Joel’s Healthcare Highlights for February 2014

• 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.