Study Finds a 7,000% Increase in Telehealth Utilization During Pandemic
According to a new report, telehealth usage grew more than 7,000% during the first year of the pandemic. FAIR Health’s annual report studies health care indicators, prices and utilization trends. With the latest data, researchers tracked changes from 2015 to 2020 and noticed significant health care shifts.
“This year’s edition … opens a window on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nation’s health care system. We hope that this new edition … continues to inform decisionmaking throughout the health care sector by payors, providers, government officials, policymakers, academic researchers and others.”
– FAIR Health President Robin Gelburd
FDA Limits Emergency Use Authorization for Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently limited the authorized use of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J)/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine to people age 18 and older for whom other vaccines aren’t appropriate or accessible and those who opt for J&J because they wouldn’t otherwise get vaccinated. This updated authorization also applies to booster doses.
“We recognize that the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine still has a role in the current pandemic response in the United States and across the global community. … [This] action demonstrates the robustness of our safety surveillance systems and our commitment to ensuring that science and data guide our decisions.”
– J&J, in a statement
U.S. Drug Overdose Deaths Hit Record High in 2021
According to new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, an estimated 107,622 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2021, a 15% increase from the previous year. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, was involved in the most deaths.
“You won’t see a reversal in the same way you saw the acceleration because these drug distribution networks and addiction become embedded in the community. And it’s not like they turn off overnight.”
Katherine Keyes, associate professor at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
HSA/HDHP Limits Increase for 2023
On April 29, 2022, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2022-24 to provide the inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs) for 2023. The IRS is required to publish these limits by June 1 of each year.
These limits include:
- The maximum HSA contribution limit;
- The minimum deductible amount for HDHPs; and
- The maximum out-of-pocket expense limit for HDHPs.
Highlights
- Each year, the IRS announces inflation-adjusted limits for HSAs and HDHPs.
- By law, the IRS is required to announce these limits by June 1 of each year.
- The adjusted contribution limits for HSAs take effect as of Jan. 1, 2023.
- The adjusted HDHP cost-sharing limits take effect for the plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2023.
Important Dates
- January 1, 2023
- The new contribution limits for HSAs become effective.
- 2023 Plan Years
- The HDHP cost-sharing limits for 2023 apply for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2023.
Click here to learn more and download the latest Compliance Bulletin
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
Mental health—your mental and emotional well-being—can change over time due to factors like workload, stress and work-life balance. Observed every May, Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to join together to fight stigma and provide support for people with mental illness and their families.
Mental illnesses are some of the most common health conditions in the United States.
MORE THAN 50% OF THE POPULATION WILL BE DIAGNOSED WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS AT SOME POINT.
Remember that you’re not alone. If you have concerns about your mental health, reach out to a doctor or use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline by calling 800-662-HELP (4357).
CMS Outlines Strategy to Advance Health Equity
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently outlined an action plan to provide Americans with high-quality and affordable health care. This plan will further drive health equity across the Department of Health and Human Services. Health equity refers to everyone having a fair and just opportunity to attain optimal health.
“We can’t achieve our health system goals until everyone can attain the highest level of health. That’s why I am inviting the health care industry to work alongside CMS as we transform the way patients are cared for in our country. Health equity will be embedded within the DNA of CMS and serve as the lens through which we view all of our work.”
– CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure
What’s Next? For more information:
U.S. Panel Issues Final Recommendation, Says Most Adults Shouldn’t Take Daily Aspirin to Prevent Heart Attack
On Tuesday, April 26, Recently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force) issued its final recommendation on aspirin as a preventive medication to avoid heart disease, stating that most adults do not need to take aspirin to prevent a first heart attack or stroke. This change to a long-standing recommendation is based on new evidence that the potential harms of lowdose aspirin use for most adults cancel out or outweigh the benefits.
“Daily aspirin use may help prevent heart attacks and strokes in some people, but it can also cause potentially serious harms, such as internal bleeding.”
– Dr. John Wong, Task Force member
What’s Next? For more information:
Fauci Says United States Is “Out of the Pandemic Phase”
On Tuesday, April 26, 2022, the United States was deemed to be “out of the pandemic phase” by Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious-disease expert in the country.
“A pandemic means widespread infection throughout the world. In our country, we’re transitioning into more of a controlled endemicity.”
—Dr. Fauci, in an interview
What’s Next? For more information:
Infographic – May 2022 is Mental Health Awareness Month
An individual’s mental health—how one thinks, feels and acts—can change over time due to factors like workload, stress and work-life balance. With 1 in 5 American adults experiencing mental illness each year, it is apparent that mental health matters.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but prioritizing mental health is essential year-round—especially during the pandemic. In fact, mental health in the United States continues to worsen as the pandemic persists. Feelings of loneliness and isolation contribute to increased anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation, especially among youth and young adults. Although record levels of anxiety and depression are being reported, the mental burden of the pandemic has fortunately enabled more transparency and empathy around mental health.
Live Well, Work Well – Elevating Your Psychological Resiliency
Psychological resilience refers to the ability to mentally withstand or adapt to uncertainty and adversity. Building resilience to life’s inevitable changes and challenges can help you cope with and manage stressors. Resilience can also help protect you from various mental health symptoms. As the pandemic rolls into year three, health care professionals are noticing stress and anxiety developing into greater mental health concerns. Mental Health Awareness Month, observed annually in May, is a great time to check in on your feelings and thoughts.
Psychological resilience can help positively stabilize mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Protecting Your Vision
- Get a regular exam.
- Wear protective eyewear.
- Put your shades on.
- Don’t smoke.
- Give your eyes a break.
View and download the latest Live Well, Work Well newsletter
Client and Employee Resources
The more your employees understand your benefit plans the more they become educated, empowered consumers. The programs you provide will also gain an enhanced value.
As your strategic partners in employee benefits, we can provide multiple avenues of ongoing support, including:
- Employee Meetings (English and Spanish)
- Webcasts
- Payroll Stuffers
- Poster Campaigns
- Newsletters
Carrier Directories
E-Verify is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. Click the image below to begin.
