March Employee Benefits Tips and Guidance from NYSTIA Member Brown & Brown

In their Employee Benefits March Newsletter, NYSTIA Member Brown & Brown Inc. provided important guidance on a number of issues, most notably:

Excellus BCBS MDLIVE Member Cost Changing April 1, 2023

For members who utilize MDLIVE® through Excellus BCBS there will be a cost increase effective April 1, 2023.
The non-Behavior Health claim cost will increase from $40 to $50 per visit
First increase in member cost since the service was implemented in
2017
The new cost is guaranteed through March of 2025
The cost is still 39% below the Non-MDLIVE® member price of $82
The cost is significantly below a Telehealth visit (member has virtual visit with their personal/local physician or physician’s office)

Please reach out to your Brown & Brown team if you have any questions.

Life Insurance Conversion and Portability Reminder

When an employee loses coverage/leaves employment, employers should provide prompt notice of the timeframes and limitations of his/her Life Insurance conversion and portability options. Please check with your Brown & Brown team regarding your carrier-specific options.

New York State COVID-19 Sick Leave

As of today, New York State COVID-19 sick leave is still in effect. If an employee is using COVID-19 sick leave for the first time, it can be for
themselves or to take care of a dependent. For a second or third time, the employee needs to have a positive PCR test (the first time can be an at-home test).

ACA Pay or Play Penalties Will Increase for 2024

On March 9, 2023 the IRS released updated penalty amounts for 2024 regarding the employer-shared responsibility (Pay or Play) rules under the affordable care act (ACA). For calendar year 2024 the 4980H(a) penalty amount has been adjusted from $2,000 to $2,970 and the 4980H(b) is also adjusted amount of $3,000 to $4,460.