Posts Tagged ‘added benefits’
Tuesday, January 31st, 2012
Retail clinics, which are walk-in medical clinics found in supermarkets, drug stores, and pharmacies is on the rise among young healthy people. Not only are these facilities available more often than typical doctor’s offices, they are usually staffed with nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants, much like their typical doctor’s office for non-severe illnesses. Most cases were seen for minor conditions, such as coughs, colds, and sinus infections, and expressed that should the clinics not be available to them, they were not likely to seek out the care with their primary care physician. This is not only due to convenience; it also was shown that these costs were 30% to 40% cheaper than their doctor’s office, and up to 80% less expensive at the emergency room. With a drop in general practitioners nationwide, this also may be a reflection on the need for more providers in these fields. However, as long as access to inexpensive and quality care is available, people will seek out means that are easily fit into their hectic schedules.
In this day and age where every minute counts, and we are constantly on the move, being able to seek out quick care at the drop of a hat is priceless.
Permanent link to this post (205 words, estimated 49 secs reading time)
Tags: added benefits, health insurance, individual health, preventative care, wellness
Posted in Family, General, Resources, Tools | No Comments »
Thursday, November 24th, 2011
Recently, the autism insurance reform bill was passed, and SB 946 will be signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. This means that as of July 1, 2012, services will be subject to the mental health parity law and require that health plans subject to this bill provide coverage for treatment to “develop or restore, to the maximum extent practicable, the functioning of an individual with pervasive developmental disorder or autism.” Such programs that will fall under behavior health treatment are applied behavior analysis, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Benefits for such therapies cannot be subject to age limits or dollar limitations.
Much of this is thanks to the organization called Autism Speaks, as they have been a strong force in pushing legislators to bring the law to fruition. While many families were faced with paying for medical care and much needed therapies out of their own pockets, this bill will help them get the care they need. Visit Autism Speaks to learn more, and urge Governor Brown to sign this bill as quickly as possible.
Permanent link to this post (177 words, estimated 42 secs reading time)
Tags: added benefits, health care costs, health insurance, pre-existing
Posted in Federal, General, Laws, Resources, State | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 4th, 2011
While preventive screenings are now an integral part of (most) health care policies, employees are still bearing the brunt of stressful job environments, and lack of exercise. Obesity continues to rise, even with all of the education available to us. Add to that the added dangers of stress on a taxed body and mind, and you are looking at some serious sick time. Thankfully, employers are becoming more proactive in the work place, offering healthy bonuses and wellness programs, and insurance carriers are covering preventive screenings on most plans with no out of pocket costs. Much needed in this time of economic stress, employees can work on their top concerns:Weight loss – 39% of polled employees stated losing weight as their main concern
Reduction of stress — 23% reported reducing stress a major importance in their life
Tags: added benefits, preventative care, wellness
Posted in Employees, Employers, Group, Resources, Tools | No Comments »
Thursday, December 16th, 2010
While many of us know the importance of protecting ourselves against unexpected medical expenses, we tend to overlook the added fact that while we recover from an accident or illness, we are going to lose our income. Sometimes an illness or injury can keep you from working for years, and the added stress of lost income only further hinders your recovery. How many months would you be able to continue paying your bills if you lost your ability to earn an income? Assuming Social Security will cover your expenses is not the safest bet, as income from this source is usually not enough, and not readily available. Therefore, supplementing your coverage with a disability plan can bring peace of mind during the most trying times, and ensure your income and assets are protected.
This is a preview of
Disability Insurance Provides Peace of Mind Protection
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Tags: added benefits, disability, group health, wellness
Posted in Employers, Family, General, Group, Individual, Resources | No Comments »
Thursday, October 21st, 2010
Many small business owners are now facing the tough decision as to whether they should grandfather their plans, or make necessary changes to bring down their costs. There are pros and cons to both sides, and the decision should not be a rushed one. Therefore, we want to provide some guidance tools to help you make the right choice.
With the recent rate increases there may be a desire or need to choose a higher deductible plan with lower rates.
- If you increase the deductibles, coinsurance, or maximum out of pocket exposure, your new plan will be subjected all changes in the recently passed healthcare reform act.
This is a preview of
Should You Grandfather Your Group Plan?
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Tags: added benefits, Coinsurance, deductibles, group health, health care reform, preventative care, Universal Health Care
Posted in Employers, Federal, Government Run Health Plan, Group, Laws | No Comments »
Monday, January 11th, 2010
Diabetic 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.
Permanent link to this post (190 words, estimated 46 secs reading time)
Tags: added benefits, group health, preventative care, wellness
Posted in Employees, Employers, Family, Group | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
How would you feel if your boss told you to get a checkup? You would be surprised at how many employers are now realizing the importance of regular exams for their employees. First, it helps find and treat illnesses earlier, resulting in better overall health for the employee. Second, it helps keep insurance premiums down. As employees get older and continue to practice unhealthy lifestyles, medical claims and expenses rise – along with the monthly rates.
If more employers would push their employees to get regular checkups, conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer can be detected earlier – or before they become an issue at all. Though this may result in more out of pocket costs for the employee (for testing and prescriptions, for example), the costs for major surgeries and heart attacks is far beyond these costs.
Implementing wellness programs, designed to help employees lose weight or quit smoking are another motivational tool to keep employees healthy, and employers ensured productive and happy employees.
Permanent link to this post (170 words, estimated 41 secs reading time)
Tags: added benefits, preventative care, wellness
Posted in Individual | No Comments »
Friday, August 14th, 2009
Small Businesses are definitely hit the hardest when it comes to premium rates. However, recent studies have shown that incorporating ancillary benefits, such as life, disability, and dental benefits, ensures employees are not only healthy and happy – but loyal as well. A MetLife study showed that 73% of employees who felt adequately covered were happy with their job. On the other hand, those employees who felt that their coverage left them too exposed, were not. Only 22% of such employees stated that they were satisfied with their job.
Productivity is also greatly affected by health benefits. If an employee knows that the coverage is there when they need it, they will push further for their employer. With economic times at their tightest, knowing that they will not incur large medical or dental bills, or leave their family without protection if something should happen to them, means employees can focus on the task at hand. In these cases, everyone benefits!
Though the economy is in tough shape right now, Employers may find that a bit more out of pocket costs for their employees will result in a return of happy, healthy, and productive workers in the end.
Permanent link to this post (201 words, estimated 48 secs reading time)
Tags: added benefits, health plan, preventative care, wellness
Posted in Employees, Employers, Group | No Comments »
Monday, May 11th, 2009
Preventative care is vital in catching dangerous diseases in their early stages and can go a long way towards helping you live a full and healthy life. There are specific recommendations for each age group in relation to preventative care. Here’s a quick look at the type of preventative care you may need.
Those in their 20′s and 30′s should make sure to screen height, weight, cholesterol levels and blood pressure every two years. If you have specific issues with your cholesterol levels, or your doctor recommends more frequent screenings, which will be covered in most cases. Women in this age group should have one Pap test each Influenza shots are recommended once a year, in the fall, if you are at risk for developing or coming in contact with the disease.
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Preventative Care and Your Insurance Plan
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Tags: added benefits, preventative care, wellness
Posted in General, Resources, Tools | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009
Being a member of a health insurance plan often entitles you to additional wellness resources.
For example, Blue Shield of California offers (at no extra costs) 24 Hour Fitness discounts, including waived enrollment and processing fees, and discounted initiation fees and monthly dues.
They also offer discounts for Weight Watchers, as well as 25% off acupuncture, chiropractic exams, and massage therapy.
Aetna also includes a wellness program that offers personalized support from experienced health educators to help their members address lifestyle behaviors, make positive changes, and achieve their optimal health status.
Tags: added benefits, wellness
Posted in General | No Comments »
