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144 Turnpike Road Southborough, MA 01772 508-485-4000 |
About UsStrategic Benefit Advisors, Inc. (SBA) specializes in providing advisory services to employers and organizations that are looking to maximize their investment in health and welfare benefits. Founded in 2002 on the principles of integrity and value, we have quickly built a reputation for our client focus, thought leadership and creative solutions. |
What Makes Us Different?SBA has always been committed to exceeding client expectations in every way possible. Our company’s founding principle is to do the right thing at all times. We are fortunate in that we do not have the pressures of the large firms to improve financial performance in order to increase shareholder value. This way, we focus 100% of our energy on client service. |
News
IRS clarifies Form W-2 Reporting Requirements for Employer-Sponsored Group Health Plan Coverage
January 4, 2012 | IRS The IRS released new guidance on the health reform Form W-2 reporting requirements for employer-sponsored group health plan coverage. Last March, the IRS issued Notice 2011-28 discussing the W-2 reporting requirements in 31 questions and answers (Q&As). Notice 2012-9 supersedes the previous guidance and makes additional changes - the IRS clarified six of their previous Q&As and added eight new Q&As. Consequently, Notice 2012-9 now has 39 Q&As and becomes the most current guidance on the Form W-2 reporting requirements. Preliminary Guidance on Essential Health Benefits December 16, 2011 | HHS HHS released preliminary guidance on Essential Health Benefits (EHB) - the benefits that must be covered by non-grandfathered health plans offered in the individual and small group markets both inside and outside the Exchanges. The guidance addresses only covered services - it doesn't address cost-sharing or the calculation of actuarial value. HHS notes that they intend to "release guidance on calculating actuarial value and the provision of minimum value by employer-sponsored coverage in the near future." ERRP Coming to an End December 9, 2011 | HHS Based on the rate at which ERRP funds are being disbursed and the remaining amount of the $5 billion in appropriated funding, CMS will reject any claim list submitted in support of an ERRP reimbursement request that includes one or more claims with an incurred date of January 1, 2012 or later. New FAQs Address SBC and Mental Health Parity Requirements November 17, 2011 | DOL The first question (Q&A-1) discusses the compliance date for the summary of benefits and coverage (SBC). Compliance with the SBC requirement will NOT be required until "final regulations are issued and applicable" and, in addition, that final regulations "will include an applicability date that gives group health plans and health insurance issuers sufficient time to comply." The remainder of the questions (Q&As 2-7) discuss the mental health parity requirements, focusing primarily on various scenarios involving nonquantitative treatment limitations. |
