Posts Tagged ‘health plan’

The Balance Between Age and Health Insurance Coverage

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

Recent polls show an interesting correlation between age and health insurance coverage. Though many other factors, such as income, also play a major role in who obtains coverage, and who chooses to go without does depend greatly on the age group of that individual. According to a newly released
Gallup Poll:  
• 84% of 18 year old children have coverage  
• Once these individuals reach the age of 22, the percentage drops to 66%. Currently, as these older dependants reach this age, or graduate college, they no longer qualify to be covered under their parent’s coverage (note – with the implementation of health care reform, these numbers will be expected to drop as the eligible dependant age is extended to 26)  
• This number rises only slightly through the remaining years, until Medicare age is reached. At this point, 95% of American’s are covered  
These statistics are startling, as more and more young adults find it next to impossible to find a job with benefits, or feel that they are too healthy to need the burden of monthly premiums. These individuals risk financial ruin for themselves, and their families. Therefore, obtaining some sort of coverage, even if it is hospitalization only coverage, remains a vital priority.  
These numbers also play an important role in the passing and implementation of the health care reform bill. Opponents state that even though coverage will be extended to all Americans, the cost will rise as much as 17% for younger individuals, while dropping slightly the cost for older Americans. Proponents find that the number of currently uninsured younger (healthier) clients is the reason that premium pricing is so skewed. By increasing the number of healthy individuals in the pool, the overall “risk” for everyone will be reduced.

Public Views on Health Care Reform

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!

Ancillary Benefits Equals Happy Employees

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.
 

How Agents and Brokers Make a Difference

Friday, June 12th, 2009

Many people may still not quite understand what role an agent or broker plays when it comes to your health insurance plan. You don’t pay fees to work with an agent or broker, and the return in services in invaluable.
                                                        
Most importantly, we serve to help you understand the complex world of health insurance. Whether you are an individual or family shopping for coverage or an Employer looking to cover their employees, we provide you with access to multiple insurance companies and plans, thereby ensuring you have all the information necessary to make your decision.
 
Agents also work to negotiate the best rates for you. We work with the carriers to make certain your rates are the lowest they can be. They serve as your underwriting liaison to contest declines, or work with rated policies. This is the case for all plans – individual/family plans and small/large businesses as well.
 
When it comes to group plans, we work to take the burden of administering your plan off of you. We will walk you through the plan options, negotiate your rates when it comes to renewal time, and help your employees complete all of their paperwork. When it comes to new hires, terminations, or COBRA enrollments, again we step in to facilitate the necessary paperwork.
 
Once your plan is issued, we continually work to help you. Whether it is obtaining medical records for claims processing, assisting your pharmacy in getting a medication authorized, or explain detailed claims benefits, you can always count on us to be there to assist.
 
Health Reform concerns often bring up the concept of removing agents from the picture. This would destroy the personalized service you have received from us for years.

Economic Concerns and Your Health Care

Monday, June 1st, 2009

 We are all tightening our belts as we ride out the economic crisis, but some people have gone as far as to neglect their own health care as a result. Walgreen’s has released a report stating that the number of prescriptions filled has decreased considerably. It has also been noted that the number of physician visits and overall health care services have too been on a steady decrease.

It is important to note that even if your plan limits your doctor visits, has a brand name drug deductible, or high co pays services, it is important to keep your health your number one priority. Something that may seem minor now could result in a more chronic condition later on. What could have been taken care of in a doctor’s office may end up in the emergency room or hospital if left untreated, thus resulting in even higher out of pocket costs.

We can help you determine if there is a less expensive option for you and your family at this time, or help you to utilize your current plan to pay out as much as possible for your health care services. It is vital to keep you and your family healthy during these times.

Please call or send us an email if you need help in finding an affordable health plan. We are here to help!


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