Hello, welcome to

the Healthcare Water Cooler written by John Coulson. Most of you are aware that I am considered the Healthcare Guru at Castell Insurance.  I would like to start an  ongoing discussion about anything related to Health Insurance.  Please feel free to send your comments or thoughts to me at john@castellinsurance.com.    

 

As the State of Washington begins to address and implement the mandates that have come from the other Washington, we will be seeing many changes along the way. Most of these will affect the Major Medical marketplace,  for those folks under age 65, but things for the Medicare folks may be slipped in as well. 

 

Let's start with the PATIENT PROTECTION and AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (PPACA/ OBAMACARE).  This is the new law signed in 2010, and it is set to go into effect on January 1, 2014.  What does it mean?  It means the federal government has mandated that all persons have health care.  For those that cannot afford insurance, there will be subsidies.  

I know that is nebulous,  but at this point, most things are not finalized as to how they will work.  It is yet to be decided upon by the Supreme Court, to see if this law is even constitutional.  But the fact is that our state, and the federal government have begun to implement some of the requirements already.   Most importantly, how will medical insurance will be sold to the consumer; THAT'S  YOU. 

Will your premiums change? Probably, most likely they will rise.  How much is anyone's guess.  Will you get more benefits?  Yes!  We have already seen mandated coverage for routine physicals and the removal of lifetime policy limits, both I consider to be highly beneficial to consumers.

I will go into more detail about coverage and benefits in the next water cooler update.  So get ready for a couple of years of change, strap in, hang on and keep an eye on this space for further information.  As I learn more, I will let you know.I would like this column to be a free flow of ideas, comments and thoughts.  Send your emails to me at  john@castellinsurance.com

I will close this month's newsletter with an observation.  People who are active in the community appear to live longer and be happier.  We have many clients who are active in 101 different ways.  Everything from playing bridge, to bowling and senior baseball...and that 's the folks who are in their late '70's and '80's.  Younger retirees are physically active helping build trails, energetic hiking, kayaking and bike rides that would be challenging for people half their age. 

  

Then we have the socially active. One of our clients is 96 years old, doesn't drive anymore, but is still active in Rotary.  You can see him in his bright yellow Rotary jacket at the duck derby in PA as well as at the Irrigation Festival here in Sequim.

 

Many octogenarians are the lifeblood of fraternal and church organizations.  These organizations would face a hardship if these valuable volunteers were not available to them.

Having a purpose and feeling needed follows through with feelings of happiness.

 

As one person told me, "life ain't a spectator sport, you have to get out there and live it!". Another frequent quote that I often hear is, "Getting old ain't for sissies".

 

All this was exemplified by the 90 year old who called my home at 5:45 am to make sure she was the first person to sing 'Happy Birthday' to my wife Sharon on her birthday.  Guess what folks... she was!

 

Sincerely,  Phil Castell

Castell Insurance  |  426 E. Washington Street  |  Sequim  |WA  |  98382

Telephone:  360-683-9284  |  Email:  info@castellinsurance.com

Web Site:  www.castellinsurance.com