How the End of the COVID-19 Emergency Periods Will Impact Health Plans

On January 30, the White House announced that it plans on ending the COVID-19 public health emergency and national emergency on May 11, 2023. How will that impact your health plan coverage?

  • Health plans will no longer be required to cover COVID-19 diagnostic tests and related services without cost-sharing
  • Over-the-counter COVID tests will no longer be covered at no cost after May 11, 2023.
  • Certain health plan deadlines will no longer be extended.

In addition, certain health plan deadlines that were extended, including deadlines to request special enrollment under HIPAA, elect COBRA continuation coverage, and comply with the plan’s claims and appeals procedures, will no longer be in effect.

Read more detailed information here to see how you may be affected.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

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Get Covered NJ Offers Expanded Access

On February 23, the Murphy administration introduced a new “Expanded Access” initiative, which allows residents at certain income levels to continue to enroll in free or nearly free health coverage.

The new Expanded Access Special Enrollment Period allows qualifying consumers with an annual household income of up to 200% of the federal poverty level ($25,760 for an individual and $53,000 for a family of four), to enroll in a health plan throughout the year. Because of the increased financial help available, this population has access to plans with low or no monthly premium.

Having trouble navigating the Get Covered NJ website? Hafetz is here to help! Call us today at 609-872-0001 or visit https://hafetzandassociates.com/contact for more information and FREE assistance with enrolling.

All plans offered through Get Covered NJ cover preventive services, emergency services, prescription drugs, and prenatal and pediatric care, and more, and no one can be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition.

In New Jersey, there remains a requirement to have health coverage. Residents who do not qualify for an exemption from the Shared Responsibility Payment will pay a penalty at tax time. Call us today.

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Coverage of OTC COVID-19 Tests

As of January 15th, 2022, the cost of FDA approved at-home COVID-19 tests are to be covered without any cost sharing requirements by health insurance carriers. Plans and carriers may place some limits on coverage. Please see below for additional information and a current list of FDA approved OTC COVID-19 tests.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

For more information about the FDA approved COVID-19 at home test kits, click here.

For more information about the guidance issued on coverage of OTC COVID-19 tests, click here.

 

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Mandated Participation in the NJ Secure Choice Program

Certain NJ employers will be required to provide a retirement plan for their employees by March 8, 2022. On March 28, 2019 Governor Murphy signed legislation passing the New Jersey Small Business Retirement Marketplace Act that requires employers to automatically enroll their employees in the New Jersey Secure Choice Savings Program if they do not already offer their employees a 401(k) or another qualified retirement program.

Through our partnerships, Hafetz and Associates can assist you with complying with this new mandate. Click here for additional information on the New Jersey Secure Choice Program.

Please reach out to me to discuss this new mandated program.

Thanks,

Sue Reese
609-593-2309
sreese@srhafetz.com

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Hafetz and Associates Introduces NJMARKETPLACE.com

Hafetz stands ready to help New Jersey residents navigate the state’s new health care insurance marketplace

The Individual Healthcare Insurance Enrollment period for 2021 began Sunday, November 1 and continues until January 31, 2021. New Jersey now has its own health care coverage marketplace, and Hafetz and Associates, along with their new website NJMarketplace.com, provides assistance for a free, no-obligation consultations and enrollment for qualified New Jersey residents.

“We understand that the new insurance marketplace offered by New Jersey can be confusing,” said Hafetz and Associates President Scott Hafetz. “No one needs to navigate it alone. The Hafetz team is ready to help you pick the best plan for you and your family, at no additional charge to you.” 

Hafetz and Associates helps New Jersey residents navigate the state’s new health care insurance program. Through highly personal attention and exceptional customer service for over 30 years, Hafetz and Associates has been a trusted and devoted advisor. 

Prepare for the Individual Open Enrollment Period by filling out the form for your FREE consultation at NJMarketplace.com or call 609-872-0001.

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Medicare Enrollment – Don’t Navigate Through This Alone; Ask the Hafetz Experts

Enrolling in Medicare can be confusing. At Hafetz and Associates we have a team of dedicated and unbiased licensed insurance consultants who are trusted advisors who can provide invaluable guidance as we research and compare insurance plans that are right for you. Having an expert who can help guide you through the structure, plans, benefits and costs of Medicare can make a big difference as you explore your options at no additional cost to you!

Here are five things you should know about enrolling in Medicare:

  1. Enrollment is not always automatic when you turn 65.
    You’ll have to sign yourself up for Medicare on or around your 65th birthday, unless you’re receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits before you turn 65.
  2. Find out well before your 65th birthday when your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) dates are and put them in your calendar.
    Around your 65th birthday (or 25th disability check), you’ll have a 7-month window of time when you can sign up for Medicare (your IEP). Your IEP includes your 65th birthday month, the 3 months before and the 3 months after.
  3. If you’re planning to work past the age of 65, you may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare.
    If you have credible health care from your employer, or are covered under a spouse’s health care plan, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period that will allow you to delay enrolling without penalty. There are exceptions – for example, if your company employs less than 20 people, you will need to enroll in Medicare during your IEP.
  4. There are several parts to Medicare coverage and many coverage choices to consider. Your personal situation (health and lifestyle needs, your employment status, health conditions, prescription drug use and if you need dental or vision coverage) will determine which parts of Medicare you should enroll in. 
  5. Hafetz and Associates will guide you through every step of Medicare Enrollment and determine your best coverage needs, at no additional cost to you.
    You need not navigate the many Medicare decisions and choices alone. A knowledgeable Hafetz Medicare Consultant can take you through the entire process and develop and coverage plan that fits your unique needs for FREE. If you’re nearing the age of 65, visit our website or give us a call today at 609-872-0001. We’re here to help!

Free Zoom Seminars

Hafetz and Associates will present free Medicare seminars several times a month from through December online via Zoom. 

The seminars will discuss the basic parts of Medicare including Medicare Part A and Part B, Part C Advantage plans, Part D prescription plans and supplemental plan coverage. Following each seminar will be a question and answer session, as well an opportunity to schedule a private consultation with a Hafetz Medicare representative. 

This is an opportunity to ensure that everyone is knowledgeable about their Medicare plans and benefits. 

The Free Zoom Medicare Education Seminar schedule is as follows:

November 2020

December 2020

Participants will need to download the ZOOM app to their computer, tablet or cell phone via zoom.us prior to the seminar. If interested, visit this link  and click on the seminar of your choice to RSVP; a Hafetz Medicare representative will then send you the meeting number and password.

Hafetz also offers a variety of health and dental insurance products and services for both groups and individuals, making the switch to Medicare seamless. Licensed consultants may also provide information to employed seminar attendees on the benefits of choosing to transition from their Group plan to Medicare, and which plan is best for their situation.

About Hafetz and Associates 

Hafetz & Associates provides individual and group employee health products through innovative and cutting-edge ideas tailored to meet every client’s specific needs. Through highly personal attention and exceptional customer service for over 30 years, Hafetz and Associates is a trusted and devoted advisor.

For more information about Hafetz and Associates, visit hafetzandassociates.com or call 609-872-0001.

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Five Things to Know Before You Enroll in Medicare

Enrolling in Medicare can be confusing. Here are five things to know to help you better prepare for the process:

  1. Enrollment is not always automatic when you turn 65.
    You’ll have to sign yourself up for Medicare on or around your 65th birthday, unless you’re receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits before you turn 65.
  2. Find out well before your 65th birthday when your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) dates are and put them in your calendar.
    Around your 65th birthday (or 25th disability check), you’ll have a 7-month window of time when you can sign up for Medicare (your IEP). Your IEP includes your 65th birthday month, the 3 months before and the 3 months after.
  3. If you’re planning to work past the age of 65, you may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare.
    If you have credible health care from your employer, or are covered under a spouse’s health care plan, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period that will allow you to delay enrolling without penalty. There are exceptions – for example, if your company employs less than 20 people, you will need to enroll in Medicare during your IEP.
  4. There are several parts to Medicare coverage and many coverage choices to consider.
    Your personal situation (health and lifestyle needs, your employment status, health conditions, prescription drug use and if you need dental or vision coverage) will determine which parts of Medicare you should enroll in. 
  5. Hafetz and Associates will guide you through every step of Medicare Enrollment and determine your best coverage needs, at no additional cost to you.
    You need not navigate the many Medicare decisions and choices alone. A knowledgeable Hafetz Medicare Consultant can take you through the entire process and develop and coverage plan that fits your unique needs for FREE. If you’re nearing the age of 65, give us a call today. We’re here to help!

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