Stay informed!

So much has changed during the first half of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all of us, in ways we could not have foreseen.

Employers, particularly those with self-funded health plans, are under substantial strain. You’re likely facing new challenges with human resources, cash flow, resource allocation, COVID-related safety measures, and health benefits.

As your TPA, EBMS is here to assist you with all aspects of benefit management during this critical time.

The pandemic has ushered in temporary regulatory changes that have an impact on your self-funded plan — in areas such as cost sharing, reimbursement standards, prior authorizations, and mandatory coverage of testing and vaccines, once they become available. New guidelines cover telehealth, HSAs, employee assistance plans, mid-year enrollment, and on-site medical clinics. There are certain changes that apply to automatically fully-insured plans, while self-insured plan sponsors will have decisions to make.

We’re working hard to communicate to you the options and challenges ahead, so you can ensure your plan is in compliance. Beyond that, we want your workforce to remain healthy, productive, and engaged, so you can retain key talent.

Along with the new mandates, we’ve also seen new flexibilities. For example, it’s easier than ever for healthcare providers to offer telehealth consultations, and we expect to see increased utilization in this area. Claims activity is increasing again, as healthcare facilities are resuming elective procedures. We’re staying on top of the current trends so we can help you be proactive.

We know you’re concerned with cost savings in this economy. We want you to know that it’s possible to reduce health spending without cutting essential services. That’s why the theme of this Frontpage edition is strategic cost containment. We’ve laid out the basics of several different strategies — some that bring immediate savings and others that can reduce long-term spend. After you’ve read about them, please get in touch with EBMS for a deeper conversation about the impact these strategies could have on your plan and your company.

We are here to help you maintain a competitive plan as we continue through this public health crisis.

Yours in health,