tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42669090799097495722024-02-20T14:42:17.854-08:00Health Talk JournalSeiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-18113607168522501862011-11-14T09:47:00.000-08:002012-01-10T13:45:25.444-08:00Supreme Court takes up challenge to health care reformThe Supreme court has agreed to decide the constitutionality of the health care reform law of Barack Obama. The high court agrees to hear two major questions: whether the law's key provision is unconstitutional, and if so, whether the entire law must be eliminated.<br /><br />The major issue will decide if the "individual mandate" section - which requires nearly all Americans to buy health insurance in 2014 or face financial penalties --is an improper exercise of federal authority.<br /><br />My feeling is the odds are in Obama administrations favor that it will not be struck down. Legal analysts say this is one of the toughest challenges the high court faces in a decade.<br /><br />Stay tuned.Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-86319127716596848642011-09-01T07:52:00.000-07:002011-09-01T07:56:35.206-07:00Pre-existing health plan in Kentucky availableThe federal govt. has a pre-existing health plan in Kentucky going into effect September 1st, 2011. If you've been without health insurance for 6 months and have a pre-existing condition, then you qualify for this plan. Rates are inexpensive. Also, available in Indiana.
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<br />Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-61410784055714384882011-06-27T15:42:00.000-07:002011-06-27T15:45:38.517-07:00Health Savings Account updates2012 Minimums and Maximums for Health Savings Accounts and High-Deductible Health Plans<br />On May 16, 2011, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released Revenue Procedure 2011-32,1 which announced various inflation-adjusted amounts for 2012 for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs). The IRS calculates the annual adjustments using the 12-month period ending March 31.<br /><br />The 2012 numbers are shown in the chart below.<br /><br />2012 Minimums and Maximums for HSAs* and HDHPs<br /> <br /> <br />Individual Coverage<br /><br /> <br /><br />Maximum Annual<br />HSA Contribution** $3,100 <br />(up $50 from <br />$3,050 for 2011)<br /><br />Family<br /><br /> $6,250 <br />(up $100 from <br />$6,150 for 2011)<br /><br /> <br />Minimum HDHP Deductible<br /><br /> $1,200 <br />(same as for 2011) $2,400 <br />(same as for 2011)<br /> <br />Maximum HDHP<br />Out-of-Pocket Expense*** $6,050<br />(up $100 from <br />$5,950 for 2011)<br /> $12,100<br />(up $200 from <br />$11,900 for 2011)Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-18212971050231895712011-06-14T09:35:00.000-07:002011-06-14T09:40:01.092-07:00Question from current member today"What is going on with healthcare reform? What's going to happen?"<br /><br />Under the The Patient Protection and Affordable care act or ACA passed in March, 2010:<br /><br /><em>By 2014, you will be able to compare and buy insurance on a health insurance exchange. The exchange will offer a choice of approved insurance plans. It will also help you find the best plan for you and your family.</em> <br /><br />In 2014, a person with income below 400% of the federal poverty level (currently $43,560 for a single person) can get a subsidy to buy health insurance. The subsidy will be higher for those with lower income. If you are under 65 and make less than 133% of the FPL (currently $12,305 for a single person) you can get Medicaid in 2014.Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-44179894483569456882011-03-24T10:07:00.000-07:002011-04-17T09:38:50.056-07:00Question of the day: "Healthcare reform penalty"A client of mine asked me what is the deal with the health care penalty they're discussing. <em>Will I be penalized for not taking out a health care plan in 2014?</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Answer - </em><br /><br />Starting in 2014 all U.S. citizens and legal residents will have to have health insurance, or what is known as qualifying health coverage, which includes coverage through your job, a government plan (such as Medicaid, Medicare, Veterans Administration, and the Armed Services), or a health plan you have purchased on your own.<br /><br />If you don’t have health insurance, you will pay a tax penalty that will be phased in starting in 2014 with a fine of $95. In 2015, the penalty will increase to $325, and in 2016 to $695 or a percentage of your taxable income. After 2016, your penalty will be increased every year according to the changes in the cost of living.<br /><br />Are Exemptions or Help Available?<br />You may be eligible for an exemption or you may be able to get help paying for health insurance it if your income is low.<br /><br />Exemptions will be granted for the following:<br /><br />•you have a financial hardship<br />•you have a genuine religious objection<br />•you are an American Indian<br />•you have been without health coverage for less than three months<br />•you are an undocumented immigrant<br />•you are in prison<br />•the lowest cost health plan available in your area exceeds 8% of your incomeSeiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-77168363762993848602011-03-19T11:38:00.000-07:002011-03-19T11:41:00.138-07:00Needymeds has patient assistance programs<a href="http://www.needymeds.org/">http://www.needymeds.org/</a><br /><br />Diseased based medication programs for those uninsured or under-insured who meet the guidelines.Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-27465297698230104392011-02-23T11:15:00.000-08:002011-02-23T11:16:09.241-08:00New Website LaunchedCheck out my new website<br /><br /><a href="http://www.yestohealthinsurance.com/">www.yestohealthinsurance.com</a>Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-13965149029033736772011-01-10T10:21:00.000-08:002011-01-10T10:23:23.462-08:00Kentucky's children Open enrollment dates<strong>Children in Kentucky can get individual health plans regardless of pre-existing conditions during open enrollment period in January.</strong><br /><em></em><br /><em>Companies participating in the open enrollment are Aetna Life Insurance Company, American Republic Insurance Company, Anthem Health Plans of Kentucky, Assurant Health/Time Insurance Company, Golden Rule Insurance Company, Humana Health Plan Inc. and Assurant Health/John Alden Life Insurance Company.<br /><br />During January, insurers selling in the commonwealth's individual health insurance market must offer a policy to any Kentuckian under the age of 19 and may not deny coverage due to an applicant's pre-existing health condition.<br /></em><br /><a href="http://www.14wfie.com/story/13796400/kentucky-companies-must-offer-childrens-health-insurance">http://www.14wfie.com/story/13796400/kentucky-companies-must-offer-childrens-health-insurance</a>Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-36702355914680438262010-12-28T05:25:00.000-08:002010-12-28T05:36:40.057-08:00NeedyMeds to the rescue!After I posted my last blog about the woman who needed prescription drugs and couldn't get it either through a private insurer or medicaid, I received this letter from the President of Needymeds.org - Thanks Mr Sagall for your response. This will help alot of people and not just in Ohio.<br /><br /><blockquote><br /> </blockquote><br /><em>I read your blog post of 12/27/10 and thought you and your readers might want to know about NeedyMeds and the help we can offer.<br /><br />NeedyMeds is a national non-profit that has information on programs that help people who can't afford their medications and health care costs. We have data on over 4000 programs and over 11,000 free/low-cost/sliding-scale clinics. All our data is free, easy to access, and updated regularly. Our website is visited by 13,000-14,000 people most workdays. <br /><br />We offer a free drug discount card that's accepted at nearly 60,000 pharmacies. Anyone can use the card regardless of income level, insurance status, age or residency. The card offers a discount ranging from nothing to 75% on prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and medical supplies when written on a prescription form, and pet prescription drugs purchased at a pharmacy. The average savings is 50%. The card is free and there is no registration process or cost. The card can be downloaded from our website or obtained by sending us a self-address stamped envelope. <br /><br />Rich Sagall, MD<br />President<br />www.needymeds.org <br /><br /><br />Check out our Facebook page </em>Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-86924766266388129212010-12-27T14:38:00.000-08:002010-12-27T14:44:05.170-08:00Drug Card questionQuestion today:<br /><br />I live in Ohio and was declined for insurance by all of your companies listed and I'm in desperate need of finding any type of drug coverage. Can you help?<br /><br />Answer:<br /><br />Yes, there is a free discount card for Ohio residents only. Click on the link below. You can save up to 75% of drug costs with this card and it's free.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ohiodrugcard.com/index.php">http://www.ohiodrugcard.com/index.php</a>Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-51643079270275785932010-09-02T12:44:00.000-07:002010-09-02T12:55:59.783-07:00Plan strategiesI've had quite a few different scenarios come up this week about health care and I wanted to share it with each of you.<br /><br />1. Did you know if you have a high deductible plan you can purchase a critical illness or cash cancer plan which can pay out a cash benefit to you in increments of $25,000, $50,000 or $100,000 if you had a catastrophic event. The prices are very affordable. Similar to term life but this is a gap to your current insurance. Can you imagine how helpful this would be if you had cancer and you received a cash payout like this? Would pay for your insurance deductible and out of pockets plus pay your bills for the rest of the year.<br /><br />2. The New Ohio Risk pool plan through Medical Mutual will cover pre-existing conditions. Must be without insurance for 6 months. Rates are very good. It's a model for the new health care reform.<br /><br />3. Humana eligibility for Short term plans is 64 1/2 years old. Most companies won't cover short terms after 63.<br /><br />4. Assurant's affordable health access plan will cover all individuals or families regardless of height and weight issues. And it's very affordable.<br /><br />5. If your rates go up because of health care reform consider a high deductible and take out a gap rider (plans which make cash payouts in event of catastrophic event) It will save you money and you'll have less exposure than your previous plan. Everyone's concerned about high deductibles but new gap plans are giving people more peace of mind.<br /><br />Have a great weekend all.Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-68004340536146519712010-07-25T09:50:00.000-07:002010-07-25T09:53:47.120-07:00Ohio insurance pool will open August 1stOhioans with pre-existing health conditions, such as cancer or diabetes, can apply for coverage under a new high-risk insurance pool beginning Aug. 1, state officials said today. Go to the below site for qualifications and details.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ohiohighriskpool.com/">http://www.ohiohighriskpool.com/</a>Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-35182061948117603322010-07-12T13:47:00.000-07:002010-07-12T13:51:08.181-07:00What's the healthcare reform going to make me do?<strong>A concerned individual had this question regarding health reform. </strong><br /><br />My answer - It mandates that, beginning in 2014, virtually all Americans buy affordable coverage. It expects states to create health insurance exchanges on which private insurers will offer coverage for small businesses and individuals unable to obtain it otherwise. Federal subsidies will help those who cannot afford an available policy to pay the premiums and required cost-sharing amounts. As a result, more than 30 million additional Americans will gain access to comprehensive health care coverage.<br /><br />Insurers will no longer be able to refuse to sell to people with pre-existing conditions or other risk factors, charge them more for coverage (except for age), cancel or refuse to renew policies for people using services, or impose limits on benefits.Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-53685292863098495882010-07-06T10:43:00.001-07:002010-07-06T10:46:23.613-07:00Health Care ReformA Ohio resident contacted me today regarding Healthcare reform in Ohio:<br /><br />"Is the government implementing new health insurance programs in Ohio"<br /><br />Yes Medical Mutual of Ohio, as of September 1st, it appears right now will run the new health pool for the state of Ohio. We should have more details in the coming weeks.Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-19783109853273355492010-06-11T10:20:00.000-07:002010-06-15T08:55:05.647-07:00Question today from declined applicantA person emailed me today: "I was declined individual coverage because of a joint replacement issue. Isn't there any company that will cover me even if I have just this one issue."<br /><br />My answer is "Yes. Assurant Health can possibly approve you for one of their individual plans with the possibility of putting an <em>exclusionary rider </em>for this condition - which means they will approve you for one of their preferred plans but not cover that one particular condition."Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-85700756450548812842010-06-04T12:42:00.001-07:002010-06-04T12:42:33.935-07:00Senate fails to extend Bill for DoctorsSenate Fails to Extend Bill for Doctors: Before leaving for the Memorial Day recess, House Democratic leaders scaled back health care language from the jobs bill before passing the bill. In the package, doctors who treat Medicare patients would see a 2.2% payment increase for the remainder of this year and a 1% payment increase in 2011. Extensions of COBRA subsidies and additional Medicaid funding for states were removed from the bill. Lawmakers in the Senate will vote on the bill when they return from recess next week.Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-40080878832399918112010-05-24T08:08:00.000-07:002010-05-24T08:09:16.581-07:00Question of the week.Q: I understand that there are tax benefits related to the extension of dependent coverage. Can you explain these benefits?<br /><br />A: Under a change in tax law included in the Affordable Care Act, the value of any employer-provided health coverage for an employee's child is excluded from the employee’s income through the end of the taxable year in which the child turns 26. This tax benefit applies regardless of whether the plan or the insurer is required by law to extend health care coverage to the adult child or the plan or insurer voluntarily extends the coverage.Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-77813115334029095262010-03-24T13:19:00.000-07:002010-03-24T13:25:20.822-07:00Healthcare Reform: How it will affect us?Good article here explaining how it work for individuals, families and employers.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0320/Health-care-reform-bill-101-Who-gets-subsidized-insurance">http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0320/Health-care-reform-bill-101-Who-gets-subsidized-insurance</a>Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-35266515435571240582010-03-16T11:37:00.000-07:002010-03-16T16:39:42.972-07:00Retiring with no Health Insurance benefitsI had someone call me today who was a retiree asking what happens between the time I retire and turn 65 with no Health insurance pension benefits.<br /><br />Well, there are quite a few options. First, <strong>If you have major prexisting conditions</strong>:<br /><br />* Take the Cobra option for as long as you can (usually 18 months) if you have major pre-existing conditions especially if you have cancer, heart problems, diabetes, back issues and blood disorders. Getting a private individual plan will be difficult but not impossible. Some insurance companies have limited benefit plans for those major pre-existing conditions.<br /><br />If your Cobra runs out:<br /><br />Ohio - Has Hippa plans which they enroll a certain amount of individuals at a time even if they have major pre-existing conditions.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.assuranthealth.com/corp/ah/state/ohio">www.assuranthealth.com/corp/ah/state/ohio</a><br /><br /><br />Kentucky - Has Kentucky Access if they are denied by a private insurer for pre-existing conditions.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kentuckyaccess.com/index.cfm">www.kentuckyaccess.com/index.cfm</a><br /><br />Some insurance companies will offer Group conversion plans which will cover pre-existing companies but the premiums will be high, if not higher than Cobra.<br /><br /><br />* Take a short term plan if all else fails. Every state has them and they range from 6 months to a year. Although it won't cover you for your pre-existing conditions it will cover you for catastrophic coverage such as accidents.Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-45526812804255863432010-03-12T11:37:00.001-08:002010-03-12T12:33:16.473-08:00How can I lower my premiums?Someone emailed me today and asked how can I lower my healh insurance premiums? Good question.<br /><br />1.) If you have individual coverage and not group, then odds are you have a renewal each year. In the past 10 years Health care plans have gone up an average of 10%. Some this year have gone up as much as 40%. Ask your company if they have risk evaluations to lower your premiums. If you're in good health, then you may get a lower risk tier with your company.<br /><br />2.) Shop around - If you don't have too many pre-existing conditions, then shop around and find the best value. Let an independent broker do the leg work and make him find the best rates with a similar plan you have now by doing a comparative analysis with different companies. Or if your plan is weak in benefits, shop for better benefits. Health Savings accounts have the most affordable premiums right now with most insurance companies.<br /><br />3.) Raise your deductible. Although this will expose you more financially in the event of a catastrophic illness or accident your premiums will obviously be reduced. Be careful, if you try to go back to an original deductible with your insurance company you might be denied because of pre-existing conditions.<br /><br />4.) If you have a group plan, then generally you'll have to check with your company to see what other affordable plans are offered during open enrollment or shop for individual plans and see if your employer will compensate by going the individual route. Some will.<br /><br />Good luckSeiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-9934291751001230762010-03-11T08:44:00.000-08:002010-03-11T08:58:33.563-08:00Cobra ExtensionThe COBRA extension date ended on February 28, 2010. Congress had passed legislation in December 2009 to extend the subsidy of helping to pay 65% of the Cobra premiums for individuals and families who were laid off involuntarily. However, President Barack Obamas new budget proposal would extend it again until the end of 2010.<br /><br />For those seeking alternatives many private insurance plans will still be less than the cost of COBRA but you'll have to shop around to find the best bargains. Contacting a broker who can make comparison analysis to find the best plans and rates is the best bet. Some plans will cover individuals who were otherwise denied by private insurers can find alternatives to cover pre-existing conditions. Ohio Hippa is still accepting individuals for this type coverage. A few companies have limited benefits access plans to cover those with major pre-existing conditions. In Kentucky, Kentucky access will accept individuals who have been denied for pre-existing conditions. <br /><br />Family and friends ask me everyday what is going to happen in health care reform. At this point, nobody knows but all indications of a public option seem to be long odds. Tax subsidies, portable coverage across state lines, tort reform are all options on the table at this point as are a myriad of different ways to cover individuals.Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-67474531917103501492009-08-06T08:46:00.001-07:002009-08-06T09:05:45.219-07:00Health Savings AccountsI talk to people each day who are interested in Health savings account. These plans have been effective cost saving options for individuals who want a tax advantage plus get more affordable rates than a traditional plans. Most health savings plans offer free preventative care. So, everytime one goes for a physical, mammogram, pap test, blood or cholesterol screening there is no out of pocket cost to the individual nor deductible to meet. All other services are subject to the deductible.<br /><br />When people here about meeting the deductible first before anything pays it scares them about taking a HSA. However, what they don't realize is the private insurer work with the doctors and hospitals with negotiated contracted rates so they don't pay full price for certain procedures. For example, let's say an individual walks in to see a a foot specialist and charges them $200 for the exam. The private insurer steps in and says since the member has coverage we will offer you $50 for the whole procedure. Since the specialist contracts with the insurer they agree to the allowable amount and will write off the difference. The member only pays the $50 as it applies to the deductible. Once the member's deductible is reached during the year, then the plan pays 100%.<br /><br />HSA's are major medical plans so they do protect you for hospital stays, emergency room, outpatient surgeries, urgent care and prescriptions. Usually the plans have deductibles in increments of $1000, $1500, $3000 or $5000. The higher the deductible the lower the premiums. HSA's are a great way to protect the family against catastrophic events and at the same time keep premiums low cost.<br /><br />If the member chooses, they can also open up an account with their bank and the can contribute monies into the account to pay towards their deductible for medical expenses and it becomes a tax write off at the end of the year.<br /><br />Contribution Limits for 2009<br />The individual contribution limit for 2009 is $3,000 while families can contribute as much as $5,950. These dollars can be used to pay for a variety of qualified medical expenses including doctor's office visits, prescription drug coverage, dental bills, meeting the policy deductible, co-insurance, as well as several other items. The IRS furnishes a list of qualified medical expenses at their website.Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266909079909749572.post-25568005344027999742009-07-28T09:06:00.001-07:002009-07-28T09:08:50.138-07:00Health Care reform meeting challengesAfter a week of setbacks, health care reform is still a hot topic on Capitol Hill. So far, we know a few things leading up to a vote by Congress.<br /><br />1. There are a few Democrats and Republicans who are not going along with Obama’s plan to insure the 47 million or so uninsured Americans. Rather, they are looking at cost efficient plan that will deal with specific health reforms that will help families obtain coverage but not government run health care.<br /><br />2. These Democrats who are opposed to Obama are being called “Blue dog” democrats and have aligned with a few Republicans to try to negotiate with the President in finding a more fiscally conservative plan.<br /><br /><br />3. Already, the group of six has tossed aside the idea of a government-run insurance plan that would compete with private insurers, which the president supports but Republicans said was a deal-breaker.<br />Instead, they are proposing a network of private, nonprofit cooperatives.<br />They have also dismissed the House Democratic plan to pay for the bill’s roughly $1 trillion, 10-year cost partly with an income surtax on high earners.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/28/us/politics/28baucus.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss">http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/28/us/politics/28baucus.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss</a>Seiler Insurance Brokeragehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10508443747245541662noreply@blogger.com0