Bulletins

    Blue KC extends coronavirus coverages

    Given the National Public Health Emergency has been extended to October 23, 2020, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) will maintain current COVID-19 policies through October 23:

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    IRS to raise 2021 affordability rate

    The IRS recently raised the affordability threshold for the 2021 calendar year to 9.83% of household income from the 2020 threshold of 9.78%. This percentage is used to determine an individual’s eligibility for a premium tax credit and the affordability of employer-sponsored coverage. Failure to...

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    Employers must abide by state-legislated mask requirements

    Recently, several statesadopted requirements forthe general publicto wear masksoutsidetheir homes.Because this includes the workplace, employers inthesestatesare advised to develop a compliant mask policy

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    Understand your PPP loan forgiveness eligibility

    Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans were the saving grace for many small businesses over the past two months. However, the forgiveness qualifications continue to evolve, leaving business owners confused and wondering if they’ll meet forgiveness requirements.

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    Track COBRA, FSA and HRA deadline shifts

    The pandemic interrupted processes globally, and employee health benefits are no exception. Certain deadlines temporarily changed for health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), COBRA and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

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    Blue KC provides employer group assistance

    Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) established new assistance programs and COVID-19 relief policy extensions to aid employer groups during the outbreak.

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    IRS announces 2021 HSA limits

    Contribution limits for 2021 Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) will increase $50 for self-only coverage and $100 for family coverage, the IRS recently announced. HSA contribution and plan limits will increase to $3,600 for self-only coverage and $7,200 for family coverage. Changes to the limits are...

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    IRS grants section 125 plan flexibility

    Traditionally, section 125 plan elections are irrevocable for a plan year unless a participant experiences a qualifying event. In response to the pandemic, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released three notices that provide flexibility through December 31, 2020, concerning

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    Aetna expands preventive care coverage

    In response to IRS guidance issued in 2019, Aetna will expand coverage for four additional preventive care services covered by a qualified high deductible health plan (QHDHP) before meeting a deductible. The preventive services will also apply to all plans that apply a deductible to the services...

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    Blue KC updates prescription drug list

    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.

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