With the the federal Health Care Reform law being passed on March 26, 2010,

it seems that everyone with NC health plans is wondering, “Exactly how will NC

health insurance plans will be affected?

Whether one has coverage or is seeking a quote for affordable health insurance, and whether one resides in a mountain communities near Asheville or in or near cities like Charlotte or Raleigh, we in North Carolina are asking what the rest of the country is asking: “How will my long-term health care and financial picture be impacted when the changes begin? 

There are changes going into effect in 2010 and at the start of the calendar year 2011 which have the potential to directly affect all families and age groups.

Rules are still being written on how the new law is to be carried out.

Whether we’re seniors or simply have senior-aged parents and grandparents, we will all be affected by what happens for seniors down the road. Let’s take a look at some of what we know will take place this year.

Medicare will begin paying $250 in annual rebate to those in the coverage gap of the “donut hole” of Medicare Part D.  It appears that the $250 rebate check will be sent within a few months after a person’s lapse in Medicare coverage begins each year. For those who are without direct experience

with the “donut hole”, and to put the rebate subject into perspective, it’s helpful to know that after deductible in a given year, the Medicare D plan pays 75% of the costs of prescriptions until costs reach $2,830. The “donut hole” begins at $2,830 and the 75% Medicare prescriptions coverage then ends. The individual pays 100% of the costs until $3,610 more is spent on prescriptions.

The total costs of prescriptions must rise to $6,440 before Medicare will resume paying in that year. The cycle begins again the next year and is a challenge that many seniors face annually. The $250 rebate is less than 10% of the burden many pay.

Perhaps a more significant change for seniors is applicable beginning January 2011. Name-brand drugs will be at a 50% discount during one’s lapse in Medicare D coverage. However, with rising drug costs being a concern, it’s difficult to predict overall outcome.

The law indicates that the donut hole will end by 2020.

In the future, if the donut hole ends, seniors will still be responsible for 25% of their drug costs under Medicare.

With financial burdens like these being a certainty for many, one can see that people of all ages stand to benefit greatly from the long-term value and security provided through a number of different plans.

Products like Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina’s (BCBSNC’s) Medicare Supplement Plans (including Plan D), Blue Medicare, Blue Advantage® and Blue Options HSA plans are excellent choices.

In fact, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina’s (BCBSNC’s) HMO and POS products have earned Excellent Accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). BCBSNC also has North Carolina’s first and only NCQA accredited PPO plan.

There are many choices that www.ncinsuranceplansonline.com offers individuals of all ages.

One thing is certain: The security that comes from quality coverage now is key to creating the individual health care and financial picture we’d each like to see in our future.

Quitting Smoking saves Money 

There are many advantages in quitting smoking.  Your health, your wallet and the air you breathe will all benefit from the act.  With the whole civilized world becoming “non-smoking” quitting is a reality many smokers face.  Most restaurants and bars are completely smoke-free now.  There is talk of banning smoking in public outdoor spaces and venues too.  All the more reason to try and stop.

The notion of quitting smoking is good for many reasons.  You will save money by not buying pack after pack and your health insurance rates can go down too.  Don’t forget to contact your agent or HR person to revamp your policy.  Some companies are even adopting incentive programs to help employees curb the habit.  Money is always a motivating factor.

http://www.healthnews.com/medical-updates/money-talks-strong-motivation-quit-smoking-2616.html

Even our own president is taking the milestone to quit.  He has been very vocal in his desire to be smoke-free and to encourage the rest of us also.

President Obama is leading a campaign to help Americans snuff out the habit.  His website lists these and other options he would like to see included in his administration’s plan for healthcare issues.

­     Require insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions so all Americans regardless of their health status or history can get comprehensive benefits at fair and stable premiums

­     Lower costs for businesses by covering a portion of the catastrophic health costs they pay in return for lower premiums for employees

­     Lower drug costs by allowing the importation of safe medicines from other developed countries, increasing the use of generic drugs in public programs and taking on drug companies that block cheaper generic medicines from the market

­     Require hospitals to collect and report health care cost and quality data

­       Establish a National Health Insurance Exchange with a range of private insurance options as well as a new public plan based on benefits available to members of Congress that will allow individuals and small businesses to buy affordable health coverage.

­     Reduce the costs of catastrophic illnesses for employers and their employees

­     Require coverage of preventive services, including cancer screenings

You can read the full plan at http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/

There are many resources available on the web and though your healthcare provider to assist you in your goal to quit smoking.  There are the tried and true techniques of supplementing with a lollipop, nicotine gum or snapping a rubber band on your wrist.  To alternative measures like hypnotism, acupuncture, or prescription drugs.  One of the most important steps is finding a support network.  Friends, family, co-workers and counseling can provide encouragement and support.