Posts Tagged ‘health insurance’
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
Though no one knows where the health care reform bills are headed, it is of utmost importance that disease prevention and health promotion are at the top of the list. If we aim to “fix” a broken system, we need to ensure that the system is designed to “fix” us as well. This will be achieved by balancing the cost of providing medical care with providing services to help avoid the need for such services in the first place. Some concepts for prevention strategies are (notes from San Francisco Chronicle):
- a yearly personalized prevention plan for Medicare patients
- national assistance to wellness programs at the worksite
- a vast public-private partnership to teach everybody about prevention and health promotion, including Web site tools for self-assessment and personalized prevention
- educating patients how to reduce their risks for chronic disease
- support for community-based prevention and health promotion (i.e. no-smoking rules, seat belt mandates, calorie counts on restaurant menus)
The concern lies in the fact that if these strategies are not implemented, positive and healthy life choices will not occur. By encouraging such lifestyle changes, and providing resources to help people start and maintain healthier living, the return is invaluable – healthy people, fewer chronic conditions, and an enormous reduction in the need for medical intervention.
Tags: Chronic Condition, health insurance, preventative care, wellness
Posted in Employees, Family, Government Run Health Plan, Individual, Resources, Tools | 1 Comment »
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:
• 53% said they strongly or somewhat oppose the legislation in both House and Senate plans
• 33% stated they were more supportive of reforming the health care system now
• 24% said they were just as supportive as they were a year ago
• 38% of voters now think it is at least somewhat likely that the plan proposed by the president and congressional Democrats will become law this year
• 51% believe passage of the plan this year is unlikely
• 24% of voters now say health care reform is the budget priority the president is most likely to achieve
Regardless of where this leads us, we will be there to guide you through and answer any questions you have.
Thanks for your continued support!
Tags: health care reform, health insurance, health plan
Posted in Employees, Employers, Family, General, Group, Individual, Resources, Tools | 1 Comment »
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
• A specialist appointment within 15 business days of a request
• An urgent care visit within 48 hours of a request
• Telephone access to a health care professional at all times.
The state is giving health plans one year to comply with these new regulations. After the one year grace period, non-compliant carriers will face heavy fines. With the implementation of these new rules, it is hoped to reduce emergency room traffic, as more patients are able to obtain urgent care visits instead, as well as the overall reduction of appointment wait times (which benefit all patients – HMO and PPO alike).
Opponents to these new regulations feel that this adds to an already strained system of primary care physicans, who are already in shortage. Fears also lie in the fact that the doctor would now be forced to spend less time with each patient. However, with the average waiting time to see a general practitioner at 20 days, it does seem that the pros outweigh the cons with these timely-access rules.
Tags: health insurance, HMO plan, network provider
Posted in Employees, Employers, Family, General, Individual, Laws, Resources, State | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010
Health 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.
While Brown’s win does not mean this legislation is dead in the water, it will mean that it goes back to the drawing board, where hopefully a system that works for all will come to light.
Tags: health insurance, individual health, Universal Health Care
Posted in Federal, Government Run Health Plan, Laws, State | 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 | 1 Comment »
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 »
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 »
Monday, November 2nd, 2009
The federal economic stimulus package which covers 65% of the cost of COBRA premiums is set to end as of December 2009. This reduction was designed to assist those who had an involuntary termination of employment and were eligible for COBRA during the period of September 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009. Though the subsidy is set to end after a period of 9 months, this does not mean you are going to lose your coverage. Instead, you will now be covering the entire cost for the remainder of your 18 months, or longer if your coverage is eligible for extension. The subsidy will end prior to the 9 months in the case of eligibility for coverage under a new group plan, eligibility for Medicare, or in the case of non-payment of the remainder of the COBRA premiums.
Let us help you find alternate coverage before your COBRA expires. There are many options for you and your family, and we are happy to help you determine whether a new plan is the best route, or to stay on COBRA for the remainder of your eligibility period. It is our pleasure to help you determine the best choice for your health insurance coverage.
Tags: COBRA, health insurance, premiums
Posted in Employees, Employers, Federal, Group, Laws, Resources | 3 Comments »
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 »
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 1st, 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 »
