What Percentage of Population Is Uninsured?

What percentage of the population is uninsured?  This seems like a simple question, but it is in fact quite complex.  The Sacramento Bee reported on September 12, 2012 that it depends upon where you are.  Nationally the medically uninsured rate is 15.7%.  This is actually down from 16.3% in 2010.  But what state you live in makes a big difference.  Massachusetts has a medically uninsured rate of 3.4% (Due to what is known as Romney Care - they have a forced mandate to purchase health insurance).  In Texas they have an uninsured rate of 23.8%.  Here in California we have seen an increase in our uninsured population.  We were at 19.4% in 2010 and have moved up to 19.7% in 2011.  This is mainly due to the economy while rates have simultaneously increased over that same time.

What will happen in 2014?  So much remains to be seen.  We will see what happens here in California.  We have moved faster than any other state to set up our exchange and our mandates that we already have in place are further than most states.  Stay tuned, we will update you as we receive more information.  If you would like to get specific information, you can reach us at 714-680-5900 or find us on the web at www.ansainsuranceservices.com .

Relay for Life - Santa Fe Springs

Let the count down begin.  Santa Fe Springs Relay for Life is only 11 days away.  If you have never been a part of a Relay for Life event - let us say it is a beautiful and inspiring weekend.  For those of you that don't know what it is, it is a 24 hour fundraiser where teams of people walk to support the American Cancer Society.  There is live entertainment, booths, food and inspiring people and inspiring stories.  Some people stay for all 24 hours while others come for a few hours.  If you have never seen the luminaria you should.  Anyone that has ever watched a friend or loved one battle cancer will be especially touched. 

To get information on a Relay for Life event in your area or to get more information on the Santa Fe Springs Relay for Life go to relayforlife.org .  Lisa Boyajian is co-chairing this event once again with Paul Hesse. If you would like to contact Lisa regarding the SFS RFL you can reach her at (714)680-5900 or email her at lisa@ansainsuranceservices.com . 

If you would like to get more information on Ansa Insurance Services please see our website at www.ansainsuranceservices.com .

Communicating with Your Doctor's Office Staff

With all the new preventive care benefits out there it is more important than ever to maintain a line of communication with the staff in your doctors office.  When making appointments that are for preventative benefits you need to be extremely specific and exact.  Have the appointment setter read back to you the reason for the appointment and make sure they repeat that it is for preventative care.  When getting any test done, be sure that the doctor is clear with you and his staff if it will be covered as preventative care.  Many test are, but if they are lumped with some that are not covered then the whole group may not be covered. 
We have seen an uptick in complaints regarding this topic.  It is all in the coding.  If the doctors office staff miss codes you will be billed differently than you anticipated.  If the doctors staff explains to you that what you are doing is not covered then you will need to decide if it is necessary and worth the added expense.  You are your biggest health advocate, do not be afraid to call on staff and the insurance carrier to find out what your benefits are and at what level you will be covered for the care you receive.
If you would like to find out more about your specific health plan or get information on another plan, please contact us at (714)680-5900 or email us at www.ansainsuranceservices.com .

News from Anthem

Anthem released an update that some members were mistakenly sent post cards notifying them they would be receiving a rebate under the new rules from the PPAC regarding the MLR (medical loss ratio).  But in fact, their plans were not eligible for a rebate.  They are working to get new letters out clarifying the mistake.  If you are an Anthem member and have questions regarding the MLR you can call Anthem directly or if you are a current client of ours please call us directly.

You may reach Lisa and Angela at (714)680-5900 or find us on the web at www.ansainsuranceservices.com .

September 23rd Is Right Around the Corner

September 23, 2012 is right around the corner.  What is the significance of September 23, 2012?  It is the last day that the health insurance carriers have to release their SBC's (Summary of Benefits and Coverage) to all it's members.  If you are on a group plan your employer is responsible to make sure you have access to the SBC.  If you are on an individual plan, your carrier should let you know how to retrieve it online if they do not send you a hard copy.

Why is the SBC important?  It details the plans so that they can be compared to other plans on an apples to apples basis.  In other words, it is to help the insured understand what they have and what it covers.  All SBC's must include the cost of childbirth and type 2 diabetes.

Putting together and getting out these SBC's have costs the insurance carriers $188 million so far. It is important to understand the value of the SBC's and not let this important tool go unnoticed and put in the pile of papers to never be seen again.  Consumers need this information to be informed. 

If you have questions about you SBC from any insurance carrier, please call us at (714)680-5900 or you can email us at info@ansainsuranceservices.com .  We work with all major carriers including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Shield, Cigna, Kaiser, United and CalChoice.  You can find out more about us at www.ansainsuranceservices.com .