Many Insurers are allowing Billing Extensions during the "Safer at Home" period, due to the COVID-19.  State Auto Insurance Company has shared the following information with Bacchus Insurance Group, as of 03/30/2020:

COVID-19 has caused unprecedented action within communities across the country. These actions have been taken for the sake of our collective health and safety. We understand these actions may create financial hardship for many customers. Due to this situation, Foremost® is extending a grace period for late payments until May 1, 2020. If a customer’s payment is late during this time, we will send a reminder bill with an extended due date (rather than a cancellation notice for non-payment). This process will happen automatically; there is no need for you or your customers to call us to request the extension. 

All other billing remains unchanged, with bills going out with their regular due dates. We will continue to monitor this situation, and will update you as we make any additional changes to help customers maintain their insurance coverage.

It is important to note, that these premiums are not being waved, but instead are being given an extended Grace Period.  I would recommend all clients continue to pay their premiums, if able to do so.  As a Business Owner, I know that we are often faced with many challenges on a day-by-day basis.  With this in mind, if we can keep some normality in areas we can control, let's do it.  

In addition to State Auto, there are many other carriers who are extending their Grace Periods.  If you are a client with BIG and would like more information, please feel free to contact us.  

At Bacchus Insurance Group (BIG), we're BIG on Customer Service!

As of November 1, 2019, you can apply for new 2020 health insurance, or renew, change, or update your 2019 health plan for 2020. You have until Sunday, December 15 to make this decision.  After this date, you can enroll or change only with a Special Enrollment Period.  Coverage under plans sold during Open Enrollment starts January 1, 2020.  Since carriers change counties they serve, provider networks and rates frequently, we suggest working with an agent who specializes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  Bacchus Insurance Group (BIG) has received the "Circle of Champions" recognition from CMS for our work with ACA.  Contact us at 414-716-6274 today to discuss your options!

I remember how nervous I was in July, 1998 when I scheduled my exam to take my health and accident insurance licensing exam.  I wondered if the classroom time spent going over practice tests would help.  Well, it's pretty obvious they did!  I passed on the first try and have held my insurance license since that time. 

During that time, I was working with a Corporate 500 company and sold individual health and dental insurance plans.  I was a Telephone Sales Representative and spoke with hundreds of prospects a week about their insurance/dental options.  We covered deductibles, coinsurance, co-pays, prescriptions, in-networks, lifetime maximums, maternity care, you name it. 

Health Insurance is such a vital factor in overall health and financial planning.  An unexpected medical experience can cost upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Not to mention the health conditions that can arise or worsen due to lack of medical attention.  Health Insurance is there for us when we have a newborn, receive chemotherapy, mammogram, ambulance and flu shots, among other things.  I have always enjoyed speaking with my clients and being able to offer them options to assist in their health and well being.

I must say, the conversation in this age of Affordable Care Act (ACA), Obamacare, Trumpcare, Repeal & Replace has changed all of that!  I have delivered more 50%+ renewal increases in this last couple of weeks than I care to mention.  I sit down with clients and am forced to share premiums with them that I don't believe I could afford.  This may be the first time in my 19 years that I am truly ashamed and embarrassed by this business.  The insurance industry has to do better in assuring that Americans have viable, affordable options for healthcare. 

Do you have questions about your health insurance options?  Click below to take the first steps:

Many people have reached out and inquired about how the new Administration and President-elect Donald Trump will affect the current ACA. I'll continue to stick to the script and reply, "I'm not sure". With that said, I can share some of my previous experiences. Prior to ACA, individuals/families could be denied coverage due to medical conditions. These conditions could range from ear infections to Cancer. The applicant could not be declined coverage if they had continuous 'credible coverage' 18 months prior to applying. In the event they did not, these applicants would be referred to the State of WI's HIRSP plan. This plan had a higher premium, but was an alternative for the applicant. The State of WI's HIRSP plan was eliminated with the implementation of Obamacare. In summary, as a licensed Health Insurance agent of nearly 20 years, I would advise my clients to stay covered until decisions are confirmed. I don't believe insurance carriers would be able to remain profitable if the tax credits are pulled and they have to continue to guarantee coverage to everyone. I would imagine that an insured would have to have had prior coverage for some time prior to enrolling in their new proposed plans. Need a quotation, contact me at 414-716-6274. Remeber, this is JUST MY OPINION!

Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15th - December 7th. This is the time of year when individuals on Medicare
can shop for Medicare Advantage (MA) and Prescription Drug Plans (PDP). Medicare Advantage Plans can offer addional benefits in addition to Original Medicare. Some of these benefits may include an annual physical at no additional cost, coverage when you travel and a fitness club benefit. At Bacchus Insurance Group, we offer an array of options to fit your budget and our customer service is unmatched! Give us a call to schedule a free, no-obligation visit in office or at home.