Spring 2024
Telehealth Boosters, Lawmakers Aim to Lock in Policy Changes
In 2024, changes in online healthcare are imminent, with pandemic-era telemedicine measures possibly ending. Congress is working on making pandemic flexibilities permanent, such as Medicare reimbursement for telemedicine and expanded access. These policies drove telehealth growth, with 81 million visits in 2022. At TPSC, we partner with Teladoc to offer comprehensive telemedicine services and administer Qualified High Deductible Health Plans (QHDHPs) to provide accessible and affordable healthcare. Discover the latest telehealth policy shifts below.
Healthcare Providers Hit by Frozen Payments in Ransomware Outage
The recent ransomware outage at a critical tech unit of UnitedHealth Group caused disruptions in the healthcare industry, which left providers scrambling to cope with the fallout. With key systems compromised, healthcare providers across the United States grappled with a severe cash crunch as they struggled to process payments. Fortunately, TPSC and its security were NOT affected by the aforementioned breach. From large hospital chains to smaller practices, learn more about the repercussions in this article.
CDC Finds Flu Vaccines 42% Effective This Season, Better Than Some Recent Years
The CDC’s interim estimate indicates this season’s flu vaccines are 42% effective, consistent with previous years, with rates ranging from 52% to 61% in children and 41% to 44% in adults. Anticipated changes to next season’s vaccines could further improve their effectiveness, reflecting ongoing efforts to combat the flu. Notably, flu shots are covered under ACA-required preventive care, ensuring no cost to members. TPSC is here to assist in processing payment to the vendor for onsite flu shot clinics, facilitating seamless access to vaccinations.
IRS Reminds Taxpayers of Expenses Not Reimbursable from FSAs, HSAs, HRAs and MSAs
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued an important reminder regarding the tax treatment of personal expenses related to general health and wellness. Contrary to misconceptions, such expenses are not considered medical expenses under the tax law, meaning they are not deductible or reimbursable under health spending arrangements. This clarification comes amid concerns about misleading information promoted by some companies, prompting the IRS to emphasize the importance of adhering to the rules governing medical expenses. You can review our list of commonly covered items and services here and read the full article below.
The Shifting Regulatory Landscape for Level Funded Plans: An Alternative for Group Health Insurance
In the ever-evolving field of health insurance, level-funded health plans are gaining traction as a flexible alternative for employers. However, their rising popularity has drawn regulatory attention, particularly regarding the use of stop-loss insurance. Key players, including employers, third-party administrators (TPAs) and stop-loss insurers, must navigate complex compliance requirements under ERISA, HIPAA and the ACA. Recent legislative developments, such as the proposed Self-Insurance Protection Act, underscore policymakers’ efforts to address regulatory gaps and ensure the viability of level-funded plans.
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