National Healthcare is the big topic these days. Regardless of what end of the political spectrum you are on, there are disagreements on what should be done regarding healthcare. Everyone agrees that the system is not perfect and there are a large number of uninsured Americans, including children and the elderly.

In 2007, 45.7 million Americans went without health insurance coverage at some point during the year. What to do about it is the question. A recent poll by Pew Research Center from the People & the Press showed a 44% to 38% margin, more American generally oppose than favor the healthcare proposals now before Congress.

Here are some thoughts to consider: In the current proposal, the public would be sold through a new National Health Insurance Exchange. Consumers would then choose from a range of private policy offerings or they could choose the “public plan”. This sounds as though it would provide competition in the marketplace, but unfortunately the structure of the program will encourage people to select the public plan.

With this in mind, let’s consider how our current public plans work—Medicare and Medicaid. Both government plans underpay hospitals and physicians by as much as 15 to 20% in order to keep costs down. But now, that cost shift goes to commercial payers, an estimated $88 billion in 2007. In the State of Washington, Medicare pays about 25% less than private insurers causing hospitals and physicians to charge consumers more to make up for the financial loss.

In turn, having a public plan that encourages participation over the private plans will continue to shift the costs, causing the private insurers to raise their prices to make up for the cost shifting. In addition, remember that private insurers must cover their costs and they cannot afford to run a deficit. A public plan however, comes from funds out of the federal treasury. It could operate at a loss at least for a while until the result of that becomes the next hot topic…and where are we left then? We would be left without private insurers, escalating healthcare costs and without our insurance brokers to be our advocates.

Does National Healthcare sound too good to be true? Then it probably is…

Stressed Out?

The medical community is starting to understand the link between stress and the impact it has on your health. Stress is not necessarily something we can avoid. However, there are ways to improve how we deal with the stress…

People who do not manage stress well tend to have headaches, stomach pain, sleeping problems, illness and depression. Long term (chronic ) stress is caused by stressful situations/events that last over a long period of time. Chronic stress can lead to health problems and can have an impact on your relationships with others, including your family and co-workers.

Some ways to relieve stress include:

• Writing in a journal 10-15 minutes a day about stressful events and how they impacted you. This will help you find solutions to coping with them.
• Exercise or doing a hobby you enjoy will help relax you and will reduce your stress. Even doing activities such as housecleaning or yard work can help.
• Spending some quiet time alone each day to mediate, can make a big impact on how you manage stress. Focusing on your breathing and being present.
• Ways to avoid stress: Finding a balance between personal, work and family needs, time management, getting enough sleep, and adopting healthy habits can all help you avoid chronic stress.

Finally, set goals for yourself to reduce the stress in your life. Create coping strategies will improve your health, your day to day experiences, and your relationships. Most importantly, when you feel your stress level increase, stop and breath!

What Do You Think About Having a National Public Option Health Plan?

Let us know you opinion! Take the Poll.

We will post the results in the next newsletter.

Download August 2009 Newsletter

Click here to read this thought-provoking article.

To access the survey, simply click here:  http://222.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=8eNmU8hds006pKOEhFFLBQ_3d_3d

Do you have questions about the Stimulus Package? We are available to help!

The Stimulus package, which was enacted as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) temporarily reduces the premium for COBRA coverage for eligible individuals.

Who is eligible under this program?

An “assistance eligible individual” is the employee or a member of his/her family who:

• is eligible for COBRA continuation coverage at anytime between 9/1/08 and 12/31/09;
• elects COBRA coverage; and
• s eligible for COBRA as a result of the employee’s involuntary termination between 9/1/08 and 12/1/09.

What are some circumstances when an employee is not eligible?

• If an employee‘s termination of employment was due to gross misconduct, the employee and any dependents would not qualify for COBRA or the premium reduction.
• Those who are eligible for other group health coverage (such as a spouse’s plan) or Medicare, are not eligible.
• This does not apply to employers with less than 20 total employees.

How does this plan work?

Eligible individuals pay only 35% of their COBRA premiums for up to 9 months and the remaining 65 % is reimbursed to the employer through a tax credit. The premium reduction applies to periods of health coverage beginning on or after 2/ 17/09 and lasts for up to 9 months for those eligible for COBRA during the period beginning 9/1/08 and ending 12/31/09.

Be aware that premiums paid between 9/1/08 and 2/1/09 are not eligible for the premium reduction.

If you have additional questions, please contact us at (253) 851‐4408 and we would be happy to assist you.

It Is That Time Of Year Again…Time For Spring Cleaning!

This is a great opportunity to get rid of items you do not need and to get organized.

Get rid of the clutter! Start by doing a quick survey of what you need to go through and organize. Remember not to forget areas such as junk drawers (yes, we all have them), medicine cabinets and storage areas.

Next make note of areas in your home that are especially disorganized and think of ways that you could eliminate the clutter. If you always have trouble finding your keys in the morning, maybe having a bowl to keep them in near your door would prevent the time spent looking for them each day.

This is also a great opportunity to give your items to those who could use them. Do you have a business suit that no longer fits that someone looking for a job could use? Or baby items that a new mom would love to have? There are many organizations that would find a good use for your unneeded items while providing you a tax credit, allowing you to de‐clutter your home and get organized.

Happy Cleaning!

5 Tips for Keeping Healthy & Losing Weight

As spring arrives and the sun comes out from behind the clouds, many of us are thinking more about increasing our activity, losing weight and improving our overall health. Here are some tips to help you obtain your goals.

1. Do not skip meals but commit to a set time each night when you will stop eating. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Consider something with whole grains and protein. Commit to a set time each night of that you will stop eating. This will prevent overeating and will keep your total daily calorie intake lower.
2. Exercise…Exercise…Exercise. Make an attainable goal for yourself. What can you fit into your busy schedule that you can commit to long term? For example, take a 30 minute walk before going to work or at the end of your day three times a week. Remember some exercise is better than no exercise, so do what will work with your schedule and build from there.
3. Understand and Read Food Labels. Products marked as “low in sugar” does not mean they are low in fat or calories.
4. Decrease the sugary drinks and increase your water intake. Consider cutting out soda from your diet or sugar from your morning coffee. Drinking water with lunch vs. soda will increase your daily water intake while decreasing you’re out of pocket lunch costs.
5. Make this a family activity. If other members of your family are involved in healthy eating and exercise, it is more likely that all of you will be successful.

Most importantly be realistic, set achievable goals that you can live with for years, not just for weeks!

Download May 2009 Newsletter

Specific guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor can be found at their dedicated webpage:  www.dol.gov/cobra

The IRS has published a revised Form 941, the “Employer’s Quarterly Tax Return,” and a 20 point Q&A on the subsidy provisions.  The form and instructions address ARRA’s premium reporting requirements, while the Q&A answers many of the questions raised regarding the mechanics of premium processing and reimbursements.  Both can be found at:  www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204505,00.html 

We will continue to post additional information as it becomes available.

Are your COBRA premiums taking a bite out of your monthly month budget?

If you have recently been laid off, you may have experienced “sticker shock” when you received your COBRA notice and found how much it was going to cost to continue your employer sponsored medical insurance.

In many cases, COBRA is the right choice for you or your dependents. For example, you may have an ongoing medical condition or expensive prescription drugs. Remember that each covered family member has individual COBRA rights.

However, if you are relatively healthy it is in your best interest to check out the other options that are available to individuals. While these plans are not as rich as most group plans, you may be able to save hundreds of dollars a month depending on your age and the type of plan you choose.

So what do you need to look for when trying to decide? Most individual medical plans have a limited or discount only prescription drug benefit. Unless you choose a comprehensive plan, it may not include maternity benefits. Only plans with a deductible of $1,750 or less are considered to be comprehensive and will be considered creditable coverage for pre-existing condition waiting periods for any future plan.

COBRA does not require a health questionnaire and is generally exhausted after 18 months. Any changes your former employer makes to their plan offerings will also affect you.

Another option you may want to consider an HSA-qualified plan for individual coverage. These plans allow you to establish a Health Savings Account (HSA). Any contributions made to your HSA account are owned by you, rollover from year-to-year and can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses.

To learn more about individual medical options and for help comparing the various plans to your COBRA benefits and premiums, give us a call at 253-851-4408. We will be happy to assist you in determining the right plan choice for your individual needs.

National Children’s Dental Health Month

National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) turns 60 this year. Each February, since 1949, the American Dental Association (ADA) has sponsored National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. NCDHM messages and materials have reached millions of people in communities across the country.

Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Visit the American Dental Association Website for more information on how you can get involved and free online resources at www.ada.org

10 Tips For Reducing Your Grocery Bill

1. Make a list!! This way you can estimate what your costs will be and not be tempted by extras.
2. Always check the Sunday paper and the internet for ads, coupons and flyers.
3. Consider buying sale items in bulk. You will always need paper products and canned food, so stock up when prices are low.
4. Be aware of seasonal sales and price slashes, especially on fruits, vegetables and fresh produce. Enjoy the harvest of each season!
5. Cut your own greens and salad ingredients instead of buying pre-packaged salads.
6. Head for the deli corner and have your meats sliced for you in just the amount you need rather than buying more expensive pre-packaged meats that may go to waste.
7. Make and freeze your own waffles, pancakes and garlic bread rather than buying them pre-packaged. Whip up a batch and freeze as many as you will use at one time.
8. Get a store membership card. Most are free and can save you hundreds of dollars per month.
9. Look high and low…literally. The most expensive items are usually placed at eye-level, so be sure to look on the top and bottom shelves for the best deals.
10. Shop around. No one store will have discounts for everything you need, so plan your shopping route to cover different stores for different bargains.

Download January 2009 Newsletter

Prior to the Medicare Part D Annual Coordinated Election Period beginning November 15^th each year;

1. Prior to an individual’s Initial Enrollment Period for Part D;
2. Prior to the effective date of coverage for any Medicare Eligible individual that joins the plan;
3. Whenever the employer no longer offers or the employer changes prescription drug coverage so that is no longer creditable or becomes creditable; and
4. Upon request by the beneficiary.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) considers items 1 and 2 met if the creditable disclosure notice is provided to all plan participants prior to November 15^th of each year.  CMS has now provided guidance that “prior to” means that the individual must have been provided the disclosure notice within the past 12 months.

We are recommending that you send this notice to all covered members annually at the beginning of each November.  This eliminates the potential for overlooking someone who may be eligible that you are unaware of.

A template of the letter can be obtained from CMS at:  http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CreditableCoverage/09_CCafterJune15.asp#TopOfPage or Resources Page.  Please feel free to call our office for personalized assistance.

HOW TO LOG IN AND COMPLETE THE ONLINE FORM
In addition to notifying members, you are also required to report completion via the CMS Website.  This reporting requirement cannot be completed by the insurance company or provider.  The employer should:

Log into https://www.cms.hhs.gov/CreditableCoverage/45_CCDisclosureForm.asp

1. Follow the instructions.
2. One single disclosure form can be submitted for the entire employer, even if you have more than one medical plan.
3. For additional guidance and the most updated information, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/creditablecoverage

PLEASE NOTE

1. This is the sole method of complying with this federal guideline
2. It will only take a few minutes to complete
3. Employers must complete this form annually or upon any change in whether the medical plan’s prescription benefits are creditable coverage for Medicare Part D.

QUESTIONS?
For more information about how to determine is your prescription drug coverage is deemed to be creditable, this reporting requirement and the Creditable Coverage Notice requirements, you can find it at www.cms.hhs.gov or call Olympic Crest Insurance, Inc. at 800-644-2568.

Kristen & Cindy

Many of you already know Cindy Larsen.  She has been with Olympic Crest Insurance for just over a year now.  She is a licensed agent with a wealth of knowledge. She will be focusing on sales and renewals for  individuals &  groups with fewer than 10 employees.  In addition she will continue to be your contact for troubleshooting for any coverage issues or claims issues.  She can be reached at:  cindy@olympiccrest.com or 253‐851‐4408.

Kristen Sponar is the newest addition to the Olympic Crest Insurance team.  Her primary responsibility will be customer service for groups with more than 10 employees.  Kris‐ten brings years of customer service and project management experience to our team.   She can be reached at:  kristen@olympiccrest.com or 253‐851‐4408.

We are all available to help with ANY problem or question ANY time!

Back­-to­-School 101

Though its hard to believe, fall is just around the corner and with that the beginning of a new school year.  Are you prepared?  Avoid a stressful first day by getting ready early.

Don’t wait until the night before school starts to get into the habit of going to bed earlier and waking up earlier, gradually ease back into your schedules.  This will set the internal clock ticking and avoid any unwanted stressors the first week.

Have a plan! Who’s picking up the kids from school?  What time is soccer practice?  What’s for dinner? Try to create one centralized calendar with the whole families schedule.

Set up a homework station and a designated homework time.  Choose an area free of clutter and distractions.  Make sure someone is available during that time in case there are any sticky problems that need an extra helping hand.

More Matters™ ­ Eat Your Fruits and Veggies!

Did you know that getting enough fruits and vegetables in your diet has been proven not only to help you lose weight but also to prevent chronic illness such Heart Disease and Cancer.  Each fruit and vegetable has its own unique benefit. For example, foods rich in potassium such as bananas have been shown to help reduce high blood pressure.

For a complete list of the different fruits and vegetables with their health improving properties be sure to visit: www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org

10 Tips For Packing A Healthier Lunch

1. Swap the white bread for whole grains or mix it up by using a whole wheat tortilla  or whole wheat pita bread.
2. Skip the chips!  Instead try dried fruit, trail mix or veggies sticks.
3. Leave the cookies for the weekends…Instead toss in a piece of fruit or a yogurt.
4. If you are going to include a drink other than water, make sure it is 100% fruit juice.
5. Sneak in extra veggies on the sandwich like lettuce, tomato or cucumber.
6. Use low‐ fat varieties of lunch meat like turkey or chicken instead of higher fat cuts like bologna or salami.
7. Try to vary it up when it comes to veggies.  Different colored vegetables provide different benefits and your kid will be more likely to eat them if they’re not bored.
8. Replace high‐fat mayonnaise with reduced fat or fat free options.  Or better yet try spreading on an healthy alternative such as hummus.
9. If you can’t pronounce half the ingredients on the list chance are there’s a healthier option.
10. Portions, Portions, Portions!  Read the label and limit portions to one serving size.

We Can Help!  Call or Visit Us Today.

Download September 2008 Newsletter