One common problem we see on a on-going basis are "Association" health plans that are available to individuals and their families.
We recently had a small business owner ask us to review his current health insurance plan. After reviewing his policy, we found that the health plan that he purchased had very low lifetime maximums. In fact for surgery his plan stated that it would only pay 80% of $5,000.00!
Most of these plans promise low cost premiums and easy underwriting.
The insurance companies that are behind these type plans often form an "Association" specifically to "evade" the minimum insurance requirements required here in North Carolina and other states.
Most states require individual health plans to have a minimum of $1 to $5 million lifetime maximum benefit.
Sadly, most consumers don't read their policies and do not consult a reputable license insurance agent for advice.
It's not until the consumer suffers a "catastrophic" illness that they realize they made a very bad decision. Once someone suffers a "catastrophic" illness, finding affordable individual health insurance is simply "impossible" to find here in North Carolina!
Consumers should always check out the financial stability of the insurance company their doing business with. The North Carolina Department of Insurance is a helpful source for consumers to find out information on a particular insurance company. They can be reached at 1-800-546-5664 or online at www.ncdoi.com
[ add comment ] | permalink | related link |
( 3 / 327 )Medicare Open Enrollment begins on January 1, 2008 and runs to March 31, 2008.
During this time, you can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan or switch back to a original medicare supplement plan.
However, you can't add or change to a plan with prescription drug coverage during this time unless you already have a Medicare prescription drug coverage.
If you switch back to a original medicare supplement plan, you will have to buy a seperate prescription drug plan.
[ add comment ] | permalink | related link |
( 3 / 333 )Have you ever been declined or rated up when you applied for a health or life insurance policy?
Chances are that the information contained in your MIB Consumer File was the reason the insurance company made that underwriting decision!
The Medical Information Bureau (MIB) consists of approximately 470 member companies. They have been in business for over 105 years!
When you apply for coverage, the insurance company will base your acceptance on what is listed on the initial enrollment application you complete and they will also check with the Medical Information Bureau (MIB) to see if the information on your MIB Consumer File is consistent with what was listed on the enrollment application.
This protects the insurance company from issuing polices on consumers that are being dishonest.
Consumers have a right to question the accuracy of the information in their file and have certain rights to get this information removed or corrected.
When is the last time you reviewed your MIB Consumer File?
MIB will provide consumers with copies of their MIB Consumer File annually without charge!
To get a free copy of your file, please call 1-866-692-6901 or visit their website at www.mib.com
[ add comment ] | permalink | related link |
( 3.1 / 355 )Approximately 131 million people in the United States use Prescription Drugs.
Prescription Drugs is one of the leading factors driving health care cost higher.
Did you know that roughly 25 percent of the prescriptions written in the U.S. are NOT filled primarily because of the price of the drug?
One of the best ways to save money on Prescription Drugs is to ask for a "Generic" Drug.
You could save up to 93 percent!
Both "Brand" name and "Generic" drugs contain the same dosage, safety and strength.
"Generic" Drugs are available for about 90 percent of ALL Prescription Drugs!
When is the last time you asked your physician about switching your medication over to "generic" drugs?
So the next time you visit your local physician, ask he/she about using "generic" drugs that will immediately save you some money and help to lower your overall health care costs.
[ add comment ] | permalink | related link |
( 3.1 / 232 )More and more individuals in North Carolina are realizing just how great the BlueOptions HSA(SM) plan really is.
Most consumers who purchase the BlueOptions HSA(SM) plan are able to lower their monthly premiums than with their previous traditional health plan.
Many consumers do not realize that certain Preventive Care services are covered before they have to meet their deductible.
These include:
Annual routine physical exam
OB/GYN exam
Annual Pap Smear
Prostate Sceenings
Standard immunizations
Well-baby and well-child care
**Also, until "you" reach your deductible, "you" will still receive a "Discounted" rate when you visit a participating provider. This assures "you" that "you" will always get the "Discounted" rate and never have to worry about paying the full-price for medical services!**
For more information on HSA's and the BlueOptions HSA(SM) plan, please revisit our website links at www.nchealthbenefits.com
[ add comment ] | permalink | related link |
( 3.1 / 243 )Medicare Advantage Plans
January 1st - March 31st - Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
Medicare beneficiaries who have both Medicare Parts A and B, and who have already enrolled in an Rx plan have one OPPORTUNITY to switch to a different plan, effective on the first of the following month.
Beneficiaries are limited to the types of changes they may make during the Open Enrollment Period, and may not make changes to their Part D status.
Now more than ever, Seniors need to seek advice from "qualified" agents who know the Senior Market and can help them make the "right" choice for their health care needs!
We have been serving NC residents since 1971.
For more information, please give us a call at: 1-800-994-6671
[ add comment ] | permalink | related link |
( 2.9 / 213 )Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans
As more and more baby boomers are heading into their retirement years, they must decide what type of Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan is right for them.
Once they turn 65, they have access to Medicare health coverage as long as their enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
We receive calls weekly from Seniors that are literally “flooded” from insurance companies asking for their Medicare Supplemental Insurance business. At this point, many Seniors become very confused with all of the different options that are available to them.
That’s why is more important than ever for Seniors to rely upon experience knowledgeable insurance agents that know the North Carolina Medicare Supplemental Insurance marketplace. By placing their trust in an experience agent, will insure that they will make the right decision concerning their future health insurance needs. Seniors can rest assured that their agent will be there for them in the future to help and answer any questions or problems that may arise.
McLeod Insurance Agency, LLC has been serving North Carolina residents with their insurance needs since 1971. Over the years, we have seen lots of insurance companies come and go in this market. A lot of companies will come in with a “cheap” rate to get consumers to buy their product but after a couple of years their premiums will increase dramatically! Thus, leaving Seniors with a difficult task of having to reapply with other insurance companies to try and help lower their premiums.
For more information on Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina(R) Medicare Supplemental Plans, please visit our website at: www.NCHealthBenefits.com
Ray McLeod
Agent
[ add comment ] | permalink | related link |
( 3 / 206 )We are often asked from new and potential health insurance clients, What is a Pre-Existing Condition?
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina(R) defines a Pre-Existing Condition as those which medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was received or recommended within 12 months of the date that the BlueAdvantage or BlueOptionsHSA coverage begins.
The individual may receive credit toward the 12-month waiting period if Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina(R) receives their completed BLue Advantage(R) or BlueOptionsHSA(SM) application within 63 days of the termination of their previous health coverage.
For more information on this topic, please download a Blue Advantage(R) or BlueOptionsHSA(SM) brochure from our website: www.NCHealthBenefits.com
Todd McLeod
"Authorized" BCBSNC(R) Agent
[ add comment ] | permalink | related link |
( 3 / 204 )FACT: BENEFITS are not always important to us until we need them!
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina's(R) Blue Advantage(R) individual health insurance remains the best health insurance value for consumers in the North Carolina marketplace!
Recently, we had a client who was on vacation here in N.C. with his family when he suddenly had a kidney stone attack. The client was rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment. I believe the total cost of the emergency room visit was $3200.00. Our client paid his Blue Advantage(R) Emergency Room Co-Payment of $150.00. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina(R) paid the remaining balance of his bill at 100%.
This is just 1 of the many BENEFITS you get with Blue Advantage(R)!
Get the BENEFITS you want and deserve!
Catastrophic Illnesses are REAL!
QUALITY coverage begins with working with an experience AGENT that can help "GUIDE" you with the right protection that best meets your needs.
View all of the health plans that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina(R) offers at our website: www.nchealthbenefits.com
We have been serving North Carolina residents since 1971.
Todd McLeod
Agent
[ add comment ] | permalink | related link |
( 3 / 191 )Our agency is constantly taking calls from senior citizens all across North Carolina who is wanting to know when they can change their Medicare Prescription Drug Plan(referred to as Medicare Part D). The Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare Part D is from November 15 to December 31st of each year. During this period, everyone entitled to Medicare Benefits under Part A or enrolled in Part B is eligible to switch to another Medicare Prescription Drug Plan that is offered in the North Carolina service area on a "guaranteed" basis with no waiting periods. However, the new Benefits will not start until January 1st.
Newly eligible individuals who is now "eligible" for Medicare can purchase a prescription drug plan at that particular time of eligibility. Under limited circumstances, a person who has moved out of their plan's service area, would have an opportunity to choose another drug plan that serves his/her new area.
For more information on these type plans, pleae give us a call at 1-800-994-6671.
Todd McLeod
Agent
[ add comment ] | permalink | related link |
( 3 / 199 )Next
Calendar
