Phia Group

Plan Appointed Claim Evaluator (PACE)

On October 16, 2015
We at The Phia Group are pleased to offer our Plan Appointed Claim Evaluator (PACE) service to the self-funded industry. PACE spent a great deal of time in the development, testing, and “beta” phases – and we are now ready to roll it out to the industry at large.

2nd Quarter Newsletter 2015

On July 16, 2015
The past few months have brought so much intrigue to our industry. Everywhere you looked, something or someone was affecting health care and the insurance industry as a whole. We saw the Supreme Court make a few monumental decisions that will affect how plans are written in the future and the viability of the ACA. We saw interesting court cases placing more potential fiduciary risks upon brokers and administrators. We watched and reacted as more states attempted to limit the ability for smaller employers to self fund their benefits through the use of stop loss coverage and last, but certainly not least, we have seen a monumental increase in the DOL audits to our clients and the industry at large. If there ever was a time that The Phia Group’s services were needed, this is it! There is no question that health claims costs continue to skyrocket and the use of so called wrap discounts on many of these claims isn’t helping to reduce the burden. If you are looking for some innovative options to stand out from the pack, please contact me as there are so many great ways to truly make a powerful impact on behalf of your employer plans. We can save you and your plans significant claim dollars, you just need to strategize and identify your major pain points. The next quarter will continue to be eventful so while you enjoy your summer weather, please be sure to let us know if you need some assistance – we are here for you. Happy reading

4th Quarter Newsletter 2014

On January 13, 2015
I’d like to start by thanking all of you that have chosen The Phia Group as your trusted partner. I know very well that other options are available to you, and we are inspired and thankful everyday that you place your trust in us. I have always, and will continue to promise, that our team of recovery specialists, plan drafters, paralegals, lawyers, and support staff will do everything in our power to maximize the benefits while lowering the cost of your health benefit programs!

3rd Quarter Newsletter 2014

On October 7, 2014
Well, the fall is definitely upon us! Over in Boston, leaves are falling, changing to majestic landscapes, and the nights are getting cold; but The Phia Group is just heating up. We have so much information to share with you this newsletter from new service offerings to case law to regulatory changes. One of the things I wanted to share with you is the amazing conference I had the privilege to speak at this past weekend in Oklahoma City; the First Free Market Medical (FMMA) Association conference. It is rare that I am overwhelmed with new information, but this forum did the trick. The goal of the Free Market Medical Association is to bring together physicians, surgeons, providers, facilities, and support businesses to provide necessary resources to promote a successful industry. Its focus is to defend the practice of free market medicine without the intervention of government or other third parties.

2nd Quarter Newsletter 2014

On July 23, 2014
What a spring we have had here at The Phia Group. From travelling across the country speaking at various venues, hosting our own Phia Forum a few weeks ago, to our new service offerings; we have been extremely busy here at the home office. Now that the summer is here, you would expect that things would slow down but that’s not the case at all. As the temperature rises, so does our work load, as the number of issues facing the self insured industry continues to grow. Who said that health insurance is boring!?!?!?

1st Quarter Newsletter 2014

On May 8, 2014
Well… “ObamaCare” is here, and so are we. The sun continues to rise in the east, and set in the west; and business goes on. Some of you have reaped the benefits of change, while others have suffered; but the reality is that for most of the industry, not much has changed.

4th Quarter Newsletter 2013

On January 13, 2014
2014 is now upon us and I can’t imagine it being any crazier, both personally and professionally, than 2013; of course, I’ll probably say the same thing next year! Thanks to your concerns and needs, we have many exciting new opportunities coming your way this year. 2014 will be the year of self funding where we see the industry grow to heights never seen before. With growth comes many potential pit falls, as always, we are here to get you through them. It will be interesting to see how Obamacare fares in 2014 and what it does to the employer based healthcare system. I am optimistic that things will work out for us in the end and that we will be stronger for it. Just remember that through all the chaos, The Phia Group will be your one stop for all of your cost containment and consulting needs. 2013 was great – the prospects are even brighter for this year!!!! Happy reading!

3rd Quarter Newsletter 2013

On October 28, 2013
Ill be honest with all of you – did I think back in 1999 when I formed The Phia Group with my college buddy Mike Branco that this company would become what it is today? The answer is I had no idea what I expected this company to become. I was just doing something that I loved and thought if I could make a living doing it then that would be “wicked” cool. We have blown away any expectations we have 14 years ago and the fact remains we have much more to do.

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.

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!

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.

February 2013 Newsletter

On March 4, 2013
It’s only February and I’m already getting sick of the snow. Thankfully spring training is underway and for the first time in years, my beloved Indians have a chance to win! We here at The Phia Group want all of you to win new clients and increase your profitability and that’s why our services are catered to you. The industry is going through much change and our expertise can and will guide you through the storms. Our recent webinar on cost plus offerings was the highest attended to date and we expect to beat that number with our next two on how to convince employers that self funding is right for them. Thanks for choosing us and happy reading.

January 2013 Newsletter

On January 21, 2013
I cannot believe that New Year’s Eve was over 2 weeks ago – where have these days gone? Time certainly seems to fly by when I keep myself busy working to ensure that all of you are protected this year. I have been spending much time researching the options available to employers in 2014. Where will they go? Will they decide to self fund or will they join the exchanges?

December 2012 Newsletter

On December 29, 2012
Happy Holidays to all of you! As we enter 2013, I just wanted to say thank you for the opportunity to serve you and the entire industry over the past 12 years and I look forward to doing so in 2013.

November 2012 Newsletter

On November 21, 2012
The elections are over and regardless of who you voted for, the fact remains that PPACA is here to stay. While many of you have been utilizing our firm to assist in your compliance needs, we have never publicly announced that our team of experts can assist your organization with Regulatory Compliance issues until now.