Working with an agent doesn't add to your cost, so why not benefit from my experience in North Carolina? I'll help you choose your health plan and make sure you fully understand your benefits.
Stay well,
♥
Tara
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Monday, September 28, 2020
Virtual Interviewing Tips
Looking for a new job is stressful enough. Now virtual interviewing is becoming the norm. Check out Mary Page Troxler's tips to ease your nerves and be ready.
Five Tips to Rock Your Virtual Interview
Stay well,
❤
Tara
Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Six Mask Myths
As more health agencies and local governments ask people to wear face coverings, some myths have gained traction. To help you sort through fact and fiction, Blue Cross NC debunked some of the most common myths. The first one is so important. Studies show people infected with Covid-19 don't have symptoms for many days and sometimes never at all. And they can unknowingly spread the virus. As a caregiver of parents in their 80's with compromised immune systems, I have to be extra careful. Thanks for joining me.
❤
Tara
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Signing up for Medicare: Initial Enrollment Period
There are many different types of Medicare Enrollment Periods. One is your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance.) The same is true for people who receive benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board and people who have received disability benefits for 24 months. If you are not getting these benefits, you must actively sign up for Medicare through medicare.gov or by visiting your local social security office. You do not have to start your regular monthly social security benefits in order to get your entitled Medicare benefits.
Initial Enrollment Period
Your initial enrollment period is a 7-month period that:
- Starts 3 months before you turn 65
- Includes the month you turn 65
- Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.
For example, if you turn 65 on April 6, then your initial enrollment period begins January 1st and ends July 31st. Outside of your initial enrollment period, there are other enrollment period guidelines. You should discuss your options with a Medicare Supplement licensed agent.
One scenario is if you turn 65 and have group coverage through an employer. While you’ll still be entitled to Part A, you may be able to delay enrolling in Parts B and D without a late enrollment penalty as long as the employer has 20 or more employees (as defined by the IRS); and the plan provides creditable drug coverage. Make sure to check with your benefits manager before making any sudden moves. If you leave your group coverage, you may not be able change your mind.
Once you sign up for Medicare Parts A and B, then you can
fill in the gaps that Medicare doesn’t cover (about 20% of your medical costs) with
a Medicare Supplement plan as well as a Part D prescription drug plan. You also have the option to leave original
Medicare and enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan. (Note, Medicare Advantage plans are subject to
an Initial Coverage Election Period which may be different than your Initial Enrollment
Period, depending on when you plan to enroll in Part B.)
Feel free to call me with questions!
Stay well,
❤
Tara
Reference: www.medicare.gov
Monday, August 10, 2020
5 Cool Hikes in NC this Summer
Joe Miller from Blue Cross NC found some great hikes to try out this summer! I love that he found some places that are less likely to be crowded. So put on some good walking shoes, take a nice drive and enjoy the fresh air and the energy of the earth. It's good for mind, body and soul.
Stay well,
❤
Tara
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Health Insurance Premium Rebates
Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance providers are required to submit annual data to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding use of premium payments. It’s a protection that ensures customers get value for their health insurance and is referred to as the “Medical Loss Ratio” standard or the” 80/20” rule. At least 80% of premiums received must be spent on medical care services, including doctor and hospital bills as well as activities to improve health care quality and patient safety. Only 20% can be used for administrative costs and profits, including executive salaries, overhead and marketing.
In 2019, Blue Cross NC spent 79.9% of premium dollars on
health care and activities to improve health care quality. Since it missed the target by 0.1%, Blue
Cross NC must rebate 0.1% to its 2019 ACA members. Emails went out August 3rd encouraging
members to log in to Blue Connect to make sure their address on file is
correct.
Here are the key points listed in a recent Agent News
article made available to appointed agents.
- Rebates will be issued to all eligible subscribers by September 30th. Rebate notifications will be mailed to some customers in August.
- Eligible individuals will receive either a rebate check in the mail, or a credit on their October bills.
- We will issue credits to individual, under-65 customers who have a monthly premium that is larger than their refund amount.
- We’re sending checks in the mail to those who:
- have a monthly premium that is less than the amount of the refund, or
- are no longer with Blue Cross NC, or
- are Student Blue members
- Customers can refer to bluecrossnc.com/MLR for more information.
- If customers have questions, they should call 1-866-669-6258.
❤
Tara
A Message of Hope
This is such a great article by Blue Cross NC employee Brian Edmonds. 2020 was supposed to be a great year. The challenges we face have really come to the surface in the past few months. And mental health is an important part of of well being. Please take care.
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