2013 is history, and its time to dig in for a new year!
Happy New Year 2014 to everyone. Joy and Peace and Success and Health to all!
We are a locally owned,community based agency. We know our business, and are advocates for you, our customers. We enjoy what we do, and we hope it shows. We'll talk about sports, local events, and other items of general interest as well.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Merry Christmas 2013!!!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas with family, friends, good food and good times. And find someone else to share the season with...
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Weather related assistance from Aetna Health
If you are not with Aetna, check your provider. Others seem to be making similiar arrangements...

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Aetna
helps members affected by Winter Storm Cleon
Due to
Winter Storm Cleon, many residents in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky and
Tennessee were forced to leave their homes. In response, Aetna has put in
place policy modifications in affected counties related to pharmacy services
and has extended our deadlines for grievances and appeals to assist our
members during this time.We have been monitoring the impact of this storm on health care providers carefully. It is important to remember that our members can seek urgent or emergent care anywhere, as needed. We will make further modifications to our policies as necessary to ensure members have access to care. We will also adjust our policies to comply with any additional local, state or federal disaster executive orders or regulations issued related to this natural disaster. Pharmacy When the disaster began to threaten, we modified policies to meet the prescription drug needs of our members in the affected areas:
We are also offering additional assistance to help plan sponsors and members. We've extended deadlines for affected members to submit level I and level II appeals. Appeals for members affected by the severe weather that would have been due December 5 now have until January 3, 2014 to be submitted. Commercial members should contact Aetna if they believe their ability to appeal a situation has been impacted by these local conditions. Additionally, in accordance with CMS regulations, Medicare members in the affected areas are able to utilize any provider and facility during this disaster. We are also waiving the requirements for authorization and pre-notification for the time period December 5 through January 3, 2014 for the affected areas as well. Monitoring the situation We will continue to monitor the situation carefully, so that we are prepared to move quickly to provide other assistance as needed. If further liberalizations are required an additional field communication will be sent out with updated information. |
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Aetna is
the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the
Aetna group of subsidiary companies, including Aetna Life Insurance Company
and its affiliates (Aetna). If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please click on the following link: Unsubscribe Aetna Foster Plaza, Building #8 730 Holiday Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15220 |
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Friday, December 6, 2013
Some helpful information from our friends at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
Assistance
Available for Members Impacted by Severe Winter Weather in Texas
During a natural disaster, you never know where you may end
up. We at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) understand that a number
of our members living, working or traveling in and around Texas may be impacted
and/or displaced as a result of severe winter weather.
BCBSTX is prepared to assist these members by:Explaining the options for accessing care
- Helping
to locate a network provider, hospital or dialysis center
- Assisting
with early refills of prescription medications
- Working
to ensure transition of care or continuity of care needs are met
- Accessing
member identification information
- For
an emergency situation, members should go directly to the nearest
hospital.
- For
non-emergency care needs, members can call the customer service number on
the back of their member ID card to locate a network provider.
- When
arriving at the participating doctor's office or hospital, the member will
need to present his/her BCBSTX ID card.
- If
a member does not have his/her member ID card, needs help finding care or
has coverage questions, our customer service representatives will provide
assistance.
- Members
can also log in to Blue Access for MembersSM on
the BCBSTX website or access our mobile site to search for a doctor, access their ID card and
more.
- BlueCard®
participants (indicated by a suitcase on the member ID card) can call the
National BlueCard access number to be routed to the appropriate customer
service center.
Important
Blue Cross Phone Numbers
BCBSTX
Customer Service for all group plan members: 800-521-2227- BCBSTX
Customer Service for individual/family policyholders: 888-697-0683
- BCBSTX
Customer Service for Medicare Supplement policyholders: 800-654-9390
- Federal
Employee Information: 800-442-4607
- National
BlueCard access: 800-810-BLUE
(2583)
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving to one and all, 2013
To our good friends near and far. The next few days,
starting tonight or tomorrow, will refresh us and help us to remember our
blessings. There are many stories of the first Thanksgiving, some of which may
be slightly modified, but the point is, we are a rich, abundant nation, with a
grateful disposition. So, we celebrate and give thanks for what we have, who we
are, what we believe, and our friends and neighbors, even strangers. Why?
Because we want to. Its our nature. Its not a party, its a response.
America is an idea, not a place. That's why it has lasted so
long and been so influential. We are as concerned about Truth, individualism,
our fellow man (including those beyond our borders) as we are about our own
survival and growth. Our faith heritage has guided our behavior and values, and
we continue to exercise that over 200 years later, in its various forms and
traditions. Our differences are our strength, not a weakness. It is through the
multitude of woven fabric of our society that we are able to be as great as we
are. And humble. Its why the world looks to us in trouble, even these days. And
its why some risk life and limb to get here, for a better tomorrow, for the
benefit of their kin, some of whom aren't even born yet.

Happy Thanksgiving America! Our best days are yet to come! Share
what we have in common, and rejoice in our differences, because it all works
together.
Friday, November 22, 2013
JFK assasinated today, 50 years ago
But did you know that another significant figure also died that same day, November 22 1963? Clive Staples Lewis, more commonly referred to as C.S. Lewis. His writings, both fiction and non-fiction, and all faith based, have been circulating for many years, although the re-introduction of the Narnia series, and the accompanying film, probably got him more attention than in the past. Obviously, his death, from renal failure, was passed over for more significant events that day, but his legacy lives on and has perhaps reached an audience that might not have been expected.
I would be remiss if not to mention JFK on this memorial day. I remember it too well, even though only 6 years old at the time, in first grade. It was a dark day, and the swirl of events and theories abounds. Having visited there with my daughter last summer, it is still eerie.
The discussion around the character, flaws, tendencies, and strengths of John F Kennedy is endless, as are the theories about his untimely passing. If you have ever visited the gravesite and seen the eternal flame burning, you know his life meant something, His presidency was only 34 months, but some of his quotes are also eternal.
I would be remiss if not to mention JFK on this memorial day. I remember it too well, even though only 6 years old at the time, in first grade. It was a dark day, and the swirl of events and theories abounds. Having visited there with my daughter last summer, it is still eerie.
The discussion around the character, flaws, tendencies, and strengths of John F Kennedy is endless, as are the theories about his untimely passing. If you have ever visited the gravesite and seen the eternal flame burning, you know his life meant something, His presidency was only 34 months, but some of his quotes are also eternal.
- "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."
- And the lesser known "My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."
Please help My Brothers Keeper's Thanksgiving drive
My Brothers Keeper is trying to finish well in their food drive for Thanksgiving. Please do what you can. See the appeal here.
You can donate via Paypal on their website if you like. It's a great cause, local to our area, and helps our community to take care of its own.
http://bit.ly/1cIjxJO
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
You can donate via Paypal on their website if you like. It's a great cause, local to our area, and helps our community to take care of its own.
http://bit.ly/1cIjxJO
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Monday, November 4, 2013
Thank you very much for voting for Renae Nelson and My Brothers Keeper
Thank
you for supporting Renae Nelson and My Brothers Keeper!
The votes are
in, and though Renae Nelson didn’t win an additional donation from Safeco
Insurance in the “Vote for Your Favorite Safeco Insurance®
Community Hero” event, we want to thank you for your support.
More
importantly, however, we would like to congratulate Renae again for being
selected for a Safeco Community Hero Award. With only 16 honors given
nationwide, the award confirms something we already know: Renae is a winner for
the work she does for My Brothers Keeper. We at Bob Ruzicka Insurance Agency are incredibly proud to have nominated
her.
The biggest
winner of all, of course, is the community, as My Brothers Keeper will use the
$5,000 Community Hero donation from Safeco Insurance to continue their work
improving the lives of others. And if you’d like to learn how to volunteer or
support My Brothers Keeper, please visit them at www.mybkoutreach.org
Check out
what voters had to say about Renae and My Brothers Keeper by clicking on the
Safeco Community Hero ad on the home page of www.Safeco.com, clicking on the Community Hero tab
on the Safeco Insurance Facebook or going directly to the voting site:
http://www.safeco.com/about-safeco/community/community-hero-vote.
And be sure
to check out the stories of the other Community Heroes, too. We hope you’re as
inspired by their work as we are!
Thank you
again so much for your efforts to recognize Renae. Have a great day!
Friday, November 1, 2013
Safeco and BRIA helping Renae Nelson and My Brothers Keeper
We have been promoting My Brothers Keeper, and the founder, Renae Nelson, for a few weeks now. She was selected as a Safeco Community Hero last month, and was entered along with 15 others in a nationwide contest to win additional funding for her ministry. She is a friend and fellow church member of ours, and a fine, dedicated, hardworking member of the Houston/Sugar Land Community. Her efforts reach into Harris and Fort Bend Counties, helping the poor, homeless, jobless, and broken families to get a hand up and hear a Good Word. Please help us boost her to the top by voting for her in the contest, which ends at 12 Noon Monday 11/4/2013. You can vote every day and share, tweet, forward and promote as much as you like. Links are below. Thank you so much!
at the Safeco website, look for the link on the home page - www.safeco.com
on Facebook, look for the button - www.facebook.com/safecoinsurance
Have a great weekend!!!
at the Safeco website, look for the link on the home page - www.safeco.com
on Facebook, look for the button - www.facebook.com/safecoinsurance
Have a great weekend!!!
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Happy Halloween!!!
No matter how you celebrate this, Halloween is a good day to have some fun, especially if you have kids, or can tag along with some. Parties, food, candy, costumes, and cute kids are plenty of reason to have a good time with friends and neighbors. Be careful, and Enjoy the evening fun!
Monday, October 21, 2013
BRIA is now open 24/7 for your convenience!
We are awake when you are!!!
Evenings, weekends,
holidays
You will be speaking directly to a licensed, trained, after hours carrier policy service representative, who will help you just as if you are talking to us. We will be notified of the call and be able to help you out as well, when needed. Everything else is the same, but with the added convenience of being on your time schedule!
***please note - for individual customer policies only, with the specified carriers above. Other individual lines and all commercial customers, please continue to call our office anytime. We pride ourselves in quick response and easy access.***
Evenings, weekends,
holidays
Effective immediately, BRIA is open when you
need us. Bought a car on Saturday? Question about your bill that just came in
the mail? Need an ID card to take to the Tax Office tomorrow?
You can call us anytime to get the help you need. During the day, continue to call our office at 281-565-7550.
After 5pm, weekends, holidays, call our dedicated hotline for the carriers listed below --
You can call us anytime to get the help you need. During the day, continue to call our office at 281-565-7550.
After 5pm, weekends, holidays, call our dedicated hotline for the carriers listed below --
- Safeco Insurance 1-888-481-6876
- Progressive Insurance
-1-877-776-2436
Services Provided
- Policy changes and endorsements
- Billing and accounting
assistance
- General policy inquiries
- Claims reporting and inquiries
- Issuance of certificate of
insurance/ID card
You will be speaking directly to a licensed, trained, after hours carrier policy service representative, who will help you just as if you are talking to us. We will be notified of the call and be able to help you out as well, when needed. Everything else is the same, but with the added convenience of being on your time schedule!
***please note - for individual customer policies only, with the specified carriers above. Other individual lines and all commercial customers, please continue to call our office anytime. We pride ourselves in quick response and easy access.***
Monday, October 14, 2013
Safeco and Bob Ruzicka Insurance recognize My Brothers Keeper
Safeco
Insurance® Community Hero Award
Your
vote for our Community Hero could mean $10,000 for My Brothers Keeper Outreach Center
from Safeco Insurance!
Just one click from you could help My Brothers Keeper Outreach Center win
up to $10,000 from Safeco Insurance. That’s right — just one click.
You see, Renae Nelson has earned a Safeco Community Hero Award and a
$5,000 donation for My Brothers Keeper Outreach Center. But with your votes in
the “Vote for your favorite Safeco Community Hero” online contest, we can help Renae
Nelson win an additional $5,000 or even $10,000 for My Brothers Keeper Outreach
Center.
At Bob Ruzicka Insurance Agency, we believe strongly in supporting our
community — and dedicated citizens such as Renae Nelson of My Brothers Keeper
Outreach Center help make Sugar Land a better place for all of us. And we’re
particularly proud that our own Bob Ruzicka nominated Renae Nelson for the
award, one of just 16 given across the country this fall.
So let’s help My Brothers Keeper Outreach Center do even more! Please
visit the voting site by clicking on the Safeco Community Hero ad on the home
page of www.Safeco.com or click
on the Community Hero tab on the Safeco Insurance Facebook. If
you’re 13 or older, you can vote once every 24 hours until 10 a.m. PST Nov. 4. Just
one small click each day can make a big difference.
Of course, all of the Community Hero Award winners deserve to be
celebrated, so when you visit the voting site, take a little time to read about
the great work they do. We hope you’ll come away inspired to make a difference.
You can start by getting involved with My Brothers Keeper Outreach Center. Just
go to www.mybkoutreach.org to find
out how.
And remember, get those votes in before Nov. 4! Together, we can win for
Renae Nelson, My Brothers Keeper Outreach Center and our community.
Sponsored by Bob Ruzicka Insurance
Agency
12808 W Airport Blvd, Suite 327
Sugar Land, TX 77478
281-565-7550
www.brinsure.com
Friday, October 4, 2013
Are you confused about healthcare reform???
So am I. So are the carriers. So are the people who are running it!
Here is some information that might be useful to you -
Here is some information that might be useful to you -
- Since new individual plans will be guaranteed issue, they will cover more items and more people. So it will cost more.
- If you have a health insurance plan now, and it is grandfathered, you will be able to keep that plan. Individual or group. A grandfathered plan is one that was in place BEFORE 3/23/2010. That is the date the PPACA went into force. It is not known at this time how long you will be able to keep it, but at least until the renewal in 2014. Call your carrier, or HR or plan administrator at work.
- You can go to healthcare.gov to find the marketplace for your state. (In Texas, we are using the Federal plan) There, you can explore the plans available, and find out if you qualify for assistance on the premium.
- You can also go to the carrier websites to view their plans, both for assistance, and if you don't qualify for assistance. As of January 1 2014, ALL plans must be QHP - qualified health plans - even if you don't get assistance.
- keep an eye here, or watch our facebook and twitter feeds
- facebook.com/briatexas
- brinsure on twitter.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
September 12, 2013
Good Morning! If yesterday was Never Forget, then today has to be Always Remember.
On Sept 11, we were attacked. On Sept 12, we responded. With typical American fortitude and determination. Things are looking pretty messed up right now, but we are not helpless. We are in fact ordained for truth justice and spirit. God help us that we can respond in the appropriate way. Make it a good day, folks..
On Sept 11, we were attacked. On Sept 12, we responded. With typical American fortitude and determination. Things are looking pretty messed up right now, but we are not helpless. We are in fact ordained for truth justice and spirit. God help us that we can respond in the appropriate way. Make it a good day, folks..
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Football is almost here!
NFL training camps open on Friday! Colleges are right behind. Who's your team? How are they gonna do? It's the beginning of football season. Get your Game Face on!!!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Keep your family safe from dogs... even yours
Here is some great information to help you protect your family from dog injuries. The family dog is the culprit 30% of the time, and a neighbor dog 80%. Find some help here to keep everybody happy. Including the dog!
Click here for the article.
Click here for the article.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Independence Day 2013
Happy
Independence Day everyone! Our office is closed for the long holiday weekend. We will reopen on Monday July 8 at 8:30 am. If you have an emergency, call the office number, or email us through the website.
What a great country we live in, no matter our challenges. There are still people who come here looking for a brighter future. The Founding Fathers set it up that way, and it is our job to keep it for those who risk life and limb to get here. Fireworks for everybody!!!
Click here to read the Declaration of Independence.
What a great country we live in, no matter our challenges. There are still people who come here looking for a brighter future. The Founding Fathers set it up that way, and it is our job to keep it for those who risk life and limb to get here. Fireworks for everybody!!!
Click here to read the Declaration of Independence.
Obama Administration delays employer mandate
Late Tuesday the Obama Administration announced it is delaying the implementation of the employer mandate feature of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). We are still digesting what all this means, and there are evidently other changes coming as part of this decision. HOwever, this means that enforcement and penalties for non-compliance will not come about until 2015. This gives businesses more time to figure out what the impact will be on their activities, and how to fulfill the requirements of the law.
Here is a link to what we know so far -- click here.
We will continue to monitor this news and let you know more soon.
Have a Happy Independence Day!
Here is a link to what we know so far -- click here.
We will continue to monitor this news and let you know more soon.
Have a Happy Independence Day!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Congratulations to the Class of 2013!!!
As far as I can tell, graduation season is pretty much over now. Seems like ours was the last one of the bunch. Congratulations, blessings, and all the best to our newly graduated Class of 2013. 13oss. And yes, a special shout out to my wonderful daughter, Melanie Ruzicka! Very proud of you!!!
Friday, May 31, 2013
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes
Our thoughts and prayers go out to our neighbors at the Houston Fire Department in the tragic loss of 4 of their own.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Its Memorial Day Weekend...
Happy Memorial Day, everyone. A member of our church passed away earlier this week. He was a fine man, missionary, good friend, strong Christian, and friendly guy. He was also a military veteran. Didn't know that until I heard that his funeral was yesterday at the Houston National Cemetery. He served his country well. He went on about his life. He was honored as a last act of gratitude by his fellow servicemen and citizens with a funeral of full military honors. This happens every day at this and other National Cemeteries around the country. He did not die during his military service but it reminds me of many of those who did, some in just the past days. Lets take some time this weekend to remember those who gave a sacrifice that can only be given once, and honor them in our hearts.
Have a great Memorial Day!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Info for recovery and response to Oklahoma and Texas storms
If you are affected by the recent tornados in the Granbury, Texas, or Moore, Oklahoma areas, here is some information that may be useful.
If you are not affected by the storm, you can still help. Prayer for the injured, those who have lost a loved one, and for the rescue and service workers is the best thing. Here are some suggestions for financial support if you feel led to -
- Make necessary emergency repairs to prevent further damage to your property if you can do so safely. Save receipts to submit to the adjuster.
- Call your carrier or agent office to report the claim. The system will be busy, but carriers are gearing up for the expected influx of activity.
- If professional services are needed for window board ups or roof protection, get a referral from your carrier or agent office. This work is usually guaranteed, and may become a part of the claim.
- Wait for the go-ahead from the adjuster before beginning permanent repairs. This will avoid coverage complications. However, its certainly ok to begin looking for contractors. You will want a local, licensed, bonded contractor whom you can check references on.
- Take pictures of auto and home damage in case it is needed for future reference.
- Know that the community around you is gathering for support and service.
If you are not affected by the storm, you can still help. Prayer for the injured, those who have lost a loved one, and for the rescue and service workers is the best thing. Here are some suggestions for financial support if you feel led to -
- Mercury One http://mercuryone.fundly.com/2013-midwest-tornado-relief 100% of all contributions go directly to relief. All administrative costs are funded from elsewhere
- Mercy Chefs, emergency food services. www.mercychefs.com http://bit.ly/YWGQvn
- American Red Cross redcross.org
- Or the organization of your choice.
To Our Neighbors in Oklahoma
Our thoughts and prayers are with our neighbors in Oklahoma. Such destruction cannot be easy to deal with. Let us know how we can help. This is how we show who we are...
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Friday, May 10, 2013
How Will Healthcare Reform Affect Group Health Insurance???
This post is to provide you with some information and strategies regarding the impending implementation of health care reform, formally known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2009. This post specifically relates to group health insurance. Individual health insurance information will be posted in the near future.
As you are aware, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is scheduled to go into effect in 2014 and 2015. You might not be aware that there are certain strategies available to you, if desired, to mitigate or avoid the expected crush of changes and cost differences. I would like to summarize some basic information for you here, and let you know your options currently.
First a quick explanation of how health insurance is rated (priced). Currently, it is based on a system that includes factors relevant to your particular group. This is called group rating. In other words, the specific characteristics of your group - industry, zip code, size, age, gender, health conditions, etc ., are used to determine the rates. Starting in January of 2014, rating mechanisms will change to a community rating system that only includes a very few variables - self only or family enrollment, geographic area, age, and tobacco use. Other factors traditionally used, such as health status and gender, are no longer allowed.
Community rating will generally favor younger, healthier groups for lower rates, and will be more expensive for older, unhealthy groups. This may negatively or positively affect the rate for your group.
Community rating spreads the rating over the whole community, not just your group. This is the way the law was written, and the carriers must comply with this method.
Because of this, and generally speaking, a younger, healthier group may want to protect its rates for as long as possible. This can be done by requesting an interim term, early renewal for the current plan. This would renew your plan in late 2013, ( September 1 through December 1), for another full 12 months. Any plan issued in 2013 is done on the old system, which means you would keep the old rating system and avoid an expected negative rate impact.
It is expected that there will be a considerable amount of confusion and commotion in the first and second quarter of 2014 as the reality of these new plans and PPACA comes into being. You should consider that unless you would benefit from lower rates from the new PPACA, you should renew again this year, so that when your 2014 renewal comes around in late 2014, the "kinks" will have been worked out. Different carriers will offer this option with different possibilities.
It is also expected that a huge number of groups will be pursuing this early renewal option. Therefore, the fourth quarter of this year will have heavy volume. It will likely set records for activity and movement. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO MAKE A DECISION. Some carriers will force you to notify them ahead of time; you should make yourself aware of these requirements.
It is important to note that an early renewal in late 2013 WILL be re-rated in the traditional manner, for changes in health conditions, census, etc, just as was done earlier in the year. It will NOT be a simple extension of the current year plan. However, if you think community rating will be a detriment to your group, taking this early renewal for 12 more months will push that back. Then we will review the situation in another year based on conditions then.
The information in this post is of a GENERAL nature only, and does not specifically address your group. If you are interested, we will examine your group individually. Also, I should point out that there are different rules for different groups. 2-50 member groups have a set of rules. The rules for 51-100 and 100+ groups are different. So, be careful as you talk to your peers in other companies about this. They may be subject to different rules and conditions if they have a larger group category.
Certain calculators will be available to help determine the impact of new rating. However, these calculators are not guarantees, and conditions and regulations may change in the interim, affecting the actual results. Carriers will not guarantee the calculator results provided by them or an agent. Results for the actual renewal may be different. This uncertainty needs to be considered by the employer when determining whether to change the renewal date.
You should discuss the implications of this health care reform activity and compliance with your employee benefit advisor, and/or legal counsel, as well as your agent.
Bob Ruzicka Insurance Agency is committed to your success. We will be proactive to try to help if you so desire. Please let me know if you have any questions, and if you are interested in pursuing this strategy.
As you are aware, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is scheduled to go into effect in 2014 and 2015. You might not be aware that there are certain strategies available to you, if desired, to mitigate or avoid the expected crush of changes and cost differences. I would like to summarize some basic information for you here, and let you know your options currently.
First a quick explanation of how health insurance is rated (priced). Currently, it is based on a system that includes factors relevant to your particular group. This is called group rating. In other words, the specific characteristics of your group - industry, zip code, size, age, gender, health conditions, etc ., are used to determine the rates. Starting in January of 2014, rating mechanisms will change to a community rating system that only includes a very few variables - self only or family enrollment, geographic area, age, and tobacco use. Other factors traditionally used, such as health status and gender, are no longer allowed.
Community rating will generally favor younger, healthier groups for lower rates, and will be more expensive for older, unhealthy groups. This may negatively or positively affect the rate for your group.
Community rating spreads the rating over the whole community, not just your group. This is the way the law was written, and the carriers must comply with this method.
Because of this, and generally speaking, a younger, healthier group may want to protect its rates for as long as possible. This can be done by requesting an interim term, early renewal for the current plan. This would renew your plan in late 2013, ( September 1 through December 1), for another full 12 months. Any plan issued in 2013 is done on the old system, which means you would keep the old rating system and avoid an expected negative rate impact.
It is expected that there will be a considerable amount of confusion and commotion in the first and second quarter of 2014 as the reality of these new plans and PPACA comes into being. You should consider that unless you would benefit from lower rates from the new PPACA, you should renew again this year, so that when your 2014 renewal comes around in late 2014, the "kinks" will have been worked out. Different carriers will offer this option with different possibilities.
It is also expected that a huge number of groups will be pursuing this early renewal option. Therefore, the fourth quarter of this year will have heavy volume. It will likely set records for activity and movement. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO MAKE A DECISION. Some carriers will force you to notify them ahead of time; you should make yourself aware of these requirements.
It is important to note that an early renewal in late 2013 WILL be re-rated in the traditional manner, for changes in health conditions, census, etc, just as was done earlier in the year. It will NOT be a simple extension of the current year plan. However, if you think community rating will be a detriment to your group, taking this early renewal for 12 more months will push that back. Then we will review the situation in another year based on conditions then.
The information in this post is of a GENERAL nature only, and does not specifically address your group. If you are interested, we will examine your group individually. Also, I should point out that there are different rules for different groups. 2-50 member groups have a set of rules. The rules for 51-100 and 100+ groups are different. So, be careful as you talk to your peers in other companies about this. They may be subject to different rules and conditions if they have a larger group category.
Certain calculators will be available to help determine the impact of new rating. However, these calculators are not guarantees, and conditions and regulations may change in the interim, affecting the actual results. Carriers will not guarantee the calculator results provided by them or an agent. Results for the actual renewal may be different. This uncertainty needs to be considered by the employer when determining whether to change the renewal date.
You should discuss the implications of this health care reform activity and compliance with your employee benefit advisor, and/or legal counsel, as well as your agent.
Bob Ruzicka Insurance Agency is committed to your success. We will be proactive to try to help if you so desire. Please let me know if you have any questions, and if you are interested in pursuing this strategy.
To The Class of 2013
So the time has come. The first of many schools conduct graduation starting tomorrow for the Class of 2013. They will walk and receive their diplomas. And they will walk into a waiting world. The world need you, is expecting you, and is depending on you. No pressure, just a call to duty. Whether it is college or trade school, career, the armed services, or even if you're not sure yet, you have earned this, prepared for this moment, and should celebrate your accomplishment! Yes, I have a personal interest in the Class of 2013, so my emotions are running high. All the best to you and your future. Find your purpose. Be a good example. Use your talents, skills, gifts, education and personality. And share with others. Because that's how you got where you are.
CONGRATULATIONS!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Information on business use of your personal vehicle
Personal Auto Policies do NOT provide coverage when the vehicle is being used for business purposes. Specifically, use as a delivery vehicle is excluded. This includes pizza, newspapers, and other delivery operations. The application you signed states that there is no use for this purpose. However, incidental use of your vehicle for errands on behalf of your business or employer is not excluded. It's not great reading, but you should familiarize yourself with the policy. Please be aware of your household members use of your vehicles, especially those that are not garaged at your home. A significant exposure is in play in this situation, which you will have to pay for yourself.
Please call our office if you have any questions.
Please call our office if you have any questions.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The Best Thing
The best thing for today would be to pray, and focus on each other, and what we Americans have in common.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Safeco awards recognition to Ruzicka Insurance
Joins an elite group of the top 10% of Safeco agencies
On Tuesday, April 9 2013, our agency was awarded membership as a Safeco Insurance Premier Partner Agency. We are very excited to earn this honor. It places us among a group of top performers in the industry, with one of the top insurance companies. We earned this recognition based on our growth, profitability, and level of service, but most importantly, because of the support and interest of our valued clients. Thank you for being a part of our growing team!“Inclusion in the Safeco Premier Partner Program is reserved for only our very best agencies,” said Matthew Nickerson, president of Safeco Insurance. “The commitment and high achievement of these top performers have earned them access to special resources and programs that support their ability to better serve their customers and grow their agencies.”
We look forward to serving you in the future. Thank you for helping to make this possible.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Don't forget about our Gift Card Sweepstakes!!!
Good Friday afternoon to you.
We are into the third and final week of our Spring Sweepstakes event already. Time is flying by!
Don't forget to go here, click on the Sweepstakes HERE! button, and enter. Its quick and easy, and all you have to do is write a review on me and/or my agency. No obligation, no purchase necessary.
To comply with legal, and to emphasize that there is no obligation, start your review by saying something like -" Just by entering this review, I am entered in the sweepstakes drawing..." Select the number of stars, click submit, and you are DONE!
Have a GREAT weekend! Enjoy the wonderful weather - http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Sugar+Land&state=TX&site=HGX&textField1=29.6188&textField2=-95.6162&e=0
We are into the third and final week of our Spring Sweepstakes event already. Time is flying by!
Don't forget to go here, click on the Sweepstakes HERE! button, and enter. Its quick and easy, and all you have to do is write a review on me and/or my agency. No obligation, no purchase necessary.
To comply with legal, and to emphasize that there is no obligation, start your review by saying something like -" Just by entering this review, I am entered in the sweepstakes drawing..." Select the number of stars, click submit, and you are DONE!
Have a GREAT weekend! Enjoy the wonderful weather - http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Sugar+Land&state=TX&site=HGX&textField1=29.6188&textField2=-95.6162&e=0
Thursday, March 28, 2013
We are closed for Good Friday
We are closed Friday March 29 2013 in observance of Good Friday. We will reopen on Monday.
Happy Easter to everyone!
Happy Easter to everyone!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
BRIA Spring Sweepstakes is NOW OPEN!!!
As you may know I’ve been on Facebook for months now, and loving every minute of it. As of now, we have kicked off our Spring Gift Card Sweepstakes.
We are giving away a free $500 Gift Card!!!
There are 3 easy ways to enter ---
Entry 1: Write a review. Click here ruzickareviews.com. You will get one entry.
Entry 2: Refer a friend via my info on the site, or by having them call me. Just be sure they mention your name. You will get 3 entries per referral.
Entry 3: Get a no-obligation insurance quote. Just call my office and we will hook you up. No tricks, no purchase required. Just a look/see and go from there. You'll get 5 entries per household for this.
Click here to enter and for details: facebook.com/bobragent
The sweepstakes runs from March 21 to April 12 2013. The winner will be announced on April 19 on the Facebook promo page and by email. We'll contact the winner directly as well.
I appreciate your participation and support VERY much. We can all help each other out, and have some fun in the process. And SOMEONE will be a lucky winner. Will it be you???
Thanks and good luck!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Watch for our sweepstakes next week!
Keep an eye out for our sweepstakes next week. We will announce it here and on our Facebook Page, facebook.com/briatexas. You could be the lucky winner. Of what, you ask??? Well...
Thursday, February 7, 2013
And some info on auto insurance as well
You might not own a home, but almost everyone has a car. Here is an explanation of what's available to help you protect yourself and your wallet with auto insurance. The state insists on basic coverage, but there's more available if you're interested.
http://www.safeco.com/auto-insurance/features
http://www.safeco.com/auto-insurance/features
A little info on home insurance
Rates are up, your patience is down. Here is some interesting info on home insurance coverages and how it works. It might help you to figure out how to handle your next renewal.
https://www.travelers.com/personal-insurance/home-insurance/types-of-coverage/index.aspx
https://www.travelers.com/personal-insurance/home-insurance/types-of-coverage/index.aspx
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
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