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Archive for the ‘Texas health insurance’ Category

Custom Health Plans Helps Send Kids to Cowboys Stadium

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

Last week, a group of kids from the Neighborhood Service Council’s “My Time” summer program got a big surprise: a trip to Cowboys Stadium, complete with a tour and behind-the-scenes access to the field and locker rooms.  Custom Health Plans is a proud sponsor of the NSC, a nonprofit organization that provides after-school programs and a summer day camp to economically disadvantaged children in the area.

The group enjoyed their trip and remarked at the unique experience.  “I can’t believe how I watch it on TV, and I never thought I would be here standing on it but now I am,” said Juan Garcia.  As part of the trip, the kids enjoyed kicking field goals and touring the inside of the Cowboy’s locker room, which featured the players’ jerseys up close.

“[The children's families] don’t have cars, a lot of them, so they walk to the grocery store, to the schools and then home and that’s pretty much all they see…so when we get to come to somewhere like this, it’s really exciting for the kids. It’s an experience they’ll remember for the rest of their lives,” said Shawn Ainsworth, Executive Director of Neighborhood Service Council.

“Helping to provide positive experiences for this group of kids has been very rewarding,” said Richard Monello, President and CEO of Custom Health Plans.  “We’re proud to support the generous efforts performed every day by the NSC.”

Click below to view a video of the NSC’s tour of Cowboys Stadium.

Local Nonprofit Provides New Texas Health Insurance Option

Monday, July 19th, 2010

texas health insuranceTexas has the highest rate of uninsured residents in the country, as nearly one in four Texans is currently living without Texas health insurance. The reasons for remaining uninsured range from high costs to unemployment to employers not offering benefits, but one local nonprofit is hoping to reduce the state’s high number of uninsured inhabitants.

According to the Dallas Morning News, North Texas 3-Share Plan wants to help uninsured employees in Dallas County by providing a relatively inexpensive and subsidized health care option.  The plan launched its first initiative, TexHealth Dallas County, last week in Irving.  The organization is led by Don Spies, who was formerly a Dallas County director of health initiatives.  “We want to focus on preventive care,” Spies said. “There are so many who will forgo care until something gets worse,” and then costs can quickly escalate.

Living without a Texas health insurance plan is particularly troublesome for Texans who work for companies with fewer than 50 employees because more than 60 percent of small businesses do not offer health insurance.  In a multi-share plan like the North Texas 3-Share Plan, the cost burden is partially lifted from the employer without being placed directly on the employee, as a public fund also contributes to create a more affordable Texas health insurance plan. According to the Dallas Morning News:

The 2010 cost is $260 per employee per month, with the employer paying half, the employee liable for $50 and the subsidy paying the remaining $80…The program will be available to small businesses that have not offered group health insurance in the past 12 months. Employees are eligible if they have a pre-tax income of $16 an hour or less, which is about 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.

This dramatic cut in health care costs for employees comes at a fortuitous time, as federal health care reform is leading many companies to drop their Texas health insurance plans in order to save money.  If multi-share plans take off and see early success, they may play a big role in providing low-cost Texas health insurance to employees and small businesses affected by such reforms.

Texas Doctors Might Drop Medicaid

Monday, July 12th, 2010

texas medicaidMedicaid patients aren’t popular among doctors, who receive state-subsidized fees significantly lower than traditional market value for their services.  And with provider fees being trimmed another one percent on September 1st, the amount of doctors accepting Medicaid is expected to drop, damaging the state’s delivery of health care to the poor who rely on this form of Texas health insurance.

According to the Dallas Morning News:

The 1 percent trim to provider fees that starts Sept. 1 sounds modest. But doctors, insurance industry officials and health care experts widely see it as the first of many hits coming to doctors’ wallets as Texas’ fiscal woes deepen.  State leaders’ instructions for agencies to identify additional 10 percent budget cuts in the next two-year budget cycle mean more fee cuts may come next summer.

Industry experts believe that further budget reductions could drive doctors from the state and result in more patients seeking emergency room care.  This would be an inauspicious beginning to federal health care reform, which, starting in 2014 will create huge new demands for care by putting more poor adults and children on Medicaid.  This bit of legislation is conservatively estimated to add 1.5 million Texans to Medicaid by 2015.  The number currently stands at about three million.

Expanding the rolls of Medicaid while reducing doctor reimbursements simply won’t work, as fewer doctors will accept these patients.  At the same time, health care reform will expand Texas health insurance rosters in general without expanding the amount of medical professionals to service the newly insured.

Medicaid is a great resource for people who can’t afford traditional Texas health insurance plans, but without the necessary medical network to support these patients, expansion may overburden our already weakened state.

Finding Affordable Texas Health Insurance Quotes

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

finding texas health insurance quotesFinding a good Texas health insurance quote can be tricky if you don’t know where to look.  And these days, with costs rising and employers dropping group coverage, more and more people must find and secure their own Texas health insurance plans.  More than just coverage for doctor visits and prescriptions, health insurance protects your way of life and financial future.  It may seem costly now, but Texas health insurance can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.  The following tips offer hassle-free steps to finding an affordable quote.

Don’t pay for it

There are so many options for obtaining free Texas health insurance quotes that there’s no reason to pay for one.  If a company wants your money before giving you a quote, then move onto the next company.

Shop around

These days it’s very easy to obtain a Texas health insurance quote.  Simply go online and companies are eager to provide you with what you need, but make sure your quote is coming from a health insurance provider licensed to operate in your state, or from a reputable, certified broker.

The Lowest Price Isn’t Always the Best

While a low cost quote is very attractive on the surface, it’s important to consider value, rather than just price.  If the plan doesn’t cover the services you require, like prescriptions or maternity care, or if it doesn’t cover your preexisting condition, then you’ll end up paying much more money in the long run.  Anyone can give you an inexpensive quote, but unless it’s for a Texas health insurance plan than offers the benefits and services you need, keep on looking.

And a High Price Doesn’t Mean it’s Good

Similar to how a low cost quote isn’t always a good bargain, a high priced quote doesn’t mean you’re getting the best coverage. An expensive health insurance plan can offer comprehensive services and benefits, but unless you’re going to use those benefits, you’re wasting your money.  Make sure the Texas health insurance plan you select isn’t stuffed with services you’ll never use, or you’re just throwing money away.

Be Wary: Scammers Peddling Fake Texas Health Insurance

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

texas health insuranceHealth care reform has already caused mass confusion, and now scam artists are capitalizing on consumer uncertainty and making matters worse.  Unscrupulous individuals and businesses are offering fake Texas health insurance to the unsuspecting public.  Cases seen to date include nonexistent companies soliciting insurance and insurance being offered by companies not authorized to operate in Texas.  In April alone, 26 cease and desist orders were issued against entities engaging in such practices.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, said in a letter to state insurance commissioners:

“Unfortunately, scam artists and criminals may be using the passage of these historic reforms as an opportunity to confuse and defraud the public…Media accounts indicate that fraudsters have gone door to door selling phony insurance policies,” she wrote. “Some have attempted to make dishonest profits by urging consumers to obtain coverage in a nonexistent ‘limited enrollment’ period that they falsely claim was made possible by the new legislation.”

Since these fake Texas health insurance plans are not backed by financial reserves, the insurers in question likely have no ability or desire to pay claims.  Consumers swindled by these scams may be left without insurance in a time of need.  To protect yourself from fraudulent insurance schemes, regulators have warned people to be wary of anyone claiming to be with the federal government and trying to sell you insurance.  Texas health insurance policies are sold and issued by companies, not government officials.  And be alert to sophisticated sales pitches. The Morning News notes that in some states, fraudulent sales representatives are attempting to sell a bogus product called an “ObamaCare Insurance Policy.”

Unfortunately, scam artists will always attempt to make a buck at the expense of confused consumers, so do what you can to protect your health and keep your finances secure.  If you have questions about health care reform, or need to obtain insurance, work with a licensed Texas health insurance broker, or contact a reputable, well-known health insurance carrier in your state.

Finding the best Texas Health Insurance for your Small Business

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

small business texas health insuranceSmall businesses employ the majority of the Texas workforce and provide Texas health insurance benefits to thousands of state residents.  And as businesses look to gain an edge on their competition, a solid benefits package is a great way to attract and retain talented workers.

There are three main types of Texas health insurance plans: managed care, preferred provider and fee-for-service.  Each plan can offer good benefits to your employees and is likely an available option with most major health carriers.  Talk to your employees about their health needs, and whether they’ll require coverage for specific conditions or for family members.  Coverage options, costs and flexibility to choose preferred doctors and hospitals will help determine which plan is best.

When choosing a Texas health insurance carrier, select a company that receives positive feedback from customers and exhibits good customer service as you inquire about its plans.  A sound financial rating is also important.  Financial evaluations by third parties like A.M. Best can help you determine the ability of an insurer to fulfill its obligations to your company.  If overwhelmed by the search for the right insurance provider, consider using a Texas health insurance broker to help you navigate the maze of plans and options.

Once you’ve selected a health insurance provider and plan for your small business, educate your employees on ways to keep costs down.  Plans with higher deductibles and no copayments will generally boast lower premiums, but that means more out of pocket expenses for employees.  This is a great option for healthy workers that don’t require regular doctor visits and prescriptions.  Also, creating a health-conscious work environment is a terrific preventative measure.  If possible, provide healthy snacks and lunches, or offer incentives for joining a gym.  Healthy living can go a long way to reducing health care costs for individuals and, in turn, the company.

Comparing an Individual Texas Health Insurance Plan to Your Employer’s Plan

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

individual texas health insurancePeople typically obtain their Texas health insurance by one of two methods: participating in their employer’s health insurance program or purchasing an individual health plan on their own. Steep unemployment rates, recent legislation leading to fewer employer-sponsored plans and the desire for greater personalization and control over health care costs has led more and more people to choose individual Texas health insurance plans over group plans.

Employer-sponsored health insurance plans operate under group rates and maintain a one-size-fits-all dynamic.  This blanket coverage results in certain individuals paying for coverage they don’t need in order to subsidize those employees who require more extensive health care.  Since these extra costs are absorbed by all employees, group plans are unnecessarily expensive for certain workers.  Such workers may benefit from an individual health insurance plan, which can be tailored to fit one’s particular needs and budget.

Another benefit of an individual Texas health insurance plan is that it’s portable.  When an employee loses his job, changes his job or branches out on his own, his benefits will lapse, leaving him and his family defenseless against a major medical emergency.  An individual health insurance plan, however, stays in place regardless of a change in employment status, ensuring coverage during tumultuous times.

Since money is tight, the job market jobs remains uncertain and increases in health care costs continue to outpace wages, there’s no better time to consider an individual Texas health insurance plan for personalized, affordable and portable health coverage.

Texas Health Insurance for the Self-Employed

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

self employed texas health insurance Everyone needs health insurance, and while the majority of Texans simply receive their Texas health insurance through an employer’s benefits package, many self-employed individuals must purchase it on their own.  This creates a unique set of challenges, but when joining the ranks of the self employed, there are plenty of opportunities and options to keep you covered at a good price.

1. Individual Texas health insurance – Purchasing individual Texas health insurance allows you to customize a plan that fits your health needs and budget, without paying for unnecessary items that were bundled into your group plan.  You can choose between a variety of plans, including PPOs, HMOs, fee-for-service plans and even a Texas health savings account.

2. COBRA – Those who leave their job for self-employment may be eligible to continue their coverage through COBRA.  The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 allows workers to extend their employer benefits for up to 18 months after leaving a job, but since the employer is no longer subsidizing the plan, this can be a very pricey option.

3. Join your spouse’s plan – If you’re married and your spouse’s employer offers solid health insurance, consider joining his or her plan.  It may be cheaper than purchasing insurance on your own, and group health plans will usually accept you regardless of health history.

4. Put a broker to work for you – A certified Texas health insurance broker can sift through all the clutter to help you find the best plan for you.  Brokers are eventually paid by the health insurance company you choose, so their services are free to use.

5. Short-term health insurance – If self-employment is only a temporary stop in your career, then a short-term Texas health insurance plan may be a good option.  It will keep you covered at a reasonable price until you move onto a job with employer-subsidized benefits.

Affordable Texas Health Insurance for the Whole Family

Friday, May 28th, 2010

texas family health insuranceProtecting your family with affordable Texas health insurance is one of the most important things a parent can do.  From having coverage in place to keep yourself healthy, to having coverage that pays for the doctor visits and prescriptions your children need, a good Texas family health insurance plan is a great investment.

Most families rely on employer-sponsored health insurance coverage, but what happens if you lose your job, are between jobs or are self-employed?  Fortunately, there are many great options for obtaining an affordable Texas health insurance plan on your own.  Texas health insurance plans include managed care plans like HMOs and PPOs, as well as fee-for-service plans, and even health savings accounts.  Depending on the size of your family and the amount of health care your family requires, certain plans will be more effective than others.  But choosing health insurance on your own lets you customize a plan that best fits the needs of your family, while staying within your desired budget.

Aside from just having the right Texas health insurance plan in place, families should consider preventative measures, which can significantly lower health care costs.  Regular checkups and immunizations for children can seem unnecessary or costly in the short term, but they can save your family money in the long run.  And don’t neglect yourself.  Healthy parents provide good examples to their kids and are better able to take care of their family.  Plus, Texas health insurance companies usually offer lower monthly premiums to people living healthy lifestyles because they cost the insurance company less money on doctor visits and prescriptions.  Simple activities like eating right, exercising and not smoking can positively impact your health and significantly reduce your health care costs.

A healthy lifestyle and an affordable Texas health insurance plan are a formidable combination.  Although it takes some effort on your part, protecting your family’s health is the best investment you can make, so do what you can today to ensure your family remains covered.