June 2019
Stay Current Newsletter

Q: What is a pre-treatment estimate of dental benefits and why should I get one?

A:
A pre-treatment estimate of dental benefits lets you know up front what your dental plan will pay, and the portion you will be responsible for. It is always good idea to get a pre-treatment estimate if you are having extensive work done, particularly for more costly procedures such as crowns, wisdom tooth extractions, bridges, dentures or periodontal surgery.

To secure an estimate, your dentist will send a proposed treatment plan, along with relevant x-rays to your dental carrier. Your dental carrier then checks to be sure that the services are covered. Some dental work may be limited or excluded by your plan, and a pre-treatment estimate will help you understand which services are covered before you proceed with treatment.

Your dental carrier will calculate how any coinsurance and dollar maximum limits might affect your share of the cost. You and your dentist then receive an estimate of the amount your dental carrier will pay for approved services and the amount you are responsible to pay.

A pre-treatment estimate is not a guarantee of payment. When the services are complete and a claim is received for payment, your dental carrier will calculate its payment based on your current eligibility, amount remaining in your annual maximum and any deductible requirements.

Contact your account management team for further guidance.

Anch2EEO & Harassment Prevention Training

Governor Brown passed SB 1343 which expands the requirements for harassment prevention training for California employers. Employers with five or more employees are required to provide training to all employees by January 1, 2020.

Click here to register for our next employee/non-supervisory harassment prevention session on June 19.

Click here to register for our next manager/supervisor harassment prevention session on July 17.

Interested in customized training options at your company location? Contact us for a quote.
Anch3 HRDR Blog - Pets in the Workplace: Benefit or Pitfall?

How do you feel leaving your dog at home when you go to work in the morning? Does your dog stare at you with sad eyes and beg you to stay with just one look? What if you were able to bring your dog with you to work? What if you allowed your employees to bring their animals to work? 

Employers in a variety of industries have adopted policies that allow their employees to bring their fur babies to work. However, there are many factors to consider prior to offering this unique benefit.

Click here to read the HR Done Right Blog.
Anch4IRS Releases 2020 Health Savings Account Limits

Inflation-Adjusted Contribution Limits and HDHP Amounts to Increase

The IRS has announced the 2020 inflation-adjusted amounts for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) as determined under the Internal Revenue Code.

Annual Contribution Limitation
For calendar year 2020, the annual limitation on deductions for an individual with self-only coverage under a high deductible health plan is $3,550 (up from $3,500 for 2019). The annual limitation on deductions for an individual with family coverage under a high deductible health plan is $7,100 (up from $7,000 for 2019).

High Deductible Health Plan Amounts
For calendar year 2020, a "high deductible health plan" is defined as a health plan with an annual deductible that is not less than $1,400 for self-only coverage or $2,800 for family coverage, and annual out-of-pocket expenses (deductibles, co-payments, and other amounts, but not premiums) that do not exceed $6,900 for self-only coverage or $13,800 for family coverage.

Click here to read the IRS announcement.

Article reprinted with permission from HR360.com
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