December 2009 -- Happy Holidays -- Special Edition
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NEWS FLASH: COBRA ARRA Extension Signed Into Law
 On Monday December 21st, Congress passed and President Obama signed a COBRA/ARRA Extension. While the details are still being analyzed, in general this will mean:
► For Assistance Eligible Individuals (AEIs), the subsidy period of nine months will be extended to 15 months.
► The ARRA Subsidy would apply to AEIs with Qualifying Events through February 28 (rather than 12/31/2009).
► The law will fix the confusing issue for a person who is terminated on the last day of the eligibility period (which is now 2/28/2010) but whose COBRA coverage doesn't start until the next day.
► Notices will need to be sent to affected AEIs within 60 days of the enactment date.
Crosby will manage this latest change similar to the initial implementation of the ARRA subsidy. We will notify applicable current or former COBRA participants, update all our materials with applicable changes and make sure that our administrative process is compliant with the change in the law. Please look for follow-up emails/alerts outlining our detailed plans for managing this extended benefit.
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FSA Customer Service Improvements On The Way
New Automated FSA System Coming Soon
 Based on customer feedback, Crosby will introduce an automated system for FSA participants to gain quick access to account information by phone. We realize that while some FSA participants require speaking with a Crosby representative to resolve an issue, many callers prefer quick, efficient access to information that is readily available. Once callers authenticate, they will be able to obtain account balance and other transactional information using their phone. Of course, the option to speak with a Crosby representative is optionally presented throughout the automated experience. We are dedicated to making the reimbursement experience as streamlined and proficient as possible. To this end, we are also implementing a dedicated mailbox and fax line to handle claims quickly and systematically.
Our new automated phone number, fax number and mailbox address will be updated on participant materials over the next few weeks. Our current phone, fax and mailing addresses are still active and will continue to be utilized during this transition and ongoing for non-reimbursement account related services.
Crosby is committed to investing in the best technology available and adapting to the needs and trends in our industry to provide you with best-in-class service. We are very excited about these changes and we hope you are too. Please don’t hesitate to email Linda Fulton, Max Crosby or Darla Rosenfeld with any questions. |
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Lower Transportation Costs = Lower Mileage Rate
IRS Decreases FSA Mileage Reimbursement Rate for 2010
 The FSA mileage reimbursement rate continues to decline as the IRS announced a new rate for 2010. The new automobile-mileage deduction rate, for transportation to obtain medical care or as part of deductible moving expenses, will drop to $0.165 per mile, a decrease of 7.5 cents from the $0.24 cent rate in 2009. This change will be effective for travel on or after January 1, 2010. |
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Reimbursement Account Service Improvement Update
Exciting Changes Coming In January 2010 As previously announced, we are rolling out enhancements to our Reimbursement Account Administrative services. Here is a summary of notable changes and a few housekeeping items to be aware of:
► New debit cards will be issued in early January (if applicable).
► Online claims submission has been suspended and will be available in the new site by January 8, 2010.
Client guides and login information will be provided in early January.
Our improvements include a new participant website, the launch of our client portal, daily claims reimbursement (for clients choosing our All-In-One Funding method) along with a number of other enhancements. We have notified participants about these upcoming enhancements in a number of ways: ► Inserts with Summary Statements (or a special mailing for those not receiving Summary Statements);
► Alert messages through MyCrosbyBenefits.com;
► Postcard mailing to all affected debit card participants; and
► Notice on the MyCrosbyBenefits.com login screen.
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National Health Care Reform Update
Act Now: Contact Your Members Of Congress And Preserve FSAs
 SaveMyFlexPlan.org is working hard to ensure that Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are protected. Restrictions are still being considered to cap FSA annual elections that would not be indexed for inflation. Don't let Congress increase taxes and health care costs for millions in our country by restricting access to FSAs. Help preserve this valuable employee benefit by reaching out to your members of Congress to voice your opinion. Click here to send your message today. |
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Reminder: No Change for 2010 Transportation Benefits
Pre-Tax Limits for Transit and Parking Hold Steady
 The IRS released the annual Cost of Living Adjustments but announced that pre-tax limits for Parking and Transit will not change for 2010. Limits for qualified parking, transit and van pooling expenses will remain at $230.
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The Crosby Connection Newsletter is intended for Crosby Client Contacts. © 2009 Crosby Benefit Systems
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Dec. 25: The Crosby offices will be closed
Jan 1: The Crosby offices will be closed |
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....We can manage your HIRD Form process?
Are you complying with your 30-day deadlines?
> After Open Enrollment
> New hires who turn
down coverage
> Employees who drop coverage
Our process is designed to distribute, track and store Employee HIRD Forms so that you don't have to.
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...Commuter Benefit Programs can add revenue?
> Quick Implementation
> Easy-To-Use
> All Major Metro Areas Covered
> Single System
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For more information about any of our services, please contact Jean Sicurella via email or call 617-630-0496. |
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2010 HSA Limits The IRS has released the Health Savings Account (HSA) Annual Maximums for 2010:
Individual: $3,050
Family: $6,150
The HSA maximum annual catch-up contribution will remain at $1,000 for individuals who are age 55 and older. |
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Need a Team Roster?
Our organizational design utilizes a client-centered team approach to best meet your needs. If you're interested in receiving a team roster, please email us here to request a complete roster with contact information. |
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