Just a quick reminder…
You are likely seeing and hearing much about renewals and open enrollment for the individual health insurance market and you’re right; it’s right around the corner!
Open Enrollment dates are November 1 – December 15 for all individual health coverage. This is your opportunity to make any “life changes” to your coverage, such as adding or deleting coverage for dependents. Feel free to contact us to discuss the effect of those changes as well as the time-frame involved.
For those that have their coverage through the Marketplace, we can help update income projections – and consequently subsidy eligibility.
As you may well know, we are also very willing to help your friends, relatives and acquaintances who are trying to navigate these decisions for the first time. Additionally, we can assist those you know who are either currently covered by a Medicare plan or just becoming eligible for Medicare.
Buursma Agency 616-392-2105
Down the Donut Hole: The Medicare Coverage Gap
One of the most confusing Medicare provisions is the prescription drug coverage gap, often called the "donut hole." It may be clearer if you consider the gap within the annual "life-cycle" of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage. This also applies to drug coverage that is integrated into a Part C Medicare Advantage Plan.
Annual deductible: Prescription drug plans typically have an annual deductible not exceeding $405 in 2018. Before reaching the deductible, you will pay the full cost of your prescriptions, although you may receive negotiated discounts. Initial coverage period. After you meet the annual deductible, your plan will pay a portion of your prescription drug costs, and you will typically have a co-payment or coinsurance amount. A 25% coinsurance amount is the standard coverage required by Medicare, but most plans have different levels or "tiers" of co-payments or coinsurance for different types of drugs.
Coverage gap: When you and your plan combined have spent a specified amount on drugs for the year ($3,750 in 2018), you enter the coverage gap. In 2018, you pay 35% of your plan's price for covered brand-name prescription drugs and 44% of the price for generic drugs. The gap is closing over the next two years (see chart).
You remain in the coverage gap until you reach an annual out-of-pocket spending limit ($5,000 in 2018). Spending that counts toward the limit includes your deductible, copay, and coinsurance; the manufacturer's discount on brand-name drugs in the coverage gap; and your out-of-pocket payments in the gap. It does not include your premiums, the amount the plan pays, or your payments for non-covered drugs.
Catastrophic coverage: Once you have reached the out-of-pocket limit, you receive catastrophic coverage with much lower payments. In 2018, you would pay the greater of 5% of drug costs or $3.35/$8.35 for each generic and brand-name drug, respectively.
Some plans have more generous coverage in the gap. You may be able to avoid the coverage gap by using generic medicine, when appropriate, to lower your drug costs.
For more information, see Medicare.gov.
Life Insurance with a Refund
Comparatively speaking, of all the different types of life insurance available, term is usually the least expensive. Generally, term life insurance provides protection for a stated or defined period of time, usually from one year to 30 years. If you die during the coverage term, your beneficiary receives the death benefit from the policy. But what if you outlive the term? With return of premium (ROP) life insurance, you receive the return of all your premium payments at the end of the policy term if certain conditions are met.
What is ROP?
Variations may apply, but generally ROP is term life insurance coverage for a specific number of years (term). The face amount of the policy, or death benefit, is paid to your beneficiaries if you die during the term. But unlike straight term, if you live longer than the term, all of your premiums are returned to you with ROP as long as the policy was in good standing and in force at the end of the term. Some insurers even pay back a prorated portion of your premium if you cancel the ROP term insurance before the end of the term. Also, the premium returned generally is not considered ordinary income, so you won't have to pay income taxes on the money you receive from the insurance company. (Please consult your tax adviser.)
Some particulars
Unlike permanent cash value life insurance, ROP premiums generally do not earn interest or appreciate in value. Also, the premium returned usually does not include the return of added premium charges for substandard coverage (extra premium charged for poor health) or costs for certain policy riders (extra premium you pay for benefits added to the basic term policy, such as a disability rider).
The cost of ROP can be significantly greater than straight term insurance, depending on the issuer, age of the insured, amount of coverage (death benefit), and length of the term. But ROP almost always costs less than permanent life insurance with the same death benefit. While straight term insurance can be purchased for terms as short as one year, most ROP insurance is sold for terms of 10 years or longer.
Is ROP right for you?
Before you buy life insurance, you should know how much insurance you need. Your need for insurance is based on numerous factors, some of which include your current age and income, your marital status, the number of incomes in your household, your number of dependents, your long-term financial goals, the amount of your outstanding debt, your existing life insurance, and your other assets. You should also consider your overall financial, estate, and tax planning goals as part of your insurance needs evaluation.
Term insurance is appropriate for situations when there is a high need for insurance but not much cash flow to pay for it. For example, a young family with limited cash resources may have a great need for survivor income to provide for living expenses and education needs. Also, term insurance may be appropriate to cover needs for a limited period of time, such as coverage during your working years, your children's college years, or for the duration of a loan or mortgage.
Whether to consider ROP term insurance usually revolves around a few issues. Does the added cost of ROP fit into your budget? It's great to know you can get your money back if you outlive the term of your life insurance coverage, but there is a cost for that benefit. Also, if you die during the term of insurance coverage, your beneficiaries will receive the same death benefit from the ROP policy as they will from the less-expensive straight term.
Some financial professionals recommend that the best way to provide for your life insurance needs is to "buy term and invest the difference." This suggestion is based on the premise that you know how long you will need life insurance protection (until your mortgage is paid off, for example), and that you'll be able to get a better return on your savings from other investments. The same rationale may apply to ROP term insurance. Since your premiums do not earn interest while with the issuer, they likely will not keep up with inflation. So you may want to consider paying the lower premiums for straight term insurance and investing the difference to potentially accumulate more savings. When choosing between these two alternatives, you may want to think about the amount of coverage you need, the amount of money you can afford to spend, and the length of time you need the coverage to continue. Your insurance professional can help you by providing information on straight term and ROP term life insurance, including their respective premium costs.
The cost and availability of life insurance depend on factors such as age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Optional riders are available for an additional fee and are subject to contractual terms, conditions, and limitations as outlined in the prospectus and may not benefit all investors.
The return of premium, as well as any other guarantees related to life insurance, are contingent on the claims-paying ability and financial strength of the issuer.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there is no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful. There is no assurance that working with a financial professional will improve investment results.
The Financial Implications of a Chronic Illness
When you live with a chronic illness, you need to confront both the day-to-day and long-term financial implications of that illness. Talking openly about your health can be hard, but sharing your questions and challenges with those who can help you is extremely important, because recommendations can be better tailored to your needs. Every person with a chronic illness has unique issues, but here's a look at some topics you might need help with.
Money management
A budget is a useful tool for anyone, but it's especially valuable when you have a chronic illness, because it will serve as a foundation when planning for the future. Both your income and expenses may change if you're unable to work or your medical costs rise, and you may need to account for unique expenses related to your condition. Clearly seeing your overall financial picture can help you feel more in control.
Keeping good records is also important. For example, you may want to set up a system to help you track medical expenses and insurance claims. You may also want to prepare a list of instructions for others, such as a trusted friend or relative, that includes where to find important household and financial information in an emergency.
Another step you might want to take is simplifying your finances. For example, if you have numerous financial accounts, you could consolidate them to make it easier and quicker for you or a trusted advisor to manage. Setting up automatic bill payments or online banking can also help you keep your budget on track and ensure that you pay all bills on time.
Insurance
Reviewing your insurance coverage is essential. Read your health insurance policy and make sure you understand your co-payments, deductibles, and the nuts and bolts of your coverage. In addition, find out if you have any disability coverage, and what terms and conditions apply.
You might assume that you can't purchase additional life insurance, but this isn't necessarily the case. It may depend on your condition or the type of life insurance you're seeking. Some policies will not require a medical exam or will offer guaranteed coverage. If you already have life insurance, find out if your policy includes accelerated (living) benefits. You'll also want to review beneficiary designations. If you're married, make sure that your spouse has adequate insurance coverage, too.
Investing
Having a chronic illness can affect your investment strategy. Your income, cash-flow requirements, and tolerance for risk may change, and your investment plan may need to be adjusted to account for both your short-term and long-term needs. You may need to keep more funds in a liquid account now (for example, to help meet day-to-day living expenses or use for home modifications, if necessary), and you'll want to thoroughly evaluate your long-term needs before making investment decisions. The course of your illness may be unpredictable, so your investment plan should remain flexible and be reviewed periodically.
Estate planning
You might think of estate planning only as something you do to get your affairs in order in the event of death, but estate planning tools can also help you manage your finances right now.
For example, a durable power of attorney can help protect your property in the event you become unable to handle financial matters. A durable power of attorney allows you to authorize someone else to act on your behalf, so he or she can do things like pay everyday expenses, collect benefits, watch over your investments, and file taxes.
A living trust (also known as a revocable or inter vivos trust) is a separate legal entity you create to own property, such as your home or investments. The trust is called a living trust because it's meant to function while you're alive. You control the property in the trust and, whenever you wish, can change the trust terms, transfer property in and out of the trust, or end the trust altogether. You name a co-trustee such as a financial institution or a loved one who can manage the assets if you're unable to do so. There are costs and ongoing expenses associated with the creation and maintenance of trusts.
You may want to have advance medical directives in place to let others know what medical treatment you would want, or that allow someone to make medical decisions for you, in the event you can't express your wishes yourself. Depending on what's allowed by your state, these directives may include a living will, a durable power of attorney for health care, and a Do Not Resuscitate order.
Review your plan regularly
As your health changes, your needs will change too. Make sure to regularly review and update your financial plan.
There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all financial plan for someone with a chronic illness. Every condition is different, so your plan must be tailored to your needs and challenges, and reviewed periodically.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there is no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful.
The cost and availability of life insurance depend on factors such as age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased.
Should I enroll in a health savings account?
A health savings account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged account that you can establish and contribute to if you are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). Because you shoulder a greater portion of your health-care costs, you'll usually pay a much lower premium for an HDHP than you would pay for traditional health insurance. This allows you to contribute the premium dollars you're saving to your HSA. Then, when you need medical care, you can withdraw HSA funds to cover your expenses, opt to pay your costs out-of-pocket if you want to save your account funds. An HSA can be a powerful savings tool, especially if your health expenses are relatively low, since you may be able to build up a significant balance in your HSA over time. Before you enroll in an HSA, ask yourself the following questions:
What will your annual out-of-pocket costs be under the HDHP you're considering? Estimate these based on your current health expenses. The lower your costs, the easier it may be to accumulate HSA funds.
How much can you afford to contribute to your HSA every year? Contributing as much as you can on a regular basis is key to building a cushion against future expenses. For 2018, you can contribute up to $3,450 for individual coverage and $6,900 for family coverage.
Will your employer contribute to your HSA? Employer contributions can help offset the increased financial risk that you're assuming by enrolling in an HDHP rather than traditional employer-sponsored health insurance.
Are you willing to take on more responsibility for your own health care? For example, to achieve the maximum cost savings, you may need to research costs and negotiate fees with health providers when paying out-of-pocket.
How does the coverage provided by the HDHP compare with your current health plan? Don't sacrifice coverage to save money. Read all plan materials to make sure you understand benefits, exclusions, and all costs.
What tax savings might you expect? HSA funds can be withdrawn free of federal income tax and penalties provided the money is spent on qualified health-care expenses. Depending on the state, HSA contributions and earnings may or may not be subject to state taxes. Consult your tax adviser for more information.
I just received a large bill for a recent hospital visit. How can I check whether it's accurate?
In today's complex world of medical billing, you may have difficulty understanding exactly which procedures you're being charged for, or what the billing codes on your hospital bill mean.
The first step in determining whether your bill is accurate is to know exactly what your insurance does and does not cover. Review your health plan's coverage brochure or contact your insurer to find out about your plan's coverage exclusions or limitations, expenses that are fully or partially covered by your plan, and the ramifications of using an out-of-network provider.
Another helpful tool is an explanation of benefits (EOB). The EOB will provide you with a variety of information, such as the dates and type of services provided, the amount that was billed by the medical provider to the insurance company, what the insurance company paid to the provider, and the amount that wasn't covered and for which you are responsible. Review your EOB and compare it to your medical bills. If you find any discrepancies, contact your medical provider's billing department.
Unfortunately, errors are a common occurrence in the medical billing industry. As a result, it's always important to request an itemized bill, as opposed to just a summary of charges, from a medical provider. An itemized bill is critical when it comes to identifying billing errors because it will detail each medical procedure for which you are being charged. Once you've received your itemized bill, check to make sure that all your identifying information (e.g., address, date of birth), dates of service, and insurance information are correct. In addition, you'll want to check for common billing errors, such as charges for duplicate procedures or incorrectly coded procedures.
If you find an error on your bill, contact the billing department of the medical provider to request a corrected insurance claim and/or bill. Be prepared to explain the mistake to the billing representative and provide copies of billing records that illustrate the billing error.
Prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2018