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{Family Friday} - Teladoc

2/28/2014

1 Comment

 
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Your employees are like your family and you want to take care of them and their families. Contain your claims cost and give them access to a doctor 24/7/365 from the convenience of their homes. Teladoc is perfect for those late night worries in cold and flu season when you're just not sure if you need to see a doctor.
Talk to a doctor by phone or online. There's even a mobile app! All doctors are U.S. board-certified and licensed in your state. 

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Joel’s Healthcare Highlights for February 2014

2/1/2014

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  • Less than 60 days left for open enrollment. You will not be able to buy health insurance between April 1 and November 1 unless you experience a qualifying life event.
  • The “customer” experience at healthcare.gov is working most days now; however, due to back-end problems, having a broker as your representative will still save you a ton of headaches.
  • Medical underwriting for major medical health plans is dead.
  • It is now illegal for business owners to give pre-tax dollars to help employees pay for individual insurance premiums. If you are using a defined benefit model, you are at risk of government and tax penalties.
  • Supplemental insurance products (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity) are becoming a big part of both small business and individual healthcare strategies. For an idea of how these plans can lower your risk and save you money, click here. 
  • With everything that has changed in healthcare recently, it is more important than ever to speak with a knowledgeable, qualified health insurance broker who can explain and discuss ALL your options. As always, I am here to help. Call any time or email here. 
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Family Friday: FREE Breastpumps

1/24/2014

2 Comments

 
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ATTENTION ALL (soon to be) NURSING MAMA's: Our insurance companies are doing something right! Mechanical breast pumps are now covered! The amount covered varies by company, Coventry covers up to $300! A client got this bad boy at NO COST! All you need is a script from your doctor for a breast pump, with the diagnosis as lactating. Insurance is required to cover up to 1 pump a year, so if you are still pumping next year, you will qualify for an additional pump! Those motors do wear out over time... 

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2014 Healthcare Containment Strategies 

12/31/2013

9 Comments

 
By: Joel Harrison

Watch the free training video below where Joel discusses a few strategies to contain healthcare costs in light of healthcare reform. Enjoy the free training! 
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Obamacare Enrollment by Paper and Phone Is No Better Than Website

11/14/2013

1 Comment

 
Official Memos from the Obama administration have been identified to admit that it's not just a problem with the website, but that...

"The website memo describes filling out paper applications as basically an effort to buy time. The paper applications allow people to feel like they're moving forward, but we're all stuck in the same queue." 
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Obamacare Trivia, Episode 5 of 5: A Hilarious Take on the Real Facts of the ACA

11/1/2013

1 Comment

 
Tune in for the final installment of Healthcare Trivia, featuring contestants Joel Harrison from EliteHRTeam.com and Heavy-Weight Champion, OBAMACARE! 

Transcript:

MC: Welcome back to healthcare trivia. Joel Harrison from EliteHRTeam.com is leading Obamacare 7-1, although Obamacare might be able to make up some points. 
It’s time for the lightning round. 
You’re busy people and I need a sandwich, so let’s get this going.
You know how this goes. This is the lightning round, so answer as many questions as you can. 
What are the penalties for individuals who do not purchase coverage in 2014? 
Obamacare: (buzz) Shared responsibility payment.
Joel: 1% of an individual’s income as a tax penalty. That number increases to 2.5% in 2015.
It is also important to note that without healthcare coverage, you are breaking the law, and a hospital’s only responsibility is to stabilize and release you, so good luck with that one.
MC: Joel, that’s correct. Next question, can an individual purchase insurance for themselves?
O: You don’t have to! The government did it for you.
J: Yes, an individual can shop on the marketplace, or in the private sector, to find the best deal. However, it’s better to use a broker. It doesn’t cost you any more money, and they will be more knowledgeable about your options. 
MC: One more to Joel. How long until an employer has to add a new hire to his group plan?
Joel: Coverage must be effective by the 90th day of employment.
MC: Joel is correct. Next, why should individuals be looking at their options now? 
O: Don’t be tardy to the party! Kayak.com!
Joel: Besides the risk of penalties, if an individual switches now, there are companies that do not have a rate increase until 2015. They can also be assigned into a “healthy” group, which gives them the ability to have lower costs later on when the price does increase. And it’s best to explore your options now. In some cases, people can actually save money with some plans, if they were paying high group premiums or COBRA before.
MC: That looks like all the time we have. Joel Harrison has proven that he understands more about Obamacare than Obamacare itself! Why let all that learning go to waste, folks. Use him as a valuable resource and save yourself the headache! This has been brought to you by our sponsor, MCS Generic Painkiller! MCS takes care of the parts of the business you hate, so you can focus on the parts you love.
We are your outsourced HR department. Our toll-free number is: 1-855-MENSING. Or, fill out a free quote request at www.EliteHRTeam.com 
And if you’re a business, contact us today for your co-branded exchange, which was due to be distributed to your employees October 1.  
1 Comment

Obamacare Trivia, Episode 4 of 5: A Hilarious Take on the Real Facts of the ACA

10/31/2013

2 Comments

 
Make sure you tune in every day this week for Healthcare Trivia! You don't want to miss a minute of this hilarious series, which explains everything you need to know about the Affordable Care Act.

Transcript:

MC: Welcome back to Healthcare Trivia, Business Edition. We’re back for round 4 of HEALTHCARE Trivia with Joel Harrison from Mensing Consulting Solutions leading Obamacare 3-1

Let’s get started.

What are the penalties and fines facing small businesses who do not provide healthcare to their employees?

Obamacare: (buzz) I know small business is hard. I am small business. Small Business is big businesses. NO FINES FOR BUSINESSES. *cough* till next year *cough*

MC: Something in your throat there, sir? 

 Joel: (buzz) Small businesses are the heart of America. Fines have been delayed until January 1, 2015, when all businesses with more than 50 full-time employees will be forced to provide qualified health insurance to their full time employees. If they do not, and one employee goes to the marketplace and gets a subsidy, they will pay $2,000 per employee, starting with the 31st employee.

If the employer already provides coverage that does not meet certain ACA standards, each employee that gets a subsidy could cost the employer $3000. 

It is true that businesses were given an extra year to prepare. But that doesn’t mean they should put this off. Instead, they need to use this extra time to make a plan that works for them and their employees. It’s going to happen. Make it a good thing. Tell your employees you’re doing this because you care about them. Make it a big deal, and use it to make your company excellent.

MC: Yeah, um, make it excellent.

We’ll be right back

[Commercial] (dancing dog) My owner used to have a lizard. Then he talked to Joel Harrison at Mensing Consulting Solutions and saved his small company $30,000 on their group health plan. I got so many treats and he got a new car. Call MCS Today (855-636-7464)

MC: We’re back. What are the responsibilities of business owners who are not required by law to provide insurance?

Obamacare: (buzz) Provide insurance! It’s your duty as an American.

MC: that’s not the question

O: (buzz) Provide insurance. It’s the American thing to do.

MC: Ahh

O: (buzz) Merica

J: First of all, if you have even one employee, you should have already distributed a “notice of new health insurance options.” This is a notice that tells your employees how to find their new options for health insurance. Basically, you need to provide them with the Healthcare.gov address and some info about your business. (Flash an offer to provide one on the screen)

Past that, an employer should care about his employees. If you cannot provide benefits for your employees, at least take a few minutes to help them understand where they need to go and who they should speak to about these important decisions. Some employers are arranging for a healthcare professional to come speak to their employees, and even enroll them in coverage. This is a tremendous benefit for the employees and it won’t cost the business a dime.

It is always important to note there are many benefit options an employer can offer—some that don’t cost the employer a thing. Benefits are a great way to attract and retain employees. Yes, there is a little cost sometimes but taking care of your employees can make them happier and more productive, which can pay for the benefits ten-fold.

MC: Correct. Please describe the small business tax credit. 

O: Small businesses that offer healthcare win a prize!

Joel: Businesses with less than 25 Full time equivalent employees that make an average of less than $50,000 annually are eligible for a tax credit that can be worth up to 50% of their insurance premiums. However it in important to note that the credit decreases on a sliding scale after the 10th employee and greater average salary than $25,000

MC: One more for Joel. Please explain self funded group insurance plans

O: That’s not on my website, you can’t do that. (asking off camera, in his earpiece, under the table) you can’t do that. What’s that?

Joel: If an employer has a relatively healthy group he can obtain a policy in which he funds a claims pool to fund the first x amount of claims. If his group does not deplete the entire claims fund the business owner gets a check from the insurance company for the unused amount. If a business can qualify this strategy saves THOUSANDS on the front end and has potential to save thousands more at the end of the plan year.

O: You can’t do that. How can he do that?

Joel: Yes Obamacare I can do that the plans work just like a normal group plan on the surface and are ACA compliant. Boom

MC: Wow, that’s a lot of information on insurance for small businesses. I hear this is a pretty confusing time in group health insurance. If it were up to me, I’d call the experts in Group Health insurance for small businesses. Joel here wouldn’t SHUT UP during the break about some of the cool strategies he has. He thinks healthcare is cool. Give him a call. I bet he could help you! 

Anyway, that’s it for this round of healthcare trivia.

For a free co-branded exchange notice or to save thousands on your healthplan, give us a call today. Our toll-free number is: 1-855-MENSING. Or, fill out a free quote request at www.EliteHRTeam.com 
2 Comments

Obamacare Trivia, Episode 3 of 5: A Hilarious Take on the Real Facts of the ACA

10/30/2013

5 Comments

 
Tune in every day this week for Healthcare Trivia, featuring contestants Joel Harrison from EliteHRTeam.com and Heavy-Weight Champion, OBAMACARE! 

Transcript:

MC: And we’re back for round number 3 of HEALTHCARE Trivia with Joel Harrison from Mensing Consulting Solutions leading Obamacare 2-0
Question 3: Please address how the Metallic naming system works.
Obamacare: (buzz)( with bandaid on head) RED, WHITE, and BLUE, Obamacare takes care of you.
MC: What?
O: (buzz) and Catastrophic!
Joel: (buzz) The new healthcare labeling system uses metal levels to explain how much of your healthcare costs you are responsible for paying. 
January 1, 2014, plans will have an Out-of-Pocket Max of $6350 for an individual and $12700 for a family. So, apply the percentage that corresponds to your metallic choice to the out of pocket max to get a general idea of your healthcare costs for the year. 

Platinum (Record) you are responsible for 10% of your healthcare costs.
Gold (grill) you are responsible for 20% of your healthcare costs
Silver (bells) you are responsible for 30% of your healthcare costs
Bronze (statue) you are responsible for 40% of your healthcare costs 
Remember, before the law changes on January 1, 2014, some plans have people with $20,000 or more in out of pocket expenses. This is another good thing about Healthcare Reform.
O: (Buzz) and Catastrophic!
J: Yes, Obamacare, for those under 30 and some other individuals who can get a hardship exception, catastrophic plans are available. Basically, you pay the whole $6350 before your insurance kicks in and pays the rest.
MC: Correctomundo!! We’ll be right back!
[commercial: black and white logo, hushed voice speaking fast] 
Mensing Consulting Solutions: you got employees; you got problems; you got problems; you need solutions. Mensing Consulting Solutions.
Next Question. How does the Affordable Care Act help with wellness and preventative care?
O: (buzz: Eating an Obamapop) Health and wellness is FREE.
MC: (in a you’re going to Mexico Price Is Right voice) That’s correct! Included in all qualified health plans is a large list of services provided free of charge at all in-network facilities. 
Don’t know if you’re covered for these items? Mensing Consulting Solutions can find a plan that works for you. Even if you don’t think you can afford health insurance, give us a call. We’ll give you peace of mind, and a plan that gets you covered! Our toll-free number is: 1-855-MENSING. Or, fill out a free quote request at www.EliteHRTeam.com 
5 Comments

Obamacare Trivia, Episode 2 of 5: A Hilarious Take on Real Facts about the ACA

10/29/2013

1 Comment

 
Make sure you tune in every day this week for Healthcare Trivia! You don't want to miss a minute of this hilarious series, which explains everything you need to know about the Affordable Care Act. 

Transcript:

MC: And we’re back for round number 2 of HEALTHCARE Trivia with Joel Harrison from EliteHRTeam.com leading Obamacare 1-0
Question 2: Please explain how the Affordable Care Act has affected healthcare prices and why.
Obamacare: (buzz) Free healthcare for everyone… just like these Obamapops. (Throws handful of Obamapops.) The ACA is great. The government is paying for everyone’s healthcare. I just applied last week and got coverage for $37 a month thanks to the government’s help.
MC: Obamacare, aren’t 2014 health insurance premiums being quoted at an increase of 100% or more from 2013 prices? 
Random Audience Member: THESE OBAMAPOPS AREN’T GLUTEN FREE. CELIACS UNITE (Throws Obamapop)
(Obamapop hits Obamacare in the head and knocks him out)
Joel: (looks confused *Buzz*) Yes, it is true that healthcare premiums are going up, and that is unfortunate. But here is why: health insurance plans are getting better. Every plan now has Essential Health Benefits. (graphic) The underlined benefits were previously optional. Now everyone gets them. This guy (pic of old guy) gets maternity. This girl (pic of quite “nice” girl) gets mental health and substance abuse… and that’s a good thing… (softly shaking head and looking up) it’s always the quiet ones. 
New plans also have “Cost sharing limits,” which means that no one will pay more than $6350 for their out of pocket max, $12700 for a family. Follow a few other rules and you’ve got yourself a Qualified Health Plan. 
Other changes include unlimited lifetime limits, which means you can’t get dropped for using your insurance, and that’s actually a GREAT thing.
Another great thing is Guaranteed Issue: This means that everyone can have insurance, without having to worry about pre-existing conditions. The only questions they will need to answer are: Where do you live, how old are you, and what plan would you like?
And the 300% rule means that no one person will pay more than 300% more than any other person. 
As you can see, there are big changes here. These plans are stacked, and most of them are GREAT coverage. The downside is that Congressmen wrote the law and they aren’t insurance people. So the big side effect is that it’s gonna cost ya.
MC: (sleepy) Uh uh yeah… that’s correct. Another point for Joel. And Obamacare has been taken to an in-network facility only 90 minutes away. I’m sure he’ll be fine.
Remember you don’t have to be scared about the cost of healthcare. Between subsidies, affordable options, and working with the system, Mensing Consulting Solutions can find a plan that works for you. Even if you don’t think you can afford health insurance, give us a call. We’ll give you peace of mind, and a plan that gets you covered! Our toll-free number is: 1-855-MENSING. Or, fill out a free quote request at www.EliteHRTeam.com 
So at the end of round one we have Joel ahead of Obamacare 2-0
We’ll be right back.
1 Comment

Obamacare Trivia, Episode 1 of 5: A Hilarious Take on the Real Facts of the ACA

10/28/2013

7 Comments

 
Make sure you tune in every day this week for Healthcare Trivia! You don't want to miss a minute of this hilarious series, which explains everything you need to know about the Affordable Care Act. 

Transcript:

Ladies and Gentleman, Welcome to HEALTHCARE TRIVIA.

And now, introducing your contestants:

Joel Harrison is a healthcare consultant at EliteHRTeam.com

His opponent and reigning US Healthcare Heavy-weight Champion,

OBAMACARE!

First Question: What do young people and the uninsured need to know about Health Insurance?

(Buzz) Obamacare

Obamacare: Healthcare.gov is all you need to know. It’s just like using Kayak.com to buy health insurance. [*This is a real statement made by President Obama

MC: Reports say healthcare.gov is having issues and users are not able to sign up.

O: Healthcare.gov is such a party, there’s a long line. It’s like waiting in line at “Da Club” to buy health insurance. 

MC: Joel 

Joel: (buzz) Young people looking to purchase health insurance need to get educated and speak with a licensed broker. A broker can look at all their options, both inside and outside the state marketplace, and help them find the best plan for their unique situation. It is also important to understand the following terms to help the conversation go smoother.

Deductible—The amount of money you are responsible for paying BEFORE the insurance company will start to pay their share.

Co-pay—The amount you will pay to go to a specific kind of doctor. There are different co-pays for well visits, primary care physicians, specialists, ER visits, prescriptions, and other situations.

Co-Insurance—The percentage of your medical bills that you are responsible for paying. For example, 80/20 co-insurance means the company pays 80% and you pay 20%, up to your out-of-pocket Max.

Out-of-pocket max—The most you will pay in a year for care.

MC: OK, yes, we were looking for contact a broker you can trust… but the judges will accept it.

So at the end of round one we have Joel ahead of Obamacare 1-0

Today’s episode is brought to you by Mensing Consulting Solutions—The HR Department for small businesses. For more information on how Mensing Consulting Solutions can help you navigate the confusing world of Healthcare, call us toll-free at 855-MENSING, or go to our website, www.EliteHRTeam.com, for your free quote. 
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