This is a pretty critical question for those considering health care reform.  I found a pretty good article on this questions from politifactcheck which examined President Obama’s statement:  “I just want to assure [you] we’re not talking about cutting Medicare benefits.”  (Read the full analysis here.) Politifactcheck gives the President a “Half True” grade…

Effective September 1,2009, in Arizona and Idaho – only Medicare Supplement underwritten by United of Omaha, will be available for new business and conversions through individual agents.  Only United of Omaha Medicare supplement applications dated on or after the effective date will be accepted for business.  United World applications will no longer be accepted.

The seminar will address HealthAmerica Medicare Advantra Products sales initiatives, Medicare compliance and 2010 Advantra Benefits. 9-23-2009 Wilkes-Barre PA, 9-24-2009  State College PA, 9-29-2009  Breinigsville PA, 9-30-2009 Grantville PA, and 9-30-2009 Lancaster PA View our Events Calendar, click date and location to register.

Here is a link to NAHU’s update page on Health Care Reform. Highlights:

• It appeared the Obama Administration was back-pedeling on the Government Run Health Insurance Option over the past weekend.  They took a bit of a beating from the “Single-Payor” advocates in their Party and have since re-affirmed their support of the…
  
  21 Aug 09
  Posted By: Craig
  

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Click for their free online address change service.

Here is an article from the Baltimore Sun which talks about why the 11 million Medicare Advantage members may have an issue with the magnitude of cuts in Medicare Advantage funding.

Please visit our Events Calendar to register for one of the following seminars:

• Wednesday September 2, 2009
• Spring Hill Suites Marriott Grand Rapids North, Grand Rapids, MI
• or
• Thursday September 3, 2009
• Spring Hill Suites Lansing, Lansing, MI

Here is a link to the key findings in the Mark Farrah report. Key Findings:

• Medicare Advantage enrollment surpassed 11 million (24% of Medicare Eligibles)
• Top 10 Players control 60% of the Medicare Advantage market
• Jan – July growth in 2009 was 6.7%, down slightly from the 9.9% growth over the same period…
  
  19 Aug 09
  Posted By: Craig
  

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Here is a link to the Medicare HealthPulse Poll. The results aren’t as terribly shocking as the researchers suggest.  Generally, I’ve found that Medicare Beneficiaries are extremely loyal to their plans and not apt to shop or change unless the changes are massive.  I believe the changes will be pretty severe in 2010.  Starting October…

The filed rate increase for the BlueCare Security Medigap Package C is 20%.  There are 26,230 subscribers on the BlueCare Security Medigap with BlueCross of Northeastern PA.  There will be a 45 day period for public comment.  The rate increase on the Medigap plan is expected to raise an additional $5.5 million/year. Here is…