Sorry! Nevada Health Link is down at the moment!

Is that what you were told when you called us? Well, we are just as frustrated as you are!

We are continuously receiving phone calls from customers who are trying to apply online through nevadahealthlink.com saying "I went online to the exchange and it is telling me there are no plans available". Of course it does bring us more customers, but we want our customers to be happy.

When the site first came up and we had the same issues we blogged asking for patience. Who would have thought we still need to ask the same thing almost two months later!

Well, don't worry...we are here to help and can do the application for you. Stop being patient, and call us. We have done hundreds of these apps and finished them!

Below is another article, featuring Nevada Benefits, in the Las Vegas Review Journal discussing these issues:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/silver-state-health-insurance-exchange-still-plagued-problems

"Essential" Health Benefits?

Have you looked at what is now included in the "Essential Health Benefits" required to be included in the new health plans for Obamacare?  Who is this benefiting? What we are seeing is that these plans are not very universal. People may be paying for many additional services that they will never use. How is that helpful to anyone besides the insurance companies?

Although, if only those who will definitely use the coverage pay for that, the insurance companies will not be able to afford all the cost associated, there has to be some kind of balance. All the extra coverage could even become harmful to many that may get unnecessary testing done. Some of the test may seems like a good idea to get for preventing other illnesses, but that is not always the case. Some test can be harmful if not done when necessary.

Read the article below, featuring Phil Randazzo, to see more information on these issues:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/business/new-insurance-plan-will-cover-lot-things-you-may-never-need

Another News Spot for Nevada Benefits!

Check out Phil Randazzo and our newest team member Linda Montero on Channel 8 News!

http://www.8newsnow.com/category/28259/8-news-now-video

Nevada Health Link...Patience please!

Not only are many Nevadans frustrated at the problems that have been coming up with the Nevada Health Link website, but so are we!

We were here ready to get all our clients the information they need. However, as with many new programs, there are still many bugs that need to be worked out. We are asking you all to please be patient! We are constantly checking for updates and as soon as that happens we will contact our clients.

We appreciate all of the understanding our clients have shown!

Nevada Benefits has the BEST clients! :)

Take a look at this news footage of Phil Randazzo discussing Health Care Reform.

http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/23542717/obamacarre-choices-few-amd-far-between

Anthem, Health coop, HPN Networks and exchanges

Anthem had their exchange broker roadshow yesterday and announced their brand new plans coming for 2014. The big differences? The drug formularies and doctor networks.
This has been a big concern for health insurance companies in deciding how to take on the increased medical risk and still keep insurance costs down. The best way to do it was to decrease the amount of contracts they issue to doctors and hospitals and change the medications they cover on the plans. They are gearing up to focus more on a patient-centered model where they require more referrals and a concentration of care centered around a general practice doctor.
If you wish to participate on the Nevada Exchange and purchase a plan that includes some advanced premium tax credits,  expect to also receive a smaller choice of providers. Be sure to check with the plan's networks and know if that doctor you like will even be participating. Chances are your doctor won't know, so check with the provider directory. Just because they say they accept or are contracted with Anthem, Health Plan of Nevada, etc, doesn't mean they are contracted with your plan. Also, just because your drug was covered with that carrier on another plan, doesn't mean that drug will be covered on your plan either.

This is why it is so important for people to talk with a professional. They can make sure and verify everything and actually guide you according to the plans you actually need.

Why I love Obamacare

These changes are really going to be affecting all of us. As an American citizen, I am a little afraid of what these major changes will do to our budgets and economy, but as a broker, it means great opportunity and will mean a great deal to me. Although I can only imagine that once the system is off the ground, the government will try and push brokers away by cutting payments to us, but I think in the mean time we will all be focusing on new innovative ways to make healthcare more accessible and provide solutions to the problems that arise that will keep us employed.

1. Guaranteed issue for everyone. I have an enormous opportunity as a broker to sign up as many people as I possibly can for health insurance. I no longer have to turn people away and when it comes to finding the right plan, it really comes down to which doctors do you want to see, what medications are you on  and what is your budget? I really dislike spending hours with a client only to find out they were declined. I make no money that way, because my compensation is based upon the policies that are in force.

2. More confusion=More need for professionals who know what the heck they're doing. With additional laws and information available it will be very important for people to consult a professional. Those who purchase from a good friend who also delivers pizza on the side will probably find themselves dissatisfied and possibly in a world of hurt come tax season.

3. People actually are thinking about this stuff. For once we actually have demand for our services and products and people have a timeframe to make a decision- or accept a penalty. Insurance is always last on people's list. The whole goal of healthcare reform was to create increased demand in hopes to decrease prices. This might actually come to pass. The problem that we don't know about are the initial wave of super-spenders on the plans making it go the opposite direction.

4. New products. I used to be in the electronics industry and I loved every new year when new stuff came out. It is always exciting to see the new innovations and get up to speed on the new toys. This is like a new year of new toys for a health insurance broker!