Making sense out of health care reform

By Randy Gutfeld

Health care reform is challenging.  Selecting the right health insurance for you and/or your business is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make. With all the ongoing changes in the health care industry, you need more than just an insurance agent. Finding the right health insurance plan involves many tax  and other financial issues that must be dealt with as well.  This is where I can help you.  I have over 25 years of experience in the tax, insurance and financial industries serving the Sacramento area.  My cross section of services gives me an advantage over the competition, providing you the best solution.

Do You Own Your Business or Does Your Business Own You?

I have more than 20 years of experience working in the accounting and employee benefits departments of companies of all sizes and types. As a result, I understand the challenges of administering group health plans from a company's point of view. I’m able to effectively communicate with owners, staff members and insurance companies and can possibly alleviate some of the benefit duties employees now perform.

The best part is that since insurance companies already build the cost of a broker into your premium, os this service will come at no extra cost to you or your employees. In addition to making sure you are getting the best value for your health insurance dollar, I can also assist you with:

• Health care reform issues • New employee enrollment • Explanation of benefits • Change in employee status • COBRA administration • Billing and insurance company problems • Plan recertification • Other benefit duties currently performed by you or your employees/HR staff

You need someone on your side who is not just an ordinary broker, but a highly seasoned professional who can help you look at the big picture in order to save your company time and money. If you want to make sure you are receiving the best value for your health insurance dollar along with the best broker service available, call me today at (916) 487-4632 or e-mail rhg@gutfeld.com.

Getting the FAQ’s on the Crazy New World of Health Insurance

Question: I renewed my company health insurance policy four months ago and would like to change to another insurance carrier.  Am I obligated to stay with my current group plan until the next renewal?

Answer: When you renew your policy, your premium is guaranteed for the contract year. However, insurance plans generally have a cancellation clause in their contracts. If you are considering changing plans, it is important to read the terms of your current policy before you make any decisions. If you do decide to change carriers, get written confirmation from the new carrier before you terminate your current plan.   Call or e-mail our office at (916) 487-4632, rhg@gutfeld.com  if you have any questions.

Question:  I want to change the individual plan I purchased earlier this year.  What are my options?

Answer:  The next open enrollment for individual health insurance is November 15, 2014 to February 15, 2015.  There is also a special enrollment period (SEP) where if you have a qualifying event (e.g., gaining a dependent, marriage, divorce, losing group coverage, etc.), you can  obtain coverage outside the open enrollment period.