Health Care Reform in ND/MN

[Bob_The_Insurance_Guy]

If I were you, I'd sign up for this:

Health Care Reform Watch

It gives unbiased topics and relevant information on the ongoing PPACA.

 

[GreenSky]

So am I starting out as an Agent and I am trying to concentrate in Group & Individual Health and Life. Where can I find out what "Actually" is going on with health care, especially in Minnesota and North Dakota? And How will it effect myself, as an agent, and my clients?

I have been trying to read up on it, but there is so much information out there and I am starting to have a hard time to determine what is actually going to happen versus someones opinion.

Can someone give me actuall answers?

Here's the Cliff Notes version:

Obama and the other socialists in government screwed everyone by passing the "reform." If you are selling health insurance and expect to earn a living, you're sadly mistaken. By 2014, 99% of your clients will get their insurance from the exchange at zero commission. If you have any renewals, kiss them goodbye.

If you want more detail, just google "ObamaCare sucks."

Rick

 

[Full Throttle]

So am I starting out as an Agent and I am trying to concentrate in Group & Individual Health and Life. Where can I find out what "Actually" is going on with health care, especially in Minnesota and North Dakota? And How will it effect myself, as an agent, and my clients?

I have been trying to read up on it, but there is so much information out there and I am starting to have a hard time to determine what is actually going to happen versus someones opinion.

Can someone give me actuall answers?

I can't speak for ND, but can for some extent for MN. In MN, there are basically five carriers:

Medica
Health Partners
BC/BS of MN
Preferred One
Assurant Health

So far, besides Assurant, I haven't seen any news of a commission decrease, probably because it's already low. What will happen in 2014 as far as state exchanges and the broker's role? No idea. I'm not optomistic, but I could be completely wrong.How has it impacted the carriers so far:

Preferred One
The lowest deductible family plan right now is a $9,000 deductible HDHP. They pulled all their plans, then brought them back with only super high deductibles. All they offer for individual/family plans are HDHPs.

BC/BS of MN
Simply Blue / Go Blue plans, no longer allow applicants below the age of 19. Otherwise, business as usual. Rates change April 1st.

Medica
Just came out with a rate increase on their old block for Jan. 1st. No real changes besides the Medica Solo plan no longer allows children to apply. I believe the rate renewal date is no longer July, but Jan. 1st each year.

Health Partners
Without looking at the sheet, they now only offer two deductible options on their Empower plans (HDHPs). Rates scheduled to change April 1st. No children can apply onto their "3 for Me" plan.

Assurant
Not really sure, wrote two plans with them all last year. I don't remember seeing any changes to their One Deductible HDHPs. Commissions are now either 10% or 12% first year, can't remember for sure.