http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php Copyright 2012, NCHealthbenefits.com NCHealthbenefits.com en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.8 http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080722-140109
Medicare Part A and/or B

Medicare Part C and/or D

Medicare Advantage

Medicare HMO

Premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance, or employer-sponsored retiree plan.

**Medicare Supplemental policies are not qualified medical expenses.]]> NC Health Insurance http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080722-140109 NCHealthbenefits.com Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:01:09 GMT http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080722-140109 http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080718-070927
Currently these types of plans let seniors go to any Medicare approved doctor or hospital in their area.

Without provider networks to control costs, these plans are costing Medicare alot of extra money.

However, this is good news for seniors who already own a BlueMedicare HMO(sm) or BlueMedicare PPO(sm) Medicare Advantage Plan here in North Carolina!

Both of thes plans already have their provider networks established here in North Carolina.

These plans are offered by PARTNERS National Health Plans of North Carolina, owned by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina(R).

Thes plans offer:

Low monthly premiums
No referrals required to see a specialists
Low copayments and costs
Medicare Prescription Drug coverage included

]]> NC Health Insurance http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080718-070927 NCHealthbenefits.com Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:09:27 GMT http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080718-070927 http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080715-080310
For 2009, the maximum annual HSA contribution for an eligible Individual with Self-Only coverage is $3000.

For Family coverage, the maximum annual HSA contribution is $5950.

The Catch-Up contributions for individuals who are 55 or older are increased by statute to $1000 for 2009 and all years going forward.

]]> NC Health Insurance http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080715-080310 NCHealthbenefits.com Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:03:10 GMT http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080715-080310 http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080320-081006
PPO health insurance plans usually charge higher monthly premiums than (HMO's) but offer a larger choice of physicians and medical providers.

As a consumer, before you buy a health insurance policy, you need do some research to make sure that your doctor(s) and local hospital(s) are in the PPO network.




]]> NC Health Insurance http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080320-081006 NCHealthbenefits.com Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:10:06 GMT http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=03&entry=entry080320-081006 http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080310-065913

The #1 reason for owning your own individual health insurance policy is FINANCIAL protection.

If you, your spouse or children are healthy today, buying a individual health insurance policy now before someone develops a medical condition guarantees that you and your family will have health insurance to pay for these medical conditions in the future.


This protects your financial future in the event you were to lose your job, start up your own business or want to retire early.

Sadly, we see lots of folks who call or come by our office that wants to change careers or retire early, only to find out they cannot buy an affordable individual health insurance policy due to their medical history.

If only these folks had seeked advice from a local insurance agent and purchased their own individual health insurance policy before these conditions occurred, they would have the financial freedom to start their own business or retire early.


]]> NC Health Insurance http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080310-065913 NCHealthbenefits.com Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:59:13 GMT http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=03&entry=entry080310-065913 http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080128-072327
This is a great BENEFIT for the self-employed business owner!!

As always, you need to consult your local tax-advisor for full details. ]]> General Information http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080128-072327 NCHealthbenefits.com Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:23:27 GMT http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=01&entry=entry080128-072327 http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080122-081134

As an agent, I have been selling Cancer Insurance policies for the past thirty seven years here in North Carolina. During this time, I have seen many changes in both BENEFITS and how claims are being paid to the policyholders.

Today, treating cancer is becoming both more expensive and also more frequent. Let’s face it, more and more people are being diagnosed today with various cancers than ever before. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will get cancer in their lifetime and about 77% of all cancers are diagnosed in persons 55 and older.

I highly recommend having a Cancer Insurance Policy in addition to a major medical insurance plan since most health insurance policies both individual and group have deductibles and coinsurance to pay when a claim is made. In many cases, Cancer Insurance will more than cover these charges and go beyond this to give the policyholder money to help pay other obligations (non-medical) such as their loss wages, travel, mortgage, car and utilities bills when sickness occurs.

When considering the purchase of Cancer Insurance you should always pay close attention to how the BENEFIT structure of the cancer policy works. Some examples to look for are: what limits are put on surgery, treatments (radiation & chemotherapy) and daily hospital BENEFITS. Look for plans that will pay a “lump” sum or also known as a “First Occurrence BENEFIT”. This BENEFIT will pay the policyholder upon being diagnosed with internal cancer a predetermined amount “up” front. It is very important that you purchase a plan with a high BENEFIT amount (per calendar year) for radiation and chemotherapy. It has been my experience over the years, that policyholders will collect the greatest BENEFITS under these covered treatment expenses.

Since it’s introduction to the marketplace, Cancer Insurance was designed to supplement your existing health insurance coverages. Never purchase these types of supplemental coverages without having in force a quality health insurance plan!


Cancer Insurance is not for everyone, but over the years I have seen it play an important role in policyholder’s lives to help them maintain their current way of life and receive the treatment they so desperately needed.


Ray Von McLeod
Mcleod Insurance Agency, LLC
www.nchealthbenefits.com




]]> NC Health Insurance http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080122-081134 NCHealthbenefits.com Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:11:34 GMT http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=01&entry=entry080122-081134 http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry071226-125502
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
]]> NC Health Insurance http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry071226-125502 NCHealthbenefits.com Wed, 26 Dec 2007 18:55:02 GMT http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=12&entry=entry071226-125502 http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry071226-083738
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.

]]> NC Health Insurance http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry071226-083738 NCHealthbenefits.com Wed, 26 Dec 2007 14:37:38 GMT http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=12&entry=entry071226-083738 http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry071204-153830
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

]]> NC Health Insurance http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry071204-153830 NCHealthbenefits.com Tue, 04 Dec 2007 21:38:30 GMT http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=12&entry=entry071204-153830 http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry071203-210322
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.

]]> NC Health Insurance http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry071203-210322 NCHealthbenefits.com Tue, 04 Dec 2007 03:03:22 GMT http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=12&entry=entry071203-210322 http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry071012-150406
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

]]> NC Health Insurance http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry071012-150406 NCHealthbenefits.com Fri, 12 Oct 2007 20:04:06 GMT http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=10&entry=entry071012-150406 http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070926-074007
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]]> NC Health Insurance http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070926-074007 NCHealthbenefits.com Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:40:07 GMT http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=09&entry=entry070926-074007 http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070906-090242


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







]]> NC Health Insurance http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070906-090242 NCHealthbenefits.com Thu, 06 Sep 2007 14:02:42 GMT http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=09&entry=entry070906-090242 http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070906-084502
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]]> NC Health Insurance http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070906-084502 NCHealthbenefits.com Thu, 06 Sep 2007 13:45:02 GMT http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=09&entry=entry070906-084502 http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070828-114315
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
]]> General Information http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070828-114315 NCHealthbenefits.com Tue, 28 Aug 2007 16:43:15 GMT http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=08&entry=entry070828-114315 http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070827-154202
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
]]> NC Health Insurance http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070827-154202 NCHealthbenefits.com Mon, 27 Aug 2007 20:42:02 GMT http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=08&entry=entry070827-154202 http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070825-155909
Health insurance agency in Asheboro North Carolina, McLeod Insurance Agency, LLC., recently launched their new web sites, NCHealthbenefits.com (http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/) to allow interested health insurance applicants to request quotes online or review health insurance rates.

As more people are turning to the internet to shop for affordable health insurance in North Carolina, the agency that has been helping people find insurance since 1971 can now reach out to the NC health insurance shoppers on the internet. The new web site includes a variety of features to not only help people find affordable health coverage but also educate them on health insurance.

Upon entering the web site, users can read about the top nine things to know about buying health insurance in North Carolina. This short checklist allows McLeod Insurance Agency to use there thirty six years of experience to help health insurance applicants to start their health insurance shopping with a brief crash course on what to know.

Health insurance applicants in regions of North Carolina such as Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Greenville, Hickory, Raleigh, and Fayetteville can instantly view rates via the regional quotes pages located on the home page of NCHealthbenefits.com. To get the most accurate information, McLeod Insurance Agency recommends the quote request form.

Since the web site launching at the first of July 2007, users have already started experiencing the benefits of using the online quote tool as the most convenient way of shopping for health insurance in North Carolina.

The web site will soon be home to a North Carolina health insurance blog where the experience insurance professionals of McLeod Insurance Agency will keep blog users updated on things happening with the health insurance market in North Carolina and other valuable information.

For more information visit http://www.nchealthbenefits.com.
]]> NCHealthbenefits.com News http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070825-155909 NCHealthbenefits.com Sat, 25 Aug 2007 20:59:09 GMT http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=08&entry=entry070825-155909 http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070825-155726
(We highly recommend a carrier with a “A” rating or higher.)

#2. Is health insurance carrier totally committed to the N.C. Health Insurance Market?

Find out how long they have been selling their current health insurance product in N.C.

Find out what would happen to your coverage, if the health insurance carrier decided to “stop” writing insurance in N.C. & “pull out” of our state.

#3. Will your “personal” physician & “local” hospitals accept health insurance carrier’s plans.

ALL plans penalize you for using out-of-network doctors & hospitals.

Research ALL In and out-of Network Benefits

#4. Will health insurance carrier’s health plan “limit” you to the # of visits you can use your co-payment benefit in a calendar year?

A lot of health plans offered in N.C. put certain “limits” on how many visits you can use their co-payment options.

#5. Make sure “you” the “insured” DISCLOSE all health information about yourself & other family members that are applying for coverage on the health insurance carrier’s application.

Failure to “disclose”, can cause serious problems for “you” in the future & will most likely see your health insurance carrier “deny “ your claim.

#6. Read ALL policy “Exclusions” & “Limitations” before buying a health insurance policy.

Make sure you know what ”benefits” are covered and the one’s that are “excluded” or “limited”.

#7. Research the Prescription Drug Benefit

Find out what the “maximum” benefit that is provided by carrier’s plan per calendar year.

#8. If the health insurance carrier’s “benefits” plan your looking at seems to be too expensive, look at possibly raising your “deductible” & “co-payment” options to get your “premiums” more affordable.

Most carrier’s offer considerable rate “reductions” for High Deductible health plans.

Higher Deductible health plans offer consumers more stable & consistent rates.

#9. If you need “help” or “advice” in the future, who will be there to assist you?

Purchase your coverage from a “reputable” insurance agent who has been in the insurance business for several years & knows the N.C. health insurance market!!

Buying coverage from an “Authorized” agent doesn’t cost “you” the “consumer” any additional premium than if you purchased the coverage directly from the health insurance carrier’s website!!!]]> NC Health Insurance, General Information http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070825-155726 NCHealthbenefits.com Sat, 25 Aug 2007 20:57:26 GMT http://www.nchealthbenefits.com/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=08&entry=entry070825-155726