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GIMS Benefits Newsletter -
NOVEMBER 2006
 
1. Best Health Plans 2006
2. Medicare Part D
Notice Deadline
3. Free Guide Helps
Your Employees Get Savvy About Health Benefits
4. Reform Review
Best
Health Plans 2006
HOT OFF THE PRESS! U.S. News
& World
Report (U.S. News) and the National Committee for Quality Assurance
(NCQA) have collaborated to rank and report on the quality of over 680
health plans. Millions of Americans who are choosing their health
insurance coverage for 2007 can now take advantage of the information
and national rankings featured in the November 6th issue of U.S. News
& World Report.
“America’s Best Health Plans” covers
plans in every
state in the nation and ranks them according to their clinical
performance, patient experience and satisfaction as well as their NCQA
Accreditation status. The Top 50 commercial and 25 Medicare and
Medicaid plans are listed in the magazine, and information for all
plans is available online at www.usnews.com/healthplans.
For your
convenience, we have prepared a summary report
of the NCQA health plan
rankings for Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode
Island, and Vermont only.
Medicare Part D Notice
Deadline
 Plan
sponsors must notify Medicare Part D-eligible individuals who receive
prescription drug coverage under their plans whether their coverage
qualifies as creditable drug coverage prior to the start of the annual
Medicare Part D enrollment period for the upcoming calendar year.
These
notices must be provided before November 15, 2006.
Free Guide
Helps Your Employees Get Savvy About Health Benefits
 Co-authored
by Dr. Charles Cutler of Aetna and Tracey Baker, CFP, of
the Financial Planning Association® as part of their joint
public
education program, this booklet has the information you need to know
— translated by the brand that simplifies even the most
confusing
topics. From choosing the right coverage, to making the most of plan
extras, to paying for benefits, this guide helps demystify the health
benefits cycle at every stage of your life. Sign up now
to get your free copy today and you'll be making the most of your
health plan in no time.
For
your employees...order
up to 20 copies to be shipped to your company and/or
distribute
our flyer as a printed handout or by email.
Reform
Review
At Group Insurance Managment Services, we are constantly keeping
abreast of the landmark Massachusetts Healthcare Reform Act which
became effective October 1, 2007. We present to you, the
employer, a piece of the legislation that may affect you.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like
more information regarding this topic.
Get
more info...
What
do I need to do if I have a probationary period greater than 63 days?
Effective 7/1/2007, all Massachusetts residents aged 18 and older who
do not have coverage (with the exception of a lapse in coverage of 63
days or less) will be assessed a penalty.
- If
you as an employer have a probationary period of 63 days or more,
your employees may be assessed a penalty. You can choose to change your
policy to offer coverage within the 63 day period so that your
employees’ coverage complies with the individual mandate and
they
do not incur a penalty.
- If
you choose not to change the probationary period,
your employees may ask for help finding coverage during your
company’s waiting period so that they won't incur a
penalty You can assist them by directing them to
the
Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector.
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