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Issue: # 118
<October 31, 2014
  
Wal-Mart offering better, cheaper health plans than ObamaCare?
 

Dear  :     

 

 
Another year is coming to a close.  Year End reminder for employees include:
 
- Fitness Reimbursements
- Flex Spending Account Balances
- Healthy Actions Updates
 
As one year closes, another one begins. First Quarter 2015 rates will be available in the small group marketplace next week.  WE should soon see the trend for the start of the new year.  The carriers are now announcing new products and various changes that will take place in 2015.  Many of you will get notices from your carriers.
 
Please check out the box below titled Doctor Office Memberships.  This is quite an eye opener for both employer and employees.
 
Thank you very much for your business and we will continue to work hard to keep you updated on all changes in 2015.  We understand it is always a challenge for business owners and our priority is to make your renewal as painless as possible... Not only your renewals, but all year long with cobra issues, and other items that inevitably come up.
No More Single and Family Rates Tiers for 2015 - Small Group
 

Small businesses are always the first to get hit with changes.  For groups with less than 50 employees, there are new rules on how insurance carriers calculate premiums. All insurance carriers have been informed of how this must be done beginning January 2015:

 

 

1.    No more 2 and 3 tier Rates at your next renewal

2.    All groups will be on a 4 tier rating methodology as follows:

        - Single

        - Employee & Spouse

        - Employee and Child or Children

        - Full Family

 

 

 The Massachusetts Division of Insurance and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have mandated how the rate relativities between tiers will change.

 

Biggest postseason home runs

 

 

 

Doctor office memberships?
CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE.....

A client shared a letter they just received from their Primary Care Physicians Office.    The practice has decided to shift towards a Membership Model for services.  This decision came about based upon patient surveys and feedback, according to the letter..
 
Basically, the bottom line was that in order to continue to use this practice, you must select an option below and pay a membership fee. 

Click here for the website.    

For $1 per day  ($365 annually):
  • Longer Consultations
  • Expert Holistic Practitioners
  • Discounts from Partnering Businesses
  • Same or Next Day Appointments
  • Advanced Technology
For $9.60 per day ($3500 annually):
  • 24/7 Connectivity To Provider
  • Expedited Check-out
  • Executive-style Annual Physical
  • Arranged Transportation for Testing & Consultations

If you were a patient of this practice would you continue to go there?

Which plan would you select and why?

Do you think this is the trend for private practices?

 

Give us your feedback, email us now.

 

 

  

 

The Price of Health Care Is Finally Public (in One State)

Great article in the Family Finance section of Money Magazine.    As we found out requiring everyone to have health insurance did not control the costs of premiums when health insurance reform was passed in Massachusetts in 2006.  

There is only way to control premiums and that is to cut the cost of claims. There are two ways to cut claims:
1.    Promote healthy living to avoid claims
2.    Promote the lowest cost when claims are incurred.

The public shops around to buy a TV or car, should they not do the same thing for medical procedures?   In the past, the health carriers and providers did not make it easy for subscribers to know their costs ahead of time.  This is a big step in the right direction.

Not only will each carrier make the prices readily available, but some will offer cash rewards when you shop around and save money.   
Check out your carrier website for more information.

Click on picture for another article


We try to include this item regularly, as employees may still be unaware of this alternative.
There are alternatives rather than going  to the Emergency Room.  ER Visits typically have higher exposure to employees.  ER Visits also drive up claims which then drives up premiums.

Not only do you have Reliant's ReadyMed in Auburn and Shrewsbury, but look no further then the CVS Minute Clinics. 

There is one in Worcester on  West Boylston Street across from Worcester Fitness.