Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/164385
Register Today for the 20th Annual Ambulatory Surgery Centers Conference in Chicago, October 24-26--Call 1-800-417-2035 3. Employee notification of health plans. Large group employers with 50 or more full time employees (or equivalent) must notify their employees about the health insurance exchanges and whether the employer-offered health plan meets federal requirements. There are several points that must be mentioned in that correspondence. "You need to be sure you are following the rules and sending out the exchange notice," says Mr. Jacobs. "Check with your legal counsel to ensure the requirements are met. After Oct. 1, you have to send that letter out to new hires within 14 days of hiring them going forward." 4. Requirements to offer coverage under ACA. Health plans now must eliminate pre-existing conditions. There is also a prohibition on spending limits as well as new fees and taxes along with employee wellness program rules. "All these things did not get delayed; they are still in effect and apply to large and small ASCs," says Mr. Jacobs. "ASCs can seek help from a number of different providers, including HR consultants, insurance brokers, attorneys, consultants, accountants or other advisors that are aware of these requirements. There is also a maximum of a 90-day waiting period for medical insurance eligibility that wasn't there before." JCB Laboratories specializes in highrisk sterile products that aren't commercially available. JCB routinely compounds products that have been discontinued by the manufacturer or that have never been manufactured – giving physicians valuable options and saving valuable nursing time. GPO and IDN discount pricing saves up to 42% for members. 5. Obscure rule changes will make a difference. There are several obscure rule changes that could have an impact on the surgery center. A few of these changes include: • Extending Control Group Issues, IRS Sec tion 414 — these rules previously applied to 401k plans and now will apply to health plans as well. • Multiple employer arrangements — if you have benefit plans crossing over from ASC to the physician practice, for example, depending on how the entities are related, you may need to address new requirements to file a report regarding a multiple employer welfare arrangement with the department of labor. "There are many new requirements for all business owners to be aware of," says Mr. Jacobs. "It will take some time and effort to understand how these changes are going to impact our businesses." 6. Insurance rate hikes. After exchanges hit, some are predicting insurance rates will skyrocket. A recent Wall Street Journal report said the individual market rate in California and Ohio could nearly double. "The report on small group plans and large group plans are that significant increases can JCB's exclusive focus on high-risk sterile products has led to the develop development of technology and systems that enhance reproducibility and quality assurance. JCB is fully compliant with USP <797> and current pharmacy regulations in 48 licensed states. JCB has a "zero recall" history with a perfect product safety record and is one of the few sterile compounding pharmacies to be PCAB® Accredited. 67 be expected," says Mr. Jacobs. "For small group plans, you might be looking at a 50 percent increase. For large group plans, a 25 percent increase. We know a number of new taxes and fees that will most certainly increase premiums of what carriers charge." An estimated $25 per employee per month charge increase is likely to cover new fees and taxes. "As people look for ways to address that, some business are thinking along the lines of self-funding," says Mr. Jacobs. "That can be complicated, so if you go that way be aware of what self-funded plans entail." 7. Opting out of employer coverage. Due to rate increases, some employers are considering opting out of employee coverage and taking the penalty instead because paying the penalty would be cheaper. However, this could leave employees with unfavorable options on the exchange. "Nobody knows for sure, but there have been predictions that the value equation for plans on the exchange won't be as good as the employeroffered small group plan," says Mr. Jacobs. "You might be giving employees a less attractive benefit, and many businesses depend on their insurance plan to help attract great employees. If you are doing something to diminish the health plan, you might not attract those employees." n JCB's clinical pharmacists, led by JCB's President and CEO, Brian Williamson, PharmD, are experts in USP <797>. We are happy to work with you and answer any questions about sterile compounding. JCB is transparent and encourages on-site audits. JCB has been successfully audited by some of the largest healthcare systems in the nation. We invite you to take a closer look. Phone: 877-405-8066 • Fax 866-405-8066 • www.jcblabs.com