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Showing posts from 2016

Native Americans and the ACA

The information for Native American Services is spread pretty out. (The ACA is probably one of the worst marketed programs ever). Here are the basics for individuals that have their tribal affiliation. 1. At 300% or less of poverty level (400% in Alaska) you get the no cost sharing (the zero co-pays). This year that is $35,640 per year with a modified adjusted gross income. Which is fancy talk for you can write off some income and qualify for better rates. 2. You can enroll throughout the year. 3. You can apply for an exception for the tax penalty. 4. Improvements to existing Indian Health Services. I always recommend using a no-cost broker. (Ask up front if they charge because some are needing to charge). We don't charge fees, are licensed by the state, trained how plans work, and can help with situations like this. If you have any questions then let me know I am always glad to help out. Websites for more information: https://www.ihs.gov/aca/thingstoknow/ http://www.hh

Medicare

Suzie has been working hard. THese last couple of months adding new policies for Medicare Advantage plans all over the state. I made her sit down and do a county by county search to see if we could offer more plans as we are getting questions from all over. When you can cover under 65 with Healthcare and Prescription Plans (Part D) for the entire state then we knew that we could do more. For us it has always been about families helping families and this year we are prepared to help even more. Check out the coverage area for 2017.

1095 Tax form for Health Insurance

Starting January 15, 2016, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) will be mailing Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) clients a new tax form named the 1095-B. The 1095-B form provides of each month the client had minimum essential health coverage in 2015 through Washington Apple Health. The Health Care Authority transmits this information electronically to the IRS. Apple Health clients should keep the form for their records, since it contains important information they will need to complete their 2015 tax return. In some cases, people may get more than one tax form – such as 1095-A, 1095-, or 1095-C – depending on their employer and the kind of health coverage they had during 2015: · The 1095-A is furnished by the state’s Health Insurance Marketplace (Health Benefit Exchange) · The 1095-B can also be furnished by other government-sponsored programs, employer-sponsored group health plans, and more. · State employees and retirees enrolled in the Un

What to do when offered bad health insurance from work.

‘My job offered me a plan for $60 a month but it has a huge deductible, do I have to take it? Last year it was $400 when I visited my doctor.’ We get these questions on a regular basis. I don't expect people to spend money on things that don't work or pay a penality when they don't have to . The employer offers a health plan that covers the employer for the Affordable Health Care Penalty but does very little to help the employee or their family. In Washington State, we have our own state exchange with a lot of plans. So many plans that brokers spend months learning plans so that we can help our clients get the most out of their money. There are Health Insurance companies that will only offer their plans using the state exchange. There are also some that are priced down to the point where a 28 year old was able to get health insurance for $209 a month with a $20 co pay to see his doctor without tax credits! There are times when it is best if a job does not offer health i