Amy De Lorenzo
Amy Johnston is an Account Manager with extensive experience working with both large and small employers as a broker. In addition to five years of broker experience prior to joining Fall River, she also brings eight years of insurance carrier expertise. Amy is an expert on ERISA, the Affordable Care Act, and other compliance issues.
Ms. Johnston received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Colorado State University. She is a Colorado native from Steamboat Springs, and loves spending time in the mountains with her husband, two children, and Tucker the cocker spaniel. She enjoys snowshoeing, hiking, and philanthropy work to promote education.
Progress in the Fight Against Surprise Billing
Over the past few years, surprise billing has been a very hot topic and a huge source of frustration for members affected by it. One large unexpected bill from a health care provider or facility can be financially and emotionally devastating for patients that have already endured a surgery or emergency medical event. Legislation passed shortly before Christmas is a big step toward easing the concerns of Americans in the health care system.
The Flu vs COVID
With the COVID-19 threat growing in Colorado every day and flu season quickly approaching, there are many questions to consider. What is the difference between the two? Can you have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time? Should you still get a flu shot?
Taking Virtual Open Enrollment to the Next Level
It’s clear that virtual open enrollment meetings are part of our new normal. Whether you’ve been doing them for years or for the first time this year, there’s a lot to consider if you want to make them as successful as possible. Fall River has been assisting our clients with ideas and best practices to make the process as seamless and engaging as possible for HR professionals and employees. Our national partner, Alera, hosted a great webinar in early September entitled Taking Virtual Open Enrollment to the Next Level.
Affordability for ALEs Impacted by COVID-19
COVID-19 has thrown a wrench in many aspects of our professional lives, but Affordability safe harbors for Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) might not be the first to enter our minds.
Financial Relief Through COBRA and FSA Changes
There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has created various financial constraints on Americans. From job losses and furloughs to the need for continued healthcare coverage and tax savings, our communities are feeling the pain. To provide some economic relief, the IRS and Department of Labor (DOL) recently released more guidance on changes to Section 125 Plans and COBRA provisions.
The Best Resources on COVID-19
There is no doubt that navigating business and everyday life during this unprecedented time is challenging. Here at Fall River, we have been proactively gathering the most useful resources to help us make the best internal decisions and to share with our clients. We have also been conversing with the carriers to find out how they are handling the benefits situations that have arisen from the pandemic.
Year-End Budget Deal Repeals ACA Taxes and Fees
President Trump signed a budget deal on the 20th of December. Some highlights included expanded parental leave for federal workers, a newly-created Space Force, an increase in the smoking age, and border wall funding. The deal also contained a major repeal of health care taxes and fees.
Making Spouses Coverage Work for You
It’s renewal season, a time when we are all painfully reminded that the cost of healthcare keeps going up. In order to stay competitive, employers want to keep their benefits packages extensive and their contributions generous, but how to manage that desire against the reality of cost? One way to tackle this is by considering alternate contribution structures for spousal coverage.
Relief for Colorado Diabetics with the Insulin Price Cap
Jared Polis signed a new law in May 2019 that caps the cost of Insulin at $100 for a 30-day supply, regardless of the supply an individual requires. This is great news for the Colorado diabetic community, but critics speculate on a resulting rise in premiums as insurance companies are left to pay the balance.
Insuring Your Bundle of Joy
Having a baby can be extremely exciting, and there are so many things to prepare for and think about! In addition to the many other things going through your mind, here a few reminders regarding insuring your new bundle of joy: