You would be surprised to hear how many Medicare eligible clients do not understand how Medicare actually works. With an aging population, and enrollees at the highest levels to date (expected to increase dramatically with the baby boomers entering the system starting in 2011), it is most important to know the ins and outs of the system to ensure coverage in place when you need it.
Public Views on Health Care Reform
March 2nd, 2010 by DanA recent poll shows that 57% of Americans do not like any of the proposed health care bills, and agree that Congress should start fresh, rather than attempting to piecemeal a model from scrapped ideas. Trying to reach a bipartisan agreement as to what needs to be done is not an easy task, but it is vital to ensure that resolution is achieved. These polls shows interesting trend among voters as to how they feel now, as compared to a year ago in regards to health care reform:
California’s Timely Access to Medical Care
February 14th, 2010 by SandraRecently, the California Department of Managed Care has released some new guidelines for HMO patients, in order to create a more efficient and comprehensive level of care for these patients. Among the new rules:
• A physician appointment within 10 business days of a request
Brown’s Victory & What it Means for Health Care Reform
February 2nd, 2010 by DanHealth Care reform faced yet another setback as Massachusetts State Senator Scott Brown received 51.9% of the vote needed to fill late Senator Kennedy’s seat in the US Senate. This now makes the Republican head count 41, thereby bringing the 60-count Democrats were relying on to pass the health care reform legislation to an end. Brown’s strong statements regarding the negative portions of the bill, such as higher taxes and the destruction of jobs, played a major role in his political success. However, ironic that he fills the seat of a major proponent of universal health care, many are breathing a sigh of relief as the thought is while health care reform is much needed, it is something that needs to be dealt with carefully – not a “fix it later” attitude.
Is There a Answer for COBRA Subsidies?
January 18th, 2010 by DanWorries grow as those Californians who have been receiving assistance with their COBRA premiums are faced with losing financial assistance. As federal stimulus money dwindles, the 65% of premium formerly covered by this subsidy will expire, leaving many to make a tough choice – pay the premiums or go without coverage. COBRA (the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) was passed in 1985, allowing involuntarily terminated employees to keep their current health plan, and take over the payments for their monthly premiums. However, after many years and skyrocketing health care inflation, many people are finding that their COBRA premiums are exceeding their unemployment benefits.
If reports are correct in showing that 40% of newly employed people applied for the COBRA subsidy, these numbers can mean that the number of uninsured people will rise along with the lack of federal support. There are some plans in the works, however, which may bring some much needed relief:
HR 3930 would extend the period of eligibility through June 2010, increase the maximum duration of the subsidy to 15 months and end all subsidies at the end of December 2010.
S 2730 by includes the same provisions as the House bill and would also increase the federal subsidy from 65% of the premium to 75%, as well as expand eligibility to include employed people who lose health coverage because of involuntary reduction of hours.
COBRA Subsidy Laws are changing all the time. We will try and bring you the most updated information as we can. In the meantime, there are many websites to help you keep up with the changes. We are also happy to answer any questions you have!
Enhanced Dental and Vision Benefits for Diabetics with Anthem Blue Cross
January 11th, 2010 by CarolDiabetic clients will be finding more comprehensive dental and vision benefits with Anthem Blue Cross starting 1/1/2010. These integrated benefits will help such individuals obtain the care they need to manage their conditions, and prevent diabetes related complications.
Diabetic Retinopathy can be a common occurrence, but is almost 90% preventable with proper vision care. Therefore, members who have the Blue View Vision plan and the 360 degree health program will be enrolled in the ConditionCare for Diabetes program. This program will help clients take a proactive role in managing their condition should a diabetic-related vision diagnosis occur.
Dental benefits will also be extended for diabetic clients, adding one additional dental cleaning or periodontal maintenance procedure every year. High blood glucose levels can help germs to build up on teeth and gums, and increase the probability of gum disease and ultimately tooth loss. Another concern is the fact that dental infections can worsen diabetes by causing hyperglycemia.
Please contact us with any questions regarding these vision and dental enhancements. We want to help you to get the care you need to stay as healthy as possible in 2010.
Blue Shield of California Cancellations for Non-Payment of Premiums
December 24th, 2009 by CandaceImportant news for our Blue Shield of California clients who are currently on individual and family plans. If you miss a payment, and exceed your grace period, they will no longer reinstate you after January 1, 2010. In these cases you will have to reapply for coverage and be subject to medical review once again. You are not guaranteed approval, even though you were a recent member.
We will make every effort to give you updates if you show late on payments. Not only will we send you email reminders, Blue Shield will also send you late payment notices via mail. Make sure to send in your premium, or contact us to set up monthly automatic payments via credit card or checking account to avoid cancellation.
The Medical Information Bureau and You
December 17th, 2009 by SandraIs there a database out there with all of your medical information available to prospective and current insurers? No. However, there does exist a shared central database called the Medical Information Bureau that may contain some important medical information about you. This data base is used primarily by insurance companies when applying for individual or life insurance. These companies can use information in the MIB’s database to help make a decision as to whether or not you will be offered coverage.
However, based on HIPAA laws, this database does not include your entire medical history, doctor’s chart notes, etc. Instead, information in MIB reflects medical conditions (such as diabetes and high blood pressure) or lifestyle choices (i.e. skydiving or smoking) that are thought to be significant. While the decision to decline coverage is not solely based on reports in the MIB, it definitely plays a strong role.
It is very important that you monitor information in the MIB as you would with anything else, such as your credit report. If you note any incorrect information, you can work to have it corrected, and not hinder your chances of obtaining health or life insurance in the future.
Children with Insurance Have Brighter Prognosis in Hospitals
December 10th, 2009 by CarolDisturbing news shows that children without insurance are 60% more likely to die from a serious illness, such as pneumonia or asthma. This is most likely due to the fact that care is not sought out until it is much farther advanced. This is tough to swallow, but keep in mind there are always options to ensure that your children are not without the coverage they need.
Do Americans Really Pay More For Their Health Care?
December 3rd, 2009 by DanRecent studies show that the United States spends almost 44% more for health care than Switzerland, though Switzerland has the second higher per capita health care costs. Even with these escalated costs, Americans have fewer visits and spend less time with their doctors, as well as experience shorter hospital stays than any other industrialized nation.
