An update to a previous story from the KVMA.

As you know our office has been working for months to secure health insurance plans that would be available to Association members. Several weeks ago, the KVMA asked members to respond if a group health insurance plan was of interest. The response was tremendous.

We presented multiple health insurance carriers these numbers in an effort to put together plans and generate rates. During this same time period, a Presidential executive order was signed expanding the access of association sponsored health insurance. While the expansion of access is good for associations, the timing worked against us. There simply wasn’t enough time for insurance companies to respond to the executive order for a January 1, 2018 start date.

For that reason, the KVMA group plans were declined by all of the insurance carriers. Clearly this is not the response any of us wanted. We were all hoping the association plans could be the answer to many of your individual health insurance needs but unfortunately, that will not be the case for 2018.

For more information about the executive order, follow the link below. https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/10/12/presidential-executive-order-promoting-healthcare-choice-and-competition

So what options do we have now?

There is still an opportunity for a small group plan for many of you. A small group is defined as a minimum of 2 unrelated full-time (30 or more hours per week) employees. There are some employer requirements that must be satisfied on a small group plan. If you are interested in exploring small group health coverage, we can help you connect you with Kaw Valley Insurance. They are willing to work with members who have a need for a small group plan.

You still have an opportunity to secure individual health insurance for you and your family. Depending on where you are located, your options for health insurance vary. The 2018 rates have increased and frankly, are ugly. The deductibles are even higher than last year in most cases. The medical networks are getting more restrictive. In a nutshell, individual health insurance is going to be tougher than ever for most people in 2018. Check out www.healthcare.gov to find options in your area. Open enrollment is November 1, 2017 – December 15, 2017. This is a much shorter enrollment period than in past years. After December 15 you will not be able to secure individual health coverage under current federal regulations.

Payne Financial Services has received feedback from many individuals and families that are successfully using a Christian healthcare sharing plan. THIS IS NOT INSURANCE! There are pros and cons. If you feel this is a viable option for you and your family, do your homework.

We will continue to look for options in the future and hope to be able to offer better solutions soon.