mother with breast cancer smiling and hugging her young daughter

What You Should Know: Home Breast Cancer DNA Tests

April 19, 2018
, , , , , , Health Insurance

In March of this year, ancestry DNA testing giant, 23andMe, announced that they would begin testing user DNA for Breast Cancer genes, more specifically identified as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. While technically able to test for these genes for years, it wasn’t until this past March that the FDA officially signed off on it, therefore, making the 23andMe at-home DNA test, the first FDA-approved direct-to-consumer test to evaluate one’s potential risk for cancer.

What Can Your DNA Reveal

The test is offered as an add-on to 23andMe’s standard ancestry report for a total of $199 and is delivered alongside a variety of other reports designed to tell you if you possess certain genetic markers which may suggest a predisposition to things such as:

  • Macular Degeneration
  • Lung and/or Liver Disease
  • Celiac Disease
  • Hemochromatosis
  • Hereditary Thrombophilia
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Parkinson’s, and many more
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young happy doctor high fiving little girl after open enrollment

Knowing Your Open Enrollment Options In 2018

October 19, 2017
, Health Insurance, News

Here are some important reminders to help guide you through the 2018 Open Enrollment process.

You may have recently received a letter from your health insurance carrier about the 2018 year. If the letter was confusing, don’t worry—a licensed Benefits Counselor will help you navigate your health insurance elections for the 2018 coverage year.

Need To Know For Open Enrollment 2018

Unlike years past, this year the Open Enrollment period lasts from a start date of November 1, 2017, and ends on December 15, 2017.

In order to obtain coverage on January 1, 2018, you must apply by the December 15, 2017, Open Enrollment deadline.

Plans and pricing will be available for review on November 1, 2017. We recommend that you evaluate your health insurance options every year in order to ensure that you are still receiving the benefits you need.

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young female asian doctor treating mother and daughter

What You Need For Open Enrollment 2018

October 19, 2017
, Health Insurance

Open Enrollment 2018 is just around the corner and for many, this is the only time to secure health insurance coverage for you and your dependents.

Since the beginning of the Affordable Care Act, the term Open Enrollment refers to the specific period of time each year when an individual can enroll in, or switch, their health insurance plan without the need to qualify for a special enrollment period. This is also when additional eligible members can be added to an existing plan.

Open enrollment only occurs once per year, so keeping an eye on the Open Enrollment deadlines is important in order to avoid losing coverage. This year the Open Enrollment window has been shortened and begins November 1st with a December 15th deadline.

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Young People Discussing Group Insurance Benefits with an agent

3 Benefits of Group Health Insurance For Employers

August 24, 2017
, , , Employer Group, Health Insurance

Group health insurance is usually provided by an employer and can cover just the employee or even the employee’s spouse and children.

Not providing group health coverage could be a major misstep for some companies regardless of size, as there are a number of benefits to providing Group Health Insurance coverage.

1. Lower Costs Than Individual Plans

There is no question that the term health care reform has been a hot-button topic and on the lips of nearly every politician regardless of political party over the course of the past 10 years. In light of the Affordable Care Act, it has now become more affordable to purchase Group Health Insurance than for your employees to purchase health insurance individually.

Level-funding insurance plan options have been growing in popularity over the past number years. Level-funded plans are ERISA compliant and may offer more flexibility for employers with virtually no risk and offered by several reputable insurance carriers with a nationwide network of hospitals and physicians to choose from.

What has many employers especially excited about these plans is the opportunity for 10%-15% in lower premium costs and the Return of Premium potential. Unlike other policies on the market, with level-funded options, if your employees don’t rack up a large number of claims throughout the year, your company may have a substantial amount of money (originally paid in premiums) returned.

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gray map of counties in missouri and kansas

Blue Cross Abandons Affordable Care Act Insurance Exchange in Missouri

June 9, 2017
, , , , , , , Health Insurance, News

UPDATE 6/13/2017: 

St. Louis-based Insurance company, Centene Corp., has announced plans to enter the Missouri, Kansas, and Nevada Affordable Care Act insurance exchanges in 2018. In April of this year, Centene CEO Michael Neidorff was quoted as saying “As to exchanges, we see nothing at this point to prevent us from proceeding with our 2018 marketplace participation.

According to Kansas City Business Journal, “As of March 31st, Centene served about 1.2 million exchange members, up about 500,00 from the previous year.” Centene Corp. is also expected to expand its six current markets in Washington, Indiana, Ohio, Georgia, Florida, and Texas signaling the potential for even more growth in 2018.

In a statement, Neidorff said, “Centene recognizes there is uncertainty of new healthcare legislation, but we are well positioned to continue providing accessible, high quality and culturally sensitive healthcare services to our members” according to an article on Reuters.

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man smiling in car with family

How Our Critical Illness Insurance Can Save Your Practice

May 26, 2017
, , Critical Illness
Exclusive Group Critical Illness Insurance savings to members of The Missouri Bar, employees of members, and eligible dependents with coverage beginning as early as June 1st!

According to facts compiled by the Center for Disease Control, every year more than 1.53 million Americans suffer a heart attack or stroke alone and unlike other competitor policies, this Group Critical Illness Insurance offers whole or partial coverage of 14 different illnesses that could strike you or your loved ones at any time.

But despite all the benefits of enrolling, there are still some key reasons for not waiting to take advantage of this special offer.

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Final Market Stabilization Rule

Did you know that approximately 500,000 fewer Americans enrolled in a plan during the open enrollment in 2017 than in 2016? The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued the final market stabilization rule. The goal is to increase choices, lower premiums and encourage stability in health insurance markets for 2018.

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Last Chance to Enroll

January 16, 2017
Health Insurance, Open Enrollment

Last Chance to Enroll in Individual Health Insurance for 2017

Don’t wait until it’s too late to get your individual health coverage for 2017. Open Enrollment for Individual Health Insurance ends on January 31st. If you haven’t enrolled in a plan by this date, you may be stuck with your current coverage or no coverage for the remainder of the year unless you have a qualifying life event. Schedule an appointment with a licensed benefits counselor or start shopping today to make sure you are covered.

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