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!
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