All posts by Debbie Sears

Medicare and COBRA Benefits

Health Care Reform, Health Insurance, Healthcare updates, Medicare, Part D

The National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) is a national organization that we pay a membership fee to each year. As well as our local Iowa Association of Health Underwriters (IAHU) in an effort to use this resource to best service our clients and their families.

We find these to be extremely credible resources and in a recent memo, there is an article concerning Medicare and COBRA benefits. I refer to this time of the year as “Medicare season” because Part D Medicare is viewed by not only new people to Medicare, but also existing Medicare enrollees as a time to make decisions.

Along that same timeline some folks are also trying to set their sites for their retirement future. There seems to be some discrepancies in our laws regarding COBRA and Medicare’s definition of credible coverage. Please read this. If you have questions, know you can always call me. This subject is very complex and if I were not in the business myself, my head would be spinning. We can make this make sense so that when you make your choices, you are comfortable with the decision you make. Education and information helps reduce fear of the unknown.

Health Insurance and Your Family

Health Care Reform, Health Insurance, Healthcare updates

It is always important to know what we are getting for the dollars we are spending. Whether something is a bargain or not needs to be measured by the benefits, the out of pocket liability that one is willing to assume and the network of providers that we would have available to us to name a few.

For instance, if I buy a steak dinner at a renowned restaurant featuring a signature dish as compared to a franchise steakhouse with a coupon, my quality is apt to be different. Please beware and know apples for apples what you are looking at. We usually get what we pay for. Please read this article.

Medicare, Part D

Health Care Reform, Health Insurance, Healthcare updates, Medicare, Part D

The 4th quarter of each year brings everyone nationwide together regarding the conversation of Medicare, particularly Part D, your prescription drug coverage. As a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters, as well as the Iowa Association of Health Underwriters, we have some easy to read, easy to comprehend fact sheets for your reference.

I’d like to show you something that you can get something out of right now as it applies to your needs. Whether you are looking for yourself or for a loved one, here is the scoop on what happens when you’re turning 65 and the conversation of Medicare is on your table.

Please give me a call if you have any questions on any of the four parts of Medicare and we will try to suit your needs and your budget as you cross the threshold of a new venture into the Medicare world.

Open Enrollment Period For ACA

Health Care Reform, Health Insurance, Healthcare updates

The open enrollment period for ACA (Affordable Care Act) compliant plans was scheduled to be October 1, 2013 for plan effective dates of January 1, 2014. All compliant plans have been developed. The research and marketing has been done. The agent training is taking place throughout the nation; however, as of today, we do not have any rates to present.

As things continue to unfold and change, please know that I will be forwarding information to everyone through my blogs and newsletters as it becomes available to me. My sources of information are from Wellmark Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Iowa, National Association of Health Underwriters, Iowa Association of Health Underwriters, The Kaiser Foundation and the State of Iowa, to name a few.

So, my advice to you at this point is be aware, read the information provided and do not panic. If you have questions now, or going forward, please know that you can call me and I will advise you accordingly. Thank you for the professional confidence you put in me and Sears Insurance.

Live, Laugh and Love – Be HAPPY!

Blue Zones

A healthy lifestyle is the result of quality nutrition, regular mental and physical exercise and prudent supplementation”… Nature requires a balance of mind, body and spirit to maintain optimal health.

The health insurance industry is experiencing a lot of attention with the Affordable Healthcare Act, the new innovations in medicine, the transparency of our medical records, new compliance issues, pharmaceutical use, more taxation, etc. Never does it address getting, being and staying healthy. We have more control over our health than we actually realize. It is very easy to get into our routine or the rut of our daily duties regardless of some essential elements. This could be getting to work, getting kids to school and activities, after work and school schedules, etc.
and then at days end, we are in bed and tomorrow we do it all over again.

If we would take a look at the amount of rest that is recommended for us as it compares to what we allow for ourselves we would be surprised. Do we start our day with caffeine? Do we eat a light healthy breakfast or grab a pastry or fast food item? Do we drink enough water? Do we consume high fructose drinks and foods? What is in the foods that we eat – have you read the label? Portion size?? Do we exercise with regularity?

It has been proven that outside of genetics, we can improve on our well-being. If we start with the inner self – are we happy? Are we spiritually grounded? Do we laugh? What do we do for others in a day’s time? These are all things that are free but we need to make a conscious effort to think about the end results of our actions. In fact, some of the longest living people on the earth are financially poor, but they are rich in spirit. They are thankful, they walk, they drink lots of water and they “do unto others.”

I see reform, I see rates, I hear people struggling with the balance of work and home – many working to provide the health care insurance for the family regardless of what they feel good about. But seldom do I hear one with a “plan for themselves and family” that addresses healthy habits.

There is a recent worthwhile article from NBC Nightly News titled: Americans live longer, but are sicker than those in other countries. It states, “Our biggest enemies are our own bad habits – poor diet, smoking and obesity.” These are things that we can change. I realize that changing habits comes with a great desire and a plan. Old habits die slow, but I think if we do a self-evaluation and make diligent, small steps towards healthier decisions, sometimes those lead to greater outcomes than we may expect. In Wellmark’s Blue Spring 2013 edition, there is an article, How to Really Change, that I think is worth a read. As we constantly are reminded of our medical insurance premium costs and the health benefits that we may have within our health plan, we may be able to save our health and a few dollars along the way. If you want to take the time to visit www.wellmark.com you will find many resources that are free and very helpful.

A couple of books that I find very enriching are The Blue Zones and Thrive by Dan Buettner.  He talks about several places in the world where people live a very long life, how that has been accomplished and their happiness. Wellmark has adopted the ideas from Buettner and you will also find those on Wellmark’s site. Please do not overlook the Power of 9, which is also a part of the Blue Zones concept.

Another long-time favorite of mine is Dr. Andrew Weil.  He advocates holistic methods to help you maintain your quality of health and age gracefully.  He quotes, “A healthy lifestyle is the result of quality nutrition (in particular, an anti-inflammatory diet), regular mental and physical exercise and prudent supplementation. Simple steps in these areas can help to promote the health of the whole body and/or its constituent parts, and decrease the risk of many major diseases.” He and his contributions to health and wellness have been recognized by CNN, Newsweek and The Huffington Post to name a few.  He can be found at www.Dr.Weil.com.

“Life is good… Live Well, Laugh Often and Love Much…Dance Like There is Nobody Watching!”

Your insurance needs reviewed often – call us for a free consultation

There are changes ahead for the individual mandate

Health Care Reform, Healthcare updates

There are changes ahead for the individual mandate.

Changes in your premium as well as services that Wellmark is offering to you and your family, free of charge. There are five ways that healthcare reform may affect you, beginning in 2014 (see previous blog post), but as a good reminder, as well as the key provisions. I encourage you to invest some time now to be prepared the best you can for these coming changes.

At this point, there have been some delays on the federal level, but rest assured, Wellmark and Sears Insurance are ready for our next step when that time comes. All of the plan designs have been created and approved to be compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), however, we are not able to price these products until further notice from the federal level.

Take a look at the plans. I will be happy to review them with you. There is a broad range of benefits for you to choose from. We will find the plan that best suits your needs, well in advance of you having to make decisions. Presently, don’t panic, hold your position, and stay connected to Sears Insurance for further information.

Wellmark Updates Drug List

Health Care Reform, Health Insurance, Healthcare updates, RX drug

I should start this by saying, “Caution!”, “Heads up!”

There are brand named medications that have been moved to the highest tier on the Wellmark drug list. This will increase how much you will pay when you fill a prescription for this medication. In some cases, the drug may no longer be covered and you will be responsible for 100% of the cost. Please review your drug list and call me if I can help you. Call your doctor to coordinate doctor’s orders with your pharmacist to be sure to maximize your benefits.

This began July 1, 2013. If your doctor feels that your health can be managed with a drug that may fall into Tier 1 or Tier 2, you would want to know what the difference in savings may look like before you incur any unnecessary cost.

Wellmark GoMobile!

Health Insurance

Wellmark has made it easier and faster to get your health information when you need it the most with their GoMobile app.

Whether you’re at home, at work or in the doctor’s office, vacation with kids, whatever your needs may be. You can access anything you need pertaining to your health and dental benefits. This could be good for you to check the claim status, coverage details, your flex spending amounts. You can view and email your id card to any provider. You can locate doctors, dentists and facilities within your plan network and you’ve always got a nurse 24/7 or your doctor’s office with a touch of the screen.

Please check this out, I highly encourage you to download this. It’s like carrying a band aid; you never know when you’ll need it, but it sure feels good when you do.

HR360

Uncategorized

I have the privilege of sharing the benefits of an online HR department with any and all of my clients, whether they are individuals or groups. On this HR360 website, we have employee benefits, health care reform, human resources, tips on recruitment and hiring, discipline and termination, state laws, forums and policies, hr apps and tools, a resource center and a safety/wellness center. It is my pleasure to be able to share this as needed. The way this works, is that you contact me, we discuss what your concerns are and I can access the site, free of charge to you, and forward to you information that you can use right now in your business or personal life.

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