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Comparing Exchange Plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum

The Healthcare Exchange has four new health insurance plans which set the standard of care, named Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. All plans must offer the same essential benefits, however individual providers and states may offer extended or additional benefits. This page is dedicated to comparing the four plans.

Healthcare Exchange Texas: 4 Things You Must Know

For the 25.6 Mil Texans wondering what the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (AKA as ObamaCare) means for them, we’ve found answers: All Texans must purchase health insurance unless you are exempt due to…

Nevada Healthcare Exchange: Things You Must Know Before Jan 2014

For Nevada’s 2.7 Million residents the Affordable Care Act(AKA ObamaCare) begins on January 2014. We have found the key points that you need to know to be prepared for the changes: Federal subsidies are available to those who are…

New Mexico Healthcare Exchange

The Affordable Care Act (AKA ObamaCare) begins January 2014. We have found the most important things for the people of New Mexico to know: All residents must purchase health coverage or owe a penalty, unless exempt due to…

Medicoverage Launches Health Insurance Quotes in Wisconsin

Medicoverage made public today it is offering instant health insurance quotes in the state of Wisconsin. This follows on the heels of the companies success in California, Ohio, Nevada, Georgia, among others.

Health Care Reform Overview

New Hampshire Healthcare Exchange: Getting Ready for ObamaCare

Healthcare Exchange, begins on January 1, 2014. What does this mean for the people of New Hampshire? Below is a list to help you get ready for the deadline.1) All 1.3 Mil residents of New Hampshire must purchase federally approved health insurance, unless exempt due to…

Essential Health Benefits of the Healthcare Exchange

There’s a lot of talk about essential benefits covered by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, more commonly known to us as ObamaCare. We’ve found the 10 essential benefits that must be covered: 1) Mental Health, ...

Healthcare Exchange for Small Business: Detailed Overview

ObamaCare’s Healthcare Exchange for small business begins January 1, 2014. We have found out some important facts: Bronze should have the least expensive premium, however if it is offered by…

Catastrophic Plans: Healthcare Exchange

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as ObamaCare, begins January 2014 has a provision for Catastrophic Coverage -this coverage is only for…

Missouri Healthcare Exchange: List of Important Facts

For Missouri’s 6 Million residents The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, AKA ObamaCare, begins on January 2014. We have made a list of important facts 1) Everyone must purchase insurance or pay a penalty based on your…

Small Business Healthcare Exchange: What You Must Know

ObamaCare, beginning January 2014, will offer 4 new health plans through the Healthcare Exchange: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. This page is dedicated to ObamaCare and Small Business.

Maryland Healthcare Exchange: Tips for Being Prepared

The Affordable Care Act, commonly known as ObamaCare, begins on January 1, 2014. If you are one of the 5.8 Million residents of Maryland will you be prepared for the changes? Here are the most important things to know: All Maryland resident are eligible for healthcare, regardless of…

Healthcare Exchange Maine: 4 Key Points

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (AKA ObamaCare) is coming to Maine January 2014. Will you be ready? We’ve found 4 key points that you must know before then. 1) The Healthcare Exchange offers federal subsidies to help with…

Bronze Healthcare Exchange Plan Explained

The Healthcare Exchange begins January ‘14, offers new insurance plans called: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Here are specific details about how the Bronze plan works.

Healthcare Exchange Cost-Sharing Subsidies: What You Need to Know

The ObamaCare Healthcare Exchange begins January 2014, and most Americans are still unclear about federal cost-sharing subsidies available to them. We’ve found out what you need to know: The only new metal plan that qualifies for cost-sharing is…

Healthcare Exchange Indiana: What You Must Know

The Affordable Care Act (AKA ObamaCare) begins January 2014. If you live in Indiana are you prepared for the changes? We’ve compiled a list of what you must know. 1) Indiana residents, with few exceptions, must purchase health insurance or…

Michigan Healthcare Exchange: The Basics

The Healthcare Exchange begins January 2014. If you are a resident of Michigan, are you ready for the changes? We have found the most important things you need to know. 1) All Great Lakes State residents must purchase federally approved healthcare or you will be pay a penalty based on…

Gold Healthcare Exchange Plan Outline of Coverage

Obamacare, AKA Affordable Care Act, begins January ‘14, and offers new insurance plans called: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Here are the specific details about the Gold plan.

Healthcare Exchange Illinois: What You Need to Know

The Healthcare Exchange, AKA ObamaCare, begins January 2014. If you live in Illinois, are you ready? We have found the most important things you need to know. 1) Over a million IL residents will be eligible for federal subsidies.

Platinum Healthcare Exchange Plan Details

The Healthcare Exchange begins January 1, 2014, will offer 4 new insurance plans called: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. This is an overview about how the Platinum plan works.

Silver Healthcare Exchange Plan Overview

The Healthcare Exchange begins January 2014, it offers new insurance plans called: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. This article discusses the specifics of the Silver plan.

New Health Insurance Website Launch for Indiana

Medicoverage publicized that as of today it will be offering health coverage to the state of Indiana. The company has been successful in several other states including Virginia, Ohio, New Hampshire, and California. Medicoverage plans to continue this success in Indiana with its instant quote feature, that allows for all contact information to remain optional.

Healthcare Exchange Georgia: 4 Key Points

ObamaCare, AKA the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, begins January 2014. Are you in Georgia ready for the changes? We have compiled a list of the important items about the new health exchange: Over a million residents of Georgia will qualify for federal subsidies to help cover…

ObamaCare Colorado: 4 Important Things About the Healthcare Exchange

1) Every resident of the Centennial State must purchase federally approved health insurance in the open enrollment period. Those without coverage will have to pay a penalty based on…

Healthcare Exchange Florida: What You Need to Know

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act for FL, better known as ObamaCare, will kick in for the over 19 Mil residents of the state on January 1, 2014. We have compiled the key points that effect Floridians. 1) Federal subsidies in FL are available to individuals who qualify because of…

ObamaCare Kentucky: Key Points About the Healthcare Exchange

With over 4 Mil people residing in Kentucky who will be affected by the Healthcare Exchange, will you be ready for the changes? We’ve listed the key points you must know. 1) Under ObamaCare all Kentucky residents are eligible for health coverage, regardless of…

Connecticut Health Exchange 101

There are 3.5 Million residents in Connecticut who will be affected by the Healthcare Exchange (AKA ObamaCare). The following are the key points that will be implemented starting January 1, 2014: Thousands of citizens of Connecticut will receive a federal subsidy to help with…

Affordable Care Act: Penalties for the Uninsured

With the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, AKA Healthcare Exchange, insurance is available to all Americans, however those that do not sign up for health insurance will be penalized with a one-time penalty fee per year of…

ObamaCare: Guaranteed Issuance for Everyone

Come January 2014 everyone will be able to receive health coverage through the Healthcare Exchange. Here are a few things that have and will be changing with new ObamaCare: Your insurance provider can no longer drop you due to…

Health Care Exchange Premium Subsidies: Do You Qualify?

With the new Health Care Exchange (AKA ObamaCare), many people don’t know there are federal premium subsidies for these plans. They are available for individuals with an annual income up to…

New Health Provider in Kentucky Offers 5 Second Quote

Medicoverage declared publicly today that it will now be providing health coverage to the state of Kentucky. Following the success the company has seen in California, Illinois, Connecticut, Virginia, and many other states, it is excited to offer its services to Kentucky. Medicoverage offers instant quotes, while allowing all contact information to remain optional.

California Health Care Exchange: 5 Things You’d Better Know

1) On January 1, 2014 everyone in the Golden State without insurance will have to purchase federally approved health insurance. Those without coverage will have to pay a penalty.
2) Open enrollment for the new plans starts October 1, 2013 through ...

Medicoverage Now Offers Health Insurance in Missouri

Medicoverage just released that it will now be offering health insurance services to the state of Missouri. Medicoverage offers instant health insurance quotes, while leaving all of your contact information optional. Already successful in California, Nevada, New Hampshire, Virginia, and many other states, the company is excited to offer its services to Missouri.

Ohio UC Health to leave Anthem Network

UC Health Network has chosen to leave Anthem’s network if a new contract is not reached before April 15, 2013

Anthem Reduces Feb 2013 Rate Hike

After pressure from the California Department of Insurance (CDI), Anthem Blue Cross has agreed to reduce its average Feburary rate action from 17.9 percent increase, to 13.9%. This will affect over 636,000 Individual members.

BCBSGA Finally Offers Child-Only Health Coverage in 2013

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia Now offer health insurance for Under 19. Open Enrollment for New Child Only is from Jan 1 - Jan 30th

How Much Will That Operation Cost?

One of the greatest mysteries in American health care is trying to figure out how much a medical procedure will cost even when you have health insurance. When you bring your car to the shop you always get an estimate before they begin work. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone could give you an estimate for a medical procedure before it actually took place? Well starting today…

Medicoverage Now Offers Health Insurance Quotes in Ohio and Virginia

Medicoverage announced today that it is now providing health insurance quotes and agent support in the state of Ohio and Virginia. Now you can get instant hassle-free health insurance quotes in your state by just entering your zip and date of birth.

Blue Shield CA to offer 4 new plans July 1, 2012

Blue Shield of California recently announced four new plans to be available for purchase on July 1, 2012. The plan names are Shield Wise, Shield Saver, Shield Secure, Shield Secure Plus. Here is a quick overview.

Walgreens to quit Anthem Rx for 2012

Walgreens, a pharmacy retailer, has announced its intent to exit the Express Scripts pharmacy provider network when its current contract expires on December 31, 2011.

CT and NH Announce Last Days for New Tonik plans

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of CT and NH have announced that Oct 14 will be the last day new members can join Tonik. This means Tonik will be effective full and anyone hoping to join after October 14th will be out of luck. Anthem Tonik

Applying for Medicare

If you are currently receiving Social Security retirement benefits, disability benefits, or railroad retirement checks, you will be contacted a few months before you become eligible for Medicare and given the information you need. If

Medicare Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage)

Medicare prescription drug coverage is insurance run by an insurance company or other private company approved by Medicare.

Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)

A Medicare Advantage Plan is another health plan choice you may have as part of Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by private companies approved by Medicare.

Medicare Part B

Part B helps cover medically-essential needs, such as doctors’ services, outpatient care, and home health services. Part B also covers some preventive services. Check your Medicare Card to find out if you have Part B.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Part A is hospital insurance that helps cover inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, as well as hospice and home health care.

Medicare Under Health Care Reform

Due to a reduction in waste, fraud, and abuse, as well as a slowing cost growth in Medicare, the life of the Medicare Trust fund will be extended to at least 2029 (a 12-year extension). This will provide you with future cost savings on your premiums and coinsurance.

5 Tips When Shopping for Health Insurance

Finding coverage that meets your healthcare needs and fits your budget can be challenging. This is because health insurance that covers more tends to cost more. Listed below are 5 useful tips to keep in mind when shopping for a health plan.

Young Adult Coverage until Age 26

Under the Affordable Care Act, if your health plan covers children, you can add or keep them on your policy until they turn 26 years old.

Preventive Care Under the Affordable Care Act

Under the Affordable Care Act, you and your family may be eligible for certain preventive services at no additional cost to you. These services can help you avoid illness and improve your health.

Health Care Reform Explained

September 23, 2010 marked a new day for American consumers in our health care system. On this day, a series of new rights, benefits, and protections under the Affordable Care Act brought an end to some of the worst abuses of the insurance industry. Combined, these new provisions put consumers, not insurance companies, in charge of their health care.

Top 5 Ways the Affordable Care Act affects Seniors

Your existing guaranteed Medicare-covered benefits will not be reduced or taken away. Neither will your ability to choose your own doctor.

Affordable Health Insurance: 5 Things to Know About Health Care Reform

The Affordable Care Act passed in March of 2010 has already expanded health insurance options and, in some cases, made health coverage more affordable. With these new provisions in place there is no excuse for not having health insurance.

Health Insurance for Under 19 is Back!

After all insurance company’s refused to sell under 19 individual only health insurance, legislation stepped in. Now all insurance providers must offer coverage options for child-only plan

How to switch from your Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare

Starting this year, Medicare Advantage plan (MA) enrollees will have an annual opportunity to prospectively switch from any MA plan and return to Original Medicare between January 1 and February 14 of every year.

Are expensive prescriptions the cause of skyrocketing health care cost?

U.S. spending for prescription drugs more than doubled to $234.1 billion over the 10 years. Is this the problem with America’s health care system?

Anthem Blue Cross now selling 11 “new” health insurance plans

Anthem Blue Cross of CA announced today that it has received the go-ahead from the California Department of Insurance to begin selling 11 plans that are now compliant with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) mandated benefits.

CT rejects Anthem Blue Cross 2011 rate hike request

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut will not be able to raise health care premiums up to 19.9 percent on 48,000 members after acting Insurance Commissioner rejects request calling it “excessive”

Anthem wants to increase rates 20%, Insurance Commissioner Sullivan resigns

Anthem Blue Cross filed a request to raise insurance rates by 20% to existing members for 2011 and Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Thomas Sullivan resigns
sully quits

Obama Admin to Insurance Commissioner: Reconsider Anthem Rate Hikes

After awarding Connecticut $1 million to oversee future rate actions, the Obama Administration is asking insurance commissioner Thomas Sullivan to rethink the recent rate hikes of as much as 47 percent by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Anthem Colorado to Issue Credits to members

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado (Anthem) today announced that it will provide a one-time premium credit to certain of its 2010 policyholders that had individual policies of health insurance.

Anthem NH makes Case during negotiations with Exeter Hospital

Anthem Blue Cross of New Hampshire is currently in negotiations with Exeter Hospital. Anthem claims that Exeter is 50% more expensive than similar hospitals in the state:

What’s in the Health Care Bill for Small Business

This health insurance reform video does a good job identifying the current problems facing small business owners. While it is a good overview, it…

Assurant Video explains how health care reform impacts those with existing insurance

Assurant has done a pretty good job of explaining how health care reform affect those who have existing insurance. Check it out.

Anthem Small Business insurance to offer new benefits

Anthem announced today that the following benefit changes have gone into effect based on the health care bill passed by congress effective on September 23, 2010

Anthem California to increase Blue Cross rates October 1, 2010

As you remember from past blog entries, Anthem Blue Cross delayed its scheduled March 2010 rate action after public outcry and state review. Today the company announced new rates effective October 1, 2010

Anthem to remove lifetime maximum limits on all plans

Anthem Blue Cross announced today that it has begun the process to remove lifetime maxiumum payouts and preventive service fees to its health insurance plans.

Hartford Hospital to terminate Anthem Contract

Unless Anthem and Hartford Healthcare Corp can come to agreement, Hartford Hospital will no longer be an Anthem “in network” option.
Anthem Hartford

Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan to launch July 1 2010

If you have been uninsured for at least six months because of a pre-existing condition, a new law may provide you with new coverage options.

Anthem Blue Cross resubmits rate increase to state

Anthem Blue Cross of California announced today that they have resubmitted new rate requests with the California Department of Insurance and Department of Managed Health Care. According to the company the average increase is 14% and, if approved, would be effective…

Tenet and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia finally come to an agreement

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia and Tenet Healthcare announced today that BCBSGA members will be able to access 5 of Tenet’s acute hospital facilities effective July 1, 2010.

Anthem Blue Cross of California Pilots with College Health IPA for Behavioral Health Services

Anthem Blue Cross Claims that a new two year pilot program with College Health IPA for Behavioral Health Services will provide cost savings.
Anthem Office

Sebelius: “Health Care Can Learn From Business”

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius states that our current method of providing health care is unsustainable and can learn from some of the advances of the private sector.

Nevada Joins Health Care Reform Lawsuit without Attorney General

Without the Nevada Attorney General’s consent, Governor Jim Gibbons announced that the State of Nevada will join the federal lawsuit that states the recent health care reform act is unconstitutional. Nevada State Governor Jim Gibbon

Tenet Health Systems terminates contact with BCBSGA

Tenet Health System has terminated its contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia effective 7/1/2010

Aetna Illinois offers new rates and applications for Medicare Supplemental Plans

Aetna has just received approval from the state of Illinois for their premium rate structures and new applications for Aetna Individual Medicare Supplement Plans

Wellpoint to Obama “the Attacks on the Health Insurance Industry…Must End”

Wellpoint CEO Angela F. Braly responds to Obama’s weekly address with a formal letter saying among other things “I was disappointed to hear you repeat false information.”

2010 Medigap Modernization: 6 Facts You Must Know

You’ve heard the term Medigap Modernization in the news. We define it and fill you in on what you must know before it gets implemented on June 1st.

HSA Benefits Changed under “ObamaCare”

In 2011, taxpayers with Health Savings Accounts will no longer be allow to use their HSAs to purchase over-the-counter medicines

Adult Children on Parent’s Health Plan: When will it happen?

The new health care reform bill has promised that children as old as 26 can stay on their parents health plans. Due to the bills fine print, however, many parents may have to wait until 2011 before this benefit becomes available.

Anthem Blue Cross Delays Rate Increase Beyond May 2010

For the second time in two months, Anthem Blue Cross of California has postponed the rate hike previously scheduled for March of 2010. Member prices to remain unchanged beyond May 2010.

Obama extends COBRA Subsidy to May 31, 2010

President Obama has approved a short-term extension of COBRA health insurance premium subsidies for involuntarily terminated employees.

Small Business Tax Credits for Health Insurance

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act approved by Congress last month offers up to 35% tax credits to small companies that offer health care for their employees.

Coverage of Preventive Health Care Required under Reform bill

Basically this section says the insurance companies cannot “impose any cost sharing requirements” for certain preventive treatment. Meaning that insurance companies will have to foot-the-entire-bill for preventive treatment

Man to read the entire Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

My goal is to comb through the new health care reform bill page by page and squeeze out the juicy stuff. I’m going to try to have daily short entries about what is in there that you may not see on CNN or Fox news.

How the Health Care Bill Could Affect Your Health Insurance immediately

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the senate-approved health insurance bill with some provisions to take place immediately and others to take place in 2014.

Major House Health Insurance Reform vote today: What Does it Mean?

The U.S. House of Representatives will vote today on health insurance reform intended to bring health care to roughly 30 million uninsured Americans. Members of the Democrat party only need a simple majority to pass the legislation and they claim they have it.

SCHIP to Offer Two New Enrollment Opportunities

As part of the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 there are two new special SCHIP group enrollment opportunities.

Anthem CA Launches “Premier” health plans

Anthem’s Blue Cross of California announced today that it has launched a new set of health insurance plans called Premier. According to the company the offer unlimited office visits and richer benefits for preventive care and prescription drugs.

Young and Without Health Insurance

A recent February 2010 Gallup Health Survey shows that only 66% of Americans at age 22 have health insurance. Why is this…?

Obama Invites Republicans and Democrats to Health Care Summit

Obama’s sends out an invitation to a televised health care summit. Will this be the beginning of the end to partisan health care reform?

Will Georgia’s “Any Willing Provider” law apply to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia’s HMOs?

The Georgia Commissioner of Insurance is meeting today to determine whether Georgia’s “Any Willing Provider” law applies to HMOs.

What Should Clients Do About the Delayed Anthem Blue Cross Rate Actions?

What will happen to my billing now that the insurance rate increase has been postponed by Anthem? If you have already paid your monthly premiums at the new increased rate, you can expect a refund by the end of March. If you have yet to make a payment…

Anthem Agrees to Price Review; Alerts Members of Rate Action Delay

Anthem Blue Cross agreed to a request by the California Department of Insurance to postpone our March 1, 2010 rates to May 1, 2010, pending a review conducted by Axene Health Partners.

Anthem Postpones Health Insurance Rate Hike until May 2010

Anthem Blue Cross of California announced today that it would postpone any health insurance plan increases until May 1, 2010. Anthem parent company Wellpoint maintained that the controversial price increases were A>?,?_"actuarially sound and in full compliance with all requirements in the law.A>?,?A_

Will Anthem Delay Rate Increase?

California State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner has asked Anthem to delay the proposed 3/1/2010 rate increases until 5/1/2010

Poizner Speaks out on Anthem Blue Cross Rate Increase

Today California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner’s office, shot a press-release-type email to all licensed California health insurance agents commenting on the recent Anthem Blue Cross rate increases scheduled for 3/1/2010. He wrote:

Ban on manditory insurance?
Lawmakers in 34 states are attempting to make amendments to their constitutiona to stop government health insurance mandates. Is it a good idea?

Brown’s Victory May Slow Down Health Care Reform

While many think last night’s victory by Republican Scott Brown was a major blow to health care reform, we think that this is a perfect opportunity to allow Washington make changes to the bill that will have a lasting positive impact.

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