Jan. 4, 2017 – A chance meeting ended up saving Brookfield lawyer John Pellmann a “significant” amount of money.
For the past 16 years, Pellmann has owned his firm, Pellmann Trellos and Associates, where he concentrates primarily in real estate law, corporate law, and estate planning.
For many years, he obtained his health insurance through an independent agent. But when that agent retired, Pellmann was suddenly in the market for a new one.
While attending a State Bar seminar at that time, he met the Bultmans of Bultman Financial Services, which offers State Bar-approved insurance for health, dental, life, long and short-term disability, and long-term care.
That meeting went well for Pellmann. “My premiums are probably less than 50 percent of what they were previously, and my coverage is better,” Pellmann said.
He worked with Corrine Bultman, who ensured that Pellmann could see the doctors and clinics of his choice. “She knew where the good options for me would be. And I’ve never had a problem with the services,” he said.
“The State Bar program saved me money, significantly,” Pellmann said. “Bultman Financial has been spectacular. I’ve no intention of ever leaving them again.”
Open Enrollment Ends Jan. 31 for Health Insurance
Needing to make a change in your health insurance service? Now is the time to review your health insurance coverage. The open enrollment period for health insurance ends Jan. 31, 2017.
Whether you have an individual or group plan, evaluate whether you need to make any changes in your health insurance policy or consider options available through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
What Should I Consider When Reviewing My Coverage?
Consider the following factors when evaluating your current coverage:
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the product’s premium cost;
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out-of-pocket health care expenses not paid by insurance;
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eligibility for government subsidies;
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the product’s exclusions and benefit limitations; and
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access to specific health care providers and/or provider networks.
Who Can Answer My Questions?
The State Bar of Wisconsin has a long-standing working relationship with two trusted experts to help State Bar members find coverage. Contact either of them to get your questions answered; they will help you find options that work the best for your situation:
If You Have Non-ACA Compliant or Group Plans
If you have a non-ACA (Affordable Care Act) compliant plan, or your firm or organization has a small- or large-group plan, keep in mind these considerations as you evaluate your needs for 2017:
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Non-ACA Compliant Plan Renewals. If you previously renewed a noncompliant policy, contact your insurance company to determine whether an additional renewal is an option for you. The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued guidance extending the ability to renew certain health insurance policies that are not fully compliant with the ACA. Renewal is allowed only if it is permitted by your state’s laws and by the insurance company that issued your policy.
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‘Small Employer’ Definition Change Affects Group Plan Eligibility. The ACA originally included a provision requiring states by law to define a “small group” as fewer than 100 employees for purposes of the small group insurance market rules. This provision was to take effect in 2016. The recently enacted PACE Act amends this provision to define a small employer as one that employed an average of not more than 50 employees in the preceding calendar year. This change means that employers of 50 to 100 employees who previously purchased a “large group” health insurance policy will not need to convert their large group health insurance policy to a small group health insurance policy. This change does not apply to health insurance policies for employers of 50 or fewer employees who were already considered small groups or those who have individual health insurance policies.
Need More Answers?
To learn more about health care coverage changes, see the following State Bar resources:
Find Answers to Your Questions about Dental and Vision Plans
Dental Plan: The State Bar of Wisconsin offers a group dental plan as a member benefit for members and their families through Delta Dental of Wisconsin. Learn more about the State Bar’s Delta Dental Plan and other member insurance programs, or call (262) 782-9949 for more information.
Vision Plan: Keep your vision clear and get the care you need with the State Bar of Wisconsin’s EyeMed Vision Plan for members and their families. The EyeMed Vision Plan is an economical way to fit eye care into your budget, maintain your health, and help your child’s school performance. Find out more in this article in the Nov. 16, 2016, issue of InsideTrack.
