Monthly Archive for January, 2007

Avoiding Temptations and Turning Diets into Lifestyle changes

Published
by
Scott
on January 31, 2007
in Health and Wellness
. 0 Comments

How many times have we started a new diet with the very best of intentions? We pick a program and make long-term goals that can are impossible to reach within the short period of time that our impatient selves allow. Most diets tend to fail within a few weeks because we look at the scales which do not reflect the progress we expect from our long-term goals.

After a while, we build doubt and begin to lose focus on our overall objective. Eventually look for an excuse to cheat. You ask yourself, “Why?”

It has been proven that those who diet 14 days as free of temptation as possible will ultimately give you the best chance of weight loss success.

So, what are the alternatives? At the grocery store you find “Fat Free” and “Low Calorie” snacks that you know are bad for you. And then you decide to celebrate and you limit yourself to a treat because you “deserve it”.

It’s not like we need to someone to hold our hand into temptation. It surely doesn’t help that there is a fast food restaurant on every corner. Our low-carb brain tells us to order a bun-less cheeseburger or grilled chicken salad with a Diet Coke (we are on a diet, aren’t we?).

Why do we do this to ourselves? It’s almost like we want to fail.

Personally, I think it’s akin to the emotional reasons we eat, whether we are actually hungry or not. The next time you’re standing in front of the fridge, door swung wide open, staring in a blank trance as if some magical zero-cal or zero-carb delicious delight will suddenly appear.

So what’s the solution? Plain and simple: short-term goals. Instead of long-term goals and goals that are built around results, plan action goals similar to “walking an hour a day” or “no eating after dinner“. Lifestyle changes are the key to results.

Prior Approval is now needed for some imaging procedures

Published
by
Scott
on January 29, 2007
in BCBSNC and Health and Wellness
. 0 Comments

In an effort to control medical costs, under the benefits of certain plans with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) the following diagnostic imaging services that are received in an outpatient setting, such as in your doctor’s office, the outpatient department of a hospital or at a freestanding imaging center may require prior plan approval (for dates of service on or after February 15, 2007):

  • CT/CTA scans
  • MRI/MRA scans
  • PET scans
  • Nuclear cardiology studies

Prior plan approval is not required when these procedures are performed in an emergency room, hospital (related to an inpatient stay), mobile unit, urgent care center or ambulatory surgical center.

Prior plan approval is not needed for “low-tech�? procedures such as X-rays and mammograms. To learn if your plan requires prior plan approval for these services, review the diagnostic imaging section of your policy documentation.

CT scan: Computed tomography (CT) scan uses x-ray imaging to make detailed pictures of structures inside of the body.

CTA scan:Computed tomography angiogram (CTA) scan uses x-ray imaging to make detailed pictures of blood vessels inside the body. It is a type of computed tomography (CT) scan.

MRI scan: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body.

MRA scan:A magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide pictures of blood vessels inside the body. It is a type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

PET scan: Positron emission tomography (PET) is a test that uses a special type of camera and special nuclear medicine to look at organs in the body.

Prior plan approval is not required for diagnostic imaging procedures in emergency or urgent care situations (meaning the absence of medical attention could jeopardize the patient’s life, health or ability to regain maximum function) or when they are performed in an emergency room, hospital (related to an inpatient or observation stay), mobile unit, urgent care center or ambulatory surgical center.

How to Switch Your Blue Advantage to Blue Options HSA

Published
by
Scott
on January 24, 2007
in BCBSNC
. 0 Comments

Blue Advantage to Blue Options HSABlue Options HSA is a new way to pay for health care. This plan pairs a high deductible PPO heath plan with a health savings account (HSA). The high deductible health plan allows you to pay lower premiums than a traditional plan while still enjoying the security of protection against high medical bills. The HSA allows you to access significant tax savings and can be used to pay for current and future medical expenses tax-free. When your balance reaches a certain amount, you can also choose to invest in a selection of mutual funds.

  • Lower premiums
  • Tax savings now and in the future
  • The option to invest in mutual funds

Blue Options HSA is built around BCBSNC’s most popular plan, the PPO. And with Blue Options HSA, you have access to the largest provider network in the state and the freedom to go outside that network. You also have access to specialists without referral, coverage when you travel and BCBSNC as your health care partner.

At a nonparticipating provider, your out–of–pocket cost may be higher and, if your benefits have started, you may have to file a claim. When you visit a network provider after your benefits become active, you will not have to file a claim.

  • In and out–of–network coverage
  • Access to the largest provider network in the state
  • The freedom to see specialists without referral
  • Coverage across the nation and worldwide
  • BCBSNC as your health care partner

Enhanced preventive care benefits

Preventive care is vital to your health and safety. That’s why we’ve made sure you’re covered for a variety of preventive care services, even before your deductible is met. Just visit your provider like you normally would and show your BCBSNC ID card. You’re covered at 100% when you receive the following preventive care services in an in-network office setting:

  • Immunizations and well-baby and well-child care (excluding diagnostic tests and screenings)
  • The first office visit (excluding diagnostic tests and screenings) each benefit period for routine physical exams, gynecological exams and the evaluation and treatment of obesity.
  • The following first preventive care diagnostic test and screening each benefit period (excluding related office visits except as noted above) for the following:
    • Cervical cancer screening
    • Ovarian cancer screening
    • Screening mammograms
    • Colo-rectal screening
    • Prostate specific antigen tests
    • Newborn vision and hearing screening
    • Cholesterol and lipid screening
    • Bone mass measurement screening
    • Hemoglobin test

Additional covered preventive care services and/or diagnostic tests and screenings, including those not listed above, are subject to deductible and coinsurance.

It is Easy to Switch From Blue Advantage to a HSA

Just call 1-800-639-4325 and one of our licenced agents guide you through the process.

Save On Generic Drugs with BCBSNC

Published
by
Scott
on January 23, 2007
in BCBSNC
. 0 Comments

What is the difference between generic and brand-name drugs and how does that difference affect my benefits?

Answer: A generic drug is identical, or bioequivalent, to a brand name drug in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use. Certain inactive ingredients that give the generic product its shape, color or flavor may be different than the brand product. Health professionals and consumers can be assured that FDA approved generic drugs have met the same rigid standards as the innovator drug. Although generic drugs are chemically identical to their branded counterparts, they are typically sold at substantial discounts from the branded price.

Depending upon your benefit design, you may substantially lower your out-of-pocket expense by using a generic drug instead of the branded drug. For example, if you have a $10 generic copay (tier 1) and $35 non-preferred brand copay (tier 3), you can save $25 on every prescription just by choosing generics. For drugs you take each month, that’s a savings of $300 over an entire year. If your prescription drug benefit is based on coinsurance, generic drugs will save you money because they cost less than their branded counterparts.(In some cases, employer groups carve out the prescription drug benefit and contract with a vendor separately, please refer to your Member Guide to confirm that your pharmacy benefits are offered through BCBSNC.)

HSA Provisions in the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006

Published
by
Scott
on January 21, 2007
in Health Insurance
. 0 Comments

The House of Representatives approved the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (H.R. 6111) (”the Act”) on December 8, and it was approved by the Senate on December 9. President Bush signed the Act into law on December 20, 2006. Most provisions apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006.

Note: Read the following provisions carefully. Some have applications to both our Blue Options HSA product for Groups and Blue Options HSA for Individuals, while others may apply to our group product only.

The Act provides for the following:

  • Modifies the limit on contributions to HSAs. Currently, HSA maximum
    contributions are limited to the lesser of (i) 100% of the annual deductible limit of the high deductible health plan (HDHP) or (ii) $2,850 (self-only) and $5,650 (family coverage) for 2007. Under the new provision, eligible individuals will be able to contribute up to $2,850 (self-only) and $5,650 (family coverage) for 2007, regardless of the annual deductible amount.
  • Allows individuals who become covered by a HDHP mid-year to contribute up to the full annual limit. Currently, if an employee or individual joins an HDHP mid- year, the maximum amount they can contribute to the HSA must be prorated for the months the employee did not have HDHP coverage as of the first day of the month. Under the new provision, an employee who becomes eligible for a HDHP mid-year
    may make a full HSA contribution for the year. However, the contributions made for the months preceding their HDHP eligibility may be includible in gross income and subject to a 10% additional tax if the employee loses eligibility for the HDHP during the 13 months following the date of contribution. The tax would be incurred during the taxable year of the month the employee loses eligibility.
  • Permits transfer of balance from an FSA or HRA to an HSA. Currently, funds may not be transferred from an FSA or an HRA to an HSA. Under the new provisions, the employer may allow for a one-time transfer from an FSA or an HRA. The maximum balance that may be transferred is the lesser of the balance of the account as of September 21, 2006 or the balance on the date of the transfer. The transfer may be made on or after December 20, 2006 until January 1, 2012. The transferred amount is not subject to maximum contributions limits. If allowed by the employer it must be allowed for all employees. However, the contributions made for the months preceding their HDHP eligibility may be includible in gross income and subject to a 10% additional tax if the employee loses eligibility for the HDHP during the 13 months following the transfer date. The tax would be incurred during the taxable year of the month the employee loses eligibility.
  • Permits a one-time transfer from an IRA to an HSA. Currently, funds may not be transferred from an IRA to an HSA. Under the new provision, the employee or individual may chose to have a one-time rollover from an IRA to an HSA. The amount of the rollover is subject to the maximum HSA contribution limit for the year. However, the contributions made for the months preceding their HDHP eligibility may be includes in gross income and subject to a 10% additional tax if the employee or individual loses eligibility for the HDHP during the 13 months following the transfer date. The tax would be incurred during the taxable year of the month the employee loses eligibility.
  • Requires earlier announcement of Cost of Living Adjustments applicable to HSAs. Annual cost of living adjustments (used to index HDHP minimum deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and contribution maximums) will be announced by June 1 of each year.
  • Permits higher HSA contributions for non-highly compensated employees. The new provision provides an exception to the requirements that employers must provide comparable HSA contributions to all employees, permitting employers to make higher contribution for non-highly compensated employees.
  • Allows coverage under a health FSA during the “2 1/2 Month Grace Period” to be disregarded for eligible employees who have a zero balance in their HSA for the previous year. If an employee has an FSA grace period of 2-1/2 months or less at the beginning of the plan year, the new provision provides that if an eligible employee has a zero balance in their FSA (either through depletion or through a transfer of the balance to an HSA) the employee may contribute to their HSA during the grace period. This provision is effective December 20, 2006.

If you have any questions, please refer to the Department of Treasury web site at http://www.treasury.gov or contact your BCBSNC representative.

Welcome to the 1-800 New Health Blog

Published
by
Scott
on January 21, 2007
in Site News
. 0 Comments

1-800 New Health Blog1-800NewHealth.com was started by two brothers, Blair and Scott Ashcraft, as a new consumer tool to help people know their choices and navigate through the decision making process of buying the right health insurance protection.

1-800NewHealth.com is your trusted online source for researching, comparing, and purchasing individual and family health insurance.

We provide:

  • Best selection of quality plans. Representing all major carriers.
  • Competitive Prices. Rates directly from insurance carriers.
  • Cost-Free. Our service is free to you.
  • Representation. We have your best interests in mind.
  • Convenience. 24/7 self-serving internet technology.
  • Professional Advisory Service, 24/7, by dialing 1-800NewHealth (1-800 639-4325)

We have 30 years of combined experience helping consumers and employers take the guesswork out of choosing health insurance. We are an independent agency with an extensive staff and qualified agents that work for you, not the insurance company. We represent a carefully selected group of the top insurance companies including Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC).

Our specialty is in the health insurance products as well as ancillary products such as Life, dental, disability income and retirement. Our firm exists on a foundation of ethics that helps to guide us every day. Throughout our history, we have adhered to guiding principles and essential values which are based on traditions of quality and integrity – principles which remain integral to our agency character. As a firm, we live by five core values: Integrity with Honesty, Passion, Accountability, Service to Others, and Professionalism.

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