MedBen Analytics COVID-19 Impact Dashboard Highlights Health Care Changes
Our new MedBen Analytics COVID-19 Impact Dashboard offers a convenient way to see how the pandemic has affected your group’s health plan, and also allows MedBen to track how COVID-19 has changed health care utilization for our entire block of business. You can...
Comparing Traditional and Pass-Thru PBM Contracts
As an agent or a plan administrator, it is important to understand how PBM contracts compare – “not just in terms of the numbers calculated for things like discounts and rebates, but also in terms of how they function and align (or fail to align) with your client’s...
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Stop-Loss Carrier
Stop-loss coverage protects employers against excess and catastrophic claims… and while price is a consideration, it’s important to examine other factors, such as: How long has the carrier been in business? Is the carrier financially sound? What is its A.M. Best...
IRS Announces 2021 HSA Cost-of-Living Adjustments
The IRS recently announced its annual cost-of-living adjustments affecting health savings accounts (HSAs) for calendar year 2021. HSA Contribution Limits – The annual HSA contribution limit for individuals with self-only HDHP coverage increases to $3,600, while the...
MedBen COVID-19 Protection Guide, Poster Now Available
MedBen has created a COVID-19 Protection Guide, highlighting recommended precautions from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to reduce your chances of catching the novel coronavirus. You can download an 8.5x11” version from MedBen.com. MedBen clients can also...
MedBen Closed July 3rd in Observance of Independence Day
MedBen will be closed on Friday, July 3rd in observance of Independence Day. We will reopen on Monday, July 6th at 8:00 a.m. EST. As always, should a need arise outside of business hours, plan members can check claims information, including status and EOB detail...
PCORI Filing and Fee Due By July 31
As in years past, all self-funded employer health plan sponsors are required to file and pay their Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee no later than July 31, 2020. As part of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020, Congress last year...
IRS Notices Address Cafeteria Plan Election Changes, FSA Grace Period and Carryover
The IRS recently released two notices of interest to employers offering flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Notice 2020-29 relates to cafeteria plan elections and FSA grace periods, both of which are optional. These plan amendments must be adopted before December 31,...
MedBen Customer Service Delivers Low Hold Times and First Call Resolutions
As part of our ISO Certification measures, MedBen reviews client surveys and internal tracking to ensure quality service to members. Some highlights from recent Customer Service surveys and tracking results: 4.8 out of 5 rating on representative professionalism and...
MedBen Analytics Introduces COVID-19 Impact Dashboard
MedBen Analytics has a new COVID-19 Impact Dashboard for plan administrators. From COVID-19 testing claims to telehealth and office visit utilization trends, the dashboard helps to quickly track the pandemic’s effects on your plan. As you review your COVID-19 data,...
Direct-to-Employer Contracts and Reference-Based Pricing Outperform Traditional PPO Plans
In 2019, MedBen reference-based pricing (RBP) plans performed 24.7% better than traditional PPO plans. Many MedBen clients blend their RBP plan with direct-to-employer contracts, which promotes the use of quality care through local facilities. In exchange for...
The MedBen Rx Advocate Model: Pass-through Transparency, No Margin Manipulation
A recent Benefits Pro article highlights two pharmacy benefits management (PBM) business models: traditional and pass-through. MedBen Rx Advocate begins with the pass-through approach but takes it one step further by eliminating margin manipulation. The traditional...