Open Enrollment

It’s your choice: Take advantage of open enrollment

*REPOST* Brought to you by UHC:

https://www.uhc.com/newsletters/september-2016/take-advantage-of-open-enrollment?srcName=smf-ban

If your employer offers health benefits, you may start hearing soon that it’s time for open enrollment. This is the time of year when you can make choices about your coverage for the next year. Open enrollment is sometimes called annual enrollment or benefits enrollment.

Before you know it, it will be time to choose your coverage. So take a moment to review these tips and tools that may help you prepare.

Seven questions to ask

Your employer may offer one health plan or multiple options for health coverage. When deciding what’s right for you and your family, keep these questions in mind:

1. Is my doctor in the network?

If you have doctors or specialists you like, be sure they’re in the network of the plan you choose. Why? Your costs are usually lower when you use a network doctor.

Visit myuhc.com® to find out if your doctor is in the plan’s network. You can also find a doctor with theUnitedHealthcare Health4Me® mobile app.

2. Is my medicine covered?

Most plans have a list that shows which prescription medicines are covered. It’s called a formulary or Prescription Drug List (PDL).

To see which medicines are on your plan’s list, go to myuhc.com — and click on “Pharmacies & Prescriptions.”

3. Who else needs to be on my plan?

Some plans offer coverage for your spouse, partner or children. These are your dependents. If the plan offers dependent coverage, children under age 26 without their own health coverage can be on your plan.

4. What type of health coverage is right for me?

You may be offered a choice between a “traditional” copay health plan and a high-deductible health plan. With a traditional copay plan, your monthly premium will be higher — and you will pay a fixed copay amount, such as $25, for each doctor visit. With a high-deductible plan, your monthly premium may be lower. But you may have a higher share of out-of-pocket costs.

How do you decide what’s right for you? Think about what health care services you and each family member might need in the coming year. For example:

• Are there medications you take routinely?
• Are you planning to have surgery?
• Do you see a doctor regularly for a health condition?
• Are you planning to have a baby?

5. What other costs should I plan for?

In addition to the premium and deductible, you may also have copays or coinsurance. To learn more about the difference, see this infographic.

Then try this worksheet to help you plan for your potential costs.

6. Will I have access to an HSA, HRA or FSA?

Check with your employer to see if a health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement account (HRA) or flexible spending account (FSA) is available to you.

These are all ways to use tax-free money to help pay for medical expenses. But there are differences. Learn more in this infographic.

7. What other benefits does my employer offer?

Carefully read the information your employer sends you. Some health plans include incentives for healthy living. And your employer may offer dental, vision or disability benefits too.

What to do next

Start planning for your health care costs in the coming year:

• Fill out this helpful health costs worksheet.
• Watch for emails from your employer about open enrollment dates.
• Take time to consider your options — so you can choose a plan that’s right for you.

© 2016 United HealthCare Services, Inc.

Manage your Medical Bills

MANAGING YOUR MEDICAL BILLS

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*Repost* Brought to you by Cigna: http://www.cigna.com/healthwellness/hw/medical-topics/managing-your-medical-bills-abo3249

Topic Overview

Medical bills. They can be confusing and stressful. But with some basic know-how and organization, you can manage them—and avoid overpaying for your health care.

After you receive a health care service, you get:

• A medical bill from your provider. If you have no health insurance, this is the amount that you pay. If you're insured, you will likely pay less than the provider has billed you for.
• An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurer. This insurance statement shows how much of the bill you will need to pay.

This may sound simple. But when you get a bill, then an insurance statement, then a revised bill based on the statement or a payment you've already made, things can get confusing.

Organize

Take these simple steps to keep your medical bills in order. You can organize paper bills and statements, or electronic versions on a computer.

• Keep a calendar of your medical appointments. Jot down each appointment, including the provider and the care you've received. Also record the dates you've paid for prescription medicine.
• Organize your medical bills by date of service. If you have bills for more than one family member, keep a separate file for each.
• Pair medical bills with insurance statements. Sometimes an insurance statement will be about more than one medical bill. Keep those papers together. If you can, make a copy of the statement and match it with each separate bill it mentions. Include any payment receipts and updated statements about those bills.
• Create a list or a spreadsheet—whatever works for you. Across the top, label columns that best fit your health insurance. Include these types of headings:
  • Date, type of service, and provider
  • Billed amount
  • Allowable amount (see your insurance statement)
  • Amount insurance pays (see your insurance statement)
  • Amount I pay (see your insurance statement)
  • My payment/date paid
  • Amount I still owe
  • Amount I've paid toward my deductible (see your insurance statements or website)
  • Notes

Update your list or spreadsheet with each bill and insurance statement you receive and with each payment you make.

Don't be surprised if you get several bills for the same care. For example, for a surgery in a hospital, you might get bills from the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and the hospital. Or for an X-ray, you'll get bills from the imaging facility and the radiologist who reads the image.

Compare your medical bill and insurance statement

Read carefully through your medical bill and insurance statement. Make sure that:

• The date, provider, and type of medical care are correct on both.
• You understand how much of the bill you need to pay. This is the amount that your insurer says you owe.

If you have questions about any part of a bill, call your provider's billing office. And for questions about what's on your insurance statement, call your insurer.

Fix errors

Billing mistakes can happen. Before you pay anything, be sure to read your billing paperwork carefully. Look at your health insurance policy.

• If you think you have found an error, call your provider's billing office or your insurer. Ask to review the statement on the phone.
• If your insurer won't cover a service that your policy says should be covered, file an appeal. Ask your insurer about the appeal process. For information about health insurance appeals, see the U.S. government website at www.healthcare.gov/using-insurance/managing/appealing-denials/index.html.

If you have payment problems

Not paying a medical bill can ruin your credit rating. Talk to the provider's medical billing office. This is one key to keeping your account from going to a collections agency.

• If you realize you've missed a due date for a bill, call the billing office right away. Pay on the phone if you can.
• If you can't pay a bill in full, ask to arrange a payment plan. Many providers are happy to do this, as long as you stay in touch and agree to make small, regular payments.

Current as of: November 20, 2015

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use . Learn how we develop our content .

This information is for educational purposes only and is unrelated to health plan benefits or coverage. Services addressed may not be covered under your health plan. If you have questions about your coverage, please refer to your benefit plan document or call the number on the back of your health plan membership ID card.

To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org .

© 1995-2016 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Apply for Social Security

1. WORK & JOBS

Social Security

How to Apply for Social Security

Here's how to make sure you're maximizing your benefits

by AARP, October 2016|Comments: 4

If you know what to expect, applying for Social Security can be a smooth experience. — Istock

Applying for Social Security benefits is a big step, but it can be a smooth one if you know what to expect and have the right information at your fingertips.

Depending on the benefit you want, you may have the option of applying in person, by phone or online.

• Applying in person. This can be easy but it might take time. Tip: Call 800-772-1213 to make an appointment at the Social Security Administration (SSA) office nearest you (and call when phone lines are least busy — typically later in the day, later in the week and later in the month). You can find the nearest office by going online to ssa.gov. Click on Search, type in "find an office," and when the office locator pops up, enter your zip code.

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• Applying by phone. You can call the SSA toll-free at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. ET to 7 p.m. ET. If you call outside those hours, you can still get some information about benefits, eligibility and online services.
• Applying online. You can apply online for some, but not all, Social Security benefits. In some cases, you may begin your application process online but will complete it in person or over the phone. Go to ssa.gov/applyonline to get started. The online application system is available Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. ET to 1 a.m. ET; Saturday, 5 a.m ET. to 11 p.m. ET; and Sunday, 8 a.m. ET to 11:30 p.m ET. On federal holidays, the system is available on the usual hours for that day of the week.

See also: How to Start the Social Security Benefits Flowing

Here are some basic guidelines on applying for widely sought benefits.

• Retirement benefits. You'll need to gather information about your recent earnings, marital history, military background, whether you qualify for a federal pension, and possible eligibility of any family members for Social Security benefits based on your own work record.

Required materials include your Social Security number; birth certificate (original or certified copy) or a religious record of your birth, such as a baptismal certificate before you were age 5; Form W-2 earnings statements from each of your employers or your tax return from the prior year if self-employed; military discharge papers; and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.

Where to file. File in person, by phone or online.

• Survivor benefits. Get hold of the Social Security number of the deceased, your own Social Security number and those of any dependent children, your birth certificate or acceptable religious record, Form W-2 earnings statement or tax return if self-employed, death certificate of the deceased, and your marriage certificate or divorce papers.

Where to file. File in person or by phone (as early as the month the covered worker or retiree dies).

• Disability benefits. You may file for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled (and be aware that it can take a while to make your case). Dependent family members may file for auxiliary benefits based on the record of a disabled worker.You generally will need the following information and documents: your Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of your spouse and minor children, birth certificate or an acceptable religious record, contact information for your medical providers, dates of your health care appointments related to your condition, your prescription information, medical records related to this condition, a summary of your work history, your most recent Form W-2 earnings statements or tax return if self-employed, military discharge papers, and information on other disability claims filed with insurance or workers' compensation.

Where to file. File in person, by phone or online.

• Supplemental Security Income. File for these benefits as soon as you need them. Requirements may vary depending on the specific SSI benefit. You may be asked for your Social Security number, your birth certificate or religious record of your birth or other proof of age, documentation on where you live (such as a lease or utility bill with your name on it), financial records including payroll slips and bank statements, details of assets you own (such as property and vehicles), and proof of citizenship or legal residency, possibly including documents from the Department of Homeland Security.
Where to file. File in person or by phone.
For more details on applying for Social Security benefits, go to ssa.gov/forms/apply-for-benefits.html.

Social Security - Surprising Facts

10 Surprising Facts About Social Security

Check out these little-known facts about one of America's best-loved programs

*repost* by Eileen Ambrose, AARP, September 2016|Comments: 9

read more: 

http://www.aarp.org/work/social-security/info-2016/10-surprising-facts-about-social-security.html?cmp=SNO-ICM-FB-SS-ADV&socialid=594650732

1. Kids get benefits, too.

Your unmarried children under age 18 — or 19 if still in high school — can receive benefits based on your work record if you're collecting Social Security retirement or disability benefits. Grandchildren also are eligible for benefits on a grandparent's record if they are dependents and receive no financial support from a parent.

2. In some cases, so do parents.

Moms and dads who rely on an adult child for at least half of their financial support can receive survivor benefits if that child dies.

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3. You've got time to fix errors.

Mistakes in your earnings record could lead to reduced future benefits. Typically, you have three years, three months and 15 days after the year in which you earned the wages to fix mistakes. Social Security makes exceptions if, say, you have documentation of earnings or the error is obvious.

4. Chances of owing taxes are increasing.

Up to 85 percent of your benefits could be taxed, depending on your income. Because these income limits haven't changed for decades despite rising wages, the chances you'll owe taxes on benefits also have increased. Less than 10 percent of beneficiaries paid federal income tax on their benefits in 1984, the first year benefits were taxed. Now about 40 percent do, and, under current law, that's expected to climb to more than half in three decades.

See also: How to Start the Social Security Benefits Flowing

5. You can change your mind.

Regret taking early — and reduced — benefits at 62? No problem. You have 12 months after starting benefits to withdraw your application — provided you repay all the money received so far. Miss the deadline? Don't worry, you get another chance for a do-over. Continue receiving benefits until your full retirement age, then suspend benefits without having to repay those you already received. Benefits will grow 8 percent annually until age 70, when you can restart benefits to get the maximum payout.

6. Most creditors can't touch.

Your benefits are protected from private creditors. But Uncle Sam can garnish monthly benefits to repay debts such as back alimony, child support, restitution, federal taxes and federal student loans. Be aware, if your Social Security benefits are deposited in an account with other money, the bank must protect two months' worth of benefits from creditors. The bank can freeze the rest of the money, leaving it up to a court to decide whether creditors get the cash.

7. Newlyweds may not qualify.

You generally must be married for at least nine months to qualify for survivor benefits if your spouse dies. Among the exceptions: The spouse died in an accident or in the line of duty while in a uniformed service.

8. You can get a new number.

Under very limited circumstances — if, say, you're a victim of domestic violence or identity theft — you may be able to get a new Social Security number.

9. Your ID is unique to you.

Once a Social Security number is used, it's never assigned again — even if the original owner died. Social Security, which has issued more than 453 million so far, says it has enough numbers to last several more generations without changes to the system

10. Forwarding services have stopped.

For decades, Social Security was the Pony Express for missing persons. The agency would forward letters to people who couldn't be located. Letters could be from relatives notifying the missing person about a death in the family or news of unclaimed property. The service was free if the cause was humanitarian, but cost $35 if it was notifying a person of unclaimed property. Social Security stopped the service in May 2014, though, because of so many locator resources now available for free online.

Eileen Ambrose is a senior editor and writer for the Money Team. She previously was a personal finance columnist with the Baltimore Sun.

Benefit Awareness News

Benefit Awareness News | July 2016

Brought to you by: UHC

7 things to bring to your next doctor visit

When you need to see a doctor, it may save time if you already know what you need to bring with you.

Some of these things you'll need to gather right before your visit. But others can be ready to go ahead of time.

What to do in advance

Before your next sick day, make yourself a grab-and-go kit with these four things:

1. Your health plan ID card. You can review your benefits and print a copy of your ID card right from myuhc.com®.

Cool tool: Did you know you can use the UnitedHealthcare Health4Me® mobile app to view and share your ID card information with your doctor?

2. Your health history. Your doctor will want to know about your current medical conditions, as well as any past illnesses or surgeries.

Cool tool: You can use the Health4Me app to collect, track and share your personal health records.

3. A list of all the medications you take. Be sure to include both prescription and over-the-counter products, such as vitamins and supplements. And note how much you take and how often.

Cool tool: Use this prescription checklist any time your doctor prescribes a new medicine. It may help you better understand why you need the medicine — and how to take it safely.

4. A list of your questions. Asking questions may help you make more informed decisions about your health care. Between visits, jot down what’s on your mind so you won’t forget to ask.

Cool tool: Visit uhc.com/checklists to browse questions on a range of health topics.

What to gather on the fly

If you have time before you see your doctor, here are three more things that can help you have a good visit:

5. A cost estimate. Review your benefit plan — and understand what costs you may be responsible for.

Cool tool: You can compare estimated costs for procedures and providers at myuhc.com. Just look for the “Estimate Health Care Costs” button.

6. Online research. If you’ve looked up your symptoms or other information on a website, bring along your findings to discuss with your doctor.

7. A buddy. You can bring a friend or family member to your visit. This person can take notes, act as your advocate or offer other support.

What to do next
Not sure if you need a doctor? With NurseLineSM, you can talk with a registered nurse 24/7 for help with health or medication questions, finding a doctor or hospital, or understanding your treatment options. Choose the “Talk With Us” feature on the Health4Me app. Or call the member number on your health plan ID card.

Read More at:https://pages.unitedhealthcare-hmhb.com/page.aspx?qs=c76003443ff9837d856a4ecdb5606199ab3b8fdc602f72f559be5ce49c12de235f5c20efb4ad5feb3e34fc8158b800a0f9be8f401c14d0b8f536366a9e904fb2a41343590dff6a86f1e36b0de0e72e80ccae5e2c44fb0b36a0542a1870bf18a9 

NurseLine is for informational purposes only. Nurses cannot diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment and are not a substitute for your doctor’s care. NurseLine services are not an insurance program and may be discontinued at any time.

© 2016 United HealthCare Services, Inc. 9700 Health Care Lane, Minnetonka, MN 55343 USA.