The Affordable Care Act has created many new dynamics in the health insurance world.  This includes a new way of looking at how we purchase health insurance, and some new terminology along the way.  Many people have heard the term “Open Enrollment.”  It’s all over the nightly news, internet, and social media.  We hear it so much, but what does this term really mean? In general, open enrollment refers to the specific time period each year in which an individual or family can do the following: Make changes to their current plan Enroll and begin coverage for the first time … Continue reading

If you are reading this, then you know it’s past March 31st which means that the open enrollment window for those looking to purchase individual medical plans under the new Affordable Care Act law is officially closed.   Were you able to purchase a plan? Did you successfully maneuver through  the marketplace? Did you find something that was “affordable”? Were you able to accurately estimate your 2014 household modified adjusted gross income? How about your plan choice?  Did you pick a plan that allows you to access doctors in your area and/or the hospital systems you want? What if you … Continue reading

Let’s face it – the US is facing a paradigm shift in the age demographic of the nation.  People are continuing to enjoy longer and longer life spans.  Those who retire at age 65, could see 25-30 years of retirement!  The growing age of our citizenship combined with the emerging awareness of long term chronic illnesses such as Alzheimers/Dementia, Cancer, and Diabetes have created a new wave of concern for how we receive care and pay for care during this portion of our lives. From this, the Long Term Care insurance product was born.  First introduced in the 1970s-80s, Long … Continue reading

Now more than ever, we are seeing a renewed influx of requests for advice on long term care insurance.  What we have discovered is that many people are mislead by the concept of long term care as well as the options available to them.  The long term care insurance that our parents might have purchased (think 1970-80s when the product was first introduced) is still carrying baggage and false promises that have tampered with the way people view this product.  Whether you choose to believe it or not, the need for, and delivery of, long term care presents an emerging risk … Continue reading

If the thought of having to discuss you and your spouse’s long term care needs wasn’t scary enough – we have compiled some surprising facts that should help point you in the direction of having this discussion sooner than later!  Read below to educate yourself on some things that may help you to make this decision.  After you’re done, get your personal insurance advisor on speed dial and schedule an appointment to review your own needs. Average need for care 1040 days – (www.aaltci.com – American Association for Long Term Care Insurance) Someone turning 65 today has almost a 70% … Continue reading

Under the new health care reform law, there are big changes to what is covered on an individual medical plan.  In fact, these changes extend to all health care plans offered in the United States.  You may have already heard this term, but the phrase “Essential Health Benefits” will be common-place starting in 2014. What are the new Essential Health Benefits and what do you have to do to get them?  If you are currently purchasing individual coverage, in most cases you will see your current plan change on January 1st, 2014. Below are the 10 Essential Health Benefits that … Continue reading

The new Affordable Care Act is set to have options on the marketplace launch this week on October 1st.  Many people are confused about how “affordable” the new health care law really is.  What does this mean to the average American?  Here, we will tackle the different financial assistance options available for families under the Affordable Care Act. First, we will outline some baseline do/don’ts just to get you thinking: To qualify for assistance an individual: Must not be offered “Qualified” coverage through an employer.  (In very simple terms, this means you can’t be offered health insurance benefits through your … Continue reading

Why does it seem like everyone is calling National health care by a different name? I would like to clarify what the many different names and references to this new system are and what they actually mean. National Health Care – referencing the fact that our entire nation will conform to this new system of health care coverage.  Remember, this is will be a new way of purchasing and funding health care, more than it is a way of receiving medical care. Health Care Reform – referring to the reforming or changing of the old way of purchasing and paying … Continue reading

With so much information out there regarding national healthcare or Obamacare, it is very hard for individuals to comprehend what information is relevant to them.  We’re currently experiencing heavy incoming calls due to current clients but also the general public wanting to know what they should be worried about.  There are a few key points to be concerned about regarding how health care reform or national healthcare is going to impact you.  Let’s review two of those items right now: What does October 1st mean to you? Even though it’s the first of two noted calendar dates, it’s the second … Continue reading

You’ve made the decision to buy life insurance.  First of all, congratulations!  You’ve made a decision that will have a great impact on your life.  You’ve shown your family you love them and are dedicated to taking care of them.  But what’s next?  How do you proceed?  Making the decision is one thing, but following through is another. I believe it’s often the unknown that creates anxiety for people when making the decision in the first place.  Many people feel unsure about the paramedical exam.  Others are afraid that something will appear in their medical records.  Still others feel like … Continue reading