Bulletins

Effective July 1, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) will utilize an updated prescription drug list. The updates affect Blue-Care (HMO), BlueSelect Plus (PPO), Preferred-Care (PPO) and Preferred-Care Blue (PPO) plan members. However, there may be group-specific exclusions.

Effective July 1, 2020, Aetna will change the formulary drug list for its Value Plus and Advanced Control-Aetna pharmacy plans. The Aetna Standard formulary for self-insured members remains unchanged. Aetna reviews and changes drug lists quarterly.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the DHS announced it will relax the longstanding requirement that employers physically evaluate employee-provided documentation needed to complete Form I-9s. The relaxed guidelines are in effect 60 days from the March 20 announcement date, or three days after...

The Treasury Department and IRS announced that April 15, the traditional federal income tax filing due date, is extended until July 15, 2020, amidst the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This is an automatic change for all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations,...

The IRS released the 2020 Form W-4 in December, which replaced the familiar method of withholding allowances. Rather than list a withholding number (e.g., zero, one, two), employees now provide requested cost estimates for children and other dependents, as applicable.

Within the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which takes affect today, there is an exemption option for employers with fewer than 50 employees whose business viability would be impacted due to the FFCRA employer requirements.

As part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), employers with fewer than 500 employees must post a Department of Labor (DOL) model notice informing employees of their rights to emergency paid sick leave and emergency paid family and medical leave for reasons linked to COVID-19.

The coronavirus outbreak continues to impact day-to-day business, and employers are seeking clarity on coronavirus-related insurance claims. Below, we have outlined basic guidance regarding coronavirus for workers’ compensation, business income insurance and health insurance.

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, President Donald Trump signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, a package of provisions providing relief to workers and families. The law, which took effect April 1, provides paid sick leave, free coronavirus testing, enhanced...

As confirmed coronavirus cases hit the Kansas City area, health insurance carriers are releasing provisions to help protect and care for their members. Below is a list of specific actions taken by major carriers.