Proposed rate decreases for individuals!

On June 15th the Commerce Department shared the proposed individual health insurance rates for 2019.  It will come as a relief to many that these rates are all trending towards a decrease, some by more than 10%! 

Insurer	Proposed Average Change (as calculated by each insurer)
Blue Plus	-11.80%
Group Health	-7.40%
Medica Insurance Company	-12.40%
PreferredOne Insurance Company	-3.00%
UCare	-7.00%

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Please note that these figures are not final and are subject to change.  For more details, check out this article from the Pioneer Press.

Blue Chip @ Move the Mall 2018

We are pleased to announce that Blue Chip Insurance Services will again be attending “MOVE THE MALL WALK FOR VOLUNTEERISM” on Saturday, March 24th, 2018 from 8-10 a.m. at the Crossroads Center!  We will have a booth set up in the food court of the Crossroads Mall, offering information and giveaways to anyone who visits.  Click here for more information on the event, we hope to see you there!

Extra Help and Medicare

The rising cost of health care in America can be burdensome, especially for Medicare members with lower income levels.  The Medicare Blog has published a guide with information on what programs are available and who can qualify.  If you feel like you may be eligible for assistance but don't know where to start please let us know!

New Medicare cards to be issued this year

Beginning in April of 2018, all Medicare beneficiaries will begin to receive new Medicare ID cards that will replace their current one.  The goal of this change is to make your personal information safer, and removing your social security number from your card will do just that!

Medicare recommends taking the following actions when you receive your card to make it harder for someone to steal your information and identity:

1. Destroy your old Medicare card right away.
2.  Use your new card. Doctors, other health care providers, and plans approved by Medicare know that Medicare is replacing the old cards. They are ready to accept your new card when you need care.
3. Beware of people contacting you about your new Medicare card and asking you for your Medicare Number, personal information, or to pay a fee for your new card. Treat your Medicare Number like you treat your Social Security or credit card numbers. Remember, Medicare will never contact you uninvited to ask for your personal information.

Can I keep my Medicare Cost plan this year?

Medicare Cost plans are currently planned to "sunset" at the end of 2018.  While details are still minimal, we are keeping a close eye on the situation and will be doing everything in our power to make sure that our clients have the most up-to-date information on what will be changing in 2019.  For now, check out this article posted by HealthPartners that may answer some of your preliminary questions.