Many people go between jobs with no health insurance. There is a quick, inexpensive, and easy option called Short-term Health Insurance to solve this problem!
Click here to get an instant online quote! If you decide to apply you can do it online, and just answer a couple health questions and your policy will start automatically.
For a better and less expensive option than COBRA, and a quick and easy option while you're waiting for your new health benefits to start with your new job you should look at short-term health insurance. This is a great option anytime you need 6-12 months of health coverage that is very affordable and still provides good coverage.
An ideal time to consider short-term health insurance would be:
1. Between jobs
2. Waiting for empoyer benefits to begin (new hire waiting period)
3. Student or recent graduate
4. Without coverage temporarily due to job or life changes
5. Part-time, temporary, or seasonal employee waiting to pick up benefits
6. Retired or waiting for Medicare eligibility
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Changes to getting kids under 19 on an individual health plan
If you have a kid that was declined health insurance on an individual health plan because an adult was not accepted on the plan, the Utah Insurance Department (UID) made an emergency change to the health care law last week. PLEASE CALL WITH ANY QUESTIONS, BUT PLEASE READ BELOW. 801-505-9960
As you know, the passage of the Affordable Care Act resulted in a number of changes to dependent eligibility, including guaranteed issue for children younger than age 19. In September 2010, the Utah Insurance Department (UID) issued an emergency rule regarding dependent eligibility, including requirements for open enrollment periods.
Last week, the UID made changes to this emergency rule that address child-only plans. Under this new rule, carriers must issue a child-only plan to individuals younger than age 19 who have obtained a certificate of insurability.
To receive a certificate of insurability, an individual must apply with HIPUtah (High Risk Health Insurance Pool). If the individual qualifies for a HIPUtah plan, he or she will be offered HIPUtah coverage. If not, the individual will be issued a certificate of insurability, which must be honored by any commercial carrier in the Utah individual market.
As you know, the passage of the Affordable Care Act resulted in a number of changes to dependent eligibility, including guaranteed issue for children younger than age 19. In September 2010, the Utah Insurance Department (UID) issued an emergency rule regarding dependent eligibility, including requirements for open enrollment periods.
Last week, the UID made changes to this emergency rule that address child-only plans. Under this new rule, carriers must issue a child-only plan to individuals younger than age 19 who have obtained a certificate of insurability.
To receive a certificate of insurability, an individual must apply with HIPUtah (High Risk Health Insurance Pool). If the individual qualifies for a HIPUtah plan, he or she will be offered HIPUtah coverage. If not, the individual will be issued a certificate of insurability, which must be honored by any commercial carrier in the Utah individual market.
Friday, December 17, 2010
OPEN ENROLLMENT for kids under age 19 that are now guaranteed acceptance on health insurance
Remember that effective this September that the first set of healthcare legislation went into force, and kids under age 19 are guaranteed acceptance on individual/family health plans. So if you applied for health insurance in the past and one of your kids was declined coverage, then most carriers are only allowing to add them back onto your plan on your policy renewal, which most plans renew the first of January or July.
There is a catch.... at least one parent has to apply and get approved with the child to have them on the plan, and both parent's have to apply and one has to get approved with several companies.
Let us know if you have any kids under age 19 that you've had problems getting insurance on and want to re-look at these options.
There is a catch.... at least one parent has to apply and get approved with the child to have them on the plan, and both parent's have to apply and one has to get approved with several companies.
Let us know if you have any kids under age 19 that you've had problems getting insurance on and want to re-look at these options.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Top Vehicle Safety Picks 2010-How does your car stack up?
Top Vehicle Safety Picks 2010-Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
To determine crashworthiness — how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash — the Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests, a rollover test, plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. To earn Top Safety Pick for 2010 a vehicle must have good ratings in all four Institute tests. In addition, the winning vehicles must offer electronic stability control.
To determine crashworthiness — how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash — the Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests, a rollover test, plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. To earn Top Safety Pick for 2010 a vehicle must have good ratings in all four Institute tests. In addition, the winning vehicles must offer electronic stability control.
How to select the best booster for your kids! You need to read this!
Ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety take the guesswork out of selecting boosters for your kids, and get ratings for the top boosters! Make sure you're using them properly also.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Have you ever heard of Medical ID Theft?
I had a client last month apply for health insurance and there was a major surgery on her medical records that she didn't have done! Honestly, how can this even happen right? Many people think that ID Theft is associated with only financial transactions, but it goes far beyond that with medical, drivers license, social security, and financial ID Theft. ID Theft is the fastest growing crime in America, but everyone also thinks it will never happen to them right?
Did you know you can add ID Fraud Protection onto your home policy with most insurance companies? Call us today and we can show you how inexpensive it is, and if the company we have you with has this important coverage. If you want a more comprehensive coverage for everyone in the family, including kids, then for about $14/mo you can get one of the best and most comprehensive ID Theft plans on the market! Call us today and we can help you with that also.
Did you know you can add ID Fraud Protection onto your home policy with most insurance companies? Call us today and we can show you how inexpensive it is, and if the company we have you with has this important coverage. If you want a more comprehensive coverage for everyone in the family, including kids, then for about $14/mo you can get one of the best and most comprehensive ID Theft plans on the market! Call us today and we can help you with that also.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
20% Rate Increases on health insurance
We are getting new rates for our individual health insurance plans effective for 10/1/2010, and we are seeing on average 20% rate increases on almost all plans and all companies.
Why are they going up? Effective 9/23/2010 the first requirements of the Healthcare Reform bill are hitting insurance plans which include:
1. $0 out-of-pocket and unlimited preventative care (used to have to pay at least a copay)
2. Unlimited lifetime maximum benefits (these used to be $2-5M)
3. Dependents under 26 years old covered whether full-time students or not (used to have to be a full-time student to be covered over 19)
4. One of the primary reasons for the increase is the first stage of guaranteed issue health insurance-under 19 years old is guaranteed issue with NO preexisting clause (used to be underwritten based on health on individual plans, and 1 yr preexisting clause if they didn't have at least 1 year of prior insurance)
So you can't obviously give away coverage for free, so yes there are more coverages, but in turn we are also seeing this first stage of rate increases across the board. As other requirements begin to hit plans in 2014 (guaranteed issue for all ages, maternity included on individual plans, etc), I'm afraid that we will continue to see even higher than normal rate increases. Some changes needed to be made probably, and will help some people, but overall giving away coverage is going to cost someone-and that includes us unfortunately.
Click here to see more Healthcare Reform resources from our website. Please call with any questions!
NOW VOTE ON OUR POLL ON THE RIGHT IF YOU APPROVE OF THE HEALTHCARE REFORM BILL?
Why are they going up? Effective 9/23/2010 the first requirements of the Healthcare Reform bill are hitting insurance plans which include:
1. $0 out-of-pocket and unlimited preventative care (used to have to pay at least a copay)
2. Unlimited lifetime maximum benefits (these used to be $2-5M)
3. Dependents under 26 years old covered whether full-time students or not (used to have to be a full-time student to be covered over 19)
4. One of the primary reasons for the increase is the first stage of guaranteed issue health insurance-under 19 years old is guaranteed issue with NO preexisting clause (used to be underwritten based on health on individual plans, and 1 yr preexisting clause if they didn't have at least 1 year of prior insurance)
So you can't obviously give away coverage for free, so yes there are more coverages, but in turn we are also seeing this first stage of rate increases across the board. As other requirements begin to hit plans in 2014 (guaranteed issue for all ages, maternity included on individual plans, etc), I'm afraid that we will continue to see even higher than normal rate increases. Some changes needed to be made probably, and will help some people, but overall giving away coverage is going to cost someone-and that includes us unfortunately.
Click here to see more Healthcare Reform resources from our website. Please call with any questions!
NOW VOTE ON OUR POLL ON THE RIGHT IF YOU APPROVE OF THE HEALTHCARE REFORM BILL?
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Utah Health Exchange Now Open for All Utah Companies with 2-50 Employees
Small businesses in Utah now have the ability to offer expanded health coverage choices to their employees while controlling their own health benefit costs.
The Utah Health Exchange, whice had been operating as a pilot program for the past year, is now open for all Utah employer groups with two to fifty individuals.
Employees of participating businesses can use the Exchange to "shop" for health insurance plans that are tailored to their individual needs. Rather than having one or two options that are pre-selected by their employer, employees can choose from over sixty plans from four of Utah's largest insurance carriers: Humana, Regence, Select Health, and United Healthcare.
For employers, the Exchange offers access to Utah's new defined contribution insurance market. With defined contribution, employers simply decided how much to contribute to their employees' health premium. That defined contribution is then automatically included in the premium calculations as employees shop for plans in the Exchange.
Defined contribution allows businesses to predict and contain benefits costs from year-to-year. Health plans purchased via the Exchange are also portable between qualified, registered employers, and all plans in the Exchange allow both employers and employees to retain the pre-tax advantages of traditional small group insurance.
For more information on the Exchange, as well as instructions on how businesses can begin the enrollment process, please visit www.exchange.utah.gov or contact us today!
Utah Health Exchange - An Introduction
Here is an introduction to the new Utah Health Insurance Exchange that is open to small businesses with 2-50 employees. This offers a new option for small employers health insurance, and more options for employees.
Call us today to learn more about the Utah Health Insurance Exchange and how it could benefit your business!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The "Patient's Bill of Rights" announced
The Obama administration released a package of new health care reform regulations at a White House event on June 22.
"Today," the President said, "I'm announcing that the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury are issuing new regulations..that will put an end to some of the worst practices in the insurance industry, and put in place the strongest consumer protections in our history - finally what amounts to a true Patient's Bill of Rights."
The regulations that were issued address preexisting condition exclusions for children (no one under 19 can be excluded in policies issued or renewed on or after September 23), lifetime and annual limits on essential benefits (no more lifetime limits in any policies issued or renewed on or after September 23; annual limits will be phased out over three years), restrictions on rescissions (no more rescissions except in cases of fraud or intentional misrepresentation of facts), and patient protections relating to emergency services and choice of health care professionals (these two protections do not apply to grandfathered plans). See the HHS fact sheet here.
SEE THE ABOVE LINK ON MORE OF THE DETAILS OF THIS "PATIENT'S BILL OF RIGHTS", AND MOST OF THESE PROVISIONS TAKE EFFECT THIS YEAR!!!! HOWEVER, AS A BENEFITS AGENT MANY OF THESE THINGS ARE GREAT, BUT ARE THINGS THAT MAY LEAD TO HIGHER PREMIUM COSTS. YOU CAN'T COVER AND EXTEND ALL THESE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS WITHOUT COVERING IT SOMEHOW?
In his remarks, the President described health reform as "a long overdue victory for America's consumers and patients. It does away with the status quo that some insurance companies have taken advantage of for so long," he said.
"But insurance companies should see this reform as an opportunity to improve care and increase competition," he continued. "They shouldn't see it as an opportunity to enact unjustifiable rate increases that don't boost care and inflate their bottom line." Obama said his administration would work with the states to monitor premium increases.
But he also acknowledged that "there are genuine cost-drivers that are not caused by insurance companies." Ron Williams, CEO of Aetna, pointed out some of them when he talked to the press after the meeting. For example, the rule that insurers allow children to stay on their parent's plan until age 26 "does increase costs," Williams said, "and that cost is going to show up in the premium increases." He added that increases in hospital, doctor and drug costs will, too.
Obama also addressed health care politics. He said, "We're in Washington, so obviously there's politics involved. We've got some folks on the other side of the aisle who still say none of this should have happened, and, in fact, said they're going to run on a platform of repeal. They want to go back to the system we had before. Would you? Would you want to go back to discriminating against children with pre-existing conditions? Would you want to go back to dropping coverage for people when they get sick?...
"We're not going back. I refuse to go back,”"the President said.
"Today," the President said, "I'm announcing that the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury are issuing new regulations..that will put an end to some of the worst practices in the insurance industry, and put in place the strongest consumer protections in our history - finally what amounts to a true Patient's Bill of Rights."
The regulations that were issued address preexisting condition exclusions for children (no one under 19 can be excluded in policies issued or renewed on or after September 23), lifetime and annual limits on essential benefits (no more lifetime limits in any policies issued or renewed on or after September 23; annual limits will be phased out over three years), restrictions on rescissions (no more rescissions except in cases of fraud or intentional misrepresentation of facts), and patient protections relating to emergency services and choice of health care professionals (these two protections do not apply to grandfathered plans). See the HHS fact sheet here.
SEE THE ABOVE LINK ON MORE OF THE DETAILS OF THIS "PATIENT'S BILL OF RIGHTS", AND MOST OF THESE PROVISIONS TAKE EFFECT THIS YEAR!!!! HOWEVER, AS A BENEFITS AGENT MANY OF THESE THINGS ARE GREAT, BUT ARE THINGS THAT MAY LEAD TO HIGHER PREMIUM COSTS. YOU CAN'T COVER AND EXTEND ALL THESE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS WITHOUT COVERING IT SOMEHOW?
In his remarks, the President described health reform as "a long overdue victory for America's consumers and patients. It does away with the status quo that some insurance companies have taken advantage of for so long," he said.
"But insurance companies should see this reform as an opportunity to improve care and increase competition," he continued. "They shouldn't see it as an opportunity to enact unjustifiable rate increases that don't boost care and inflate their bottom line." Obama said his administration would work with the states to monitor premium increases.
But he also acknowledged that "there are genuine cost-drivers that are not caused by insurance companies." Ron Williams, CEO of Aetna, pointed out some of them when he talked to the press after the meeting. For example, the rule that insurers allow children to stay on their parent's plan until age 26 "does increase costs," Williams said, "and that cost is going to show up in the premium increases." He added that increases in hospital, doctor and drug costs will, too.
Obama also addressed health care politics. He said, "We're in Washington, so obviously there's politics involved. We've got some folks on the other side of the aisle who still say none of this should have happened, and, in fact, said they're going to run on a platform of repeal. They want to go back to the system we had before. Would you? Would you want to go back to discriminating against children with pre-existing conditions? Would you want to go back to dropping coverage for people when they get sick?...
"We're not going back. I refuse to go back,”"the President said.
Insurance plan debuts for those with pre-existing conditions
A new insurance plan is available for uninsured people with pre-existing health conditions as part of the Federal Affordable Care (Obamacare). The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan - also known as the "federal high-risk pool" - is expected to cover as many as 350,000 individuals. Click here to see more information about the Federal Program
However, Utah is NOT participating in this Federal plan, and what most people may not realize is this option has been available in the state of Utah for years now. Yes even if you have a pre-existing condition, don't have access to group health insurance, and are declined from individual/family health insurance you can qualify for HIP (Health Insurance Pool) Utah administered by SelectHealth. Click here to learn more about the HIP Utah plan, and contact us today with any questions or to apply.
However, Utah is NOT participating in this Federal plan, and what most people may not realize is this option has been available in the state of Utah for years now. Yes even if you have a pre-existing condition, don't have access to group health insurance, and are declined from individual/family health insurance you can qualify for HIP (Health Insurance Pool) Utah administered by SelectHealth. Click here to learn more about the HIP Utah plan, and contact us today with any questions or to apply.
Early Retiree Reinsurance Program up and running
Applications for employers, unions and governments interested in getting financial assistance from the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program are now available online, here.
The Early Retiree Reinsurance Program was created as a result of the health reform law and offers financial help to employers to help them maintain coverage for early retirees age 55 and older who are not yet eligible for Medicare.
Employers with self-funded and insured plans are eligible to apply. This includes private companies, state and local governments, nonprofits, religious organizations, unions operating employee benefit plans, and other employers.
To participate in the program, an employer must:
• Have its application approved
• Be able to document claims
• Implement a program and procedures that generate - or have the potential to generate - cost savings for participants with chronic and high-cost conditions.
Employers participating in the program will be subject to audits of their health benefit plans.
The amount of reimbursement to the employer will be up to 80 percent of medical claims costs for health benefits between $15,000 and $90,000. Claims incurred between the start of the plan year (often January 1) and June 1 are credited toward the $15,000 threshold for reimbursement. However, only medical expenses incurred after June 1, 2010 are eligible for reimbursement under this program.
The program will continue until January 1, 2014 (unless federal funds earmarked for reimbursement are exhausted), when the health insurance exchanges begin operating and early retirees will be able to choose from the additional coverage options available.
To read an HHS fact sheet about this program, click here. (Not to be used for implementation purposes.This is intended as an advisory only and does not constitute any legal or tax advice. Consult a legal or tax professional for guidance regarding this regulation.)
The Early Retiree Reinsurance Program was created as a result of the health reform law and offers financial help to employers to help them maintain coverage for early retirees age 55 and older who are not yet eligible for Medicare.
Employers with self-funded and insured plans are eligible to apply. This includes private companies, state and local governments, nonprofits, religious organizations, unions operating employee benefit plans, and other employers.
To participate in the program, an employer must:
• Have its application approved
• Be able to document claims
• Implement a program and procedures that generate - or have the potential to generate - cost savings for participants with chronic and high-cost conditions.
Employers participating in the program will be subject to audits of their health benefit plans.
The amount of reimbursement to the employer will be up to 80 percent of medical claims costs for health benefits between $15,000 and $90,000. Claims incurred between the start of the plan year (often January 1) and June 1 are credited toward the $15,000 threshold for reimbursement. However, only medical expenses incurred after June 1, 2010 are eligible for reimbursement under this program.
The program will continue until January 1, 2014 (unless federal funds earmarked for reimbursement are exhausted), when the health insurance exchanges begin operating and early retirees will be able to choose from the additional coverage options available.
To read an HHS fact sheet about this program, click here. (Not to be used for implementation purposes.This is intended as an advisory only and does not constitute any legal or tax advice. Consult a legal or tax professional for guidance regarding this regulation.)
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Healthcare Reform-How will this affect you?
Why is healthcare reform such a big deal? Why do we need healthcare reform? Is it going to hurt or help individuals, families, or businesses? There are many questions to still be answered on the new healthcare legislation, but we will try and stay on top of all the changes-good or bad.
Check out the site we've put together with useful links to learn more about this and how it will affect you, your family, or your business!
Check out the site we've put together with useful links to learn more about this and how it will affect you, your family, or your business!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Ways to save a bunch on prescriptions and healthcare expenses!
We've found two great sources to save a bunch on prescriptions whether you're on an individual or group health plan, or have no insurance at all. We've had clients use these sources and have saved quite a bit more than what they pay even through their current health/prescription plan. See the prescription costs right online without having to register or anything. Check it out!
1. CanadaPharmacy.com - We starting working with another company that has been referring their clients here for 7 years, and clients have been very happy with this and have been able to save a bunch on prescriptions. Click the link above and use the code PP1073 to get $10 off your first purchase.
2. RxDrugCard.com - Huge savings on prescriptions for as little as $4.95/mo for a family if you don't have insurance, or to supplement your insurance. Site also has other useful information about prescriptions.
We've also compiled many more useful websites and ways to save on other healthcare costs, and ways to compare options and expenses. Click here to check out some other very useful links we've put together for our clients!
1. CanadaPharmacy.com - We starting working with another company that has been referring their clients here for 7 years, and clients have been very happy with this and have been able to save a bunch on prescriptions. Click the link above and use the code PP1073 to get $10 off your first purchase.
2. RxDrugCard.com - Huge savings on prescriptions for as little as $4.95/mo for a family if you don't have insurance, or to supplement your insurance. Site also has other useful information about prescriptions.
We've also compiled many more useful websites and ways to save on other healthcare costs, and ways to compare options and expenses. Click here to check out some other very useful links we've put together for our clients!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Why is health insurance so expensive?
The health insurance and the health industry is very complex. There are many reasons why health insurance is expensive, but as a consumer there are ways that you can help this. Check out the video below, and then we will be posting more information about healthcare reform and how this will help and hurt healthcare premiums.
As a business we work with your group to structure your plan to reduce claims and improve the overall health and wellness of your group. What if we could save your group health plan 10-20% by making some changes to how your group health plan is structured and works? We can also improve absenteeism, productivity, and improve the overall business workplace. Would it be worth 15 minutes of your time to talk to me and show you how I'm doing this for my clients? Call me today!
Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/user/staysmartstayhea1thy#p/u/27/JYC2DJWU41s
As a business we work with your group to structure your plan to reduce claims and improve the overall health and wellness of your group. What if we could save your group health plan 10-20% by making some changes to how your group health plan is structured and works? We can also improve absenteeism, productivity, and improve the overall business workplace. Would it be worth 15 minutes of your time to talk to me and show you how I'm doing this for my clients? Call me today!
Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/user/staysmartstayhea1thy#p/u/27/JYC2DJWU41s
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