It’s formally known as King v Burwell and its time has come. Beginning on March 4th, the Supreme Court will hear arguments that challenge the meaning of four key words in the ACA: “established by the state”. These words refer to health insurance exchanges—why are these words so critical? What are the consequences of the… Continue reading The Supreme Court vs Obamacare Part Two: What You Need to Know
It seems like the answer to this question should be a simple yes or no. It is undoubtedly one of the most frequently asked questions by individuals when reviewing their health insurance options. In truth, however, the answer is often more complicated. Many participants take great pains to research which doctors and hospitals are considered… Continue reading “Is this doctor in my network?” Maybe.
Isn’t all medicine personal? Doctor and patient, hopefully yes, but what about drug development? Does all of the prescription drug development generally benefit everyone? Or is it specialized to meet the specific needs of segments of the population that are not being currently addressed? A little known and small component of President Obama’s 2016 budget… Continue reading Do Targeted Therapies and Personalized Medicine Work For Everyone?
You’ve read about specialty drugs. But what makes them special? Are they covered by all health insurance plans? Do you need them? Should your plan cover them? Should you be concerned? While there is no standard definition of specialty drugs (except under Medicare), specialty drugs are expensive medications often used to treat chronic illnesses such… Continue reading Health Insurance 101: Specialty Drugs
How could that be? Health insurance is now mandatory. Why should health plans be subject to a luxury tax? Beginning in 2018, employers that provide high-cost benefits through an employer sponsored group health plan will be subject to an Affordable Care Act (ACA) created excise tax, also known as the “Cadillac” luxury tax on these… Continue reading Is Your Health Insurance a Luxury?
When you think of a flexible spending account, or FSA, you think of deductibles, uncovered prescription drugs and nonreimbursed medical expenses. And this being the end of the year, you probably are realizing that you may have extra funds parked in your flexible spending account. But wait! There are other expenses eligible for flexible spending… Continue reading Shopping with Your Flexible Spending Account?
More than three quarters of large employers now offer a high deductible health plan as an option for employee health insurance. For an increasing number of employers, it is the only choice. If you are new to high deductible health plans, now is the time to familiarize yourself with a health savings account and its… Continue reading Health Savings Accounts: New Rules of the Road for You?
Do you automatically enroll in the same health insurance as you did last year? It looks the same— maybe a premium increase, but that is expected. What could really be that different? Perhaps a lot. Open enrollment is your chance to make changes in your plans as well as to educate yourself on the latest… Continue reading Open Enrollment: Last Chance!
For most individuals, it’s open enrollment season. Bombarded with words like deductible, coinsurance and formulary, employees will be comparing their employer sponsored plan offering with an eye towards selecting an alternative, better coverage for 2015. An employer may only offer one plan; another employer several. One important component that is present in almost all employer… Continue reading Your Health Insurance: Tierful Prescription Drug Coverage?
In a few short weeks, open enrollment will be upon us, and with it, an encyclopedia of information on 2015 employer sponsored benefit opportunities. Health care will occupy many pages of this vast document. Whether the volume of this information will make it easier to understand remains to be seen, but it is critical that… Continue reading Your Open Enrollment Shopping List
