Personal/Family Archives - Page 10 of 14 - Premier Insurance Services

Medicare Set-asides: The Next Major Workers’ Comp Cost Driver

Post author:Mark Kofalt
Post published:November 11, 2019
Post category:Personal/Family Senior Care

As America's workforce gets older, it will have a significant impact on the cost structure of the workers' comp system due to requirements that insurers set aside large sums for medical outlays covered by Medicare. That's because the costs of claims involving injured workers who are near or older than retirement age tend to skyrocket. This issue could be the next major cost driver in workers' comp as more baby boomers, nearing retirement age, opt to stay in the workforce. Federal law requires that Medicare approve claims settlements of $25,000 or more for injured workers who are Medicare beneficiaries, who…

Study: Processed Food Diet Can Put on the Pounds

Post author:Mark Kofalt
Post published:November 4, 2019
Post category:Personal/Family

A new study has found that following a diet that consists of processed foods can quickly result in weight gain. The study by a team of researchers at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in Bethesda, MD, was the first of its kind conducted on humans - and with astonishing results. In the study, 20 participants lived in a lab for four weeks, spending two weeks each on two types of diet: One rich in highly processed foods (like food out of a box or canned prepared food). One rich in whole foods, like whole grains,…

Executive Order to Pave Way for Medicare Changes in 2020

Post author:Mark Kofalt
Post published:October 31, 2019
Post category:Personal/Family Senior Care

Medicare changes in 2020 may be coming as President Trump recently announced an executive order that gives Medicare recipients more access to innovative and affordable plan options, as well make it easier to find physicians that take new Medicare patients. The order directs the Department of Health and Human Services to write new regulations and take administrative actions that would encourage Medicare Advantage insurers to offer plan designs with innovative new options like telemedicine services and supplemental benefits that plans do not currently offer. Under the executive order, HHS has a year to introduce new regulations and guidance and take…

What to Do If Your Child Is Cyber-bullied or a Cyber-bully

Post author:Mark Kofalt
Post published:October 24, 2019
Post category:Personal/Family

Social media can be a great way to stay in touch with friends and family, but unfortunately, as it has evolved, so has a dark side that has caused plenty of children distress - some to the point of driving them to suicide. We are talking about the growing problem of cyber-bullying. Unfortunately, many kids are victims and others are perpetrators of online bullying. In both cases, you need to nip it in the bud. What is cyber-bullying? Cyber-bullying includes sending, posting or sharing negative, harmful, false or mean content about someone else on social media like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram…

Changes Ahead for Medicare Plans for 2020

Post author:Mark Kofalt
Post published:October 21, 2019
Post category:Personal/Family Senior Care

As open enrollment for Medicare is just around the corner, changes are coming for 2020 that all enrollees and those who are enrolling for the first time should be aware of. Some of the changes are routine, but there are a few regarding the availability of certain plans as well as significant changes to Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans. Below is a rundown of the changes coming for the 2020 policy year. Medicare Part B The monthly premium is projected to rise to $144.30 a month, up from $135.50 in 2019. Medicare supplements Two plans will disappear for new enrollees,…

Reminder: Open Enrollment Begins Oct. 15!

Post author:Mark Kofalt
Post published:October 10, 2019
Post category:Personal/Family Senior Care

You've probably read our earlier article reminding you about Medicare Open Enrollment, beginning Oct. 15. You can read the full story here. However, due to its importance, we just wanted to send a quick reminder that it begins October 15 and runs through December 7. That's not much time to get your plans together. So here's another reminder: We can help make this as easy and painless as possible. Premier Insurance Services began decades ago as a Medicare insurance provider. We have a deep knowledge of and experience in the Medicare system — meaning, you'll get every benefit possible and…

Don’t Miss Medicare Open Enrollment!

Post author:Mark Kofalt
Post published:September 30, 2019
Post category:Personal/Family Senior Care

Don't miss the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, which, for those of you who are already enrolled, begins October 15th and runs until December 7th. That's the only time a Medicare beneficiary can ordinarily make changes to his or her existing plan, or enroll in Medicare Advantage (Part C) or the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). However, your open enrollment period can vary depending on your specific circumstances. Turning 65 this year? If you are turning 65 this year and you are not already eligible because of a specific medical issue that may qualify you at an earlier age, then…

Will Your Insurance Protect You from a Facebook Lawsuit?

Post author:Mark Kofalt
Post published:September 26, 2019
Post category:Personal/Family

Social media has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade. What many people don't understand are the unique risks that come along with social networking. Anyone using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn or any other social networking site should exercise extreme caution in what they decide to say online. As an example, in 2013 a teenager in Florida sued some of her classmates and their parents, accusing the classmates of bullying and humiliating her in a Facebook group. In another case from 2015, a 14-year-old California girl sued her classmates - and their parents - for setting up a…