Phia Group

2nd Quarter Newsletter 2013

On August 28, 2013
It’s been a crazy few months for the health insurance industry as you all know. All I can tell you is that we are here for you with your questions and needs. We attempt to stay ahead of the curve and I can tell you confidently that more changes are ahead, so be sure to tune into our webinars over the next few months. As always, thank you for your support of The Phia Group. We promise to keep you informed so you can protect yourselves and your clients. Happy reading.

Insurers Commissioners Signal Retreat on New Stop-Loss Insurance Regulation and Discuss MEWA Issues

On August 26, 2013
Comments made by regulators over the weekend at the summer meeting of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) in Indianapolis made it clear that ongoing pushback by SIIA and other stakeholder groups has dampened enthusiasm for new stop-loss regulation.

What's Good for the Goose is Good for the Gander? Analyzing BUCA-ASO PPO Agreements!

On August 20, 2013
Join The Phia Group’s CEO – Adam V. Russo, Esq. – as well as its Sr. VP & General Counsel – Ron E. Peck, Esq. – as they dissect contractual terms existing between carriers and their network providers, and share the realization that they know exactly what is important to you.

Ensuring Cost Containment Success - Member Outreach & Support

On July 31, 2013
On July 31st at 1 PM EST, The Phia Group’s CEO – Attorney Adam V. Russo – and The Phia Group’s Sr. VP and General Counsel – Attorney Ron E. Peck – will address one of the most pressing issues facing our industry today – balance billing.

Rain Delay – Postponing Play (or Pay)

On July 3, 2013
The Obama administration announced that it is postponing the requirement that employers provide employees robust, affordable health plans; also known as “pay or play.” You may think that this is good news… It’s another year to consider options, prepare funds, and study the intricacies of PPACA. DON’T BE FOOLED!

New York Assembly Bill 7828 (Companion Senate Bill 5715)

On June 28, 2013
One federal court in the case of Wurtz v. Rawlings, 2013 WL1248631 (E.D.N.Y.), recently held an insured ERISA plan was protected by preemption and the carrier was able to pursue subrogation and reimbursement claims.

1st Quarter Newsletter 2013

On June 17, 2013
As you have no doubt heard by now, on April 15, 2013 – two bombs were detonated just before 3 P.M. Eastern Standard Time in the Copley Square area of Boston, MA. Since the news broke, many of you have reached out to us to ascertain our situation and confirm our wellbeing. I am pleased to advise you that our entire team is whole and healthy. The outpouring of support from you, our industry partners, has been moving.

SIIA Provides Analysis on “Skinny” Health Plans in Response to WSJ Article

On May 31, 2013
The Wall Street Journal on May 20th ran a news story describing a strategy that an increasing number of employers are reportedly examining. SIIA responds. Read More.

Maine Amends Anti Subrogation Bill

On May 23, 2013
Maine recently introduced a bill, Maine Legislative Document 756, which attempted to eliminate Med Pay subrogation claims.

Providing For The Future - The Evolution of Plans' Provider Relationships & Exposing Conflicts Between Plans & Providers

On May 22, 2013
For those that are invested in maintaining health benefits, inventing new cost saving methodologies is the “holy grail.” Enter the provider – hospitals, physicians, and other health care facilities.

Government Plans are Exempt from ERISA. What is the Definition of "Government"?

On May 20, 2013
Some employers may not actually be government entities, and public private partnership may inject ERISA back into the framework.

Get In Line Before You're Out Of Time - How To Thrive in a Post-PPACA World...

On April 25, 2013
In a world dominated by reform and regulation, there are those who master compliance and thrive, and those who stumble under the burden.

TEXAS HOUSE BILL 1869 AND SENATE BILL 1339

On April 11, 2013
One of our members has personally met with representatives in both the House and the Senate, but these bills appear to be gliding through committees without opposition.

Getting Employers To Self-Fund In The PPACA Era - Keep Existing Clients Self-Funding... Get New Employers To Self-Fund...

On March 13, 2013
As time passes and elements of PPACA are triggered, the cost of purchasing insurance has become too great. Meanwhile, employers see an opportunity to drop coverage, pay a relatively small penalty, and exile employees to the exchanges.

Stop-Loss Battle Expands to Four States

On March 12, 2013
Utah has become the fourth state that is considering legislation that would make it more difficult for employers to operate self-insured group health plans by restricting the availability of stop-loss insurance.