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

Still time to sign up for state health insurance - deadline January 15

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

It's not too late to find a health plan for your way of living! Enroll by January 15, 2022 and get covered starting February 1, 2022.

Sign up at https://wahealthplanfinder.org

Washington Healthplanfinder is the online marketplace where individuals, families and small businesses can find, compare and enroll in a health plan. 

It is part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is intended to make it easier for consumers to shop for coverage. It also provides federal tax credits for premiums depending upon your household size and income.

You can only buy coverage during defined open enrollment periods unless you have a life event that qualifies you for a special enrollment period. Examples of qualifying life events are marriage, divorce, having a baby or you are terminated from your job and lose group coverage. 

This applies to all individual health plans whether you buy from Washington Healthplanfinder or directly from an insurance company.



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Free presentations on Medicare at the Senior Center

Wednesday, December 1, 2021


Kelsey Rauenhorst, a Sound Generations WeCare Advisor, will present an educational overview of Medicare to inform seniors of the options available to them on Wednesday, December 1st and Monday December 6th, from 11am to noon at the Center.

Following the presentation, Kelsey will be available for one-on-one appointments to answer specific questions or assist with enrollments.

To register, call the Senior Center at 206-365-1536 or stop by the front desk.

The Senior Center is in the southernmost building on the Shoreline Center campus at 18650 1st Ave NE.



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Insurance Commissioner: Homeowner and commercial insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage

Thursday, November 18, 2021

Whatcom County Sheriff's deputies rescuing
residents in flooded Everson, WA on Wednesday
According to state insurance commissioner Mike Kreidler, "Homeowner and commercial insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage."

If your property is located in a flood-prone area (a "Special Flood Hazard Area"), your lender will likely require you to have flood insurance. 

Even if you live in a minimal or moderate flood hazard area, you may still want to buy flood insurance.
When your policy takes effect

National Flood Insurance Program policies go into effect 30 days after the policy is written, unless the policy is required to qualify for a mortgage. Surplus line policies typically don't have a waiting period.

Tips on flood cleanup and insurance claims
  • Don't attempt to drive through flooded roadways.
  • Check for structural damage before re-entering your home or business. Flood-damaged buildings can collapse. Be cautious about gas leaks or energized wiring in flooded basements.
  • If you have damage, call your insurer or agent.
  • Take photos or video. Make a list of lost or damaged items.
  • Even if you didn't have flood insurance, you may qualify for some federal emergency grants or loans.
  • Talk to your insurer before making permanent repairs or disposing of damaged property.
  • Save receipts from any mitigation efforts (sandbags, pumps, etc.) for possible insurer reimbursement.
  • If you have to move, make sure your insurer or agent has a way to reach you.
  • Save receipts for temporary repairs, temporary housing, food, etc.

SEE ALSO


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Two upcoming events for Seniors on Medicare and Aging Well At Home

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Third Place Commons has two great events coming up via Zoom for seniors and those who love them!


First, on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 3pm, tune in for “Medicare 101.”

Confused about Medicare options or benefits? Want to help someone you love navigate this complex territory? 

Join Third Place Commons for Medicare 101 to get your questions answered by a pro. No sales, no jargon, just straightforward talk about Medicare to help you find your way.

Register here for “Medicare 101” on November 16th.

Can’t make it on the 16th? There will also be a second session of “Medicare 101” covering the same material on December 1st at 6pm.


Then, on Saturday, November 20th at 11am, Third Place Commons explores the issue of aging in place with “Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Aging Well in Your Own Home.”

Whether you’re planning for yourself or helping loved ones plan, you won’t want to miss this informative presentation. Learn about resources and support available to seniors who want to remain connected with their communities and enjoy a high quality of life while aging well in their homes.

The session will be presented by the Northwest Neighbors Network, a nonprofit volunteer and service organization serving the communities of Edmonds, Woodway, Lynnwood, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, and Lake Forest Park.

Register here for “Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Aging Well in Your Own Home.”

Each of these programs is part of Third Place Commons’ ongoing TPC At Home series of free Zoom programs to build and foster community, even through the challenges of the pandemic. Third Place Commons has also resumed live music on the weekends, with great bands taking the stage from 3-5 PM every Saturday and Sunday through November.

Details on these and many other programs, including fun weekly and monthly offerings and the upcoming holiday farmers markets and crafts fairs, can be found on the Third Place Commons online calendar.

Third Place Commons – a community supported 501(c)3 nonprofit organization – has been building real community in the heart of Lake Forest Park for over 20 years. In addition to presenting its largest program, the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, Third Place Commons now also fosters real community in digital space with TPC At Home programs. Learn more at ThirdPlaceCommons.org.



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Questions about Medicare?

Thursday, August 26, 2021

SHIBA is a service of the state 
insurance commissioner
Questions about Medicare?

Every other Wednesday, 12-4pm by appointment.

The Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) is a free, unbiased and confidential counseling service of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioners (OIC).

SHIBA's trained and impartial volunteers are available to assist consumers with their Medicare related questions. 

Register online for a one-hour session that will be conducted over the phone. 

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King County Public Health Insurance Enrollment Event at Shoreline City Hall

Wednesday, April 14, 2021


King County Public Health Insurance Enrollment Event
Saturday, April 17, 11am – 3:00pm


In person, physically distanced, outside event. Face masks are required and will be provided, if needed.

Sign up for health insurance, energy assistance, Basic Food, ORCA LIFT cards, and other support.

For more information call King County CHAP 1-800-756-5437 or visit www.kingcounty.gov/outreach 




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Special insurance enrollment period for uninsured individuals

Saturday, April 10, 2021

Washington Healthplanfinder is extending its current special enrollment period from May 15 to August 15, 2021.

This allows currently uninsured individuals, and people both on and off the Exchange, the opportunity to benefit from new savings. 

Customers seeking coverage can contact an Exchange certified Broker, Navigator, enrollment center or the Customer Support Center between 7:30am and 5:30pm Monday -Friday at 1-855-923-4633; TTY: 855-627-9604. 


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Insurance Commissioner Kreidler: Biden's American Rescue Plan will lower health insurance costs for over 200,000 in Washington

Sunday, March 14, 2021

A special enrollment is currently underway at the Exchange through May 15.

The American Rescue Plan Act dramatically expands access to free and low-cost health insurance for more than 200,000 people who get their health insurance through Washington’s Healthplanfinder, our state's Exchange.

“Despite the progress made under the Affordable Care Act, we know that too many families have struggled to afford critical health coverage, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. 
“The American Rescue Plan Act makes good on a promise to provide more affordable coverage to so many in need. More importantly, we know it will save lives.”

Of the more than 224,000 people who selected a plan during the last open enrollment, 62% qualified for a subsidy to help with premium costs. Subsidies are available to people based on their income. In the past, subsides have been limited to people earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level ($26,200 to $104,800 annual income for a family of four).

The American Rescue Plan Act reduces the percentage of income that people must pay toward their health coverage and removes for two years the cap on income to qualify for premium subsidies. The measures increase subsidies and the number of people who qualify for financial help.

With removal of the income cap, individuals who earn more than $51,040 and families who earn more than $104,800 will not be required to spend more than 8.5% of their income on health insurance premiums. 

Others with lower incomes will see their premiums reduced; a family of four earning between $26,200 and $39,300 would not pay any premiums. Before, they had to spend between 2% and 4.14% of their income on premiums.

In addition, the new law:
  • Increases the amount of subsidies available for people who receive unemployment benefits in 2021.
  • Removes the requirement that people pay back any excess subsidies they may have received in 2020 if their income changed during the year.
  • Covers 100% of COBRA premiums for anyone who loses a job and wants to keep their employer-sponsored coverage through Sept. 30, 2021.

"Many thousands of people will find more affordable coverage because of the Biden administration’s actions,” said Kreidler. “It is a monumental shift in priorities for our country and has come at a critical time for so many families struggling during the pandemic.”

A special enrollment is currently underway at the Exchange through May 15.



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Sign up for health insurance by December 15 through Washington Health Plan Finder

Thursday, December 10, 2020

December 15, 2020 is the deadline to sign up for insurance through the state's HealthPlanFinder.

Make sure you and your family are covered in the new year by enrolling in a health plan by December 15th for coverage beginning January 1, 2021.
 
Visit http://wahealthplanfinder.org to get started. 

There are subsidies for low-income subscribers.



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Medicare open enrollment in a virtual world

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Jesse Gamez, Intermountain
Medicare President, Humana

By Jesse Gamez, Intermountain Medicare President, Humana

The annual Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plan open enrollment period is traditionally a time for educational events, classes and one on one meetings, but this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are some new and different ways to learn about Medicare. 

October 15 to December 7 is the time when millions of people eligible for Medicare can access the latest information about available health plans for 2021. 

In Washington state alone, nearly 1.4 million people are enrolled in Medicare including almost 514,000 with Medicare Advantage.

There are resources to help you choose the plan that’s right for you without having to leave home, including informational websites, virtual educational events and one-on-one virtual meetings with sales agents. 

At the same time, it’s important to safely access Medicare information online while protecting your personal information and avoiding fake offers and other scams.

Here are some tips for how to prepare for the Medicare fall open enrollment period:

1. Use an online tool

Go to the Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov to compare plans, benefits and an estimated cost for each plan based on an average member.

If you are interested in Medicare Part D, which helps cover the cost of prescription medications, you can also enter the names of prescription medications you take to ensure those medications are covered by the plan you are considering. You can enroll directly on Medicare.gov.

On Medicare.gov, you can also learn about and enroll in Medicare Advantage plans, sometimes called Part C or MA Plans, and you can also visit an insurance company’s website to learn more about what they offer. 

Insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans can provide you with detailed information about their plans and services, plus prescription pricing information and other benefits. You can also check to see if your primary care physician or other providers are in-network with the MedicareAdvantage plan.

2. Sign up for a virtual education workshop

Many insurance companies are offering online workshops to review 2021 Medicare Advantage plan options. Also, check to see if you can set up a virtual one-on-one meeting with an insurance company sales agent – meaning, by phone or video chat. 

Before you attend a virtual event or meeting, find out in advance how to log on to the meeting to avoid technical issues. It’s a good idea to also prepare a list of questions so that you can ensure you get the information you need. Does the plan include vision, hearing and dental coverage? Will telehealth services be covered? Is transportation to your medical appointments included?

3. Protect yourself against Medicare scams

The federal Medicare agency has warned that scammers may try to use the pandemic to steal Medicare beneficiaries’ Medicare numbers, banking information or other personal data. Scammers may try to reach out to you by phone, email, text message, social media or by visiting your home. 

Only give your Medicare number to your doctor, pharmacist, hospital, health insurer or other trusted health care provider. Do not click links in text messages and emails about COVID-19 from unknown sources and hang up on unsolicited phone calls offering COVID-19 tests or supplies.

If you are not comfortable accessing plan information online, Medicare.gov has an option for setting up a phone call

For more information, go to Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). For more information about Humana plans, you can visit www.Humana.com/Medicare or speak with a licensed Humana sales agent by calling 1-800-213-5286 (TTY: 711) from 8am to 8pm local time, seven days a week.

(Ed. note: Before you make a final choice, call your medical providers to see if they will bill that insurance.)





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Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington to pay $6,375,000 over allegations of inflated Medicare Advantage claims

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

From the Department of Justice

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington, formerly known as Group Health Cooperative (GHC), agreed to pay $6,375,000 to resolve allegations that it submitted invalid diagnoses to Medicare for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries and received inflated payments from Medicare as a result, the Justice Department announced on Monday, November 16, 2020. 

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan was formerly based in Washington but is now headquartered in Oakland, California.

“When insurance providers take advantage of Medicare and falsely claim that they are entitled to repayment for unsupported diagnoses, American taxpayers suffer in the form of higher costs,” stated U.S. Attorney James Kennedy, Jr. of the Western District of New York. “We will continue to work to ensure that these programs are not defrauded and that monies are not paid for unwarranted claims.”

More information here



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Understanding Medicare

Sunday, November 1, 2020

Understanding Medicare
Tuesday, November 3, 6:30-8pm

Please register by 10am the day of the event.
https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/5f905c599aadc72f00578dfe

Just when you think you understand how Medicare works, there is a change in your plan or new plans to know! Discover how Medicare works, what the options are and the different types of available products and prescription drug plans.

At the conclusion of this class, you will be able to make an educated, informed evaluation of what is available and what best suits your specific medical and financial needs.

This presentation is for educational purposes only. Neither the speaker nor We Speak Medicare.org is affiliated with the Federal Medicare Program.

Class will use Zoom as a platform.

The Zoom link will be sent to you by email.



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How the Heck Do I Buy a Used Car? - this session will answer that question

Sunday, October 25, 2020

Chaya of Mechanic Shop Femme

How the Heck Do I Buy a Used Car?
Thursday, October 29, 5:30-7pm
Register with an email address before 7pm October 28 
https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/5f87183d9aadc72f0056f2fc

Maybe you have a car and it’s on its last leg, or maybe you took a break from driving and now you want to buy a car? Or you are a first-time car buyer all together! You’re searching the web and are overwhelmed with the options, price tags and just the whole process.

Join Chaya of Mechanic Shop Femme to learn about the process from budgeting to negotiating so you end up with the car you want for a fair price and avoid buying a lemon.

Chaya Milchtein is an automotive educator, writer,and speaker and founder of Mechanic Shop Femme

Her work has appeared in publications ranging from the Chicago Tribune to Shondaland. With seven years in the auto industry under her belt and three years of virtual courses, you're sure to find her class engaging and her information easy to understand. 

You can find her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Register with an email address before 7pm on October 28. You will receive an email with a Zoom link the day before the event. This is part of a series. 

Please register for each program:
*Before Your First Car: A Virtual Car Class for Teens and Young Adults, November 24, 5:30-7pm: https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/5f87193332b3343a00abe26a

*The Fundamentals of Car Insurance, December 16, 5:30-7pm: https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/5f8719ec95a726240040c6fd



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AG Ferguson lawsuit halts insurance company’s deceptive imitation of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange website

Friday, October 16, 2020


Attorney General Bob Ferguson today secured a court order against Health Insurance Team, a Seattle-based insurance company, for imitating the official state-run health insurance exchange. Ferguson’s complaint, filed today along with the order, asserts that Health Insurance Team’s marketing violated the Consumer Protection Act’s prohibition on deceptive advertising.

The court order, approved by King County Superior Court, legally requires the insurance company to stop its use of domain names and branding that are similar to the state exchange. The company must also pay $50,000 to the Attorney General’s Office, which will be used for future enforcement of the Consumer Protection Act.

Read more here



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100,000 Washington residents added to Apple Health (Medicaid) in past four months

Friday, August 14, 2020

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, more than 100,000 Washington residents have enrolled in Apple Health (Medicaid), our state’s insurance program for individuals with lower incomes. 

About 1.9 million Washington residents are now enrolled in the program, which offers comprehensive physical and behavioral health care coverage.

“Apple Health is meant to be there when people need health care the most,” said HCA State Medicaid Director MaryAnne Lindeblad. “Due to the pandemic, many people are experiencing loss of income that may make them eligible for this program. We encourage those seeking free or low-cost health care coverage to visit our website to learn more.”


The state Office of Financial Management estimates that due to the pandemic, the uninsured rate in our state rose from 6.7 percent in January 2020 to 13 percent in the spring, and was at about 8.8 percent on July 25.

HCA also worked to ensure health care coverage by offering a limited open enrollment in July for members of our Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs.

During that limited open enrollment, PEBB and SEBB members could opt in to medical coverage after previously waiving it, and/or add dependents to their accounts for medical coverage. This resulted in about 2,400 new covered lives in the PEBB and SEBB programs as of August 1.

PEBB and SEBB members also were able to enroll in the Medical Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) or Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), or adjust their contribution amounts for those benefits if already enrolled, to reflect unanticipated changes in household circumstances due to the pandemic.

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Kreidler extends requirement for health insurers to cover telehealth and testing

Saturday, July 18, 2020

Insurance Commissioner
Mike Kreidler


Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order directing all state-regulated health insurers to make additional coverage changes to help consumers during the coronavirus pandemic. 

His order is in effect until August 16 and requires health insurers to 
  • continue coverage for telehealth service; 
  • cover all medically necessary diagnostic testing for flu and certain other viral respiratory illnesses billed during a provider visit for COVID-19 with no copay, coinsurance or deductible; and 
  • treat drive-up testing sites for COVID-19 as a provider visit with no copay, coinsurance or deductible.

To help free up hospital beds, Kreidler is directing health insurers to waive or expedite prior authorization requirements for home healthcare or long-term care facility services to speed up discharging patients who are ready to leave.

Read the release for more information.


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Have you lost your insurance? Open enrollment for Washington Apple Health

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

WA Health Care Authority reminds Washingtonians that you don't have to wait for open enrollment to apply for Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). 

You can apply at any time throughout the year. Visit Washington Health Plan Finder to see if you qualify for free or low-cost health coverage.




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No cost for COVID-19 testing in Washington state

Sunday, June 21, 2020

According to the state insurance commissioner and the state Department of Health there should be no cost to you as a patient for testing, whether you have insurance or not.

The state Insurance Commissioner is requiring insurers to waive co-pays and deductibles for COVID-19 testing, and has answered frequently asked questions about health insurance and COVID-19.

The Health Care Authority is working with insurance carriers across all the populations they purchase for (Apple Health, public employees and school employees). You may learn more on HCA's website.

If you don’t have health insurance, visit the Washington Health Benefit Exchange to find out if you qualify for free health coverage (Apple Health, Washington’s Medicaid program) or if you qualify to purchase individual health insurance under specific circumstances. Find answers to frequently asked questions about getting coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more about costs for COVID-19 testing (PDF) in Washington state.



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Do you need medical insurance - you have until Friday to sign up

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Washington Healthplanfinder Urges Uninsured to Act Fast to Meet Friday Deadline 

As part of the state Coronavirus response, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange is urging individuals who did not secure health insurance for 2020 to sign up for coverage by 5:30pm on Friday, May 8, the deadline of the limited-time special enrollment period through Washington Healthplanfinder for coverage beginning May 1, 2020.

 “Now is the time to sign up for health coverage if you are currently uninsured,” said Exchange Chief Executive Officer Pam MacEwan. “There are many resources available to help individuals understand their options and secure health coverage before the special enrollment period ends.” 

Individuals who need help signing up for coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder may contact the Customer Support Center between 7:30am to 5:30pm Monday-Friday at 1-855-923-4633; TTY: 855-627- 9604.

They may also contact an Exchange certified Navigator, Broker, or Enrollment center who can answer insurance questions and with enrollment. Free help from local experts is accessible via the WAPlanfinderMobile App or by visiting the advice page

The Exchange is also reminding people that even after May 8, individuals who have recently lost their job or their employer coverage, have experienced a change in income, or experienced another qualifying event can continue to visit WAHealthplanfinder.org or use the WAPlanfinder Mobile App to sign up online.



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Medicare Webinar presentation Wednesday

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

SHIBA webinar Wednesday

Medicare Webinar presentation Wednesday April 29th @ 2pm

Do you find Medicare a mystery? Are you unsure which Medicare plan is best for you?

Join SHIBA online for a virtual "Welcome to Medicare" class where we will cover the "A, B, C, Ds" of Medicare.

Certified SHIBA volunteers will be available to answer all of your questions!

SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) is a program of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner and is sponsored locally by Sound Generations.

SHIBA provides free, unbiased information on Medicare and other health insurance options to all people.

You can read more about SHIBA here

Register HERE 



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