Benefits Executive Roundtable

In this episode, Host Dorothy Cociu shares more excerpts from ABC's January 24th Lunch & Learn program. Dorothy Cociu and Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office discuss benefit programs that attract and retain talent in all job tiers. In today's market, top talent not only wants, but expects, a robust and innovative employee benefits program that will set one employer apart from the rest. In this episode, we will talk about how you can design a health benefits program tailored to your workforce, including medical plans, dental and other plans, along with voluntary options, and recent changes in the law that allows employers to create an Educational Assistance Program with which employers can help their employees pay off part of their student loan debt or current college and vocational expense each calendar year. Join us for this informative podcast! Podcast Website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e18-benefit-programs-attract-retain-talent-for-all-job-tiers #DorothyCociu #MarilynMonahan #jobtalent #employeebenefits #healthbenefitsprogram #custom #medical #dental #EducationalAssistanceProgram #studentloans #vocational expense

In this episode, Host Dorothy Cociu shares excerpts from ABC's January 24th Lunch & Learn program. One of the greatest challenges employers have in our post-pandemic world is recruiting talent and keeping them from moving on quickly to other employers. In this episode, Kathy Ruffino of Train Me Today and Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office provide us with helpful information and tools for recruiting and retaining quality employees, by providing them with what they are looking for now and in their future. We cover opportunities for remote work and how to design job descriptions for remote employees at all job tiers, the challenges of hiring a remote or hybrid workforce and how to overcome them, the types of benefits that attract recruits and keep them on the job, and tools to keep employees engaged long-term. Join us for this informative podcast! Podcast website: https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e17-recruiting-talent-challenges-opportunities-post-covid

Host Dorothy Cociu shares excerpts from her Employment & Workplace Laws session from her January 24, 2023 Lunch & Learn this episode. Kathy Ruffino from Train Me Today and Marilyn Monahan from Monahan Law Office discuss the new employment and workplace laws in or going into effect in 2023, including The Fast Act, AB 1041 expansion of current family leave under CFRA, SB 1044 Retaliation and “Emergency Situations,” AB 1601 employment protections for call centers, AB 1949 bereavement law update, SB 523 discrimination of applicants and/or employees based on reproductive health decision making, SB 1162's Pay Transparency Act, which requires new pay data reporting beginning May 10th, 202, and other California and Federal new and existing laws changes or updates. Join us for this informative podcast! Podcast Website: https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e16-california-employment-workplace-laws-for-2023

In this episode, host Dorothy Cociu interviews Faith Borges, Legislative Advocate, Dawn McFarlane, VP of Legislation and Sue Wakamoto-Lee, President, of the California Agents & Health Insurance Professionals (CAHIP), on the current legislative environment in Sacramento. We examine our state legislature, the November elections and political impact of them, state Leadership, and the main legislative issues related to health insurance and health care in California. Will Single Payer threats be back? Join us for this informative podcast! Read Show Notes on Podcast Website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e15-california-state-legislative-updates #healthinsurance #healthcare #SinglePayer #CaliforniaAgentsHealthInsuranceProfessionals #CAHIP #CaliforniaLegislature #elections #FaithBorges #Legislative #DawnMcFarlane #SueWakamotoLee

In part two of this two-part series, host Dorothy Cociu continues her interview with Marcy Buckner, Senior VP of Government Affairs of NABIP. We discuss the CMS Proposed 2024 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters (NBPP), the ACA Employer Reporting Deadline permanent extension, the Transparency in Coverage (TiC) Guidance that clarifies Public Disclosures, and the Good Faith Effort provisions for employer CAA Prescription Drug Reporting, which has been very difficult for employers, TPAs, PBMs and others. In addition, we discuss the top issues that NABIP has working on in Washington, including preserving the employer tax exclusion and employer reporting under the ACA. We also discuss updates on Single Payer/Medicare for All discussions in Washington and Medicare Updates. Join us for the conclusion of this informative podcast! Podcast website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e14–federal-legislative-updates-with-marcy-buckner-part2

In this episode, host Dorothy Cociu interviews Marcy Buckner, Senior VP of Government Affairs of NABIP. They discuss the current state of affairs in Congress after the November, 2022 elections, the end of the year Omnibus Package, the Inflation Reduction Act, the ACA Family Glitch resolution, Medicare Marketing Final Rule and Proposed Rule, and the proposed Notice of Benefit Payment Parameters. This is part 1 of a two-part series. Join us for this informative podcast! Podcast website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e13-federal-legislative-updates-part1 keywords Marcy Buckner, Government Affairs, NABIP, Congress, Omnibus Package, Inflation Reduction Act, ACA Family Glitch resolution, Medicare Marketing Final Rule, Proposed Rule, Notice of Benefit Payment Parameters

In this week's episode, Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Mike Sigal, VP of Sales Development and Omar Arif, Senior VO of Growth from ClaimDOC, a Reference Based Pricing vendor. As we continue to examine cost containment in self-funded health plans, we take a look into ClaimDOC and how they differ from other vendors, the effectiveness of single case agreements, ways to deal with Balance Billing, and how ClaimDOC takes on the role of a Co-Fiduciary in the self-funded health plan. Join us for this informative podcast! Podcast Website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e12-examining-reference-based-pricing-in-self-funded-plans #RBP #referencebasedpricing #costcontainment #healthplans #billing #claims

Host Dorothy Cociu discusses with Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office all of the Employer Requirements for the Transparency in Coverage Machine Readable Files Disclosures and CAA Pharmacy Benefits Reporting Requirements for employers and their vendors. Whether you are fully insured or self-funded, there are a myriad of new requirements that have employers, third party administrators, pharmacy benefits managers and others scrambling to understand and implement. What's required and who needs to perform these tasks, and what are the due dates? Do you have the proper contracts in place? We will dive into the details! Podcast website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e11-everything-employers-need-to-know-about-federal-tic-and-rx-reporting-2022-2023 #Employer #TransparencyinCoverage #MachineReadable #Pharmacy #Benefits #Reporting

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Kathy Ruffino, Vice President, Train Me Today, on Human Resources and California Legislative Updates for 2022-2023. We discuss AB 152 (COVID Supplemental Paid Sick Leave), AB 257 (The Fast Act), AB 1041, SB 1044, AB 1601, AB 1751, AB 1949 and more. We also discuss what employers are dealing with post-Dobbs, the Great Resignation current trends, and ways employers can best attract and retain employees. Join us for this informative podcast! Podcast Home Website: https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e10-hr-calfornia-legislative-updates-2022-2023 #California #Legislative #COVIDSupplementalPaidSickLeave #GreatResignation #humanresources #SB1044 #TheFastAct #AB1041 #AB152 #AB1601 #AB1751 #AB1949 #AB257

Post-COVID-19, employers are struggling to attract and retain employees, and employee benefits are one of the leading ways to sway prospective employees to your companies. In this week's podcast, Host Dorothy Cociu interviews John Evangelista and Sarah Knapp from Colonial Life on the ways that Voluntary Benefits can enhance your new hire benefits package to help you attract the best candidates, and provide your employees more options during open enrollment. Join us for this informative and timely podcast! Visit the podcast website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e9-how-voluntary-benefits-can-enhance-your-new-hire-offerings-and-open-enrollment

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Maggie Stedt and Rosamaria Murrajo from the California Agents & Health Insurance Professional's Medicare Committee on the Medicare updates needed for 2023 enrollments. We discuss the important things consumers need to know, the new rules that affect agents, and the Inflation Reduction Act's Medicare provisions. In addition, we discuss what seniors themselves need to know, their most common questions, hints on how to enroll, as well as the differences in stand-alone prescription drug plans, Medicare supplement plans and more! Join us for this timely and informative podcast! Visit the podcast website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e8-medicare-updates-for-2023-enrollments #medicare #inflationreductionact #provisions #drugplan #2023

In Part 2 of our Two-Part Series on Cybersecurity during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Adriana Mendieta, Cybersecurity and Cyber Liability Coverage Expert, on the current state of the Cyber World… whether it's harmful hacks or ransomware, everyone is at risk for a cyber attack. Adriana shares her thoughts as a Database Manager, member of a federal government cybersecurity task force, and cyber liability agent. We discuss the latest trends and how to mitigate your risk. Join us for part 2 of this informative series on cybersecurity! See the Show Notes & Podcast page https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s437-cybersecurity-need-is-here-to-stay+tips-to-keeping-data-safe #cybersecurity #cyberinsurance #datalossprevention #recovery #ransomware #cyberliability

In part 1 of this two part series, host Dorothy Cociu interviews Ted Mayeshiba and Ted Flittner of Aditi Group, an IT Technology, HITECH, Electronic Security and Cybersecurity firm on the current threats in electronic security, cybersecurity and the importance of risk assessments and training employees to protect your electronic data. We discuss the recent cyber and ransomware attacks and trends, the risks of remote employees and how to mitigate them, and overall electronic security tips. Join us for this informative podcast during Cybersecurity Awareness Week! Read Podcast Show Notes s4e6-data-security-risks-and-importance-of-cybersecurity-part-1

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Dan Baker, Vice President, Sales and MaryAnn Wessel, Senior Account Manager of EBA&M Corporation, a Third-Party Administrator specializing in self-funded and level-funded health plans on the best practices for renewal and open enrollment, and strategies for making your upcoming renewal efficient and successful. We discuss timelines for quoting and sales steps, reporting and data analysis, funding mechanisms, employer education, and the complexities of new laws and regulations and how they impact your renewal and open enrollment. Join us for this informative podcast! Visit our podcast page for more at https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e5-renewal-open-enrollment-strategies-for-self-funded-health-plans

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Ryan Work, Senior VP Government Relations and Chris Condeluci, Esquire, Washington Counsel for the Self Insurance Institute of America (SIIA), on the No Surprises Act Final Rules and how they impact health plans, including updates on the Federal Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) Process, which finally opened in April, 2022. How was the Federal Portal's operations in its first quarter? We'll give you the inside scoop and first quarter result summary. In addition, Chris and Ryan give us an update on how the DaVita v. Marrietta SCOTUS decision impacts self-funded health plans. This ruling was considered a huge victory for the self-insured industry! Ryan and Chris give us their insight from inside the heart of the self-insured industry! Benefits Executive Roundtable Podcast page https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e4-no-surprises-act-final-rules-and-davita-v-marietta-scotus-update Show Notes & References "Supreme Summer" Article published by ABC

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Jeff Strong, Vice President, Sales, Sterling Administrators on health plan compliance, the good, the bad, and the scary! In this week's episode, Jeff and Dorothy discuss ERISA disclosure requirements, the best tools for and preparing for audits, fiduciary liability, the Prudent Man Rule, Form 5500 filing and auditing, COBRA, ICHRAs, and more compliance information. In addition, we discuss the recent SCOTUS case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health, which took away the constitutional right to an abortion, along with the liability of crossing state lines for abortions, aiding and abetting, and employer use of Travel Benefits for abortion expenses. https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e3-health-plan-compliance-the-good-the-bad-and-the-scary Show Notes and Valuable References Benefits Executive Roundtable Podcast Show Notes - S4 E3 Supreme Summer Article

Host Dorothy Cociu continues her discussions on federal and state legal and regulatory updates with Marilyn Monahan. In part 2 of this 2-part series, we discuss the hottest two Supreme Court cases that were settled this past summer, including Dobbs v. Jackson Health (which overturned Roe v. Wade) and Marietta v Davita (which was a huge victory for self-funded health plans). What happened and what can employers do about abortion coverages? What kind of civil and criminal penalties are at stake if employees cross state lines for abortions? How does the DaVita case help self-funded plans with cost containment? We also discuss the Inflation Reduction Act and a number of California state legal and regulatory updates. Join us for part 2 to discuss these sometimes emotional and controversial subjects! Show Notes https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/podcast-s4e2-federal-state-legal-regulatory-updates-p2

S4 E1 - Host Dorothy Cociu interviews one of the Roundtable's favorite guests, Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office. In part 1 of this two -part series, we discuss Federal & California State Leave Laws and how they inter-relate, updates on the current and future employer requirements for the Transparency in Coverage (TiC) rules, including Machine Readable File and online self-service tool requirements and need for vendor contracts, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) updates, including the No Surprises Act, including changes to ID Card and Provider Directory requirements, NSA notices, good faith estimates, and the Independent Dispute Resolution Process. Join us for this informative and timely podcast! Show Notes https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/podcast-s4e1-federal-state-legal-regulatory-updates-p1

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews two of her self-funded group health plan clients, Bill Struett of Heimark Distributing and Randy Sims of Tri-West, LTD, about their experiences with reference-based pricing. They discuss the positives and negatives, the opportunities for additional cost savings over PPO networks, and the administrative process. Was it easy? What types of problems did they have and how did they overcome them? Learn about their experiences first-hand, and how to overcome provider push-back and employee concerns from the end users: self-funded plan sponsors. website: https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3e18-health-plan-financing-with-reference-based-pricing-pros-and-cons/ #referencebasedpricing #selffunded #healthplan

In Part 2 of our 3 Part Series on Health Plan Financing & Cost Containment, Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Brad Gossen, President, and Dan Baker, Vice President, Sales, of EBA&M Corporation, a Third-Party Administrator specializing in self-funded health plans. In this post-COVID world, employers are trying to get back to what they do, and in order to do that, they are looking at long-term cost containment in their health plan financing. Is Self-Funding the way to help your company's bottom line and help long-term growth? As employers look at reducing their long-term spend, but need good benefits to attract and retain employees, the self-funding alternative is looking more and more promising. Join us as we discuss the Risk vs. Reward. website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3e17-is-self-funding-your-health-plan-the-way-to-help-your-companys-bottom-line-and-long-term-growth

Part 1 of a 3 Part Series on Health Care & Health Plan Financing & Cost Containment Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Bob Quaid, Senior Broker Representative for California Choice, a health plan option available for small groups (under 100 employees) in California, on how their 1990's created Assembly Bill private exchange product has developed into an effective way for fully insured employers to set their health plan budgets and stick to them, while offering employee choice. We'll discuss budgeting techniques, carriers, administration, consolidated billing and support on these plans. Learn how it works and why it's a cost-effective strategy for fully insured small group health plans. Podcast website: https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3e16-strategies-fully-insured-health-plans-how-to-offer-great-benefits-and-maintain-your-budget #CaliforniaChoice #healthcare #healthplans #cost #budgets

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Elizabeth Holman, President of The Holman Group, which is a Managed Behavioral Healthcare Provider and Employee Assistance Program. We discuss the importance of providing assistance to employees in times of crisis, stress and anxiety, such as the COVID-19 era and beyond. What effects did the lack of normalcy, the economic pressures and lockdown have on employees and their families? How can employers help in times like these, and going forward, to better assist them in the future in a post-COVID world? Learn more about EAP programs and how they can help employers. #Employee Assistance Program #EAP #Post-COVID #Elizabeth Holman #Managed Behavioral Healthcare Provider #employees #COVID-19 #economic #lockdown

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Faith Borges, Legislative Advocate for the California Agents and Health Insurance Professionals (CAHIP) and Dawn McFarland, VP of Legislation for CAHIP, on the latest and most serious threat to our current health care system in California, with the recent single payer healthcare bill, AB-1400, and the companion Assembly Constitutional Amendment, ACA 11. This was the second serious scare of single payer in 5 years for California, but this one was a double threat, as it included the funding source to pay for Single Payer in a constitutional amendment with nearly $290 Billion in new corporate and individual taxes. What happened, why did it happen, and why did it fail? Learn why this is a continuing threat in California; how we could lose our employer sponsored coverage, individual coverage, Medicare, Medi-Cal and all other forms of healthcare coverage in California! https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3e14-how-close-did-we-come-to-single-payer-healthcare-in-california #CaliforniaAgentsandHealthInsuranceProfessionals #CAHIP #singlepayerhealthcare #AB-1400 #ACA-11 #employersponsoredcoverage #individualcoverage

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Ted Flittner and Ted Mayeshiba, principals of Aditi Group, an IT services and consulting firm, on the importance of a Business Electronic Risk Assessment in today's cyber world. We examine the applications of HIPAA and other privacy laws, plus the day-to-day business needs across all industries, in protecting business data against breaches, cyber-attacks, and ransomware, and the importance of business continuity amidst all of these risks. This podcast is a must for COOs, CEOs, Risk Managers, IT Professionals and many others invested in protecting their organization's data. Learn the importance of conducting regular risk assessments and how to start the process. Read show notes here: https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3e13-importance-of-business-electronic-risk-assement-in-todays-cyber-world

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office on the changes to the ACA Reporting forms and requirements for 2022 in a 2-Part Series. In Part 2, they discuss recent increasing activities with IRS 226-J letters and Marketplace Appeals, and how to best handle them, the penalties for 2022 (2021 forms), and state filing requirements for those states with similar reporting requirements, including California, and more. https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3-e12-aca-compliance-updates-for-2022-employer-reporting-and-responsibilities-part-2/

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office on the changes to the ACA Reporting forms and requirements for 2022 in a 2-Part Series. In Part 1, they will discuss the latest changes to ACA Reporting Forms 1094 and 1095; who needs to file, ALEs and full-time employment clarifications, affordability safe harbors, and all of the latest developments with reporting, including changes to the actual reporting forms. https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3-e11-aca-compliance-updates-for-2022-employer-reporting-and-responsibilities-part-1/

Early November saw the new OSHA guidance released on the federal Vaccine Mandate for employers with 100 or more employees, followed immediately by a rush of lawsuits, resulting in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals issuing a temporary stop on the guidance going into effect. Where do we stand now? Should employers be preparing for this mandate? Hear the latest from HR Consultant and Trainer Kathy Ruffino, Vice President of Train Me Today. Kathy will also update us on the new California employment-HR-related legislation going into effect January 2022, including Warehouse Distribution AB 701, CFRA expansion AB 1033, COVID reporting AB 654, Silenced No More Act SB 331, Criminalization Wage Theft Act AB 1003, Electronic Workplace Notices SB 657, and CA Supreme Court ruling on meal period rounding. Join us for this informative podcast. A MUST for Human Resources Management!

Host Dorothy Cociu discusses what's new and what listeners should know about Medicare during the current Open Enrollment Period between October 15thand December 7th with Medicare experts Maggie Stedt, Immediate Past President of the California Association of Health Underwriters (CAHU) and Medicare Agent, and David Garcia, Medicare Specialist and CAHU Medicare Chair. We discuss what's new for 2022, answer the most common questions from seniors, how to sign up, and the pros and cons of dropping off of an employer sponsored group plan and enrolling in Medicare. Join us for this informative and timely podcast!

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Ryan Work, Vice President, Government Relations, and Chris Condeluci, Washington Legal Counsel for the Self-Insurance Institute of America, who share their insights and analysis on the new rules regarding the Independent Dispute Resolution process laid out in the No Surprises Act regulations, Part 2. We discuss the reaction of providers, insurers, and self-funded health plans, the new CMS IDR Portal where all disputes will be managed, and how the process will work. Join us for our third of three informative podcasts on the No Surprises Act; an important legislative topic for health plans for 2022 and beyond. It's helpful for all plan sponsors, but it's a must-listen for all self-funded plan sponsors!!

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Ruth Tello-Di Leva, MS, BCBA, on the affects of COVID on kids with Autism. In Part 2 of our 2-part series for Mental Health Awareness Month, we discuss the way external factors, such as a pandemic, affect kids with autism. We dive into the stress, the anxiety, and the little things that make lives better during such unprecedented times. How did these kids deal with the loss of routines and changes during 2020-2021? Have the availability of vaccines and the return to school helped? Ruth also provides helpful tips for parents and kids during these times. Join us for this heart-warming podcast. Part 2 of a 2-part series #anxiety #autism changes #COVID #Dorothy Cociu #helpful tips #kids #Mental Health Awareness Month #pandemic #parents #return to school #routines #Ruth Tello-Di Leva #stress #vaccines

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews experts from Hines & Associates, a Utilization Management & Case Management firm, who discuss the negative impacts COVID has had on mental and behavioral health. Included in this discussion are Anna Hansen, Senior Vice President, Client Solutions & Retention, Suzanne Casel, RN, PMH-BC, Director of Behavioral Health & Wellness, and Karla Weiner, RN, CCM, AATMC, Director of Medical Case Management Operations. We discuss the differences between gender, race or urbanization, the social and economic neglect of mental health care, the types of disorders, and how things like stress, anxiety and depression can lead to more serious situations, including suicide. In addition, we discuss how employees suffering from mental or behavioral health conditions can contribute to a lack of productivity and absenteeism in the workplace, and what can be done to improve outcomes. Please join us for this impactful podcast during Mental Health Awareness Month. Part 1 of a 2-part series.

Host Dorothy Cociu welcomes once again Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office on Federal and State Legislative Updates for fall, 2021. Marilyn will discuss the ACA Transparency Rules, the CAA's No Surprises Act & Transparency, and how grandfathered health plans are affected. In addition, she provides updates on ARPA COBRA Subsidies, FFCRA & ARPA wrap-ups, Long COVID & disabilities, and more. She will also discuss ACA reporting updates, as well as how employers can find a path out of the pandemic, reviewing current guidance from the CA Department of Industrial Relations and Federal Department of Labor. Lastly, Marilyn provides California legislative updates, including Cal Savers, California leave laws, electronic notice postings, mandated benefits, insurance regulation, employment law, minimum wage and city ordinances. This podcast was originally recorded as a client webinar. Edited for podcast use. Legislative Updates discussed in this episode include: Federal ACA Transparency Rules, CAA No Surprises Act & Transparency Grandfathered plan applications ARPA COBRA subsidies, FFCRA, and ARPA wrap-ups Long COVID & Disabilities ACA Reporting Updates Path out of the Pandemic (OSHA, DIR & DOL rules) California Cal Savers California Leave Laws Electronic Notice Postings Mandated Benefits Insurance Regulation Employment Law Minimum Wage City Ordinances

In Part 2 of our 2-Part Series on Surprise Billing Legislation, host Dorothy Cociu interviews Ryan Day, President, and Collen Dempewolf, Director, Strategic Product Development, of HS Technologies, a Referenced Based Pricing Vendor, on the No Surprises Act's impact on health plans. They discuss how plans without networks will be treated under the Act, how referenced based pricing plans are impacted, and how communication and cooperation with claims administrators will be required. They also discuss how the Qualifying Payment Amount and Independent Dispute Resolution process will work, whether RBP payment amounts to providers may need to change, and if possible “one-off” agreements, direct provider contracting and other options may be more common for RBP plans due to the Act.

Host Dorothy Cociu and special guest Marilyn Monahan, of Monahan Law office, discuss the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) interim final rule for the No Surprises Act, Part 1, as well as some ACA Transparency in Coverage rules that relate to the CAA. The No Surprises Act focuses on surprise billing for emergency services, as well as billing practices in certain non-network situations by limiting the amount payable to the network rate. Marilyn and Dorothy share the employer plan sponsor concerns, administrative concerns and many new obligations for health plans and issuers. This is a must-listen podcast for health plan sponsor employers! Podcast Show Notes: Download Show Notes from No Surprises Act Interim Final Rules and Other Related Laws & Rules (such as the Transparency in Coverage Rules TiC rules) Look for more at https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/benefits-executive-roundtable-podcast/

In Part 2 of this 2-Part Podcast, Host Dorothy Cociu continues her discussions with Ted Mayeshiba and Ted Flittner, Principals of Aditi Group, an IT Security/HIPAA Security/Cybersecurity firm, and Bruce Benton, a life and health and P&C agent, and Vice President, Public Affairs of the California Association of Health Underwriters on how to be better protected against Cyber Attacks. We discuss how to stay safe while traveling, working from home risks, potential new cybersecurity regulations, the importance of proper training, and we look at Cyber Liability Insurance and why it's so important today.

In Part 1 of this 2-Part Podcast, host Dorothy Cociu interviews Ted Mayeshiba and Ted Flittner, Principals of Aditi Group, an IT Security / HIPAA Security / Cybersecurity firm about the importance of Cybersecurity and how employers can protect themselves. Bruce Benton, a life and health and P&C agent, and Vice President, Public Affairs of the California Association of Health Underwriters is also on-hand. In Part 1, we discuss the growing trend of electronic hacking and cyber attacks that have affected nearly every type of industry, and more specifically, on recent cyber attacks that have had a serious impact on consumers and our infrastructure, and we talk about what companies can do to stay safe and try to avoid these types of attacks. We discuss what happened in some of the cases that hit the news, and we talk about what companies can do to stay safe and try to avoid these types of attacks. We will focus heavily on the “weakest link” – your own employees, and how to protect your company's critical data.

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) 2021 and Other Legislative Updates – Spring, 2021 – A Special Off-Season Release! Host Dorothy Cociu and Guest Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office discuss the details of the $1.9 trillion relief package called the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) 2021, as well as the changes to the Outbreak Period, which threw the health insurance industry into turmoil. Dorothy and Marilyn discuss the outbreak period and timeframe extensions from DOL/EBSA Relief Notice 2021-01, and dive into the details of the ARPA. They will update you on the overview of the relief package, and attempt to provide clarifications to the complicated COBRA premium assistance/subsidy rules and tax credits. In addition, they will discuss the Marketplace Advance Premium Tax Credit increases, small business tax credit, PPP modifications, support for restaurants, unemployment assistance, dependent FSA provisions, and updates to the paid family leave/paid sick leave provisions. Lastly, Marilyn will update you on California’s SB 95, a supplemental paid sick leave law. Show notes are provided to assist you with these complicated provisions. Special Downloads & Show Notes https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/se-american-rescue-plan-act-2021-and-legislative-updates-spring-2021 Show Notes & Special Downloads 2021 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Poster (CA SB 95) CA SB 95 Paid Sick Leave FAQs ARPA COBRA Model General Notice ARPA COBRA Model Alternative Election Notice ARPA COBRA Model Extended Election Periods Notice ARPA COBRA Model Notice of Premium Assistance Expiration Premium Show Notes of Important Slides

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews principals of Aditi Group, our Technology Partners, on cybersecurity in the workplace and home. Dorothy sits down with Ted Mayeshiba, Ted Flittner and Steve Saitman to discover what can be done to protect your business from cybersecurity threats, whether your employees are in the office or working remotely from home. We discuss the differences between threats at the home and in the office, the most common threats we’re seeing now, how to examine email phishing campaigns and train your staff to avoid inadvertently downloading malware and viruses to your computers and networks, the common denominators, and what employers should be doing to avoid cybersecurity threats.

Dorothy and Marilyn discuss details of the new Transparency Rules for Employers and Health Plans; Cost Transparency for Hospitals; ACA IRS Reporting Forms 1094/1095 Reporting Updates (including California FTB requirements); Grandfathered Health Plans Final Rules; Other Federal Legislation; California Updates, including FSA Account Notices under AB 1554, Cal Savers, Paid Family Leave, Harassment Training, Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Regulations, COVID-19 Workers’ Compensation, CFRA, and other Changes for the Workplace.

In part one of a two-part podcast, host Dorothy Cociu and Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law office discuss important updates for employer plan sponsors. In Part 1 – Dorothy and Marilyn will discuss What the Future May Hold in Washington; COVID-19 updates, including an important update on the Outbreak Period that applies to COBRA and other timeframe extensions; the New CAA Stimulus Bill and How it Impacts Other Laws & Regulations; CAA Important Provisions including the No Surprises Act, which puts limits on balance billing; the new reporting period for Mental Health Parity; and Agent/Broker Compensation Disclosure.Important Notice/Disclaimer: This podcast includes excerpts from an educational webinar instructed by Dorothy and Marilyn in January, 2021. Be advised that some provisions discussed in this podcast are subject to change, as the environment in Washington and Sacramento are moving quickly. Since this podcast was recorded, certain items discussed have already been changed, and we expect this to continue, so stay tuned for more updates!

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Jacquelyn Thorp, CEO and Founder of Train Me Today, a California-based Human Resources Consulting and HR Training Organization. Jackie discusses the complexity of COVID-19 workplace applications, policies and procedures, and how to get people back to work safely. We discuss the most important things CEOs and CFOs need to know about the role of HR in this complex environment, as well as how to best get and keep HR professionals up to date with certifications. What works best for small employers, large employers, and everything in-between? We also discuss some new laws and changes to existing laws in California, including CAL/OSHA COVID regulations, SB 1159 Work Comp requirements, California Family Rights Act changes, minimum wage updates and more. Join us for this informative podcast!

In this last of our 3-part series on the non-benefits side of COVID-19, host Dorothy Cociu interviews Deena Piekarski, a Registered Nurse, who was hospitalized for her own emergency surgery in the fall of 2020. Listen to what it’s really like in the hospital during COVID; the isolation, the fear, the emotional toll on the patients and their families. Deena is an RN working in a hospital, but in this podcast, she shares her personal story about being on the patient’s side of hospitalization during this Pandemic.

Host Dorothy Cociu continues her 3-part series on the real-world effects of COVID-19 on the community. In part 2 of this mini-series, she interviews Ruth Tello-Di-Leva, MS, BCBA, founder and president of Familias First, an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy provider in Los Angeles county. In this candid interview, they discuss the emotional impact of COVID on kids and adults with disabilities such as Autism.. how the pandemic affected their treatment, and how to best deal with the continued interruptions to their routines and unknowns in a virtual and hybrid world. This podcast will be helpful to parents and teachers dealing with special needs children and adults.

In part one of our 3-part series on the effects of COVID-19, host Dorothy Cociu interviews an elementary school teacher in Orange County, California to discuss how remote and hybrid learning is affecting teachers, students and parents. In an interview with Jennifer, a 5th grade teacher, we will hear first-hand what it was actually like during the spring of 2020, when schools were closed, and students, parents and teachers were effectively in limbo, and when remote learning began, how teachers, students and parents reacted; the good, the bad and the indifference. Jennifer walks us through March, 2020 to the present, and brings a unique perspective as an educator and a parent living through these difficult times. We discuss the school district and state safety protocols, and how the teachers did their best to keep kids engaged. We’ll learn about the emotional toll on the kids with the lack of structure and isolation from friends and teachers, how parents reacted and how teachers handled it, and how the new hybrid system is working. What is it really like inside the hybrid classrooms and remote learning? Is it safe for students and teachers? Join us for this informative podcast.

If you received a PPP loan, this podcast is a must-listen! Host Dorothy Cociu interviews tax accountant John Piekarski, who discusses the PPP loan forgiveness process, the application options, and what to have ready to apply for forgiveness. John provides helpful tips and clarifications about what forms to use in each situation, and reminders of what to do in advance to prepare for your forgiveness submission. If you have an outstanding loan under $50k, he will walk you through the EZ application for loan forgiveness.

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Chris Brown, Director of Business Development of RX Benefits, a national prescription drug optimizing firm, who shares the best ways to keep costs down in your RX plan. They discuss how to design your RX plan, implement the best cost containment provisions in your contracts and how utilization management and data analysis can help employers to understand and mitigate high cost prescriptions, opioid issues, and how to use rebates to lower your overall prescription drug benefits within your health plan. If you’re self-funded, learn how to design and manage your RX plan for the greatest cost savings.

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Ryan Dorigan, a Medicare and Senior Care expert, who will walk you through everything you need to know about enrolling in Medicare for the first time, what you can do during the annual open enrollment, types of plan options, the pitfalls you can face, and penalties that you could be hit with if you don’t do it right. This is a must-listen for those struggling to decide what is best for them during the October 7- December 15 open enrollment period.

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Marcy Buckner, VP of Government Affairs of NAHU on the legislative successes in 2019, COVID-19 Legislative Updates, Trump Executive Orders, the Biden-Harris democratic ticket, and her thoughts on whether Harris’ liberal views on healthcare will sway Biden’s health care policy. This is Part 2 of a 2-Part podcast. This is a must-listen before you vote in November!

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Marcy Buckner, VP of Government Affairs of NAHU on the legislative successes in 2019, COVID-19 Legislative Updates, Trump Executive Orders, the Biden-Harris democratic ticket, and her thoughts on whether Harris’ liberal views on healthcare will sway Biden’s health care policy. This is Part 1 of a 2-Part podcast. This is a must-listen before you vote!

This podcast examines Telemedicine from a provider’s perspective and a vendor’s perspective. Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Dr. Wendy Coling from Kaiser Health on the effectiveness of telehealth, how it affects the doctor-patient relationship, the ability to diagnose conditions virtually, patient response and technology concerns. We also discuss the future of telemedicine and its cost-effectiveness. From the vendor perspective, Dorothy interviews Eric Kronengold, Executive Director of Teledoc. We discuss the use of a telehealth service in both fully insured and self-insured health plans, the technology involved, the coordination with primary care physicians, the reporting and cost savings that can be seen from the use of a robust telehealth program. Both podcast guests also discuss the future of telemedicine.

This special event podcast will update our listeners on current State of California legislative activities, including the upcoming elections and the election process in California. We’ll also delve into a recent report prepared by the Health California For All Commission, which looks into a “Unified Financing” system for California, which many believe is a road map or blueprint to Single Payer health care. CAHU VP of Communications Dorothy Cociu interviews Brad Davis, CAHU VP Legislation, and Faith Borges, CAHU Legislative Advocate, on the important legislative updates that the California consumer public should know about. This podcast was created for the California Association of Health Underwriters and is being published also on the Benefits Executive Roundtable, with permission from CAHU.