Health Insurance Blog

According to the article “Retailers Take Shot At Health Insurance” by Grace Gagliano on Bradenton.com, retail health clinics are becoming a growing trend of supermarkets and drug stores.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida was the first health insurance company to offer health care cards in October.  They partnered with Winn-Dixie and in November they partnered with CVS Pharmacy. 

The Go Blue health insurance plan is the most accessible for those looking for affordable health care since it guarentees acceptance, but it does exclude coverage on visits to the ER, hospital stays, surgeries, and maternity expenses.  This may cause some consumers to avoid purchasing the plan because these are some of the most expensive costs of health care. 

Go Blue Florida does have a lot to offer though.  Monthly premiums are very low, usually between $24-$59 with in-network, up to $50 paid towards a physician’s bill, up to $50 on dental care, up to $15 paid towards prescriptions and 100% paid towards in-network lab tests at locations which are approved through BCBSFL.  Many experts are saying that retailers getting involved in the health insurance business is a new trend that may be growing, according to the article.  Some are not sure it will replace in-store health clinics, but it is interesting to see consumers looking for other options as health care costs continue to soar. 

The special enrollment period for those elgible for the COBRA Subsidy Program is coming to a close tommorrow.

The program was available to anyone who lost their jobs between September 1, 2008 and March 17, 2009.

With the COBRA Subsidy Program ending, some options for families in need of individual health insurance coverage include:

1. Enroll in your spouse or partner’s health plan if possible
2. Enroll in an individual health insurance plan
3. Enroll in a short term health plan - generally can purchase up to 12mo. of coverage
4. Enroll in a public health insurance program if available and eligible (ex. Healthy Indiana Plan, or Washington Basic Health Plan)
5. Purchase a low-cost health discount plan as a last resort.

Ehealthinsurance.com has announced that Celtic Insurance Company has adopted their eApproval process when applying for both individual health insurance and short term health plans.

By implementing the eApproval technology, health insurance shoppers will be able to submit health insurance applications online with an online signature and then receive an instant approval or decline from Celtic.  If they are accepted they can pay online electronically and receive their enrollment materials via email.

Celtics individual health insurance product portfolio includes:  The Celtic Basic Health Plan — a low-cost major medical plan, the CeltiCare Preferred Health Plan for individuals and families, the CelticSaver HSA Health Plan and the Celtic Short-term Health Plan.