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The Medical Information Bureau and You

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Is 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.

Tags: individual health, pre-existing, underwriting
Posted in Family, Individual, Privacy, Resources | 1 Comment »

Children with Insurance Have Brighter Prognosis in Hospitals

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

Disturbing 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.

The best news this year is the fact that Healthy Families (medical, dental and vision coverage for California children) has received much needed funding, and is now enrolling new members once again. In addition, many carriers have released catastrophic plans, which ensure low cost coverage for times when you need it most. There are also plans that offer coverage for immunizations and preventative care, allowing your child to keep as healthy as possible, and avoid trips to the emergency room altogether.

We will help you find the best coverage for your child. Call us today or visit the website for a quote today!

Tags: children's health, health care costs, health insurance, preventative care
Posted in Family, General, Resources | No Comments »

Anthem Blue Cross PPO Share Plan Changes

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Anthem Blue Cross has discontinued some of their PPO Share (maternity) plans in California, and although you may keep your current coverage, you may find the rates higher than you anticipated. In this case, new plans have been designed to offer comparable coverage with lower premiums. For instance, those individuals and families on the PPO Share 2500 or 1500 may want to consider moving to a less expensive plan, such as the PPO Share 3500. These plans will balance the escalating costs of maternity coverage with higher deductibles and out of pocket maximums. You will still have the comfort of knowing that your coverage is in place should you need it, and continue using your current doctors and hospitals. Also, moving to a new plan will not always require medical review, making the process even easier.

As your agent, we also suggest reviewing options for those family members who do not need maternity coverage, and consider separate plans for your family members. You’ll find that this can often reduce your overall premiums, as you are no longer paying for coverage you don’t need.

Tags: Coinsurance, deductibles, heath insurance, maternity
Posted in Family, Individual, Resources | No Comments »

Lack of Health Insurance Can Mean Financial Ruin

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

We all know that changes need to be made in the health insurance industry, though no one as much as someone who experienced a major illness without health coverage. For those who are nearer to retirement age, a major illness (i.e. cancer or heart disease) can mean a loss of close to half of their household assets in order to get the medical care they need. This loss is more severe for the uninsured ages 51 – 64 as they have accumulated greater assets for retirement, along with fewer options to re-establish these assets if they are lost due to an illness. The situation in these cases can mean a financial disaster.

It is vital to ensure that your assets are protected, and even more imperative that care is sought out in the case of an illness. Treating conditions earlier mean a better chance of recovery, and better quality of life. Even basic insurance can help you avoid catastrophic losses, and the added support from a Long Term Care policy will help you protect your future, and your family’s as well. Contact us today to see how we can help you protect your health and your peace of mind.

Tags: Chronic Condition, health insurance, long term care
Posted in Family, Individual, Resources, Tools | 1 Comment »

Health Savings Account Contributions for 2010

Monday, October 5th, 2009

Health Savings Account plans, high deductible health plans, have the added benefits of tax deductions. Unused balances can be carried over to following years, thus allowing you to save money tax free. Since an HSA allows you to purchase a high-deductible insurance plan with lower premiums, it an excellent way to save money on healthcare. Add to that the fact your contributions to the fund are tax free, you can enjoy considerable tax savings. Finally, since the interest is tax free and tax deferred, you can also use Health Savings Accounts to supplement retirement income.

For those with Health Savings Account Plans, please note the following contribution limits for 2010:

• For individual coverage, the maximum contribution is $3,050

• For family coverage, the maximum contribution is $6,150

• In addition to the maximum contribution amount, catch-up contributions

of $1,000 may be made by or on behalf of individuals age 55 or older and

younger than 65

If you have more than one HSA account, these limits are going to be applicable for all the accounts together.

Tags: health insurance, health savings accounts, pre-tax
Posted in Employees, Employers, Family, Individual, Resources | No Comments »

Healthy Families Program Spared Massive Cuts

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

California children will not be losing their Healthy Families coverage thanks to the implementation of Assembly Bill 1422. Over 600,000 children were going to be disenrolled starting October 1^st, due to a lack of funding. Currently, there are 71,000 children on the waiting list since enrollment was frozen in Mid-July. Parents and guardians can breathe a sigh of relief, however, as this affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage will remain in place.

This bill works in numerous ways to utilize taxes, donations, and cost sharing to avoid dropping children from the program. First, the First 5 California Commission, which oversees children’s health and educational programs via tobacco tax revenues, has offered to contribute more than $81 million. An additional $17.6 million is expected to be raised by implementing higher premiums for those above the poverty level, and raising copaymentsfor ER room visits, doctor office co pays, and prescription co pays. Health plans that administrators Medi-Cal benefits would see a 2.35% tax. This levy will replace the current 5.5% fee, which is expected to expire in October.

With all of the above and more, let’s hope this eases the financial burden on this program, and avoids having any child go without the coverage they need.

Tags: children's health, health insurance, preventative care
Posted in Family, Individual, Laws, Resources, State | No Comments »

Healthy Families Coverage Losing Financial Support in California

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

The State of California has been in financial crisis as of late and now is going to hit home for many families whose children are enrolled on the Healthy Families program. This is a low cost state run plan that offers affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage for California children. Unfortunately, due to a lack of financial support from the state, they are planning on disenrolling children from the program starting October 1, 2009.

Budget cuts that totaled over $128 million dollars caused a major financial strain, and further enrollments were halted this July. This resulted in a waiting list of over 55,000 children, and a prediction of the removal of nearly 670,000 children having to be removed from coverage.

It is important to keep updated on these proposals, to ensure that California’s children maintain comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care. With too many children already forgoing vital preventative care, we have to find a way to keep our future healthy. Please visit the California Major Risk Medical Board for updated information and ways to become involved.

Tags: health insurance, preventative care
Posted in Family, General, Individual, Resources, State | No Comments »

Most Adolescents Not Getting Preventive Care

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

Worrisome polls show that less than 50% of adolescents are receiving recommended preventative care. It is during these years that children can discuss health concerns and learn about healthy living habits that they carry with them for their entire lives. However, at a time where preventative care and health education are vital, most are forgoing such care for reasons such as high co pays, deductibles, or lack of coverage altogether.

If children are getting in to see their providers for their preventative visits, concern lies in the fact that the visits are not as comprehensive as they should be. Physicians receive little compensation for these visits from insurance companies, resulting in little incentive to schedule them. One on one time is not a priority, though it should be as it creates a sense of connection between the doctor and patient from an early age.

We know from experience that chronic conditions can be a financial drain, so establishing good preventative care from an early age will only result in improved health for the client and a strained healthcare system. Guaranteeing these visits for our children is invaluable, and should be at the top of the list for reform. Providing co pay free preventative care visits, and reimbursing pediatricians who provide these services, will result in healthy living habits for our future leaders.

Tags: Chronic Condition, preventative care, wellness
Posted in Family, Individual | No Comments »

Reduced General Practice Physicians in California

Monday, July 6th, 2009

Recent studies show an alarming trend in California. General Practice physicians are in dwindling supply, and at the lower end of “per capita need”. As fewer and fewer younger physicians enter this field, the inadequacies will become even more dire. On the other hand, specialists seem to be in abundance, but are not distributed throughout the state in an equal manner. Both Specialists and General Practice doctors tend to congregate more in the urban areas, leaving the rural areas without the medical care they need. Add to that the insult of few new general practice recruits, and their current provider population getting older, these individuals can be in real trouble.

Hopes for getting a quick and long term recovery would mean a few things from the state. The first step, of course, would be to get more physicians to study in the field of primary care. This can be done with the help of grants, financial support, and better residency training programs in all fields of general medicine. Providing financial compensation to these new primary care providers would also help to establish care where we most need it. By making it easier to practice in the hard hit areas will ensure that no Californian is without the physicians they need. The only way to achieve this, however, is to make sure that both the patient and doctor are adequately taken care of.

Tags: health insurance, network provider
Posted in Employees, Employers, Family, Group, Individual | No Comments »

Educating the Patient With a Chronic Disease

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

Once you or your loved one has been diagnosed with a chronic health condition, the most important thing is to become self-aware and gain the ability to manage the impact that this illness will have on your life. The first step is to understand your illness. In doing so you will gain the upper hand in preventing further complications.

Most insurance carriers offer nurse lines specific to your illness and access to support groups. Such groups can be vital for both physical and emotional support, resulting in overall improved health. Subjects covered include:

• Communicating well with your family, friends, and health care providers
• Exploring the possibility of new techniques and treatment options.
• Learning ways to deal with problems such as frustration, low energy, pain management, etc.
• Utilizing exercise to maintain and improving strength and flexibility, and increase endurance
• The proper use of medications
• The role nutrition plays in your healing process

Studies have proven that individual with chronic conditions who take an active role in their treatment plans and take proactive steps to improve their lifestyle have achieved significant advances in their healing process, and fewer hospital, emergency room, and outpatient visits.

Call us with any questions, or access your insurance carrier website to get more information on the management of chronic illnesses.

Tags: Chronic Condition, wellness
Posted in Employees, Employers, Family, General, Individual, Resources | No Comments »