Archive for the ‘Resources’ Category
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
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. Read more...
Tags: heath insurance, medicare, medicare supplement, medigap
Posted in Resources, Seniors, Tools | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
A 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: Read more...
Tags: health care reform, health insurance, health plan
Posted in Employees, Employers, Family, General, Group, Individual, Resources, Tools | No Comments »
Sunday, February 14th, 2010
Recently, 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 Read more...
Tags: health insurance, HMO plan, network provider
Posted in Employees, Employers, Family, General, Individual, Laws, Resources, State | No Comments »
Monday, January 18th, 2010
Worries 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!
Tags: COBRA, group health, health care costs, premiums
Posted in Employees, Employers, Federal, Group, Laws, Resources | No Comments »
Thursday, December 24th, 2009
Important 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.
Tags: health insurance, premiums, underwriting
Posted in Family, Individual, Resources, Tools | No Comments »
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 | No Comments »
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. Read more...
Tags: children's health, health care costs, health insurance, preventative care
Posted in Family, General, Resources | No Comments »
Thursday, December 3rd, 2009
Recent 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. Read more...
Tags: health care costs, negotiated rates, wellness
Posted in General, Resources, Tools | No Comments »
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 | No Comments »