If you are currently covered by an individual Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance policy (vs. one you get through your employer) we have some critical information for you. Anthem policyholders either already have received or will receive soon a letter from Anthem explaining the options for complying with the new health care law — the Affordable Care Act (also known as “Obamacare”). Here is a summary: If you have
Browsing the Health Insurance Exchange
Since Open Enrollment for health insurance began this past Tuesday, all major news outlets have been reporting on the glitches and capacity overload that have prevented users from getting into the sites (see yesterday’s health care news). When things do settle down and you are actually able to get in, what will you find? If the consumer experience is anything like what brokers went through to register with the exchanges
Enrolling in Health Insurance Under Obamacare
October 1 is here, and the exchanges have officially opened. As we expected, the opening of the exchanges came with technical glitches and system delays. Both the Virginia and Maryland exchanges, like many across the country, had crashed by 9:00 am. But, things will settle down, and you will be able to purchase health insurance for next year. Remember, you have until December 15, 2013 to enroll in a plan
Health Insurance Premiums Under Affordable Care Act
How will health insurance premiums be calculated in 2014, under Affordable Care Act (ACA)? A policy’s premium is the monthly fee paid to the insurance carrier for health insurance coverage. In pre-ACA policies, insurance carriers can charge differing premiums based upon many factors including, most notably, a person’s age and current health status. Today, the premium paid by someone with a medical condition is typically much higher than that of
October 1 — What to Expect
We have been writing for several months urging you to be ready to act on October 1 — the date Open Enrollment begins for health insurance plans effective in 2014. Everywhere you turn, you’re probably hearing that date in conjunction with Obamacare — the Affordable Care Act. Well, guess what? Have you ever stood in line at a popular store on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving)? Ever lined up
Beware of Health Insurance Scams
Obamacare — the Affordable Care Act (ACA) — is here. In less than 30 days the health insurance marketplaces will be open for business, and Americans will begin shopping for health insurance — some for the very first time. But do people really understand what the Affordable Care Act is all about? A recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that, for half of the respondents, the answer is
Preventive Health Care Benefits Under Affordable Care Act (ACA)
We’ve all heard this expression: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The authors of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are counting on that! The law requires all marketplace and non-grandfathered health insurance plans to provide coverage for certain preventive care services at no cost to the insured. When we say at no cost, that means the services must be provided without charging coinsurance or a copayment,
Understanding Health Insurance Plans – before and after Affordable Care Act
What are the differences between grandfathered plans, non-grandfathered plans, and new plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)? Here is a helpful chart with some of the key points. Grandfathered Plans (purchased before 3/23/2010 and still active) Non-Grandfathered Plans (purchased 3/23/2010 or later and active prior to 1/1/14) New Plans Effective in 2014 Annual Coverage Limits Annual dollar limits on coverage are ok Not allowed Not allowed Lifetime Coverage Limits
What Types of Health Insurance are Out There?
How will you make the best choice for your health insurance? By understanding your options! Here is a high-level review of the different types of health insurance plans. The right fit is different for each individual. So please give our office a call to discuss which type of plan may be best for you! Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs) Coverage is limited to a certain list
7 Easy Steps to Prepare for Health Insurance Open Enrollment
October 1, 2013 marks the start of the Open Enrollment period for health insurance. From October 1 – March 31, 2014, Americans will be able to purchase health insurance with an effective date as early as January 1, 2014. And remember, everyone MUST have health insurance by the first of the year! Are you ready? Here are 7 easy steps you can follow: 1 Understand your options. You will be