health insurance | Bernardini & Donovan

January 1, 2014September 8, 2016

The Value of an Agent When Finding the Right Large Group Health Insurance Plan

The value of an agent is apparent when you need answers to questions concerning large group health insurance plans and policies. A reputable agent doesn’t just sell you a policy. They explain it in the finest detail so you understand exactly what you are getting for your money. Your agent is the one you contact when you have to file a claim or if you need to update your policy. When the insurance company has questions concerning an accident or health claim, your agent is the one who acts on your behalf to make sure all of your insurance needs are meant.

Large group health insurance policies are designed to provide the best possible coverage for individuals who are part of a specific group. Because several people are subscribing as a unit, the cost of coverage can be dramatically reduced. If you have any questions concerning insurance coverage for large a large group of individuals contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services. They can answer your questions and help you get the coverage you need.

December 13, 2013September 8, 2016

Covered California Deadlines Nearing

Important deadlines for the Affordable Care Act are just around the corner. It’s not only the ACA deadlines that California residents should be aware of but another deadline in the quest for proper health insurance coverage is creeping up as well.

Covered California Deadline is Approaching

If you are a California resident who wants to be eligible for coverage through the ACA you need to be enrolled with Covered California by December 23, 2013 for a January 1, 2014 effective date. Many of the people who have submitted applications have not fully completed enrollment only 85,000 of the 385,000 people who submitted applications have completed the process and chosen a coverage plan.

Consumers have until March 31 to sign up without paying a penalty. Not purchasing coverage by this time will mean an entire year without any sort of health care insurance and the possibility of being charged a penalty fee by the federal government.

For more information on the Affordable Care Act and Covered California deadlines please contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services to speak with a certified Covered California agent today.

December 12, 2013September 8, 2016

Nothing Says More About a Company Than Testimonials!

The following is a testimonial from one of our wonderful clients:

“Bernardini & Donovan has assisted our law firm with our health insurance needs for almost a decade. Right from the start, they impressed us with their efficient and professional manner. Their customer service is top notch and their staff is knowledgeable and experienced. They have consistently taken the time to answer our questions, address our concerns, and search for the best possible coverage to fit our needs while looking for competitive rates.

I sincerely appreciate all the assistance they have offered our firm and would highly recommend their services to anyone.” – Megan B.

December 9, 2013September 8, 2016

Individual and Family Health Insurance: The Value of Using an Agent

With 2014 just around the corner, and everyone being required to have health insurance or pay a fine, many individuals all over the country are trying to figure out the best plan for them and/or their family. Unfortunately, it’s no easy task with so many different insurance companies and health insurance plans out there. Because of this, many are turning to a professional agent for help.

Why would someone need the help of an agent? An agent can be very helpful when trying to find the best health insurance plan, especially when you’ve never shopped for insurance before or are not very familiar with insurance terms. The value of an agent is truly indescribable.

You see, when you purchase individual health insurance from your place of employment, there is an individual on-site that can answer any questions you have. A professional agent can do the same when you are purchasing on your own. An agent can help you fill out the initial application for health coverage and can even assist in filing of claims in the future. Should you be turned down for insurance from one company, an agent can assist you in the next steps – something you may otherwise not have known.

If you need assistance in choosing family or individual health insurance, contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services to speak to a certified Covered California agent that can help ensure you choose the right plan for yourself and/or your entire family based on plan details, cost and your personal situation.

November 18, 2013September 8, 2016

Purchasing Insurance Through Individual Insurance Storefronts

Insurance storefronts are similar to most other retail businesses only the companies sell insurance instead of an actual product. Individuals meet with licensed insurance agents who can assess their situation and determine the type of policy and coverage that would be most beneficial for their circumstances.

A reputable agent can tell you what policies you qualify for and what you need to do to get signed up for coverage. They will explain all fees, deductibles and expenses associated with your policy. In some cases, a storefront agency also works through exchanges. The agent can help you get signed up for the insurance plan you are eligible for and make sure you have all of the coverage for your particular needs.

Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services is a full service insurance agency located in Redlands, CA. Its staff of reputable agents can answer all of your questions concerning health insurance and what each plan covers. Insurance policies cover a wide range of treatment plans and procedures. By going through certified agents, like those at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance, they are available to help you get the coverage you need at an affordable price.

November 13, 2013September 8, 2016

Benefits of Working with an Independent Insurance Agency

There are many challenges to purchasing the right health insurance coverage. The more you know about how the industry works, the more capable you’ll be in making smart decisions concerning your health care needs.

When purchasing health insurance, you have a choice of working with either an independent agency or a captive agency. An independent agency will offer you policy options from a variety of different insurers, giving you greater choices for evaluation. A captive agency works with only one insurance carrier. This limits the number and variety of health plans from which you can choose.

Working with an independent agent offers you greater flexibility in the company you choose. In the event you are dissatisfied with a certain insurer, your agent can suggest alternative companies within their jurisdiction, enabling you to retain his services to acquire the better coverage you seek. Working with a variety of top insurance carriers provides independent agents with greater knowledge and experience in their field. It also enables them to establish a more extensive network of insurance contacts to expand their services to you.

Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services, Inc. is an independent insurance agency. For more advice on choosing California health care coverage, contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services, their agents are ready to help you find the right plan for your health insurance needs.

November 4, 2013September 8, 2016

Buying Insurance Through a Broker or Agent

With 2014 almost upon us, more people will be searching for health insurance coverage. You can purchase coverage through an insurance agent or broker or the state exchanges. The following explores some of the differences in purchasing coverage through these two mediums.

Buying your coverage through an exchange gives you access to federal subsidies if your income falls beneath 400% of the official poverty line. However, if you don’t qualify for these subsidies, it may be more convenient for you to purchase your coverage directly from an agent or broker.

Many insurers are offering coverage comparable to Obamacare standards to include mental health and maternity benefits at competitive costs. In addition, individuals who already have insurance coverage can continue with their grandfathered policies and avoid the extra expense of an Obamacare policy.

Using an exchange, you can easily compare insurance features and prices online. However, the enrollment process is more time consuming and complex, due to the amount of paperwork required. In contrast, buying a policy from an agent or broker is quick and easy, with no government intervention.

By carefully studying your options, you can choose the medium best suited to you for your health insurance coverage. For more insight into health plans, coverage and prices in Redlands, California, contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services.

October 31, 2013September 8, 2016

Purchasing Coverage: What Are Your Options Outside the Exchange?

The Affordable Care Act mandates that all Americans must obtain some type of health insurance before January 1st, 2014. For those who do not wish to use a Health Marketplace or Exchange option, policies can still be purchased from private insurance brokers and agents as long as the policies meet the guidelines put in place by Obamacare.

The Affordable Care Act stipulates that all policies sold by agencies outside the exchange must meet or exceed the requirements of exchange policies at an affordable cost to the consumer. It also requires insurance companies to offer policies that fall within two higher level categories such as “gold and silver” or “elite and premier”. These types of policies may be more affordable in the long run for individuals who rarely seek medical attention.

Individuals who want to explore their health care options outside of the state exchange, can call Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services. A licensed insurance agent will address your concerns and answer any questions you may have about the Affordable Care Act and private insurance.

July 10, 2013September 8, 2016

How a Small Group is Defined for Health Insurance Policies

The Affordable Care Act has divided employers into two categories: small group and large group. The act itself has a test that small business owners use to determine which category they fall under. There is a general dividing line at 50 full-time employees or equivalents, although there are some benefits specifically aimed at businesses with 25 or less full-time employees.

A business that employs 50 or less full-time employees falls under the small group definition. However, the full-time employee doesn’t necessarily have to be one individual. A business can have as many part-time employees as it wants as long as the equivalent number does not go over 50. In other words, an employer can have four part time employees working ten hours a week for a total of 40 hours worked. These four people working a total of 40 hours is calculated as one employee. There can be any variation on this theme to qualify for the small group coverage as long as the sum total is no more than 50 full-time employees.

If you are in the Redlands, CA area, or throughout California, and are interested in more information about health insurance policies for business owners, contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services.

July 1, 2013September 8, 2016

How to Determine if you are Considered Large Group

As a business employer, there are several parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that may affect your business and your group plan. Beginning in 2014, business owners with 50 full-time workers or full-time equivalents (FTEs), are considered a large group employer. As a business owner, the act requires you to offer affordable health insurance coverage to all of your full-time workers, as well as their dependent children, or be subject to penalties.

Am I a ‘large group’ or ‘small group’ employer?
If you are a business that employs at least 50 full-time employees or 50 full-time equivalents during the prior calendar year, you are subject to the play or pay penalties and the employer-shared responsibility provisions.

There is a one-time special six-month transition rule, which applies only for 2014, which allows you to use any consecutive six -month period in 2013 rather than using the full previous twelve months to determine whether you are a large employer.

What is a full-time employee or equivalent?
A common law employee who averages at least 30 hours per week or 130 hours in a calendar month is considered a full-time employee. You must calculate your hourly worker’s service hours based on hours worked and hours of earned paid leave.

If you are a California business in the Redlands or Inland Empire, and have questions about health reform legislation, and how it will affect your large group plan, contact the experts at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services.

Tag: health insurance