When navigating the world of health insurance, you will likely encounter the term PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). A PPO plan – whether medical or dental – is about balancing the cost and convenience of care. With a PPO plan, you get the flexibility to see a wide range of doctors. You’ll save money by staying … Continued
Ever found a confusing document in your mailbox after a doctor’s visit, wondering if it’s a bill, especially with an “amount you owe” at the bottom? You’re not alone! That document is most likely an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your health insurance company. It’s crucial to remember: an EOB is NOT a bill. Think … Continued
U.S. Prescription Drug Spending Rose 10.2% in 2024 A new report from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists revealed that prescription drug spending in the United States reachednearly $806 billion in 2024, up 10.2% from 2023. The increase was largely driven by the demand for weight loss medications, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs. GLP-1 medications … Continued
Health care terms, medical bills, and forms can be hard to understand. Here are some common health care terms, and what they mean. Allowed Amount This is the maximum payment the plan will pay for a covered health care service. May also be called “eligible expense,” “payment allowance,” or “negotiated rate.” For example, if … Continued
U.S. Prescription Drug Spending Rose 10.2% in 2024 A new report from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists revealed that prescription drug spending in the United States reachednearly $806 billion in 2024, up 10.2% from 2023. The increase was largely driven by the demand for weight loss medications, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs. GLP-1 medications … Continued
Tips to Save on Health Care Expenses Once again, healthcare costs are expected to rise this year. However, there are ways that you can reduce your spending. Consider these four tips: Brush up on your health plan knowledge. Knowing what your health plan does and doesn’t cover is critical for reducing your spending. Understanding terms … Continued
PCORI Fee Amount Adjusted for 2025 The IRS recently issued Notice 2024-83 to increase the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee amount for plan years ending on or after Oct. 1, 2024, and before Oct. 1, 2025. The updated PCORI fee amount is $3.47 multiplied by the average number of lives covered under the plan. … Continued
Mercer Report Projects 5.8% Health Benefits Cost Increase in 2025 U.S. employers estimate health benefit costs will increase by 5.8% in 2025, according to Mercer’s 2024 National Survey of Employer-sponsored Health Plans. This would mark the third consecutive year that the total cost per employee rose more than 5%. The report attributed the higher costs to … Continued
As the year comes to an end, a crucial compliance deadline looms for employers with health plans. Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), health plans and insurance issuers must submit a Gag Clause Compliance Attestation by December 31, 2024. Since its enactment in 2020, this regulation prohibits health plans from including gag clauses—provisions that limit … Continued
Medical expense accounts can help you save on all kinds of healthcare costs. Here are some you may not know about yet. HSA, FSA, and HRA can typically be used for: Medical expenses: Doctor visits, surgeries, prescriptions, dental and vision care, and mental health services. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: Many OTC medications, including pain relievers, allergy … Continued