Quality Health Matters
News and Updates for Employer Groups
March 18, 2021
What You Need to Know About Pre-authorization
To be covered, some services require pre-authorization (pre-approval). Find out ahead of time if the services you need call for a pre-auth. Your employees should be aware that their claim could be denied if pre-authorization was needed and they didn’t get it before receiving care. Find out more about Pre-authorization
Arkansas Begins Phase 1-C of COVID-19 Vaccination Plan
Arkansas vaccination Phase 1-C has started, which means vaccinations are happening now for Arkansans aged 16 to 64 with health conditions that increase their risk for severe COVID-19; plus essential workers in: energy, finance, foodservice, information technology and communications, legal, media, public health/human services, public safety, shelter and housing, transportation and logistics, and people residing in high-risk settings.

Vaccinations also continue for groups in Phase 1-A and 1-B, including health care workers, residents and staff at long-term care facilities, Arkansans who are 65 or older as well as those who work in education including K-12, child care and higher education. To receive the latest vaccination updates, please follow us or visit Arkansas Department of Health .
COVID-related Cafeteria Plan Flexibility Guidance
On February 18, 2021, the IRS released IRS Notice 2021-15, which clarifies cafeteria plan flexibility allowed in the Consolidated Appropriations Act. It provides additional COVID-19 relief & flexibility for health FSAs and dependent care assistance programs. Employers may allow participants to carry over unused amounts up to 12 months for 2020 and 2021 plan years. View the summary.

Cafeteria plan flexibility is optional and only applies to certain timeframes in 2020 and 2021.
Updated Forms

To make sure you are using current QualChoice forms, please download from the Employer Forms page at QualChoice.com each time you need to use one. View Employer Forms.
In the Media

Our latest Little Rock Family article, Mental Health and Our Children, provides tips to help children navigate the challenges of social isolation, virtual learning and missing milestone events.
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