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?

A COBRA Conundrum

On March 15, 2021
New COBRA rules mean even more confusion for a plan that was already convoluted. The rules continue to update as Covid-19 continues. Read those updates here.

EBSA Provides Clarification and Sows Confusion with Outbreak Period Guidance

On March 8, 2021
The EBSA clarifies its Disaster Relief Notice by stating the relief would end on three options. Find out what those are and what they mean for you.

So the Outbreak Period Ended?

On March 2, 2021
The DOL released an EBSA Disaster Relief Notice which limits agencies' authority by statute and gives people a chance for relief up to a year. Read here.

Empowering Plans: P103 – One Step Forward; Two Steps Back - The Lockdown and its Effect on Children with Disabilities

On March 2, 2021
Join Timothy Pope, an Attorney in the Provider Relations Department, and Garrick Hunt, Phia’s Sales Manager, as they host a candid discussion about the harmful effects that the sweeping lockdown has had on families, and in particular on children with disabilities. Since the closing of most public schools, many children with disabilities have suffered immensely. As a parent of a child with mental disabilities, Garrick dives into his first-hand account of the lockdown’s impact on his family.