Making You Look Good in the World of Healthcare Reform Compliance
Making You Look Good in the World of
Healthcare Reform Compliance
ABOUT THE PRESENTER: KRISTIN KAHLE
Certified Health Care Reform Specialist (CHRS) Nationally recognized leader in Health Care Reform Currently finishing her PhD dissertation on Health Care Reform National speaker and educator Benefits strategist and broker with 20+ years of experience
As a chief compliance officer, Kristin has tackled the regulations and impact of the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act (PPACA) on behalf of employers. Utilizing this knowledge and strategic planning, inspired Kristin to develop a compliance solution for brokers to deploy to their clients.
Towers Watson Survey 19th AnnualEmployers Focus on Key Levers Redefined Financial Commitment Program Redesign Network Optimization Consumerism
Benefits communication straddles an unusual line:Between the ever-changing requirements
of government regulations Increasing need for clear, concise and
understandable contentChanging preferences for how to receive
and send information
Summary Plan Document Crisis Plan document is typically written in very legal language, as it serves
as a manual for administering the plan. ERISA states that the SPD “be written in a manner calculated to be
understood by the average plan participant”. 56% of respondents on the High Road compliance survey stated they
are using their SPD as a plan document. 67% percent of respondents of that same survey, stated that they had
a wrap plan document. High roads also noted that employers are migrating to electronic
distribution, as a preferred method.
SOCIAL MEDIA Social Media is gaining more acceptance as a tool for
communicating with active employees and retirees about their benefits 45% of respondents indicated that they are using or plan to
use Twitter and/or Facebook. Employers still don’t know what percentage of their
employees are using smartphones and other mobile devices for work (69%).
THE HARSH REALITIES OF REFORM• Chaos and Confusion- Have you read the new laws? Do you
understand the delays?• Time Theft- Who on your team will take the responsibility for the
implementation of reform?• Potential Severe Penalties- What is the risk of non-compliance?• Greater Compliance Administration- Are you prepared to wrap your
arms around all the new compliance requirements?• New Costs- Brace yourself!!!!• Difficult Decisions- What should you do and when should you do it?
DO I REALLY NEED TO BE CONCERNED?What some of your clients are saying….. “We are a small business, we will ignore this stuff!!” “I’m not aware of any businesses that ever got fined for compliance” “My broker will tell me what to do”
Lack of timely information may result in missed opportunities Indecision may cost your business money The rules have changed!!
COMPLIANCE COMPONENTSBuild your toolbox!!!• Websites• Email Blasts• Resource Binders• Seminar and Webinars• Monthly communications• Electronic delivery tools
Be Compliant with Health Care Reform and Other Key Regulations
ERISA- 7 Parts of ERISA
Part 1: Reporting and Disclosure
Part 4: Fiduciary Responsibilities
Part 5: Administration and Enforcement
Part 6: COBRA Part 7: Group Health
Requirements
Mandated Coverage QMCSO Dependents Mental Health
Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Requirement
Statement 106 Statement 112 Statement 158
Other Federal Laws Medicare Part D etc. 8 others
Employment Law Affecting Group Health Plans
7 items
Key State Regulations
How are you building your compliance toolbox?
Legal Database or access to information Email blasts Compliance players Creating it yourself Looking for private label firms Integration with renewal Additional staff members
COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST
Estimate whether the mandate is likely to be enforced for the group in 2015 Look into any common control issues Determine a six-month measurement period for 2014 Review eligibility for transition relief for non-calendar year plans Review ERISA plan documents Review plan to see who is offered coverage now and the types of coverage offered
and if changes need to be made for 2016 to avoid penalties Determine if you need to track variable hour workers and utilize measurement periods
and stability periods and how best to use them to your advantage Make decisions as to whom to offer health care coverage Determine what coverage to offer Take steps to minimize penalties and cost of providing health care
Employer Reporting Rules Expected By Spring 2014
OTHER EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES: IT’S NOT JUST THE MANDATE
Employers are also responsible for maintaining a PPACA-compliant plan, which includes adherence to market reform requirements, notice requirements, etc.
Employers are also responsible for maintaining a PPACA-compliant plan, which includes adherence to market reform requirements, notice requirements, etc.
The Department of Labor has enforcement authority. Primary enforcement means is audits, and significant resources and funds have been dedicated for audits in 2014 and on forward.
Top audit trigger--employee complaints! Others include IRS memorandum of understanding, third party vendors and form 5500 filings.
Fines can be heavy! Up to $100 per day per violation for each impacted beneficiary.
@EasyHCR
Navigatehcr.com
Kristin Kahle, CEO and Founder of NavigateHCR.com. NavigateHCR provides software solutions to small to mid‐sized companies. Our software deliveries 42 notices on a calendar basis to employees directly, with a acknowledgement of receipt. Our software can also be customized, to add additional notices and additional information, like 401k and Workers Compensation.
How to reach Kristin Kahle: [email protected] or 855‐742‐7427.