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What if I have PCIP coverage?

By Health, Medicaid Planning, MedicareNo Comments

Coverage through the federal Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) ends December 31, 2013. PCIP will not pay for any medical services after December 31, 2013. You must enroll for new coverage between October 1at and December 15, 2013. If you enroll after December 15, your coverage can start no earlier than February 1, 2014.

When the health care law was signed in 2010, it created PCIP as a temporary program. PCIP made health coverage available to uninsured people with pre-existing conditions until key parts of the law took effect.

Starting in 2014, health insurance companies can no longer deny you coverage or charge you more because of your health condition. On October 1st the new choices for health coverage will be available. You can get coverage in the individual market, through your employer, or from public programs like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

PCIP enrollees have new options.

Every state has a Health Insurance Marketplace, where you can learn whether you qualify for lower costs based on your household size and income. All Marketplace insurance plans offer the same essential health benefits and cover treatment for pre-existing health conditions. For Florida you can enroll by going to www.healthcare.gov.

You have other options for buying new health coverage. You can buy a plan on your own from a licensed health insurance company, or enroll in a job-based plan. But in order to get lower costs based on your income, you must buy your plan through the Marketplace.

You must take action to get new coverage. PCIP coverage does not automatically convert to a Marketplace plan.

If you need legal advice for estate planning, probate and trust administration, Medicaid planning, or VA benefits, please contact our office at (941) 906-1231 for an initial consultation.

October 31, 2013
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Estimate Costs of Health Plans for Florida

By Health, Medicaid Planning, MedicareNo Comments

The Tampa Bay Times has published an article on September 25, 2013 providing a preview to the rates expected to be published on October 1, 2013 for health insurance under the affordable care act.

A single 27 year old earning $25,000.00 per year can buy a bronze poilicy (the least expensive) for $167.00 per month.  He/she will receive a tax credit due to their low income of $54.00 per month reducing their premium to $113.00 per month.  This tax credit will be paid directly to the insurance provider.

A family of 4 living in Tampa Bay earning $50,000.00 per year can get a silver policy (the second lowest cost plan) for $282.00 per month, after receiving the tax credit.

Coverage offered by these plans are expected to include preventative care and maternity care.

Everyone will be able to research plans in their communities beginning October 1, 2013 at www.healthcare.gov.

For more information on estate planning, Medicaid planning or tax planning, please contact our office at (941) 906-1231 for an initial consultation.

September 30, 2013
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How Will the Affordable Care Act change Health Insurance Plans?

By HealthNo Comments

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has compiled data on Projected Health Insurance Premiums for policies that comply with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) available in the individual health insurance marketplace beginning in January.

 

Click this title: “Individual Monthly Health Insurance Premiums Before and After PPACA” to link to the document.

A news release stated that the office utilized two methods for calculating potential premium increases. The first used a hypothetical mid-level “silver plan” created by using adjustments to a standard plan in Florida, and compared this to actual silver plans filed. This resulted in an average 35.2 percent increase.

 

A second method compared company projected premiums to a marketplace average for policies without the 2014 PPACA provisions. This resulted in an average 39.3 percent increase. Neither method incorporated potential federal subsidies or credits that might be available to individuals.

 

These documents will continue to be updated as more plans are reviewed and accepted by the office, which intends to release data for PPACA small group premiums in the near future.

If you need legal advice for estate planning, probate and trust administration, Medicaid planning, or VA benefits, please contact our office for an initial consultation.

August 19, 2013
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PCIP Enrollment Suspension

By HealthNo Comments

Beginning February 16, 2013 the federally run Pre-Existing Condition Plan (PCIP) is suspending acceptance of new enrollment applications until further notice. State-based PCIPs may continue accepting enrollment applications through March 2, 2013, and then will suspend applications until further notice. PCIP will continue providing coverage to more than 100,000 people currently enrolled nationwide. We encourage you to visit http://finder.healthcare.gov to explore your health care options.

If you need legal advice for Estate planning, Asset Protection Planning, Medicaid or Medicare planning, please contact our office at (941) 906-1231 for an initial consultation.

March 5, 2013
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10 Ways to be a Healthier Caregiver

By Health, Long-Term CareNo Comments

It is so important to remember to take care of ourselves while providing care to a loved one. Here are tips to help focus on you while caring for another.

1. Understand what is happening with the disease and diagnosis as early as possible.

2. Know what community resources are available to help.

3. Become an educated caregiver. Take advantage of workshops and training resources available to you.

4. Get help for yourself through friends and family.

5. Stay healthy with your diet, exercise and sleep.

6. Manage your stress level with relaxation techniques that work for you or the help of your physician.

7. Accept changes as they occur.

8. Make legal and financial plans. If possible, involve your ill loved one in the decision making process so their voice is heard.

9. Give yourself credit, not guilt. Caregiving is a difficult job.

10. Visit your doctor for regular check-ups.

There are many organizations with support groups in Sarasota including Senior Friendship Center, Alzheimer’s Association, Jewish Family Services, Neuro Challenge Wellness Center and more.

If you need legal advice for estate planning, Medicaid planning, or VA planning, please contact our office at (941) 906-1231 for an initial consultation.

January 3, 2013
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Common Symptoms of Caregiver Stress

By Health, Long-Term CareNo Comments

While it is important to so many people to care for their loved ones in a time when they need assistance, it is also important to remember to take care of ourselves. Here are 10 signs that a caregiver is experiencing stress.

1. Denial about the disease and its effect on the person who’s been diagnosed

2. Anger at the ill loved one, at the disease or the fact that other’s don’t understand the changes happening

3. Social withdrawal from activities, friends and family.

4. Anxiety about providing care and the future.

5. Depression that breaks your spirit.

6. Exhaustion that makes it difficult to complete daily tasks.

7. Sleeplessness due to concerns for the ill loved one.

8. Irritability towards your ill loved one and other family members or friends.

9. Lack of concentration that makes it difficult to perform your day to day tasks.

10. Health problems that begin to take a physical and mental toll on the caregiver’s well being.

If you or a caregiver you know experience any of these signs of stress on a regular basis, it is important to make time to speak with a physician.

If you need legal advice for estate planning, Medicaid planning, or VA planning, please contact our office at (941) 906-1231 for an initial consultation.

January 2, 2013
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Health Insurance Premium Tax Credit

By Health, Tax LawNo Comments

Starting in 2014, individuals and families can take a new premium tax credit to help them afford health insurance coverage purchased through an Affordable Insurance Exchange. Exchanges will operate in every state and the District of Columbia. The premium tax credit is refundable so taxpayers who have little or no income tax liability can still benefit. The credit also can be paid in advance to a taxpayer’s insurance company to help cover the cost of premiums. On May 18, 2012, the IRS issued final regulations which provide guidance for individuals who enroll in qualified health plans through Exchanges and claim the premium tax credit, and for Exchanges that make qualified health plans available to individuals and employers.

The portion of the law that will allow eligible individuals to use tax credits to purchase health coverage through an Exchange is not effective until 2014.

Exchanges will offer individuals a choice of health plans that meet certain benefit and cost standards. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) administers the requirements for the Exchanges and the health plans they offer. Additional information about the Exchange can be found at www.healthcare.gov and in IRS REG-131491-10 issued on Aug. 12, 2011.

For your tax advice needs, please contact our office for an initial consultation at (941) 906-1231.

August 29, 2012
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