Showing posts with label insurance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label insurance. Show all posts

Stay informed about the Affordable Care Act and your medical insurance

Friday, February 3, 2017

From the Office of the Insurance Commissioner

President Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress have pledged to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA).


Until legislation is passed however, nothing changes.

Health insurers cannot deny anyone coverage because of a pre-existing condition, plans must include certain benefits, subsidies are still available to those who qualify, and young adults can stay on their parents' plan up to age 26 - just to name a few of the reforms under the ACA.

Sign up to get notified about any potential changes to the ACA and how they could impact you.



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Healthcare enrollment event Friday evening in Shoreline

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Friday, January 27, from 5 - 8pm at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N, the Public Health outreach team will be available to help people sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare.

Qualifying applicants will also be able to get ORCA cards for transportation.

If you sign up by January 31, you should feel confident that your coverage will remain intact for the rest of 2017.

Things could look different in 2018, but for the rest of 2017, all of the plans include benefits such as:
  • Free oral birth control
  • Free HIV test
  • One free blood draw
  • One free pap smear
  • Free breast pump for pregnant and new moms
And, all plans must cover the following:
  • Preventive care (like cholesterol and blood pressure screenings)
  • Hospital stays
  • Emergency services
  • Pediatric services, including dentist visits and vision
Find a comprehensive list of benefits here.

Just bring your photo ID and your last few pay stubs.

Call Public Health’s assistance hotline: 800-756-5437 or check here to find other locations.



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Kaiser acquisition of Group Health approved by Insurance Commissioner

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Mike Kreidler
Washington State
Insurance Commissioner
Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler officially approved Kaiser Foundation Health Plan’s $1.8 billion acquisition of Group Health Cooperative (PDF, 487KB) on Friday, January 13, 2017.

“After an extensive and thorough review by my office, it’s clear that Kaiser met all of the legal requirements necessary for approval,” Kreidler said. 
“I’m satisfied Washington state will retain a competitive health insurance market.“

Kaiser filed its formal application to acquire Group Health with Kreidler’s office in March 2016 after Group Health’s voting members approved advancing the proposed acquisition.

Prior to Friday’s decision, Kreidler reviewed numerous public comments, including those taken at three public hearings last year in Tacoma, Seattle and Spokane.

The commissioner also heard additional evidence about the proposal and his staff’s recommendation at a hearing January 3 at his office in Tumwater. 

“This acquisition is a significant change for the health insurance market in our state,” Kreidler said. “I trust that Kaiser and Group Health will honor their commitment to improve service for consumers.”

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Does your homeowner’s insurance cover theft from your storage unit?

Monday, December 26, 2016

A/E show Storage Wars, entrepreneurs bid
sight unseen on the contents of storage units
From the Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Self-storage is a booming business these days, according to Bloomberg. New warehouses are being built at a record pace to store Americans’ extra belongings.

Nearly 10 percent of Americans rented a storage unit in 2015, according to Sparefoot.com, a storage unit comparison site. There are even luxury storage units to store your vintage car collection or to give you another space to hang out in.

Before you rent a storage unit, luxury or otherwise, you should be thinking about what happens if your belongings are damaged or stolen.

Generally, if your homeowner or renter policy covers contents that you store offsite -- say, at a storage unit --they limit the coverage to a certain dollar amount, and they do not cover theft from the storage unit. That’s really important information to know before you fill a storage unit full of your belongings.

It may not be a good idea to store items of high value, like art, antiques, jewelry, collectibles, furniture or rugs, in a storage unit. Unless you have had the items appraised and insured for those amounts, it’s likely the dollar limits on your coverage will not be enough to pay to replace your possessions if they are damaged.

If you need to store valuables of that nature somewhere other than your home, talk to your agent or insurance company.

Most storage unit businesses offer their own insurance policies, but are they a good deal? That depends on if you already have coverage through a renter’s or homeowner policy. If not, read the policy offered by the storage company. What does it cover? What does it not cover? What is the dollar limit for the coverage? Is there a time limit for the coverage? What is the deductible on the policy?

Storage businesses that sell these policies are required to be licensed insurance producers. That means if you have trouble, you can file a complaint with us.

Here are some tips if you rent a storage unit:
  • Read your policy or talk to your agent or insurer about covering any contents you are storing anywhere other than your residence 
  • If your renter’s or homeowner policy does cover offsite storage, there may be limits on: 
  • The dollar amount of coverage. 
  • How long things in storage will be covered – think temporary, not long-term or indefinite storage. 
  • The types of losses that will be covered – theft likely is not covered. 
  • Create an inventory of what you are keeping in storage. It can be as basic as taking photos with your phone, or you can download an app from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, your insurer, or some other app. Or, you can make a list that you store somewhere safe. Questions? You can contact our consumer advocates online or at 1-800-562-6900.


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Medicare Part B Special Enrollment Period deadline

Monday, December 19, 2016

From the Office of the Insurance Commissioner - SHIBA

People who failed to enroll in Medicare Part B when they first became eligible for Medicare (Initial Enrollment Period) because they mistakenly believed they could continue with their Health Benefits Exchange plan and subsidies, have a limited time to apply for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in Medicare Part B with no late enrollment penalties.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mailed notices to people age 65 and older in this situation, advising them to drop their Exchange plan and enroll in Part B.

The deadline to apply for Equitable Relief with the Social Security Administration (SSA) is March 31, 2017.

People who received the notice, those who have concerns about not having Exchange subsidies even if they did not receive a notice (or lost it), or those who received misinformation about qualifying for tax credits, should contact SSA to apply for Equitable Relief.

Individuals should submit any information or documentation they have on how they learned the subsidies would not apply and/or why they thought they could continue subsidies. They should include:
  • Any letters (including the notice referenced above) 
  • Emails 
  • Notes from conversations 
  • Information about problems for limited-English speaking individuals in understanding 
  • Other information that might be relevant 
Consumers with questions should call SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) at 1-800-562-6900 and ask to speak with a local SHIBA advisor.

Note: The CMS notice refers to the “Marketplace,” which is the federally sponsored site for states that did not create their own exchange. The Washington State Health Benefits Exchange (also known as Washington Healthplanfinder) is also included in this SEP.



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Sign up for subsidized medical insurance by Dec 23 for Jan 1 coverage

Friday, December 16, 2016

Deadline for January 1 coverage through Exchange extended to December 23 

Washington consumers who qualify can sign up for health and medical plans through Washington Healthplanfinder until 11:59pm on December 23 for coverage that starts January 1.
  • Online: 24/7 at wahealthplanfinder.org
  • By phone: 1-855-WAFINDER (1-855-923-4633). Normal hours are 8am to 8pm every weekday. Extended hours: 
    • Dec. 15 from 8am to 10pm 
    • Dec. 17 from 10am to 2pm 
    • Dec. 18 from 10am to 2pm 
    • Dec. 23 from 8am to midnight. 
  • Find help in person with a navigator or a broker.
If you don’t qualify for a subsidy, you can purchase a plan on the individual market directly from an agent or broker. The deadline for Jan. 1 coverage varies by plan.
If you miss the December 23 deadline, you can still get coverage. Open enrollment runs through January 31 for coverage that will likely start on March 1
--Office of the Insurance Commissioner



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New online tool helps people find lost life insurance policies

Monday, November 28, 2016

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler today announced a new national online service that helps consumers find a deceased person’s lost life insurance policies and annuities.


The National Association of Insurance Commissioners created the new online Life Insurance Policy Locator. It provides nationwide help in finding old life insurance policies or annuities. An estimated $1 billion in benefits are unclaimed, according to Consumer Reports.

“Many people don’t know where to begin when searching for a lost life insurance policy or annuity,” said Kreidler. “The life insurance policy locator streamlines and simplifies the process for consumers and insurance companies.”



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Flood damage is not covered by Homeowner's Insurance

Friday, November 25, 2016

Sheridan Beach before the flood control projects in LFP
2010

With the heavy rains of the past week, it seems like a good time for a refresher about floods and insurance. This information is from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
  • Homeowner policies typically do not cover flood damage. Flood damage is not on standard homeowner policies and most commercial policies, although many people assume it is. That can be a costly assumption. Your mortgage lender may require you to have flood insurance if your home is located in a flood-prone area, also known as a "special flood hazard area." You can estimate your property's flood risk online.
  • Most people buy flood insurance through the government’s National Flood Insurance Program, which is run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These policies are sold through local insurance agents and brokers, which you can locate online. As with most policies, there are limits to what is covered.
  • If your vehicle is damaged in a flood, your auto policy’s comprehensive coverage typically will cover it. However, you should verify you have that type of coverage with your insurance agent or broker. Read more about auto insurance.
Read more about flood insurance and damage caused by winter weather on OIC’s website.

It should be noted that most of the major flood areas in both Shoreline and Lake Forest Park have been resolved by Public Works projects.

Individual problems are created when it rains so much that the water table rises and water can seep into basements. Steep slopes can become waterlogged and slide. Being downhill from water runoff can also create problems. Low lying areas, streams, and water basins can collect more water than the outflow pipes can handle, flooding nearby homes.



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Public Heath: You should still sign up for health insurance

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Public Health of Seattle and King County answers the question: "Should I still sign up for health insurance in the current political climate?"

Yes, is their answer. In a recent blog post, Keith Seinfeld wrote,
Ever since the election, people are wondering whether their health insurance coverage will survive next year, if the Affordable Care Act (sometimes called “Obamacare”) is targeted for repeal. 
The short answer is, Yes. Your insurance should stay the same all through 2017, whether you are enrolled through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange or through Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). 
Open Enrollment has already started, for people with incomes that qualify for discounted plans on the Exchange. There are two deadlines coming up. The first deadline – to complete an application for coverage that starts in January – will be December 15th.  The final deadline is January 31, 2017. 
People who buy coverage now should feel confident that it is good for all of 2017 – no matter what happens.

The article continues with his explanation of why this is. Read it here.



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Insurance counseling from state volunteer group SHIBA Wednesday

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Volunteers from SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) will offer free individual counseling at the Shoreline Library on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 1 - 5pm.

Call 206-362-7550 or stop by the Information Desk to make an appointment. 345 NE 175th, Shoreline 98155.



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Insurance: What's an Umbrella Policy?

Saturday, November 5, 2016

From the Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Umbrella policy is one of those insurance terms that a lot of people have heard but many aren’t quite sure what it means.

Simply put, an umbrella policy extends your liability coverage beyond what is covered by your homeowner and auto policies. Umbrella policies pay only after you exhaust the liability limit of your homeowner or auto policies, which are referred to as underlying policies.

Here’s an example: Your dog bites a visitor in your home. The visitor sues you for damages and wins a $1 million award against you. Your homeowner’s insurance policy will only pay up to the $300,000 liability coverage limit listed in your home policy. If you have a $1 million umbrella policy, it will pay the remaining $700,000, minus any deductible. According to the Insurance Information Institute, a $1 million umbrella policy costs $150-$300 per year – that’s about $13 to $25 per month in premiums.

If you are interested in buying an umbrella policy, you should contact your insurance agent or company.

Questions? You can contact consumer advocates online or at 1-800-562-6900.



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13 health insurers approved to sell 154 individual and family plans for 2017

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Thirteen health insurers have been approved to sell 154 individual and family plans for 2017. Nine insurers will sell 98 plans in the exchange, Washington Healthplanfinder and seven insurers will sell 56 plans outside of the exchange. The average rate change is 13.6 percent.

Search 2017 health plans and rates by county.

How much someone’s premium will change depends on where they live, their age, whether or not they smoke, which insurer and plan they select, and how many people are covered.

“We knew that it would be difficult for the health insurers to initially set their rates without knowing who would sign up for coverage and what services they would use,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. 
“In fact, we were surprised when rates came in significantly lower than predicted in the first few years of the Affordable Care Act. I do believe this year’s change is a one-time adjustment and that we’ll see premiums level off as insurers gain experience and more people get covered.”
Approved 2017 rate changes by insurer

Insurer Rate change Exchange/Outside-exchange/Both
Asuris 15.4% Outside
Bridgespan 11.9% Exchange
Community Health Plan 10.6% Exchange
Coordinated Care 7.43% Exchange
Group Health Cooperative 12.6% Both
Group Health Options 24.7% Outside
Health Alliance 24.6% Outside
Kaiser 11.34% Both
Lifewise 9.30% Exchange
Molina 7.35% Exchange
Premera 18.90% Exchange
Regence of Oregon 15.16% Outside
Regence 13.35% Both                                           

UnitedHealthcare of Washington announced earlier this year that it was leaving Washington’s individual market in 2017 and Moda withdrew from the state last January. Both insurers sold plans statewide.

Two other statewide insurers, Premera and Lifewise, will stop marketing outside of the exchange in 2017 and are reducing the number of counties where they will offer plans.

Kreidler’s office does not have the authority to require a company to sell in a particular county.  

Approximately 320,000 people buy their health insurance in the individual and family market in Washington state. This represents about 5 percent of people with some type of health coverage. Nearly half of the people in Washington – about 45 percent – get health coverage from their employer.  

Last year, nearly 70 percent of people enrolled through the exchange received a premium subsidy that helped lower their premium by an average of 44 percent. In addition, 70,000 people qualified for financial help to reduce their health plan’s cost-sharing.

“The Affordable Care Act is doing what it was designed to do – helping people access health insurance," Kreidler added. 
"But we must do more as a country to address the cost of health care. People have health insurance they can’t afford to use because deductibles are too high and prescription drug costs are skyrocketing, contributing significantly to rising premiums.”

“It would be all too easy to point the finger at the Affordable Care Act and blame it for what’s wrong with our health insurance system,” he said.

“We didn’t get here overnight. We’ve taken the first important steps to righting some of the wrongs by guaranteeing everyone access to meaningful health insurance and providing financial help for those who need it. 
"Now, it’s time for Congress to come together to make meaningful improvements to the law, just like we’ve done with every other major reform - such as Social Security and Medicare - that help millions of Americans.”  

Open enrollment for the individual health insurance market starts Nov. 1, 2016 and runs through January 2017.



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Local Medicare events and news

Monday, October 24, 2016

We are in the open enrollment period for Medicare, which runs October 15 - December 7.

Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year — things like cost, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. October 15 to December 7 is when all people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs.

People can find Medicare plan information or compare plans by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or going online to Medicare.gov.


In addition, local organizations are holding informational meetings. Remember that meetings sponsored by insurance companies may only tell you about their plans. Meetings sponsored by health clinics will tell you about the insurance plans they accept.

Here's a hint if you are considering changing your medical plan. Call the offices of all the medical providers you want to continue to see and ask them what Medicare plans they accept.
 
Wednesday, October 26, 11:00am
Third Place Commons Adler Room, 17171 Bothell Way, Lake Forest Park 98155

Join insurance agent John James for a discussion of Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Rx plans. He will show a CMS (Medicare) approved short video about Medicare parts A, B, C, and D, and answer questions.


Wednesday, October 26, 10:30 - 11:30am
Thursday, November 10, 10:30 - 11:30am
Shoreline City Hall, Council Chambers (Lobby), 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133
Register at everettclinic.com/medicare or call 425-258-3901.

Whether you already have Medicare or are just turning 65 and are about to join, The Everett Clinic would like to help you make an informed choice, one that makes the most sense for you and your health. The Everett Clinic offers complimentary information sessions to help you understand the issues associated with Medicare. At these sessions, you’ll get provide information on:
  • Background on Medicare
  • The Everett Clinic Medicare policy
  • Why managed Medicare Advantage plans are encouraged
  • Tools and resources for decision-making

Wednesday, October 26, 1 - 3pm
Iora Primary Care Clinic, 15214 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline 98133.
Discussion of Medicare Advantage Plans.

Humana has added Iora Health’s New Primary Care Practices (designed exclusively for Medicare Beneficiaries) to Medicare Advantage Plan Networks in Arizona, Colorado and Washington.

Humana has introduced a hearing aid benefit on certain Medicare Advantage plans offered for the 2017 plan year in Washington state. The benefit allows for one annual routine hearing exam at no cost to the member and introduces a copayment for hearing aids, simplifying the cost.

Updated 10-25-2016 to remove one event


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Medicare open enrollment started Oct 15 - SHIBA can help

Monday, October 17, 2016

From the Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Medicare’s open enrollment period for prescription drug plans (Part D) and Medicare Advantage plans started Saturday, October 15 and runs through December 7.

The Washington state insurance commissioner’s Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program is geared up to provide help in your local community.

“Just like the past few years, many Medicare plans are changing again this year,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. “Open enrollment is the time to review your existing coverage as well as look at other plans that might better meet your needs.”

SHIBA offers free help to people with Medicare questions.
“Our unbiased, statewide-network of trained volunteers help people answer questions and evaluate plans, and even search for plans online,” says Kreidler. “We also offer assistance with Original Medicare and other Medicare-related plans.”

Before you make your decision, consider these tips:
  • Plan costs and coverage can change every year, so carefully review all letters and notices your current plan sends you. 
  • Make a list of all current prescription drugs you take, the doses, and how often. Then, use the Plan Finder at Medicare.gov to compare Part D plans. 
  • Review the 2017 Medicare and You handbook. You should receive it by mid-October. 
  • If you have questions, call SHIBA at 800-562-6900 before you sign up. 
  • If you have limited income and need help paying for prescription drugs, you might qualify for the “Extra Help” program. To see if you qualify, SHIBA can tell you more about the program and help you apply. 

Every year, SHIBA offers free, unbiased Medicare workshops in local areas throughout the state.

Events in the vicinity:
  • Wednesday, Oct 19, 1-5pm, free individual counseling, Shoreline Library 345 NE 175th, Shoreline 98155, call 206-362-7550 or stop by the Information Desk to schedule a one-hour appointment.
  • Oct 22, 9:30am Welcome to Medicare, North Seattle College, 9600 College Way N, Seattle 98133
  • Oct 25, 9am, In-person Medicare counseling, Northshore Senior Center, 10201 E Riverside Dr, Bothell 98011
  • Oct 25, 1pm, Medicare Open Enrollment, Northshore Senior Center, 10201 E Riverside Dr, Bothell 98011
  • Wednesday, Nov 2, 1-5pm, free individual counseling, Shoreline Library 345 NE 175th, Shoreline 98155, call 206-362-7550 or stop by the Information Desk to schedule a one-hour appointment.
  • Nov 11, 9am, In-person Medicare counseling, Kenmore Senior Center, 6910 NE 170th St, Kenmore 98028
  • Wednesday, Nov 16, 1-5pm, free individual counseling, Shoreline Library 345 NE 175th, Shoreline 98155, call 206-362-7550 or stop by the Information Desk to schedule a one-hour appointment.
  • Nov 25, 9am, In-person Medicare counseling, Northshore Senior Center, 10201 E Riverside Dr, Bothell 98011
  • Dec 9, 9am, In-person Medicare counseling, Kenmore Senior Center, 6910 NE 170th St, Kenmore 98028
  • Dec 25, 9am, In-person Medicare counseling, Northshore Senior Center, 10201 E Riverside Dr, Bothell 98011
To schedule an appointment with a SHIBA volunteer:
  • Call the Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-562-6900 and ask to speak with a SHIBA volunteer in your local area; or 
  • Go to: www.insurance.wa.gov/shiba
For help with Medicare in other languages, call:

Spanish, Medicare, 800-633-4227
Spanish, National Alliance for Hispanic Health, 866-783-2645
Korean, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging, 800-582-4259
Chinese, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging, 800-582-4218
Vietnamese, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging, 800-582-4336



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Outdoor, indoor features that you think are covered by insurance - but are not

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Many consumers think their homeowner policy covers everything they own, both inside and on their premises outside of their home. However, you should be aware that most homeowner policies do not cover everything you own.  
Creative Commons Backyard Pool by
Alvin Smith is licensed under CC BY 2.0 


Here are some common features that people may think is covered by a standard homeowner policy

Outside your home:
  • Retaining walls
  • Pools that sit above and below ground
  • Gazebos
  • Spas/hot tubs 
  • Rockeries and other landscaped areas
  • Driveways
  • Sidewalks
  • Foundations
  • Fences
  • Pump houses
  • Garden sheds
  • Greenhouses 
  • Playground equipment
Inside your home:
  • Collectibles
  • Money
  • Jewelry
  • Artwork 
  • Musical instruments
Talk to your agent or broker to find out if items like these are covered.  If coverage isn’t available, you’ll want to maintain and safeguard the property at your own cost, and do the best you can to keep it from damage. It’s a good idea to have a discussion about these types of property before you buy a policy.

Read more about homeowner's insurance. Questions? You can contact consumer advocates online or at 1-800-562-6900.



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Insurance Commissioner: Consumers should be wary of short-term health plans

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

From the Office of the State Insurance Commissioner

Consumers looking for health insurance outside of the annual open enrollment period should be wary of short term disability plans. These plans may be marketed as alternatives to Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance, but they could leave you without adequate coverage and facing financial penalties at tax time.

Originally, short-term disability plans were sold as a stop-gap measure until you could get real major medical coverage. After the ACA kicked in, people had many other options for coverage, but these limited plans were still being marketed to consumers as a viable alternative.


However, short-term disability plans do not count as 'minimum essential coverage' under the ACA - meaning you'll have to pay a tax penalty. They also do not cover the 10 essential health benefits, can limit your annual benefits to $100,000 or less, and deny you coverage for any pre-existing conditions.

These policies are sold year-round, unlike ACA-plans that must be purchased during the annual open enrollment period, unless you qualify for a special enrollment. Some states allow for coverage to last up to a year and policies can be renewed. This effectively takes people out of the insurance pool that the ACA was designed to expand, leading to increased costs for everyone.

In an effort to bring the limited short-term health plans back to their original purpose and to protect consumers, the federal government is proposing a regulation to limit the duration of these policies to three months and increase consumer awareness of their limitations.

Insurance Commissioner Kreidler agrees with this effort and sent a letter yesterday in support of the new regulation.



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Insurance Commissioner: Consider your options for insurance when you are laid off from work

Saturday, July 9, 2016

From the Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Finding out you are being laid off is stressful, and in addition to that, you have to make important decisions about health insurance that can save you—or cost you—thousands of dollars at a critical time. It’s important to consider all your options when deciding between COBRA or buying your own plan.

What is COBRA? COBRA stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, which is a federal law that allows you and any of your immediate family members to stay on your employer’s health plan under certain circumstances :
  • You lose or quit your job 
  • You get a divorce 
  • The employee dies 
  • You are no longer covered as a dependent due to your age
Only employers with 20 or more workers in the previous year are required to offer COBRA coverage. State and local governments fall under COBRA, but the federal government and certain religious organizations do not.

COBRA can be expensive. People who choose COBRA coverage must pay the entire premium, including the portion previously paid by the employer, plus a 2 percent administrative fee. Be warned, if you enroll in COBRA and later on want to switch to a health plan directly to an insurance company or through the Washington Healthplanfinder, you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period if you don’t qualify for a special enrollment.

Options other than COBRA
Before you decide to go with COBRA, find out if you can buy a health plan through the Washington Healthplanfinder and receive a subsidy to help pay your insurance premiums. You can also purchase coverage directly from an insurance company, broker or agent if you don’t qualify for any subsidies.

If you choose a health insurance plan, you likely will be responsible for a full yearly deductible. Generally, health insurance deductibles are not prorated for partial-year enrollees, no matter how few months are left in the plan year. Individual or family qualified health plans operate on a calendar year, from January through December. There is no way to transfer the money you spent toward another plan’s deductible when you switch plans mid-year.

Read more about losing your health insurance on our website. Questions? Contact our consumer advocates online or at 1-800-562-6900.

For COBRA- specific laws and questions, contact:

U.S. Dept. of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration
Seattle District Office
300 Fifth Ave., Ste. 1110
Seattle, WA 98104



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Insurance Commissioner speaks to consumers in Shoreline about Medicare

Friday, June 24, 2016

Commissioner Kreidler and Judy Ellis,
SHIBA volunteer with Sound Generations in Shoreline
Photo courtesy OIC
By Kara Klotz

Attendees to a Medicare birthday event on Saturday morning got to hear Insurance Commissioner Kreidler talk about why Medicare is important and what SHIBA does for Washington consumers.

SHIBA stands for Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors. It’s a statewide network of nearly 400 highly trained volunteers who have been helping seniors and others understand their health insurance options for more than 35 years in Washington state.

Washington was the first state in the nation to establish a SHIBA program, before the federal government offered assistance in reaching out the consumers who are or are about to be enrolled in Medicare.

Medicare provides health coverage for nearly 45 million Americans who are age 65 and older, and for 7 million younger adults with permanent disabilities. Medicare has been in existence for 51 years, which really isn’t that long ago.

Attendees at the Medicare birthday event on June 18 in Shoreline
Photo courtesy OIC

Commissioner Kreidler recalled for the attendees a time before Medicare existed when his grandmother had to move in with his parents because she was ill and didn’t have health coverage. Her medical bills prohibited her from living on her own. If Medicare had existed, it would have provided a lifeline for her to have access to the health care she needed.

SHIBA offers free, unbiased assistance with health care choices, including Medicare, to more than 100,000 Washington residents each year. You can find more SHIBA events around the state here.



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Let SHIBA help you understand Medicare at workshop June 18

Monday, June 13, 2016

Turning 65? Navigating Medicare options can be a bewildering maze. Every insurance provider in the state will be sending packets of shiny sales brochures.

The challenge is to buy the right amount of coverage for your health and budget. Insurance reps will tell you about the options within their product but may not be able to help you compare products and choose appropriate options.

The online Medicare.gov site is good information but like many bureaucratic websites, it can be difficult to find specifically what you need to know.

Knowing this, the State Insurance Commissioners office has assembled a group of retired insurance professionals who will help you through the maze.

Saturday, June 18, 10am – 12:30pm
Shoreline Conference Center
north end of complex
18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline 98155

SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors) hold regular sessions at local libraries.

On Saturday they will stage a complete workshop, covering Medicare A, B, C and D. They will help you understand your Medicare benefits and options, and tell you where to find help paying for Medicare if you qualify.

Tell them you are planning to attend:


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Turning 65? Let volunteers from the Insurance Commissioner's office teach you how to navigate Medicare

Thursday, June 2, 2016


We heard you’re turning age 65 soon! Let us help you navigate Medicare
Join us for a FREE, UNBIASED “Welcome to Medicare” class! 

We’ll cover:
  • Medicare A, B, C and D
  • Help you understand your Medicare benefits and options
  • Help paying for Medicare if you qualify

Saturday, June 18, 10am – 12:30pm
Shoreline Conference Center
18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline 98155

Register:
The class is taught by SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors) volunteers through the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.



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