Health Insurance Premiums to increase

Posted on 22, March, 13 by Brian Gruss| Leave a comment

I was reading this article from the Wall Street Journal this morning, that said premiums for individuals purchasing health insurance could rise as much as 116%.  If I’m looking at the premium that my family of 3 pays, that is substantial.  Plus, you know when business expenses go up, they have to charge more to their customers, that my friends is a vicious circle.

Posted in Health Care Reform, Health Insurance

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Disability Fact

Posted on 30, October, 12 by Brian Gruss| Leave a comment

Disability Fact

Almost 3 out of ten workers entering the workforce today will become disabled before retirement. -Social Security Administration, Fact Sheet, Jan 2007.

Where are you at with your disability coverage?

…Post your comments

Posted in Disability Insurance

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2013 Medicare Annual Election Period

Posted on 13, October, 12 by Brian Gruss| Leave a comment

The 2013 Medicare Annual Election Period starts on Monday October 15 and runs through December 7th.  This is a great time to do a “check up” on your benefits to make sure the new plans are going to fit your needs.  If you would like help, let me know 509-927-9200.

Posted in Medicare

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Healthcare Law

Posted on 1, July, 12 by Brian Gruss| Leave a comment

With regards to the healthcare law, how specifically will it affect you personally?

Posted in Health Care Reform, Health Insurance

2013 HSA Contribution Limits

Posted on 2, May, 12 by Brian Gruss| Leave a comment

2013 HSA Contribution Limits

The IRS has recently announced the new contribution limits for HSA’s (Health Savings Accounts).

HSA contribution limits: 

  • Individuals (self-only coverage) - $3,250 (up $150 from 2012)
  • Family coverage - $6,450 (up $200 from 2012)

HDHP minimum required deductibles:

  • $1,250 for self-only coverage
  • $2,500 for family coverage

Out-of-pocket maximum:

(Out-of-pocket expenses include deductibles, co-payments, and other amounts, but not premiums)

  • $6,250 for self-only coverage
  • $12,500 for family coverage

Under guidelines implemented in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, over-the-counter drugs may only be reimbursed if they have a prescription. If a policyholder uses an HSA to pay for items or services that aren’t qualified medical expenses, the tax penalty is 20 percent of the HSA distribution.

Posted in Health Insurance

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Disability can and does happen

Posted on 1, May, 12 by Brian Gruss| 1 Comment

Disability can and does happen

What you do to prepare for it is all up to you.

Just over 1 in 4 of today’s 20 year-olds will become disabled before they retire.

Freak accidents are NOT usually the culprit. Back injuries, cancer, heart disease and other illnesses cause the majority of long-term absences.

To help you get by when a medical emergency happens and causes you to miss work, you should take advantage of disability insurance provided by your employer. Depending on the policy, disability insurance could pay for your entire salary or just a percentage of it while you can’t work.

To discuss your disability insurance options contact me.

Posted in Disability Insurance

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