March 15, 2023
Advocacy in Action | Assistance Reprocessing Claims
A member called into Purple Card because he had a $570 Urgent Care bill go to collections. He did not believe he owed the amount to the Urgent Care facility. The Patient Advocate reviewed the bill and contacted the insurance carrier to determine why the claim paid the way it paid and why the ...
March 14, 2023
Workplace Culture | Connect Employees with your Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Strategy
People want more from their jobs. Expectations have grown in leaps and bounds in the area of corporate sustainability. As a result, many job seekers are looking for employers that support ESG (environmental, social, and governance) efforts important to them. Of the participants surveyed in the ...
March 7, 2023
Dear HR Manager from Word on The Street
Dear HR Manager, An employee from another department applied for an open position on my team. Normally, I would be thrilled, but rumor has it that this individual is not a stellar performer. What should I do? – Word on The Street Dear Word on The Street, Above all, keep an open mind; the ...
March 6, 2023
Joint Agency Guidance on Gag Clause Prohibition for Health Plan Agreements
On February 23, 2023, the Department of Labor (DOL), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (the “Agencies”) released FAQs addressing the implementation of certain transparency requirements under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 ...
March 3, 2023
Compliance Recap | February 2023
February saw the start of Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting for health coverage provided in 2022. The ACA reporting deadlines range from February 28 to March 31, 2023, and the state deadlines range from January 31,2023 to April 30, 2023. Preparing for the end of the COVID-19 National ...
February 28, 2023
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Inclusive Meetings: Creating Spaces Where All Can Contribute
It’s true – the loudest voice often gets the most “airtime.” You have likely been in a meeting where one person dominates the conversation, leaving teammates struggling to add their ideas and questions. Research reveals that men from minority groups and women are often uncomfortable speaking up ...
February 21, 2023
Workplace Culture | Unplugged: Creating Time to Think
In today’s “always on” work culture, it is not uncommon to be in a virtual meeting, viewing a presentation, and checking your phone simultaneously. Your time is precious. Research shows it takes almost 23 minutes to get back on track after being interrupted. Getting space to think without phone ...
February 16, 2023
Advocacy in Action | Hospital Bill Assistance
A member was hospitalized and received a provider bill for medical supplies totaling $3,137.75 and an explanation of benefits from the insurance carrier showing a member responsibility of $64,398.00 for the hospital bill. The member knew he had already satisfied the plan’s $1,500 in-network ...
February 14, 2023
Dear HR Manager from Stepping on my Toes
Dear HR Manager, One of my employees is infringing on my responsibilities. He emails directives to the department without my approval. Sometimes the information is incorrect and sends the team into a tizzy. At other times, it is correct but outside of his domain. What do I do? – Stepping On My ...
February 6, 2023
Compliance Recap | January 2023
2023 began quietly as the dust settles around open enrollment and the plan changes that can come with it. Proposed End to the Public Health Emergency and the COVID-19 National Emergency In a statement made through the Office of Management and Budget on January 30, President Biden announced his ...
