Spring into Wellness
As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to refocus on heart health and overall well-being. Encourage employees to get outside, start walking, and take advantage of available wellness programs. Many carriers offer valuable resources and incentives, and now is a great time to explore them. Don’t forget – wellness funds may still be available mid-year.
Reach out to us to review your options and make the most of your benefits.
Flexible Alternatives to Rising Health Care Costs
As health insurance premiums continue to increase, many small businesses are exploring alternative strategies to provide meaningful benefits while maintaining cost control. One option gaining traction is the use of Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs).
HRAs allow employers to contribute tax-free funds that employees can use for qualified medical expenses or individual coverage, offering both flexibility and predictability. Options such as ICHRAs and QSEHRAs can be especially valuable for smaller organizations looking to stay competitive without the constraints of traditional plans.
Read the full Philadelphia Inquirer Article. If you’re interested in exploring whether an HRA strategy could work for your organization, our team is here to help evaluate your options.
IBX Updates & Workplace Well-being
Independence Blue Cross continues to provide valuable resources, including updated formularies effective April 1 and enhanced workplace well-being tools. Employers are encouraged to explore available wellness programs and vendor solutions designed to support healthy habits year-round. Additionally, IBX continues community engagement efforts and educational content to help organizations create healthier, more productive workplaces.
Improving Diabetes & Hypertension Outcomes
Chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension continue to drive health care costs and impact employee well-being. New solutions combining clinical support, data insights, and virtual care are helping improve outcomes. Independence Blue Cross, in collaboration with Teladoc Health, offers innovative programs designed to better manage these conditions. A recent white paper highlights how these strategies can enhance care while controlling costs, reach out to learn more.
Take Control of Rising Health Care Costs
Recent national polling continues to show that health care costs remain a top financial concern for families. Many individuals are delaying care, skipping prescriptions, or struggling with medical debt due to affordability challenges. Employers have an opportunity to help by evaluating current plan performance and identifying cost-saving strategies. Contact us today for a comprehensive cost analysis and explore options to better manage expenses while maintaining quality coverage.
1095-B Tax Form Update
AmeriHealth has completed all required state and federal 1095-B filings on behalf of employers for fully insured and fixed-funded groups. Forms have also been mailed to applicable members, including off-exchange participants. Members can access electronic copies through the portal by navigating to “My Benefits,” then “Coverage & Benefits,” and selecting “See My Plan Documents” to view and download the appropriate year’s form.
AmeriHealth Formulary Updates – Effective April 1
AmeriHealth has released its quarterly updates to the Select Drug Program (Select) and Value formularies, effective April 1. These updates may impact prescription coverage and costs for employees. We recommend reviewing the latest formulary lists to understand any changes that could affect your population. If you have questions or need assistance evaluating the impact, our team is here to help guide you through the updates.
Compliance Corner! USPS Postmark Rule Changes – Employer Impact
As of December 24, 2025, USPS now defines the postmark date as the date mail is processed by an automated sorting facility, not when it is dropped off. This change may impact compliance deadlines tied to mailing dates, including tax filings, COBRA notices, and claims submissions. Employers should consider using certified mail, requesting manual postmarks, or shifting to electronic delivery methods to ensure timely and compliant submissions.