Happy With Health Plans, But Confused Americans Say

August 10, 2022 Linda Lalande

Forbes survey shows lack of understanding of health insurance

Here’s a critical reason to make sure your clients have a good benefits education strategy for their employees.

A recent Forbes Advisor survey of 2,000 U.S. adults who have health insurance, reveals many are happy but don’t have clarity or understanding. See what they found in the full report here.

For the complete dataset, methodology, high-resolution images, and citation guidelines, see media kit here.

HEALTHCARE

Good news for brokers who provide businesses with coverage!

Majority of workers say they are satisfied with their employer’ health benefits

Most workers who receive health insurance through their employer-provided plan said they are more satisfied with the coverage they receive through work than they are with the current health insurance system overall.

This was a takeaway from research conducted by Locust Street Group presented at a webinar by America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP). The research was part of AHIP’s Coverage@Work campaign, which aims to educate policymakers and the public about the value of employer-provided coverage.

The survey showed that although 54% of the 1,000 adults surveyed said they are satisfied with the current health system overall, 67% said they were satisfied with the coverage they receive through their employer.

What makes someone satisfied with their coverage? The top three reasons given were:

  • Affordability – 45%
  • Comprehensive coverage – 45%
  • Choice of providers – 44%

Other factors that rounded out the list of reasons for being satisfied included: free preventive services, consistency, customer service, the ability to receive care locally, wellness incentives and innovation. Comprehensive coverage was popular, even if it cost more, say workers 55 and older. A strong 77% of that age group say it is more important that their health insurance covers every service they need. Makes sense! Read more.

Addressing Need for Food, Housing & Transportation Results in Better Health
Fed agency seeks new models of care

The federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) has tested new potentially transformative models of paying for and delivering health care for over 10 years, including many that address important social drivers of health (DOH) such as access to reliable transportation and nutritious meals.

The Commonwealth Fund synthesized evidence over the past decade to understand how these pilot programs and initiatives attempt to meet patients’ needs. “Because unmet needs related to DOH have been linked to increased hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and overall costs to the health care system, health care providers and payers have become increasingly interested in identifying and addressing the DOH-related needs of patients. It has been further demonstrated that investments in programs designed to meet these needs can produce significant returns.”

Read more.

Our mission is to enhance the health and wellbeing of the people in the communities that we serve … and we’re particularly interested in any way that we can identify social determinants of health that might create barriers to care.

~~ Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design Model Participant (CMS, First Annual Evaluation Report of the Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design Model Test, 2017, p. 22)

Primary Care Initiative Gains Support of California Insurers
Six major health insurance carriers —Aetna, Aledade, Blue Shield of California, Health Net, Oscar Health and UnitedHealthcare — have signed a memorandum of understanding to support the California Advanced Primary Care Initiative. The goal of the initiative is to strengthen the state’s primary care delivery system by allowing primary care practices to transition to a high-performing, value-based care model.

Full Story: FierceHealthcare

OCBC Forum Declares Health Insurance Pros Are Key to Consumer Education Effort

Industry changes and innovations in patient wellness were hot topics at the Aug. 4 Health Care Forum sponsored by the Orange County Business Council (OCBC). The event gathered leaders from major healthcare providers with local agents and brokers.

A lively panel discussed the importance of health brokers as key to a “consumer centric” education effort. To address the many varied needs of Orange County, medical providers are moving to increase access to care in local communities. Brokers and agents can take advantage of innovative healthcare plan benefits and increased access to care and provider resources. Panelists emphasized that health insurance professionals play a valuable role as advocates, educating employers and clients. This partnership with healthcare providers continues to be vital and was openly encouraged.

Bottom line, seek to work with health care systems and providers to bring their resources to your client’s workplace and the communities you serve.

Look for more in the upcoming September CalBroker print magazine.

High, Inaccurate Cost Estimates Deter Patients From Care
A consumer survey by PYMNTS.com found that overly high and inaccurate medical procedure cost estimates often erode patients’ trust in the U.S. health care system. Among other findings, the survey noted that three-quarters of millennial patients canceled a medical appointment following a high cost estimate, 60% of adults who struggle to pay their bills did the same, and almost half of people who canceled an appointment for a reason other than improved health said a high estimate was behind the cancellation.

Full Story: BenefitsPRO

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Big News: CRC Group Acquires BenefitMall

BenefitMall and CRC Group, one of North America’s leading wholesale insurance distributors, are joining forces! The new CRC Group will provide the broadest array of products and services available in the marketplace, including a range of insurance products across property and casualty, life, annuity, long-term care, and employee benefits.

BenefitMall will become CRC Group’s employee benefits solution within the company’s Life, Retirement, and Benefits division, continuing under the BenefitMall name. The management team will remain in place, and the BenefitMall team you know, and trust will continue to deliver the same outstanding service you expect. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

View the BenefitMall & CRC joint announcement and additional details here.

ECONOMY

Recession?! Americans increasingly anxious over possibility Allianz Life says 

Two-thirds of Americans (66%) say they are expecting a major recession right around the corner, according to the 2022 2Q Quarterly Market Perceptions Study from Allianz Life. This is up about 20% from the same time last year when 48% expressed concern and the highest level of worry since 2018. Read more

MEDI-CAL

Medi-Cal Benefits Fact Sheet of 2022 Changes

Changes in Medi-Cal benefits took place this year for many older Californians, including for prescription drugs. This resulted from legislation passed in 2021 and California’s 5-year initiative, California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM). See Justice in Aging’s comprehensive fact sheet on the changes for full details.

GOOD NEWS FOR GOOD HEALTH

Are You a Workaholic? 5 signs

Now, there is nothing wrong with being passionate about your career and driven towards success in your professional life. However, there is a difference between being a driven worker and a workaholic. Courtesy of Exit Planning Institute (EPI).

Here’s one sign: You Believe Your Business Would Crumble if You Stopped Working

See the List Here! And EPI’s suggestions to shift these habits.

There’s More the Networking Than Exchanging Business Cards

Attending an impactful networking event can provide opportunities to meet and connect with like-minded individuals in your field, build your professional relationships, and grow your business.

Connecting Builds Relationships

The Exit Planning Institute (EPI) cites recent research that suggests that 80% of professionals believe you can accelerate career success through professional networking. However, studies show that less than 50% of professionals actively engage with their network. EPI recommends joining and participating in a strong network of professionals. It can benefit you personally by providing you with a new group of like-minded individuals and positively impact your business as well.

View Upcoming EPI Social Events!

Calendar of Events

Health Care News & Tips for Insurance Brokers

Check out the latest from Word & Brown here.

EVENTS

  • IEAHU, OCAHU & SDAHU Senior Summit, Aug 23-25, Pechanga resort and casino, Temecula, Calif. In person. Register. More info here.
  • Women In Financial Services (WIFS) End Of Summer Lunch & Winery Tour, Sun., Aug. 28 at 1:00 at San Antonio Winery, RSVP to janet@wifs-losangeles.org by Friday, Aug. 26.
  • WIFS-Los Angeles & NAIFA-Los Angeles present “Bust Those Myths About Life Insurance” as part of Life Insurance Awareness Month.  Thurs. Sept. 8, 2022 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. PST by Zoom. Register
  • LAAHU 7th Annual Medicare Symposium, Sept. 15, Burbank Marriott Hotel. Register.
  • NAIC Insurance 2022 Summit (in person & virtual), Sept.19-23, Kansas City. Register
  • InsurTech Connect: The Future of Insurance is Here, Sept. 20-22, Las Vegas Info: vegas.insuretechconnect.com/
  • CAHIP Virtual Medicare Event: Sept. 20 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Register.
  • WIFS National Conference, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, in person, Phoenix, Arizona. Info: https://wifs-losangeles.org/events/
  • Ellevate Women’s Leadership 2023 Summit, March 13-15, 2/23. JW Marriott just outside Las Vegas. Register 

Webinars on Demand

  • Nonstop Wellness Webinars & Guides
    Nonstop supplies resources to help your organization thrive. Explore expert insights, tips, tools, and articles created to help your organization navigate the healthcare landscape. Info here.
  • Understanding Your Client’s Financial Psychology
    FREE Master Class in financial psychology taught by Dr. Charles Chaffin (author of “Numb”). Approved for 1 hour CEU by the CFP Board. WHEN: Available now! WHERE: Click here to register
  • WATCH Zywave CEO Jason Liu talks about the recent acquisition of SIS, a leading Commercial Agency Management Systems (AMS) provider to drive innovation in the insurtech space to help you increase efficiency and boost your bottom line in this video.

UPCOMING in September Print Magazine

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month: Life Carrier Survey- Don’t miss it!
Sign up for a monthly print subscription by sending your physical address to: Calbrokermag@calbrokermag.com.