Empowering Plans: P108 – A Win/Win Proposition – Better Quality for Patients, Real ROI for Plans

On May 11, 2021
In this episode of the Empowering Plans Podcast, Jordan Feldman, CEO & Co-Founder of Rightway Healthcare, discusses Rightway's impact. Listen now!

HHS Resolves the Conflict – Sex Discrimination Includes Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

On May 11, 2021
HHS resolved Section 1557's nondiscrimination policies. The interpretation rules that sex discrimination applies to sexual & gender identity. Read more.

The New Normal… Same as the Old Normal?

On May 10, 2021
Approaching the halfway mark of 2021 lends us the ability to look back at the last year and a half. What behvaiors will last past the pandemic? Read more here.

Empowering Plans: P107 – Updates Employers Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccines

On April 30, 2021
As COVID-19 infection rates appear to be trending downwards in most areas in the U.S., employers across the country are hard at work on reopening plans in anticipation of the lifting of most occupancy limitations to slow the spread of the virus. The big question employers are asking themselves is whether to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for employees returning to the workplace to ensure a safe work environment. Phil and Brady take a deep dive into this issue discussing compliance considerations implicated when considering mandating vaccination as we as explore limitations, risks, and current trends being established by employers that have already reopened.

Face the Change – Plan Design, Administrative Claims Processing and Payment Changes Needed in Light of COVID-19 and New Regulatory Obligations

On April 27, 2021
Health benefit plans and the entities that serve them are feeling the squeeze. Federal and State lawmakers are issuing new regulations on an almost monthly basis, including but not limited to the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA), COBRA, Mental Health Parity, and the No Surprises Act. Meanwhile, health care providers are making adjustments in response to the economic damage they suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Join The Phia Group as they share with you the information you need to remain compliant, while also predicting what the provider industry will look like in the months and years to come. In addition, The Phia Group will immediately host two breakout sessions following the webinar, with one session addressing ARPA, COBRA, regulatory updates and requisite plan updates in greater detail, and the other session will ensure attendees know what to do to maintain compliance with Mental Health Parity in the face of ever-changing provider practices.

The Phia Group's 2nd Quarter 2021 Newsletter

On April 26, 2021
The Phia Group is off to a great start in the second quarter of 2021! Check out our newsletter to get acquainted with some of the latest happenings in our neck of the woods.

Revisiting PPO Contracts & Stop-Loss Gaps

On April 26, 2021
It's time to revisit stop-loss insurance and the risks that come with it. Don't get caught off guard by the policy gaps. Read here to know what to expect.

The Stacks – 2nd Quarter 2021

On April 20, 2021
This is "The Stacks" from The Phia Group's 2nd Quarter 2021 Newsletter.

Empowering Plans: P106 – A No-Surprises Party – The No Surprises Act Dissected

On April 16, 2021
In this episode we welcome back to the mic EVP and General Counsel, Ron Peck, as well as SVP of Consulting, Jen McCormick. These industry legends discuss the No Surprises Act, its likely impact on both the payer and provider industries, and provide listeners with guidance on what they need to do now, to ensure compliance when it goes live.

Doe v. United Behavioral Health – A Fiduciary Twist

On April 9, 2021
A lawsuit brought against the United Behavioral Health and United Healthcare Services brings concern to TPAs in California and beyond. Read here for the ruling.

Empowering Plans: P105 – The Mystery Surrounding COVID-19 Long Haulers: Employment & Benefit Considerations

On April 6, 2021
Legal Compliance & Regulatory Affairs Consultant, Phil Qualo, and Vice President of Consulting, Kelly Dempsey Esq., explore the phenomena surrounding COVID-19 long haulers. Although the term “long haulers” trigger thoughts of cross country truck driving, it has actually been used as a common reference to people who have been infected with the COVID-19 virus and have not fully recovered for weeks, months, and even up to a year after first experiencing symptoms. This episode provides personal insight into the challenges that these long haulers are facing that impact both employer and benefit considerations, including access to disability benefits and health care.

Here for the Long Haul – Are Employers and Plans Ready?

On April 6, 2021
Covid-19 long haulers are an unexplored topic that may be a large problem in the near future. Read here to get a first-hand look of those persistent symptoms.

Fallout in the Spring – COVID Claim Disputes, Surprise Billing RBP Opportunities & Return to Work Vaccine Mandates

On March 24, 2021
The costs and conflicts ushered in by the COVID-19 fallout are becoming more apparent. Industry members are debating numerous issues, such as when a plan should pay and whether workers’ compensation should be a primary payer. Both opportunities and challenges appear, especially for fiduciaries, from post-pandemic legislation, such as the No Surprises Act, to state and federal COVID-19 rules – impacting Reference Based Pricing and claims processing in general. Join The Phia Group as we discuss post-COVID era regulations applicable to benefit plans, as well as industry issues emerging from this new chapter in the pandemic saga.

No Surprises Act & “Plan Websites”

On March 19, 2021
Wondering if health plans should be linked ot the network's site? We have the answer for and against it here to help you understand! Read here to find out.

Empowering Plans: P104 – COVID-19 Vaccine Candidates – Vaccinating Vulnerable Populations

On March 17, 2021
In this episode of Empowering Plans, Jen McCormick and Andi Goodman discuss the future of vaccinating vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children, and the importance of vaccinating children in achieving herd immunity. What are the next steps for expanding vaccine eligibility? What do employers need to know if they are considering requiring their staff to get vaccinated before returning to work?