Random Thoughts, Ramblings, Ideas, Questions, Etc..

[AllenChicago]

If you ever have a thought, idea, or question that doesn't fit an existing discussion thread, and you feel it's not important enough to warrant its own thread, just post it here!


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September 25, 2014

I'll get the ball rolling with a question that came to mind this afternoon. Our state's #1 carrier couldn't answer it for me, but many of you are smarter than the agent support departments.

Question: If someone buys a 2014 QHPlan with a 10/1/2014 effective date, will that plan's premium stay the same for 1 year, as is customarily the case? (Assuming the plan is not materially changed by the carrier or insured, of course.)
ac

 

[Ann H]

If you ever have a thought, idea, or question that doesn't fit an existing discussion thread, and you feel it's not important enough to warrant its own thread, just post it here!


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September 25, 2014

I'll get the ball rolling with a question that came to mind this afternoon. Our state's #1 carrier couldn't answer it for me, but many of you are smarter than the agent support departments.

Question: If someone buys a 2014 QHPlan with a 10/1/2014 effective date, will that plan's premium stay the same for 1 year, as is customarily the case? (Assuming the plan is not materially changed by the carrier or insured, of course.)
ac

No. At least that's the answer in AZ. All ACA-compliant IFP plans, whether on exchange or off exchange will have a premium change on 1/1/2015 and possibly a benefit change. At that time you can make a complete plan change, too. This makes for a fun OEP now, doesn't it.

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Now my own random rambling question:

A Navigator, Champion for Coverage and Certified Application Counselor walk into a bar. The cost of beer is too expensive for a patron, and the guys want to help. What happens?

 

[taterpeeler]

no......................................................

 

[AllenChicago]

WHAT? Premiums are not locked in for one year?!?! There's no new mandated benefits accruing to these 2014 plans on 1/1/2015..or new ObamaCare taxes either, TTBOMK. BCBSIL is not changing anything but a copayment level in 2 plans. All else is status-quo from 2014 to 2015. How many days advance notice must be given?????


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Now my own random rambling question:

A Navigator, Champion for Coverage and Certified Application Counselor walk into a bar. The cost of beer is too expensive for a patron, and the guys want to help. What happens?

Is it a Gay bar, Ann?

 

[Yagents]

All plans prices will change for every client....unless no rate increase. By law, Everyone pays the same accoding to age. It's called socialism
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The government buys the beer. If an agent helps, the bar buys the beer.

Agent advice is free and comes from carrier potential profits. Navigators add to cost of beer as taxpayer pays extra cost

 

[Ann H]

WHAT? Premiums are not locked in for one year?!?! There's no new mandated benefits accruing to these 2014 plans on 1/1/2015..or new ObamaCare taxes either, TTBOMK. BCBSIL is not changing anything but a copayment level in 2 plans. All else is status-quo from 2014 to 2015. How many days advance notice must be given?????


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Is it a Gay bar, Ann?

hahaha. Ummmm, not necessarily! I just said a "patron" can't afford the beer. Didn't delve into socio-sexual details!

 

[AllenChicago]

hahaha. Ummmm, not necessarily! I just said a "patron" can't afford the beer. Didn't delve into socio-sexual details!

Understood. In that case, I agree with YAgents, because this riddle is way over my head. I hope you don't keep us in suspense too many days Ann.

Here's a bit-o-news..

Humana just said that we won't be able to quote 1/1/2015 premiums until 11/15/2014. That's a bummer if the other carriers are doing likewise. Like KGMom, I was hoping to use the Nov 1st thru Nov 14th pre OE lull to enroll the 12/31/2014 Humana & Aetna Non-GF terminations in QHPlans with a 1/1/2015 effective date.

I suppose all insurers have to leave the 2014 SEP plan enrollment capability live through November 14th, and there's no technical capability of running the 2015 enrollment system simultaneously. Not at Humana, anyway.
ac

 

[kgmom219]

I keep hearing rates will be available on 11/15. Humana, Aetna, UHC. BCBS hasn't said anything, but I am sure we will hear next week.

11/15 should be a fun day....

There was an article about Arkansas DOI was releasing rates, BEFORE the HHS final numbers came in. And they aren't expecting the final numbers until 11/3. If the 11/3 date is nationwide, no wonder we can't do anything until 11/15

 

[RayNY]

Some carriers in NY have begun quietly releasing rates at broker meetings. I wasn't expecting to see them until 11/15, so imagine my surprise when a rate book was given out with 2015 rates and plans.

AC, to clarify your initial question:

All individual plans are CALENDAR YEAR. They all term 12/31, even if they were written 10/1. Theoretically, everyone will be on a 1/1 cycle soon. Keep that in mind when writing late in the year, as a lower deductible plan may make sense for your client due to the shortened time to meet the deductible. Deductibles do NOT carry over from the old plan to the new.

Group plans may be plan year, depending on carrier (most of them are here in NY), so plans would get the full 12 months on a contract.

 

[AllenChicago]

Some carriers in NY have begun quietly releasing rates at broker meetings. I wasn't expecting to see them until 11/15, so imagine my surprise when a rate book was given out with 2015 rates and plans.

AC, to clarify your initial question:

All individual plans are CALENDAR YEAR. They all term 12/31, even if they were written 10/1. Theoretically, everyone will be on a 1/1 cycle soon. Keep that in mind when writing late in the year, as a lower deductible plan may make sense for your client due to the shortened time to meet the deductible. Deductibles do NOT carry over from the old plan to the new.

Group plans may be plan year, depending on carrier (most of them are here in NY), so plans would get the full 12 months on a contract.

Let's hope Insurers won't move our pay to 2nd year renewal commission on 1/1/2015 when all 2014 plans "renew" on that date...even those that are effective mid/late this year.
ac