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This Week: Evolution1 @ AHIP Institute

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:37:53 -0600

It's almost here: AHIP Institute 2013! Evolution1 is excited to particpate in this event Wednesday through Friday of this week at the Wynn Las Vegas. We'll be at Booth #543, and we've got lots to share, including our new infographic titled "Healthcare Trends & Future Opportunities for Health Plans," a defined contribution health plans fact sheet, and an industry article by Dave Urbaniak, product manager at Evolution1, titled "Defined Contribution Model, Private Exchanges Shift Power to Consumers". Plus, you can see a demo of our seamless solution.

We hope to see you at Booth #543!

Evolution1 to Exhibit at Largest Health Plans Industry Event of the Year

Fri, 31 May 2013 13:45:02 -0600

Evolution1 is proud to be participating at this year's AHIP Institute, the go-to industry event for anyone in the healthcare or health insurance business, such as those providing products and services to the health insurance industry and those critical to healthcare reform implementation. The event at the Wynn Las Vegas June 12-14 will cover several topics including outside-of-the-box thinking and collaboration with a number of healthcare constituents to discover new ways to meet ACA requirements, particularly with regards to exchanges, consumer engagement, and payment reform.

Evolution1 will be at Booth #543 to inform and educate audiences on the importance of a simplified and flexible consumer experience when it comes to health insurance. A number of trends such as growth in HSAs, HRAs, and defined contribution health accounts, coupled with the dawn of public and private exchanges, and the consumerization of healthcare, all demand that health plans engage new consumers and assist new and existing groups in making informed decisions. We're here to help with solutions that do just that.

To learn more, stop by our booth for information and a demo of our seamless solution. See you at Booth #543!

Evolution1 is an AHIP Affiliate Organization Member since 2011.

Evolution1 and Its Partners Help Cut U.S. National Health Spending

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:02:08 -0600

Day in and day out, Evolution1 and our Partners work to simplify the business of healthcare. Day in and day out, our work is incredibly rewarding. And when that work is recognized as playing a role in cutting what the nation spends on healthcare, well, that's super-incredibly rewarding, and exciting! A recent study authored by nationally-recognized (and wicked smart) economists from Harvard University explains how the work of Evolution1 and our Partners is helping to lower national healthcare spending. Read more from today's press release here.

IHC, APA, and Windy City Events Welcome Evolution1 With Open Arms

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:35:27 -0600

It's always nice to end the week on a high note, and boy is that the case for Evolution1 this week ending May 10, 2013. We are finishing up three strong industry trade show events where we had the fortunate opportunity to exhibit, present, and network with fellow healthcare, payroll and banking industry afficianados on the most cutting-edge trends in defined contributon healthcare and HSA technology. Huzzah! Hope you're having a great Friday as well!

At top: Jeff Brunsberg, far left, presents on HSA savings and technology with Partners at Windy City Summit

Bottom left: Jeff Bakke shares insight into defined contribution healthcare trends and solutions at IHC FORUM East

Bottom right: Anne Carpenter and Helene Cole set up shop for an eventful APA Annual Congress

Evolution1 to Exhibit and Present Next Week at Three Industry-Leading Tradeshows

Thu, 02 May 2013 14:10:10 -0600

Okay, we admit it, this post is a little bit late, but can you blame us - we are too busy killing it this tradeshow season! With a few great shows already under our belt, and six more in this month of May, we are extremely excited about the relationships being forged and the opportunities being presented for 2013 and beyond. In the next 7 days we will be exhibiting and speaking at three different shows, including the APA Annual Congress, the Windy City Summit, and the IHC FORUM East, covering topics such as the popular defined contribution health care model, the growing demand for HSAs, and the technology behind them both making them real solutions for today's growing cost of healthcare.

Attending any of these events yourself? Look for us and share in the knowledge transfer as Evolution1 continues to be recognized as the market leader in consumer-driven healthcare. We would love to speak with you in person; here is a list of representatives you can find at each event.

APA Annual Congress - Helene Cole and Anne Carpenter

Windy City Summit - Jeff Brunsberg and Lezlee Bertie

IHC FORUM East - Jeff Bakke and Justine Goode

Hope to meet up with you soon - cheers!

For more information on next week's events, click here to read the press release that also includes details on an upcoming webinar Evolution1 will co-host with America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), a national trade association representing the health insurance industry.

Evolution1 to Attend ECI Users Conference

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:59:23 -0600

Evolution1 will exhibit at the ECI Users Conference this weekend and next week in San Diego. We are excited for the chance to catch up with our Eldorado Partners, and show of our new exhibit! Be sure to stop by and say hello to one of our staff - Bob, Erin and Cristy will all be there.

See you soon!

Evolution1 to Share Industry Know-How for Health Plans Who Want to Stay Competitive in Exchanges

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:43:22 -0600

Health plans need to decide what their role will be in what's being coined as "the biggest shopping day of the year" - January 2014. Evolution1 is happy to host a webinar on How the Integration of Healthcare Accounts is Enabling Health Plans and Powering Exchanges next Wednesday, April 24th, at Noon CST. This informative webinar will cover how health care reform, along with consumer preferences and price sensitivity, are driving the need for truly innovative products and services, and quickly. Health plans that want to stay competitive need to provide a comprehensive and private-label offering to members during their healthcare shopping experience. Learn more, and register for the free webinar, here.

Fun New Tools for Learning About 1Plan by Evolution1

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:50:23 -0600

If you attended Partner Conference 2013 you had the chance to see the latest and greatest developments on Evolution1's newest product offering: 1Plan. 1Plan delivers the next generation of consumer driven health plans in a complete multi-account defined contribution solution. 1Plan supercharges private insurance exchanges by enabling consumers to budget for and select benefits, shop for insurance, and manage premiums and expenses in a comprehensive, easy-to-use experience.

1Plan offers a big opportunity to our Partners looking to grow and expand business and get involved in Exchanges. To help explain the extent of opportunity and possibilities we have created a snazzy short animated video that talks about the growing shift from defined benefits to a defined contribution model, its benefits to employers and their employees, and a preview of how it works. Check it out today!

You can also learn more at the new product webpage and factsheet found here.

Top Takeaways from Partner Conference 2013

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:46:21 -0600

Each year at Partner Conference Evolution1 invites its entire ecosystem of Partners, Vendors, Prospects and other key players in the industry to join us in learning and sharing best practices that improve the consumer-driven healthcare experience. Whether it's through the unveiling of a new product, providing hands-on platform training, holding panel discussions on best practices, or recognizing achievements at the awards ceremony, we are all working together to inspire and empower healthcare and technology businesses across the globe. Many, many thanks to all who were able to attend - we truly believe we have the best Partners in the world! If you couldn't make it this year, be sure to make early plans to attend Partner Conference 2014, held in Orlando again. Check out dates below, as well as some of our top takeaways from 2013.

We Have the Best Partners on the Planet

Partner Excellence Award Winners- The Best in Growth, Evangelism, Leadership, Innovation, and Customer Service. Check out winners and more details in the press release here.

Our Staff Wants to See You Succeed

Conference Sessions - Technical, Sales & Marketing, Payment Solutions, and Hands-on Lab Session Materials. Partner Conference 2013 presentations and photos as well as the opening and closing video are available on the Evolution1 Partner Portal. Have a look and see if you recognize anyone!

New Evolution1 Product Suite is Simple, Agile, and Innovative

Product Branding Announcement - Be sure to visit the refreshed Products area of the website for more information!

Next Year Will Only Get Better

Save the Date, Partner Conference 2014 - Mark Your Calendar Today! April 2-4, 2014 in Walt Disney World Dolphin, Orlando FL.

What was your favorite part of Partner Conference 2013?

Evolution1 Team Onsite 2013 ECFC Annual Conference

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 13:23:31 -0600

Evolution1 staff is at this week's ECFC Annual Conference in Washington D.C. This year we're excited for the opportunity to ask questions about flexible compensation plans face-to-face with our Congressional leaders at "The Hill". If you're here reaping the benefits at this annual event as well, don't forget to reach out to Evolution1 President Chris Bryd and Partner Account Executives Erin Quirk and Justine Goode. They will be on hand for any questions or discussions on your mind. Hope to see you soon!

Left to right: Chris Byrd, Erin Quirk, Jim Hays, Justine Goode, Chris Erikson, Kent Smith, and Mark Schmersahl enjoy dinner at 2013 ECFC Annual Conference.

Confused About Defined Contribution Healthcare? Let Us Explain.

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:43:23 -0600

PPACA throwing you and your customers for a loop? What about this "pay or play" business, and these public exchange mandates? How does defined contribution healthcare tie in? Can someone please help make sense of all this? Why, yes, we're glad you asked! Evolution1 Product Manager, David Urbaniak, answers your questions in this recent article, "Defined Contribution Model, Private Exchanges Shifting Power to Consumers." David, just one of the defined contribution gurus here at Evolution1, talks about the history of this trendy emerging benefits model, why it's gaining in popularity, how it relates to health insurance exchanges, and what you can expect from this shift in the way benefits are being administered today and in months and years to come. Read the full story here! Got questions? Comment below, or you can ask David at durbaniak@evolution1.com.

*Image courtesy National Center for Policy Analysis, 2000.

Join Evolution1 at ECFC Annual Conference Next Week

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 10:20:23 -0600

It's that time again! The ECFC Annual Conference in Washington D.C. is taking place next week from March 6-8, 2013. Registraton ends today for the event built on 30 years of advocacy for employer-provided benfefits. This year you'll get a chance to ask questions about flexible compensation plans face-to-face with your Congressional leaders at "The Hill". It's also a great place to get the latest information on legislative and regulatory changes in the industry. Be sure to reach out our attendees, Evolution1 President Chris Bryd and Partner Account Executives Erin Quirk and Justine Goode, while you're there. As always, we'd love to see you!

Shout Out to Partner Conference 2013 Sponsors

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:23:49 -0600

Every year we welcome numerous high quality sponsors to the Evolution1 Partner Conference. These sponsors play a significant role in offering a superior event year after year. For those sponsors planning to attend Partner Conference 2013, we extend a huge thank you for your support and valued partnership. We encourage Partners to spend some time getting to know our sponsors onsite at the Evolution1 Partner Conference Expo and keep them in mind when the need for a related product arises. For more information and to start familiarizing yourself with these great companies, check out Partner Connect today!

To learn more about our sponsorship opportunities, contact Rob Phillips. Or you can view the Sponsorship Prospectus here.

Top 6 Reasons You Need to Attend Partner Conference 2013

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:01:34 -0600

If you haven't registered for Partner Conference 2013 yet, we're here to tell you what you're missing! Or maybe you just need help convincing the boss. Either way, we've pinpointed the top 6 reasons why you need to be with the cool kids in Orlando this March 19-21, 2013:

1. Gain incomparable networking opportunities. Hear from other Partner Conference attendees and staff who have "been there, done that" when it comes to your toughest questions and challenges.

2. See the latest and greatest before the rest of the world does. You'll gain insight into the Evolution1 roadmap, enabling you to take the information back to your company ahead of the curve.

3. Learn the latest strategies to grow your business. The healthcare industry is constantly changing; be prepared to maximize on the opportunities ahead.

4. Participate in the ultimate classroom. The agenda is full of learning and networking opportunities, from keynote addresses to breakout sessions across four learning tracks.

5. Discover the latest industry trends and topics. Evolution1 brings together some of the greatest minds in the industry. Take advantage of it and the learning opportunities it presents.

6. Maximize the value of your company's investment. Evolution1 experts are available to meet with you one-on-one. Schedule a meeting time, and bring your questions.

Seriously, you cannot afford to miss this event. Plus, we really miss you! We love to see our Partners face to face, and Orlando this Spring '13 is the perfect opportunity. So, come join in on all the learning, cutting edge industry information, and fun. Register today!

New Proposed Regulations for HRAs Under PPACA

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:15:20 -0600

Recently the United States DoL, HHS and Treasury announced important regulatory FAQs about the implementation of various provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), including clarification regarding the use of HRAs to purchase coverage on the individual market.

One of the more impactful revisions included in the FAQs says that federal regulations will be issued prohibiting the use of standalone HRAs for the purpose of funding payment of premiums for individual insurance policies.

What does this mean, exactly? Will this impact your business? Here are some example implications.

-If you administer a standalone HRA plan for a group that currently uses some of those funds to pay for insurance premiums, they will not be able to continue paying for premiums with HRA money in 2014.

-However, an HRA plan can still be used to pay for other eligible medical expenses, like doctor visits and dental and eye care, as long as the HRA is integrated with a group plan.

-If you administer a defined contribution health plan for a group using a standalone HRA plan to reimburse their consumers for insurance premiums, they will not be able to continue reimbursing premiums with HRA money in 2014.

-However, a defined contribution health plan can still be used to reimburse premiums, as long as the defined contribution health plan uses a Cafeteria Plan, like an HSA, to fund the plan, or if it uses an HRA in specific situations including group insurance or retiree benefit solutions.

These are just few possible scenarios, but hopefully this brief primer has helped to clear up some of the fog over HRA usage in the future to come. We would love to help you answer any remaining questions you might have regarding this topic. Just comment below - or you can ask your account executive - they'd love to hear from you too!

HCAA Executive Forum Offers Timely Information for TPAs, Insurance Carriers, Health Care Consultants and More

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:05:53 -0600

We're excited to be exhibiting at this week's HCAA Executive Forum at the Wynn in Las Vegas. The event centers around providing helpful information, education, and advocacy for health administrators including TPAs, insurance carriers, managing general underwriters, audit firms, physician hospital organizations, broker/agents, human resource managers and health care consultants.

This week's agenda included timely content on utilizing popular social media and mobile tactics to reach members and build relationships between them, the provider, plan, and beyond. Attendees also got an update on HIPAA HITECH act changes, the evolving ACO environment, patient advocacy programs, and more.

If you're still around, don't forget to stop by our booth. Bob, Erin, and Cristy would love to say "hi"!

Evolution1 Card Program Named Winner in Paybefore Awards

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:39:13 -0600

Evolution1 has been chosen by Paybefore as a winner in the 2013 Paybefore Awards in the Best Benefits Distribution Card Program category. The winning card program, Evolution1 Card Program for Taft-Hartly Trust Funds, in conjunction with Visa Inc.®, was chosen from a record number of entries from around the world. The Visa-branded employee benefits payment card enables union members to have a convenient, consumer-friendly card to access their health reimbursement account (HRA) pre-tax funds to pay for their current health care expenses. Using the card, members do not have to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement; they can choose to save the funds to accumulate for their retiree health care expenses.

The Evolution1 Card Program for Taft-Hartley Trust Funds is now vying for Best-in-Category distinction; cast your vote for The Card Program for Taft-Hartley Trust Funds!

Evolution1 to Attend 2013 Health Benefits Conference and Expo

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 11:40:55 -0600

Evolution1 will attend next week's HBCE event in Clearwater, Florida from January 29-30. The 2013 HBCE will showcase various speakers from several employers, federal organizations, and providers such as FirstEnergy Corp., Wellsource, and the Mayo Clinic to discuss this year's theme "The Biggest Challenge Remains: Addressing the Most Intractable Cost Problem". They'll cover topics of health reform, exchanges, re-designing benefits, wellness and promotion, social marketing to employees, controlling cost drivers and much more.

Attending too? Be sure to contact Justine Goode; we'd love to meet up with you!

Transit and Parking Benefits Get a Cost of Living Increase for 2013

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:04:25 -0600

Last Friday, January 11, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service announced inflation adjustments for the 2013 tax year, including maximum contributions to the recently re-instated parity of transit and parking benefits. For 2013, consumers can contribute up to $245 in pre-tax money to pay for transit benefits, and up to $245 to pay for parking benefits. This is a $5 increase over the previous limits of $240, or a 2% raise. Evolution1 has implemented changes across platforms to accomodate the new maximums. Feel free to contact your PAE for more information or if you have any questions.

Transit and Parking Benefit Parity Gets Reinstated

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:12:39 -0600

In case you haven't had time to catch up on the Transit and Parking Benefit Parity that was re-instated this year... The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 that was signed into law included a provision to increase the transit benefit to $240 per month, re-instating the parity of pre-tax transit and parking benefits. The change, effective immediately, allows commuters on public transit to set aside $240 pre-tax monthly (an increase of $115 monthly over the 2012 limit of $125 monthly), which is equal to the amount that commuters can set aside monthly for parking costs. The increase in the transit benefit is retroactive to January 1, 2012. Definitely a big win for transit consumers!

Questions? Contact our Sales team or your Partner Account Executive today.