Health Insurance

What we know about the virus

Coronaviruses are an extremely common cause of colds and other upper respiratory infections. The symptoms can include a cough, possibly with a fever and shortness of breath. There are some early reports of non-respiratory symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Many people recover within a few days. However, some people — especially the very young, elderly, or people who have a weakened immune system — may develop a more serious infection, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

Should you worry about catching this virus?

Unless you’ve been in close contact with someone who has the coronavirus — right now, this typically means a traveler from Wuhan, China who actually has the virus — you’re likely to be safe. In the US, for example, all five cases of the virus were recent travelers to Wuhan. The CDC maintains the risk is low to Americans, however, “we need to be preparing as if this is a pandemic, but I continue to hope that it is not,” said Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

How can I protect myself? 

Much like prevention of the spread of any other infectious disease, basic hygiene principles are key to curbing the spread of this virus.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

    Resource:

    Please contact us for further information or if you need assistance creating a workable plan. The information provided on this website is intended for informational purposes only.  Millennium Medical Solutions Corp. does not offer legal or medical guidance.  Those with legal or medical questions should seek appropriate assistance from a licensed professional.
    CoronaVirus Resource Dashboard
    What the Coronavirus Means for Your Business

    Avoid Premium Payment Delays ACH

    As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we would like to remind brokers that ACH/EFT payments are a great way to avoid processing delays With many carriers now working remotely, it’s likely that live checks will be subject to delayed processing. 

    Click Here

    For information about transparency providers and new tech tools contact us at info@medicalsolutionscorp.com or (855)667-4621.

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    For more information on PEOs or a customized quote please submit your contact. We will be in touch ASAP.

    2020 Benefits Targets

    2020 Benefits Targets

    by | Jan 16, 2020 | Health Care Reform, healthcare, Small Business Group Health

    Happy 2020! A new year. A new decade. So who doesn’t love a restart? Instead of making broad resolutions I focus on attainable goals. A few days before the New Year begins, I find some time to reflect on the current year and then write down a list of what I will accomplish in the upcoming year.

    2020 Benefits Goals As you prepare your personal 2020 goals, take time to prepare your company goals as well. Your annual objectives should be financial as well as operational. Think through the different aspects of your business and make goals specific for each area. As you focus on each department, don’t forget human resources. Whether your business is large or small, your people are your most important asset. Here are some suggestions on ways to elevate HR in 2020:

    Review Policies.

    It is important to review your handbook and employee policies   annually for any legal adjustments. Also, read your policies carefully and make sure that you are practicing what is written. Pay attention to the Paid Time Off policy; many times, there is a disconnect between the written policy and how PTO is practiced. 

    Rethink Performance Evaluations.

     Mention employee reviews to supervisors, and you will hear a collective groan. The process often feels time-consuming and ineffective. It is time to rethink the process. Tie goals to the process, consider self-evaluations, separate compensation review from performance, or scrap the annual process altogether and implement weekly check-ins.

    Implement More Training.

    Education is the key to improving performance. Add more to your training budget, and it will be a positive return on investment.

    Audit Payroll.

    2020 is bringing some changes that may affect your employees’ pay. Many states have new minimum wage requirements, and the salary threshold for exempt employees increases to $648 per week. Make sure your company’s pay processes are up to date.

    Evaluate Employee Benefits.

    A 2020 NY Small Group Health Plans page is a good starting point. Don’t let your renewal date sneak up on you, start the conversation with your benefits broker at least 60 days in advance. Review renewals and consider options to get the best coverage for your employees at the best price.

    Consider Using a PEO.

    By partnering with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), your company can able alleviate much of the HR burden, offer top tier benefits, and propel your business forward by freeing you up to focus on business growth. Plus, companies that use a PEO have 15 percent lower employee turnover.

    2020 is a new year with new opportunities. Take time to reflect and plan all that you can accomplish this year. Now, get to work! Start checking off those tasks and make this year the best ever! 

    The number of small and medium-sized employers using professional employer organizations (PEO) continues to increase each year. Often, it is thought that the growth of the PEO industry is due mainly to the benefits business owners see from this partnership. However, owners aren’t the only ones who gain from working with a PEO. 

    Small business employees, too, stand to benefit from the services and solutions offered by PEOs today. Let’s take a look at a few examples of the positive outcomes that small business workers see when their employer works with a PEO.

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    Learn how our PEO Partnership can help your group please contact us at info@360peo.com or (855)667-4621.

    Put You & Your Employees in Good Hands

    Get Started

    Get In Touch

    For more information on PEOs or a customized quote please submit your contact. We will be in touch ASAP.

    2020 Oxford Metro Network NY

    2020 Oxford Metro Network NY

    by | Oct 28, 2019 | group health insurance, healthcare, Small Business Group Health

    2020 Oxford Metro Network NY

    Oxford has expanded on their successful Oxford Metro Network plan released in 2016. For 2020 the network has expanded 15% in NY and added NJ network last year.  In 2019 most Metro plans stayed flat and  for 2020 increasing single digits.

    Oxford Metro Network:

    The NY network has grown to approx. 13,000 Primary Care Providers, 32,000 Specialists and 85 hospitals.  Furthermore, the Oxford Garden State network has been added as well onto the Metro Network.  The Garden State network alone has access to 24,900 physicians and 67 hospitals.

    All Metal Levels will be included for all size groups including 1-99 & 100+. The new Oxford Metro plan will be limited to NY and NJ Garden State Network Providers. Referrals will be needed to see Specialists.  Importantly, most NY Hospitals will be participating with the EXCEPTION of NYU Health System, North Shore LIJ Health System (NorthWell Health) and Maimonides Medical Center. In addition, certain key medical IPA Groups such as Caremount, formerly Mt Kisko Medical Group,  are NOT in the network.

    Value:

    Today’s largest networks with  in-network only GOLD  are  priced at  $12,000 /single annually. They typically are accompanied with $50 copays and  non-office exposures of $1,000 deductibles and coinsurance percent in network. By comparison, the new Metro network is approximately 25% smaller than NY Liberty network with up to 16% IN SAVINGS.  For example, a popular Oxford Liberty HMO Gold  is $910 vs.Oxford Metro Gold $770.

    New 411 Plans Added 2020 new oxford plans

    Innovative plan intended for the moderate user. Enhancements include four $5 PCP Copays, one $25 Urgent Care and one $25 Specialist Copay. The tier 1 Rx copays are only $5.The average family copay savings is $250/year. The network uses Liberty network.

    The Healthy NY and off-exchange Individuals will use exclusively this new Oxford Metro Network. Rates for Gold level plan are approximately 35% discounted. Want to learn more about Healthy NY? Schedule a 1-on-1 RSVP today.

    Additional Features: 

    • MyUHC.com – member portal
    • Gym Reimbursement – Sweat Equity –Annual reimbursement $400 members and $200 dependents. now eligible age 13+ dependents qualify for reimbursements
    • Telemedicine – Virtual doctor visits on myuhc.com
    • Real appeal – a personalized weight loss program
    • Quit for Life – a tobacco cessation program
    • Enhanced customer service

    DOCTOR SEARCH:  Click Here

    BENEFITS SUMMARY: OXFORD Platinum, Gold, Silver AND Bronze

    Oxford Metro FAQ. Click Here

    Drug Formulary: Click Here

    Group Sample Rates:

    2020 Metro, Freedom, Liberty prices

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Sign up for upcoming webinars and newsletters. Please contact us TODAY for a customized analysis for your group-specific needs at info@medicalsolutionscorp.com or Call (855) 667-4621.