Dear {First_Name},

SB11-128 Child Only Health Plans

Effective August 1, 2011 all health insurance companies that sell plans in Colorado are required to sell child only plans. Colorado has established two open enrollment periods each year for child only plans, January and July. To comply with this new law, the July 2011 open enrollment period will be replaced with an August OEP. The open enrollment periods do not apply to adult applicants with dependent children. Under PPACA, children age 18 or younger cannot be declined for a health insurance policy. However, medical conditions can be underwritten and the premium can be surcharged, or rated.

Delta Dental Individual Update

As a reminder, when your Delta Dental individual dental plan renews this year, you will be receiving a renewal form which needs to be completed and returned to maintain coverage without lapse. If you have any questions or need assistance please call or email your agent.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

The Medicare annual election period (AEP) for 2012  begins on October 15th and ends December 7th. This is a change from previous years when it ran from 11/15 to 12/31. As of this time, there is still no Open Enrollment Period (OEP) scheduled for 2012 as this was eliminated under PPACA. 

Employer Discrimination Testing

The discrimination testing provision, which is a part of PPACA, is currently under review by the Department of Labor and the IRS. This provision would subject all businesses that provide group health insurance to its employees to do an annual discrimination test to determine if the plan is top heavy and favors the highly compensated employees, similar to pension plans. Many businesses have indicated their intent to drop coverage due to this provision which prompted the temporary suspension of the provision until the review is completed.

Employer 1099 Provision Under PPACA

The controversial 1099 provision under PPACA was recently eliminated by Congress. This was the provision of the health reform law that would have required all businesses to issue a 1099 to any vendor that was paid more than $600 for the year. The burdensome administrative costs were cited as a major reason for the removal of the requirement. 

Colorado Health Insurance Exchange Bill Heads to Governor

The Colorado Independent (5/6, Waddington) reports that "a bill to create health insurance exchanges in Colorado passed out of the Senate today, becoming one of the few bills to make it through the fires of the Tea Party and other conservative groups this year. While Republicans largely voted against the bill, it passed with no discussion in the Democrat controlled senate and was signed by the Governor." The legislation, will create a pseudo-governmental entity that will be responsible for the creation and administration of a Colorado healthcare exchange program." 

GIA Develops a Company Video

Group Insurance Analysts, Inc. Qualifies for Golden Eagle Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    (Arlington, VA) – The Leading Producers Round Table (LPRT) of the National Association of Health Underwriters is proud to announce that Paul V. LoNigro of Group Insurance Analysts, Inc. has qualified to receive the association’s prestigious Golden Eagle Award.  The Golden Eagle Award is the highest recognition … (read more).

Group Insurance Analysts, Inc. Nominated for the Wheat Ridge Enterprise Award

Don’t forget to have us quote your Home, Auto, and Business Insurance

For the first time in the Agency's history, we are writing more property and casualty policies than health insurance.  One major reason is due to the competitive product and insurer portfolio we have developed which includes Progressive Insurance, Travelers, Safeco, Hartford, Pinnacol, United Fire Group, and many more. If you would like a quote on your home, auto, or business insurance, please give us a call.

Wrap Up

Thank you for your continued patronage during these challenging economic times. It is truly appreciated.

Paul LoNigro

President/Principal

Colorado Agency License #45298 - Securities offered through Foresters Equity Services, Inc.,
Member FINRA and SIPC