Quality Connection
News and Updates for Brokers
February 10, 2022
Average Total Number of Employees (ATNE)
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("PPACA") defines the number of employees as "the average number of employees employed by the company during the preceding calendar year." An employee is typically any person for which the company issues a W-2, regardless of full-time, part-time or seasonal status or whether or not they have medical coverage.
 
Because insurance carriers are required to determine group rating size based on the average total number of employees (ATNE) calculation, it is imperative that the ATNE listed on the paperwork is accurate each year when your group renews. Reference Arkansas Insurance Department Bulletin issued January 8, 2021
 
Calculate ATNE based on the year prior to the renewal or effective date. Add all monthly employee totals together and divide by the number of months that the company was in business last year (usually 12 months).

Use our QualChoice ATNE Worksheet to help in calculating your ATNE.
Coverage for At-Home COVID-19 Tests
As of January 15, 2022, QualChoice Members can get COVID-19 Home Testing kits at no cost. Visit the QualChoice COVID-19 Information page to learn more.
February is Heart Health Month
The American Heart Association sponsors American Heart Month in February to raise awareness about heart health.

About one in three adults live with hypertension (high blood pressure). The QualChoice Healthy Heart Program assists members living with hypertension using evidence-based, nationally accepted practices and a personalized approach. It offers support for members to reach their health care goals and follow their doctor’s treatment plan. Participating plan members age 18 or older may enroll free of charge..Participating members also receive a complimentary blood pressure monitoring kit.

Learn more about the QualChoice Healthy Heart Program on our QCARE page on QualChoice.com or by downloading the Heart Health Program Overview (PDF).
It's Still Not Too Late to Get Your Flu Shot
QualChoice members can get the flu vaccine at any network pharmacy or provider's office. No copayment is required. Get more facts about the flu at QualChoice.com.
Updated Forms

Make sure you are using current QualChoice forms, please download from the Broker Forms page at QualChoice.com each time you need to use one.
In the Media

See our recent article in Little Rock Soiree that provides helpful information on "What to Do If You Can’t Find a COVID-19 Test."
‌
QCA22-AR-H-005