Group Market News
Published July 9, 2021
For your group clients who have or will have employees who reside in the state of
Massachusetts
In 2020, several states as well as one city adopted minimum coverage requirements similar to the existing Massachusetts Minimum Creditable Coverage requirement. As more employer groups plan to allow increased flexibility for their employees to work remote
and out of state, location-specific coverage requirements is a trend we are seeing increase.
Therefore, Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska realized a need to evaluate our current state health plan reporting services. We are experiencing a number of challenges, such as: varying minimum coverage analyses, differences in reporting requirements, and a nationwide
increase of remote workers.
Moving forward, Premera will no longer continue to file the 1099-HC Massachusetts Creditable Coverage form, or provide an analysis to determine if your group client’s specific plan meets the Massachusetts Creditable Coverage Plan Requirements (MCC).
What you need to know
As your group clients contemplate additional opportunities with remote workforces, it is important for them to check with their tax professional and benefit consultants to understand what laws and regulations apply to them as an employer in each state
of residence of their employees.
In addition, it may be helpful to let your group clients know that many vendors offer state reporting services for employers who have employees residing out of state.
For more specific information on MCC requirements applicable to employers who employ Massachusetts residents, please see the links below:
How we are notifying groups
Employers will receive an announcement in the next Employer News e-newsletter, distributed on Tuesday, July 20, 2021.
If you have any questions about this update, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Premera representative.