Author Archive
AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans Question of the Week: Policy Termination
Question: A member is recently deceased. What is needed to terminate the policy?
Answer: A member of the plan member’s family, or an authorized person, may contact AARP® Medicare Supplement Customer Service at 1-800-523-5800 weekdays 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST) to provide the date of death. Generally, we do not […]
HHS releases preventive care list updates
Two weeks ago, an independent panel recommended that FDA-approved contraceptive methods and some other services be covered 100% as a preventive care service under health care reform. The Institute of Medicine developed this recommendation at the request of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
On August 1, 2011, HHS released new guidelines outlining required preventive care services for […]
2011 Medicare Part B Premiums
2011 Part B Premium Amounts for Persons with Higher Income Levels
Most Medicare beneficiaries will continue to pay the same $96.40 or $110.50 Part B premium amount in 2011. Beneficiaries who currently have the Social Security Administration (SSA) withhold their Part B premium and have incomes of $85,000 or less ($170,000 or less for joint filers) […]
Health Savings Account Tax Forms: How to Make sense out of the HSA tax forms
As a health insurance agent living in Cincinnati, Ohio and being the proud owner of an HSA (AKA: Health Savings Account), even I was confused about the new forms that I now had to file for my personal taxes. So here is a breif tutuorial of the who, what, when , where how of health […]
Missouri High Risk Pool Information and Application - Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
The cost for the MHIP-PCIP federal pool program is a monthly premium and varies according to the age of the enrollee. Premiums can be billed and paid monthly or quarterly. Premiums can also be automatically deducted from the enrollee’s bank account. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) mandates that […]
Adult and Child Preventative Services List
Child Preventive Care (Birth to 18 years)
Preventive physical exams
Screening tests include:
Vision screening2
Hearing screening
Oral health assessment
Screening for lead exposure
Screening for anemia
Screening for tuberculosis
Pelvic exam and Pap test, including screening for cervical and ovarian cancer
Newborn screenings including sickle cell anemia
Developmental and behavioral assessments
Cholesterol and lipid level screening
Screening for depression
Screening and counseling for obesity
Behavioral counseling to promote a […]
Individual Health Insurance Policies and Maternity Coverage
When choosing a health insurance plan and also planning to have children you must take many variables into consideration. Individual health insurance policies will not include maternity coverage unless you elect to add it on as a rider to a policy. But it is also important to consider not only adding it on to a […]
Pre-existing Condition Credits on Short Term Health Insurance Plans
Unlike traditional major medical plans, short term health insurance policies do not provide pre-existing conditions credits. Simply put, pre-existing conditions are not covered.
Although short term plans can provide a good option to fill a gap in coverage, I would recommend going with a traditional major medical health insurance plan if you are eligible and can […]
Explanation of the new “annual wellness visits” that are coming to Medicare in 2011?
Starting next year, Medicare will cover an annual wellness visit, which will be similar to an annual physical, except with a higher emphasis on preventive care. The exam is similar to the Welcome to Medicare exam, except beneficiaries are able to have a free visit every year, rather than just once within the first year […]
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Plan Changes for Ohio - Post Reform
Anthem Ohio New Health Insurance Plan Highlights
Lumenos® HSA Plus
Plan Options
• Deductibles: Removed $3000 and $5000
• Coinsurance: Same
• Out of Pocket: Same
Benefit Differences• Unlimited lifetime max
• In network preventive covered at 100% not subject to deductible
• Removed $4000 durable medical equipment cap
• No maternity rider available
Premier Plus
Plan Options• Deductibles: Same
• Coinsurance: Same
• Out of Pocket: Changed […]
