We're receiving many questions from consumers on when they can access the new health benefits - from adding their adult kids to their coverage, to getting coverage from the new high risk pool. We wish there was a 'one-size fits all' answer. Believe me, it would make it easier for all of us!
For now, we're updating a general timeline on what takes effect and when. The answer for many will depend on what type of health plan they have and when they or their employer enrolled in the plan. Here's the timeline today.
We're also updating our frequently asked questions and answers almost daily as new information becomes available, so check back early and often. If you or someone you know has questions about the new law, give us a call at 1-800-562-6900 or e-mail AskMike@oic.wa.gov
Selasa, 18 Mei 2010
Updates to health reform pages
As federal health reform becomes a reality, with a lot of fast-paced, detailed rulemaking, we've been trying to stay up to speed on what the bill means for you -- and when.
We've posted extensive information on the state's planned new high risk pool, whether your health plan can charge out-of-pocket costs for preventive care, detail about extending adult children's health coverage to age 26, and so on.
It's broken down by both timeline -- some of the changes take effect as soon as Sept. 23rd, others won't be implemented until 2014 -- and by who's affected. There are sub-pages for working families, early retirees, children, seniors, small businesses, hospitals and health providers, etc.
Here's the link. Take a look.
We've posted extensive information on the state's planned new high risk pool, whether your health plan can charge out-of-pocket costs for preventive care, detail about extending adult children's health coverage to age 26, and so on.
It's broken down by both timeline -- some of the changes take effect as soon as Sept. 23rd, others won't be implemented until 2014 -- and by who's affected. There are sub-pages for working families, early retirees, children, seniors, small businesses, hospitals and health providers, etc.
Here's the link. Take a look.
Jumat, 14 Mei 2010
WA insurance commissioner orders Nevada company to stop selling illegal health insurance products in Washington
Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has ordered a Nevada company and the individuals behind it to stop selling illegal health insurance products to Washingtonians.
The order names Pinnacle Health Solutions, LLC, also known as Pinnacle Health Care, and company managers James Parish, Nicholas Wall and “Michael Schultz.” (Schultz is believed to be a pseudonym.)
They previously marketed health insurance products from the American Trade Association, which was named in an earlier order. Since then, the company and these men have continued to advertise and sell other unauthorized health insurance and unlicensed health care discount cards in Washington.
Kreidler on Thursday issued a cease and desist order against the company and the three men, ordering them to stop “engaging in or transacting the unauthorized business of insurance or unlicensed discount plans in the state of Washington.” They are barred from collecting premiums or fees, and cannot advertise or sell such products.
They must also:
• Provide Kreidler’s office with a list of all Washingtonians who have purchased their products.
• Inform all Washington customers about the order.
• And, upon request by any policyholder, replace any illegal coverage with a policy from an authorized insurer.
Washington state insurance investigators have seen a recurring pattern in which companies banned from doing illegal business in the state have attempted to shift their customers to other groups which are also peddling unauthorized insurance products. In a recent letter to an American Trade Association customer, for example, Pinnacle said that benefits were being shifted to a new entity: Best Benefits Association.
Best Benefits Association is also not authorized to sell insurance products in Washington.
Any Washington resident contacted by Pinnacle, Best Benefits Association, or any American Trade Association marketer is encouraged to contact the state Office of the Insurance Commissioner at 1-800-562-6900.
The order names Pinnacle Health Solutions, LLC, also known as Pinnacle Health Care, and company managers James Parish, Nicholas Wall and “Michael Schultz.” (Schultz is believed to be a pseudonym.)
They previously marketed health insurance products from the American Trade Association, which was named in an earlier order. Since then, the company and these men have continued to advertise and sell other unauthorized health insurance and unlicensed health care discount cards in Washington.
Kreidler on Thursday issued a cease and desist order against the company and the three men, ordering them to stop “engaging in or transacting the unauthorized business of insurance or unlicensed discount plans in the state of Washington.” They are barred from collecting premiums or fees, and cannot advertise or sell such products.
They must also:
• Provide Kreidler’s office with a list of all Washingtonians who have purchased their products.
• Inform all Washington customers about the order.
• And, upon request by any policyholder, replace any illegal coverage with a policy from an authorized insurer.
Washington state insurance investigators have seen a recurring pattern in which companies banned from doing illegal business in the state have attempted to shift their customers to other groups which are also peddling unauthorized insurance products. In a recent letter to an American Trade Association customer, for example, Pinnacle said that benefits were being shifted to a new entity: Best Benefits Association.
Best Benefits Association is also not authorized to sell insurance products in Washington.
Any Washington resident contacted by Pinnacle, Best Benefits Association, or any American Trade Association marketer is encouraged to contact the state Office of the Insurance Commissioner at 1-800-562-6900.
Vancouver-based Cascade Auto Glass fined for overbilling
A Washington auto glass company has pleaded guilty to attempted insurance fraud after charging insurers more for repairs billed from a non-existent office.
Cascade Auto Glass, apparently headquartered in Vancouver, will pay a $1,000 fine, $500 victim penalty assessment and $200 in court costs. Cascade, as a corporation, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted fallse claims or proof in an insurance claim, a gross misdemeanor.
The state insurance commissioner’s Special Investigations Unit found multiple cases of overbilling by the company.
Some insurance companies pay auto glass claims at different rates, depending on where the shop is located. Rural windshield replacements, for example, are typically paid at a higher rate due to higher transportation costs compared to urban shops.
Cascade offers a mobile windshield replacement service and generally goes to customers homes, workplaces or schools. The investigation found that the company repeatedly did work in large urban areas, but billed insurers as if the work was done from the rural Port Townsend area.
The company’s Port Townsend location consists of a storage unit. Cascade does not use that location to conduct their business.
Cascade Auto Glass, apparently headquartered in Vancouver, will pay a $1,000 fine, $500 victim penalty assessment and $200 in court costs. Cascade, as a corporation, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted fallse claims or proof in an insurance claim, a gross misdemeanor.
The state insurance commissioner’s Special Investigations Unit found multiple cases of overbilling by the company.
Some insurance companies pay auto glass claims at different rates, depending on where the shop is located. Rural windshield replacements, for example, are typically paid at a higher rate due to higher transportation costs compared to urban shops.
Cascade offers a mobile windshield replacement service and generally goes to customers homes, workplaces or schools. The investigation found that the company repeatedly did work in large urban areas, but billed insurers as if the work was done from the rural Port Townsend area.
The company’s Port Townsend location consists of a storage unit. Cascade does not use that location to conduct their business.
Washington health care authority launches its health insurance program
Washington state's Health Care Authority has launched its "Washington Health Program," which offers relatively low cost, basic health coverage -- albeit with a very low annual maximum compared to comprehensive coverage.
From HCA's web page:
See here for more details about the program.
From HCA's web page:
This unique program offers either $75,000 or $100,000 in health insurance coverage every year. Members maintain low deductibles and, at times, no-cost coverage for basic health services. This provides coverage for those unexpected trips to the hospital. In most cases, $75,000 or $100,000 is plenty of coverage throughout the year.You can estimate your premium here.
See here for more details about the program.
Kamis, 13 Mei 2010
Insurance news:NV commissioner quits, Prudential buying AIG, and a new product: marijuana insurance
Nevada insurance commissioner resigns, search for replacement underway
NAIC testifies on impact of insurers’ use of credit-based scores
NM: State insurance division may cancel Blue Cross Blue Shield NM rate hike: "Interim state Insurance Superintendent Tom Rushton has been asked to rescind his predecessor’s approval of the 21.3 percent rate increase, King said."
Reuters: Healthcare bill poses credit risk for nonprofits
BusinessWeek: An insurance giant’s make-or-break deal (Prudential’s $35.5 billion bid for a unit of AIG)
BusinessWeek: NC insurance industry opposing tort reform legislation
LA Times: CA insurance broker gets 10-year sentence for bilking investors
And lastly, from the Denver Business Journal: “Here comes another signpost on the medical marijuana industry’s road to legitimacy: insurance. Dispensaries worries about setbacks ranging from inventory theft to accidentally sickening a client have a new option: Greenway Insurance.”
NAIC testifies on impact of insurers’ use of credit-based scores
NM: State insurance division may cancel Blue Cross Blue Shield NM rate hike: "Interim state Insurance Superintendent Tom Rushton has been asked to rescind his predecessor’s approval of the 21.3 percent rate increase, King said."
Reuters: Healthcare bill poses credit risk for nonprofits
BusinessWeek: An insurance giant’s make-or-break deal (Prudential’s $35.5 billion bid for a unit of AIG)
BusinessWeek: NC insurance industry opposing tort reform legislation
LA Times: CA insurance broker gets 10-year sentence for bilking investors
And lastly, from the Denver Business Journal: “Here comes another signpost on the medical marijuana industry’s road to legitimacy: insurance. Dispensaries worries about setbacks ranging from inventory theft to accidentally sickening a client have a new option: Greenway Insurance.”
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