New Business Broker Bonus Program

We are pleased to announce the addition of a new Business Broker Bonus Program and the return of our ACA to GFA Broker Bonus program!

The Business Broker Bonus Program applies to ACA, GFA and fully insured 51+ groups with effective dates Dec. 1, 2021, and Jan. 1, 2022. The one-time per contract bonus is determined by number of subscribers at the time of enrollment and is paid in addition to the standard commission structure.

The ACA to GFA Broker Bonus Program is available for current Geisinger Health Plan small groups who move from an ACA to GFA plan. This applies to groups renewing Dec. 1, 2021, through Jan. 1, 2022. Payout amounts will be determined by the number enrolled at the time of renewal and are paid in addition to the standard $30 PEPM broker commission.

The bonus payment will be included in the regular commission runs for the month. For example, bonuses for Dec. 1, 2021, new business/ACA to GFA flips will be paid in January; Jan. 1, 2022, will be paid in February; and so on

IRS sets affordability rate

Each year, the IRS sets a household percentage to determine if the amount an employee must contribute toward their group health insurance coverage premiums on a monthly basis meets a legal “affordability test.”

For 2022, the affordability percentage will be 9.61% of household income. As long as the amount an employee might pay per month for single coverage in the lowest-cost minimum value plan offered by their employer is no more than 9.61% of their household income, the coverage is deemed “affordable.”

Applicable large employers need to understand the new affordability percentage each year. If they do not offer “affordable” coverage to eligible individuals, they may be subject to employer responsibility penalties. However, all employers who offer group health coverage should also keep the affordability level in mind because it affects employee subsidy eligibility potential.

The new rate of 9.61% is a decrease from the 2021 affordability rate of 9.83% of household income. When establishing premium contribution rates for their next plan year, companies should keep the new 2022 rate in mind. Since the rate is lower, employers may need to increase the amount they pay toward the cost of employee coverage.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

All year long — but especially in October — we’re dedicated to increasing awareness and early detection of breast cancer. This is also the perfect time to celebrate the more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. 

Luckily, there’s been a lot of progress in breast cancer treatment and research. Knowing your risks of developing breast cancer can aid in early detection, which makes the cancer easier to treat. 

While you can’t control certain risk factors like age and inherited gene changes, you can control others, including: 

• Weight
• Diet
• Exercise
• Tobacco use

Having risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll get breast cancer, but it’s important to ask your doctor how you can lower your risk. 

And talk with your friends and family about it, too. Screenings, education and early action are some of our greatest defenses against breast cancer.