What Does A Health Insurance Broker Do?
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What Does A Health Insurance Broker Do?

If you’re in the market for health insurance, you may want to consider purchasing a plan through a health insurance broker. While they’re by no means the only option, health insurance brokers are a popular resource for a variety of customers looking for help in finding the right policy for them. So what do brokers…

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Bright Health weighs reverse stock split as delisting looms

Bright Health Group is mulling a reverse stock split after it shares dipped below the price threshold to remain listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the health insurance company announced Monday. The insurtech received a notice from the New York Stock Exchange Dec. 6 that, because its average stock price has been below $1…

CMS proposes raising Medicare Advantage marketing, ratings stakes
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CMS proposes raising Medicare Advantage marketing, ratings stakes

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is considering significant changes to how Medicare Advantage quality is measured, how provider networks are assembled and how insurance companies market their products. In a draft regulation published Wednesday, CMS proposes a variety of changes to Medicare Advantage for next year, including modifications to the Star Ratings bonus…

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CMS Puts the Kibosh on Misleading Medicare Advantage Sales Pitches

-“Secret shoppers” found that 80% of agent calls with clients were inaccurate or insufficient. After reviewing thousands of complaints about “confusing, misleading, and/or inaccurate” Medicare Advantage ads, and using “secret shoppers” to document deceptive telephone sales pitches, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it is putting its foot down on Thursday. Kathryn…

Inequities in health care coverage and access remain despite legislative gains
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Inequities in health care coverage and access remain despite legislative gains

Legislation to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in health insurance coverage and improve access to care have led to some progress but continue to fall short of objectives. The Affordable Care Act helped, especially in states that expanded eligibility for their Medicaid programs. However, after 2016, coverage gains stalled and slightly eroded. Combined with job and income losses stemming…

Medicare Part B Premium Increase for 2022 isn’t the Largest Ever

Medicare Part B Premium Increase for 2022 isn’t the Largest Ever

Medicare’s Part B monthly premium for 2022 will increase by $26.60, the largest dollar increase in the health insurance program’s history, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on Nov, 12. Standard monthly premiums for Part B will cost $170.10 in 2022, up from $148.50 in 2021. Medicare Part B covers doctor visits,…

Brighthealth has announced major changes for the 2023 AEP and OEP!
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Brighthealth has announced major changes for the 2023 AEP and OEP!

Bright Health Group is further focusing its business on delivering affordable healthcare to aging and underserved populations through its Fully Aligned Care Model. Bright HealthCare will no longer offer Individual and Family Plans after plan year 2022 and will also no longer offer Medicare Advantage products outside of California and Florida. It is a priority…

Health insurance agents who serve the senior market will soon begin their training for Medicare’s Annual Election Period (AEP). Elie Harriett, co-director, Medicare Services, with Classic Insurance & Financial Services Co., recently provided some of the information agents need to know to effectively serve their clients.
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Health insurance agents who serve the senior market will soon begin their training for Medicare’s Annual Election Period (AEP). Elie Harriett, co-director, Medicare Services, with Classic Insurance & Financial Services Co., recently provided some of the information agents need to know to effectively serve their clients.

Many of the general rules governing Medicare remain the same, said Harriett, though some plans and benefits will change. Some rules are specific to agents while others may be helpful to their clients. However, Harriett said, there are always a few general rules agents need to know when dealing with clients. Here is an overview…

Spanish-speaking Americans receive one-third less care, study finds

Spanish-speaking Americans receive one-third less care, study finds

Language barriers may lead to significant inequities in health care delivery, a new report suggests. The study, published in Health Affairs, found that Spanish-speaking Americans received about one-third less care (based on spending) as compared to patients whose primary language is English. “During 2014–18 mean annual per capita expenditures were $1,463 (35 percent) lower for Hispanic adults…