Nfp Benefits Compliance Podcast

Join NFP’s own Head of Innovation, Mark Rieder, as he discusses what innovation looks like at NFP and how to start your own innovation journey with Naviant’s Ema Roloff on their “Digital Transformation Talks” podcast series. Discussion points include: • How to engage a team in innovation • How to support continual education within an organization • Tips on starting the innovation process Take a listen to hear how innovation gets a strong foundation here at NFP.

In this episode, Patrick Myers and Suzanne Spradley review recent litigation and administrative action brought under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). Suzanne begins the discussion by providing background on the requirements imposed on plans by MHPAEA, with a particular focus on non-quantitative treatment limitations (NQTLs). Suzanne then discusses the report submitted to Congress by the DOL, HHS and the IRS that highlighted several deficiencies they found when examining plan sponsors and insurance providers for MHPAEA compliance. She follows up by discussing a large civil case involving a behavioral health provider. And the episode closes with a discussion on two large settlements between the DOL and administrative service providers as part of the agency’s efforts to enforce MHPAEA compliance.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley outline a few explanations on recently-asked benefits compliance questions. First, Chase describes the challenges relating to the requirement to provide a Medicare Part D creditable disclosure to CMS and individuals. Chase and Suzanne then dig into HSA eligibility where an employee has a spouse or dependent who is enrolled in Medicare, including the HSA contribution maximum and distributions from the HSA. The two close with a discussion about tricky scenarios on the COBRA Initial Notice, including the requirement to distribute the notice to newly enrolled spouses.

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon discuss the ACA provider nondiscrimination rules — the idea that individuals have the right to access health services from the full range of providers licensed and certified in their state. Suzanne leads off with a background on why Congress felt it necessary to include the provider nondiscrimination rules as part of the ACA. Next, Suzanne and Chase discuss prior state law and litigation in the courts and how the ACA rules attempt to address the related issues. The two go deeper into the rules themselves, the process, and then back and forth between the agencies (DOL, Treasury, etc.) and the Senate on the intent and purpose of the law. Suzanne closes by outlining a recent agency “listening session,” wherein providers and group health plans gave feedback on questions that future guidance should address.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley break down the recent Supreme Court decision relating to the vaccine mandates for large employers and healthcare workers. Chase starts by outlining the large employer vaccine mandate, including the OSHA emergency temporary standard, or ETS rule, that was challenged in the courts. Next, Chase and Suzanne discuss the Supreme Court’s decision to halt enforcement of the OSHA ETS — what the ruling means from a legal and practical viewpoint and how state law could come into play. While the decision appears to be the end of the road for the OSHA ETS, Chase closes things out by discussing the CMS healthcare worker vaccine mandate (held valid by the Supreme Court) and the vaccine mandate for government contractors (held up in federal courts).

Join Mark Reider, NFP's own Head of Innovation, as he discusses the future of the ever-changing insurance marketplace with Denise Garth, Chief Strategy Officer at Majesco on their "The Future of Insurance: Industry Leaders" podcast. Discussion points include: • How employers can utilize innovative thinking to boost employee retention • What emerging tools and systems employers can offer to benefit their employees and how these technologies are shaping the future • How we try to look at insurance from the buyer's perspective today and how that will change tomorrow Thanks for coming on this journey with us.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley break down the recent OSHA guidance (emergency temporary standard, or ETS) relating to the employer COVID-19 vaccine and testing mandate. Chase outlines the general requirement for employers with 100 or more employees to ensure employees are vaccinated or tested regularly. Suzanne and Chase discuss legal challenges to the ETS guidance at the federal and state level. The two outline the ETS requirements relating to counting employees, vaccination policies, proof of vaccination status, alternative testing, employee notification and penalties. The two close by discussing some practical planning tips, and the importance of engaging outside counsel to assist with mandate compliance.

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Patrick Myers discuss the growing trend of HIPAA breaches, particularly those that involve ransomware attacks and employee errors. Suzanne points out how the pandemic and the increased use of telehealth encouraged a growing reliance on electronic transmission and data. Suzanne and Patrick discuss HIPAA privacy law, recent updates to the law, its notification requirements, and the Health Risk Assessment requirement. Finally, the two close by discussing enforcement actions, penalties, and common violations that result in fines imposed by the federal government.

In this episode, Kim Bell, EVP, Head of Health and Benefits and Dale Sagen, VP and Leader of Group Captive Solutions focus on NFP’s newest launch, our Medical Stop Loss Captive, sharing an overview of our captive practice, and the benefits of leveraging this type of program.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Patrick Myers provide an update on vaccine mandates and surcharges, including some helpful governmental guidance on HIPAA wellness program rule application to vaccine surcharges. Chase then digs in on some end-of-year and open enrollment considerations for pandemic-related compliance obligations. Chase and Patrick discuss the mandatory and optional plan design changes and what employers should consider communicating to employees during open enrollment. The two close by addressing the temporary telehealth exception relating to HSA eligibility, currently set to expire at the end of the 2021 plan year, and whether we can expect any Congressional extension.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley discuss the history of, and legal challenges to, OSHA's Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS), the format for the Biden administration’s recently announced vaccine mandate and COVID-19 testing alternative for employers. Suzanne begins with an overview of the likely legal challenges to the use of the ETS process, the historical use of OSHA's ETS instead of the standard rule-making process and prior court rulings that generally did not support the use of the ETS. Suzanne and Chase review the questions that will likely be raised considering the prior COVID-19-related ETS limited to healthcare workers and evidence that may be used to support a more expansive ETS.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley outline the Biden administration’s recently announced vaccine mandate and COVID-19 testing alternative for employers. Chase begins with an overview of the mandate, the testing alternative and which employers are impacted by the requirements. The two spend the rest of the podcast issue spotting for employers — discussing questions that will hopefully be answered in upcoming OSHA guidance. Suzanne and Chase close with a discussion of the vaccine mandate’s impact on benefits compliance, including vaccine surcharges and paid time off for vaccines and testing.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley discuss the compliance angle of employer-initiated vaccine mandates and incentives. Chase begins by outlining the ADA and EEOC rules relating to vaccine mandates, while Suzanne jumps in for a discussion on reasonable accommodations for those that have legitimate medical or religious objections to taking the vaccine and the confidentiality and administrative challenges relating to vaccine inquiries. Chase and Suzanne then turn their attention to other alternative strategies, including the pros and cons and compliance challenges relating to plan design exclusions and vaccine incentives. The two close with their thoughts on the huge hurdles surrounding vaccine surcharges or other incentives tied to the group health plan.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley review and discuss three upcoming mid-summer compliance obligations with a July 31 due date: Form 5500 (an oldie), PCOR Fee (a revival) and ARPA COBRA subsidy tax credits (a newbie). Chase outlines the requirements, forms and challenges relating to those obligations as Suzanne relays some frequently asked questions that employers ask as they seek to comply. The two close by discussing a quick scenario relating to the ARPA tax credit filing process.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Patrick Myers discuss the interim final rules relating to the federal No Surprise Billing Act. Patrick begins with an explanation for the need for these rules. Patrick and Chase then look at how the rules address the problem of balance billings. Patrick closes with a discussion of the interaction between the rules and state laws and looks forward to the next wave of rules.

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Patrick Myers discuss the Supreme Court’s ruling in the latest challenge to the ACA. Suzanne begins with a history of legal challenges to the ACA, and then discusses the Supreme Court’s recent opinion. Patrick and Suzanne then look at how the Supreme Court’s decision impacts employers and what we can expect from the current administration in response. Suzanne closes with a discussion of the future of health care reform, both at the state level and the federal level.

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon discuss rising prescription drug costs as a challenge for employers and consumers. Suzanne begins with an overview of the issue at a federal and state level, and then digs into state proposals addressing drug price transparency and affordability review boards. Chase and Suzanne then look at drug importation and other programs aimed at sourcing drugs in different countries, primarily Canada. Suzanne closes with a discussion on the role pharmacy benefit managers play in prescription drug pricing and costs.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley discuss the recently published IRS FAQ guidance on ARPA COBRA premium subsidies. Chase gives an overview of six steps employers need to take to ensure compliance. Chase and Suzanne discuss IRS FAQs addressing what constitutes a reduction in hours or involuntary termination, including employment contract and severance situations. Chase outlines the IRS guidance on employer involvement in claiming the tax credit, including documentation and substantiation issues. The two close with thoughts on the overall process for employers.

In this special episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon discuss the COBRA subsidies that are a big part of the recently-enacted ARPA. Suzanne starts the discussion with a history of past COBRA subsidies, including in 2002 and 2008/09, comparing them to the ARPA subsidies. Suzanne then answers Chase’s rapid fire questions on the ARPA COBRA subsidies, including the amount and duration, who is eligible, employer involvement, notice requirements, and interactions with COBRA administrators and vendors.

In this podcast, NFP’s John Deem, regional VP Benefits Compliance, and Lucia Fan, VP Corporate Benefits in Mid-Atlantic, wrap up the ins and outs of Medicare and how to enroll.