September 2015

Obamaco$t – Rate Increases for 2016

Health insurance companies were seeking rate increases of 20 percent to 40 percent or more. Reason cited, new customers under the Affordable Care Act are seeking more treatment than expected. Increases of approximately half the amount requested is generally what state insurance agency approved. Some states fairing better than others.

The proposed increases indicate health carriers are still adjusting to the impact of the Affordable Care Act. The proposed increases, supported by reams of actuarial data, are fueling debate about the effectiveness of the health law.

A study by the Kaiser Foundation suggests that consumers would see relatively modest increases in premiums if they were willing to switch plans. However, to get low premiums, consumers may need to accept a more limited choice of doctors and hospitals and if they switch plans, there is no guarantee that they can keep their doctors.

 

Employee Benefit Advisors provides employee benefits, tax-advantaged healthcare, compliance guidance for ACA and Health & Welfare DOL Audits, and PEO Advisory & Consulting Services.

Useful App: GoodRx

Drug prices vary wildly between pharmacies.

GoodRx finds the lowest prices and discounts. How?

Compare prices – Prescription prices can vary widely from pharmacy to pharmacy. The app allows you to compare costs for every FDA-approved prescription drug at more than 70,000 US pharmacies.

Find free coupons – Show the coupon displayed in the app at the pharmacy.

Shows the lowest price at each pharmacy near you.

The app is 5 star rated and easy to use. GoodRx was rated as one of the 9 Best Shopping Apps in June 2015 by AllYou and has been featured on: CNN, Prevention Magazine, Forbes, ABC News and Good Housekeeping.

How GoodRx Works (1:23)

This app is great for those with or without insurance. – Many insurance policies carry HSA qualified high deductibles. Identifying lower prescription costs is especially helpful for those that do not reach their deductible. App users can identify those pharmacies offering lower costs medications.

 

Employee Benefit Advisors provides employee benefits. We are a broker helping companies with their Health & Welfare Benefits. We also help companies revaluate PEO Services, deciding if a PEO is a good choice and if so selecting and implementing the PEO.

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