<![CDATA[TROUT INSURANCE SERVICES - Blog-JS]]>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:29:14 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Missed Open Enrollment ?  Frustrated by Higher Premiums?  Not Eligible for Premium Subsidies? ]]>Sun, 31 Jan 2016 16:08:33 GMThttps://www.troutinsurance.com/blog-js/missed-open-enrollment-frustrated-by-higher-premiums-not-eligible-for-premium-subsidiesAs insurance professionals, we are always looking for options for our clients.  Short  Term Medical  --  These plans stand outside the new requirements of the ACA. You must answer health questions and coverage may be declined.  Pre-existing conditions -  any treatments, diagnosis - within the last 12 months are not covered. 
But if neither of these apply - good potential savings.  
 
We call this the "Not ObamaCare " ...read more about "Not ObamaCare"
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Consumers Cut Costs By Combining Limited Coverage Health Plans, Despite Penalty Risks
Learn More...]]><![CDATA[Status of your 2016 BCBSNC Subscriber ID cards]]>Thu, 14 Jan 2016 20:11:24 GMThttps://www.troutinsurance.com/blog-js/status-of-your-2016-bcbsnc-subscriber-id-cardsStatus of your 2016 BCBSNC Subscriber ID cards
Your current BCBSNC premium amount may not be correct

The ID card you received may not work. If you find that it is not working or the ID number in your online Member Services number is not working, you will automatically receive a new one in the mail before the end of the month. BCBSNC changed their operating system and ID cards from the old system were automatically generated and mailed. Now the new operating system is generating new cards. We do not know which one you received at this time.  BCBSNC asks that you wait for your new card IF the 2016 card you received is not working.

In this process, providers have 180 days to file a claim for reimbursement. Please ask your provider if they will provide the service and bill once the correct ID card is received. If not, you may have to pay out of pocket now and be reimbursed when you receive your correct card.

In addition, your bill may also be incorrect. BCBSNC is also aware of this and is working on resolving this issue as well.

We agree that this is a very unfortunate position to be in. Please know that we are in constant communication with BCBSNC will let you know as soon as we have any new information.

BCBSNC has issued many press releases in the media over the last few days apologizing and explaining. Please click their link here.http://blog.bcbsnc.com/2016/01/we-apologize-for-our-service-challenges-and-appreciate-your-patience/]]><![CDATA[Just the Facts...What you should know about the fee for not having health care coverage when you can afford it.]]>Wed, 09 Dec 2015 15:47:58 GMThttps://www.troutinsurance.com/blog-js/just-the-factswhat-you-should-know-about-the-fee-for-not-having-health-care-coverage-when-you-can-afford-itHere are 5 facts you should know about the fee for not having health coverage when you can afford it:
  1. The fee is calculated one of two different ways, depending on your situation. The fee for not having health insurance if you can afford it is calculated either as a percentage of your annual household income or a set amount for each person in your household who does not have coverage. When you file your federal income taxes, if you are uninsured for more than three months despite having access to affordable coverage, you’ll be required to pay whichever amount is higher. Resources on HealthCare.gov will help you estimate the fee you’ll have to pay if you don’t have health insurance based on your own situation.

  2. The fee is increasing for 2016. For 2015, the fee for not having health insurance if affordable insurance is available to you and you don’t qualify for an exemption is $325 per person or 2 percent of your annual household income – whichever is higher. For 2016, the fee you’ll have to pay if you choose to go without health insurance will increase to $695 or 2.5 percent of your income – whichever is higher. For many people, that’s more than the yearly cost of affordable plans they can find on the Marketplace.  Generally, the higher your income, the higher the fee you will have to pay.
  3. Every month without coverage counts. The fee is calculated based on the number of months you, your spouse, or your tax dependents went without qualifying coverage, such as an employer-sponsored health plan, Medicare, Medicaid or coverage through HealthCare.gov. The more months you go without health coverage, the higher the fee you will have to pay, up to the maximum.
  4. For some people, exemptions from the fee are available. People with very low incomes and individuals who meet other specific conditions can receive an exemption from the requirement to have health insurance and will not have to pay the fee. Additional information about exemptions and a tool that helps you determine if you qualify for an exemption is available on HealthCare.gov.
  5. If you need health coverage and want to avoid the fee for 2016, enroll in a plan by January 31.It’s important to remember that the final deadline to sign up for 2016 coverage through HealthCare.gov is January 31. A Special Enrollment Period around the April 15 tax filing deadline will not be offered this year. If you don’t enroll by then, you could have to wait another year to get coverage and may have to pay the fee when you file your 2016 income taxes.
]]><![CDATA[Reality Check: Rising Health Insurance Rates]]>Thu, 03 Dec 2015 14:06:08 GMThttps://www.troutinsurance.com/blog-js/reality-check-rising-health-insurance-ratesPicture
ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- The cost of health insurance continues to rise despite the efforts of the Affordable Care Act. 

Now, some healthcare providers are teaming up to develop a new lower cost way to offer coverage. Health insurance premiums on average next year are jumping about 10 percent across the nation, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. READ MORE...
]]><![CDATA[Seminar tackles questions about health-care law]]>Tue, 01 Dec 2015 14:53:47 GMThttps://www.troutinsurance.com/blog-js/seminar-tackles-questions-about-health-care-lawPicture
Highlights:
  • Small businesses with fewer than 25 employees can receive substantial tax credits for insuring their employees
  • When picking a plan, choose one that most doctors will accept, seminar leader says
  • The 2016 penalty for the uninsured jumps to $695 or 2.5 percent of one’s salary, whichever is greater.​
  • Read more...
]]><![CDATA[Open Enrollment: Deciding Between a PPO, HMO, EPO or POS Plan]]>Fri, 27 Nov 2015 16:23:05 GMThttps://www.troutinsurance.com/blog-js/open-enrollment-deciding-between-a-ppo-hmo-epo-or-pos-plan
How to pick a health care plan when you're faced with the dreaded alphabet soup.
It's that time of year when we all seem to be mired in alphabet soup – and not the kind you eat. Open enrollment for benefits plans is here, and that includes choosing health insurance coverage...read more...
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