1 00:00:01,501 --> 00:00:03,203 And now America's 2 00:00:03,203 --> 00:00:06,206 Healthcare Advocate, Cary Hall. 3 00:00:06,239 --> 00:00:08,641 Hello America, welcome to America's Healthcare Advocate. 4 00:00:08,641 --> 00:00:09,242 Show. 5 00:00:09,242 --> 00:00:13,980 Broadcasting coast to coast across USA here on the HIA Radio Network. 6 00:00:14,147 --> 00:00:15,448 My producers today Mr. 7 00:00:15,448 --> 00:00:16,616 Garner Cowdrey 8 00:00:16,616 --> 00:00:20,120 behind the microphones and Dave Thiessen behind the cameras as always. 9 00:00:20,854 --> 00:00:23,690 I'm Cary Hall, the host of America's Healthcare Advocate. 10 00:00:23,690 --> 00:00:24,991 Thank you for joining us today 11 00:00:24,991 --> 00:00:27,994 and making us one of the most listened to talk shows across the country. 12 00:00:28,294 --> 00:00:32,532 And you know that you can always go up on our website or on our YouTube 13 00:00:32,532 --> 00:00:36,102 channel and 16 podcast channels to listen to these shows. 14 00:00:36,102 --> 00:00:38,972 If you miss one or you want to listen to it during the week. 15 00:00:38,972 --> 00:00:39,773 So they're up there. 16 00:00:39,773 --> 00:00:44,010 So joining me in studio today, this is a show that I've wanted to do 17 00:00:44,511 --> 00:00:47,447 for a couple of months now because of what we see coming. 18 00:00:47,447 --> 00:00:49,916 And the show today is going to focus on ACA. 19 00:00:49,916 --> 00:00:51,785 We're going to talk a little bit about small Group too, 20 00:00:51,785 --> 00:00:53,720 but primarily what's going to happen 21 00:00:53,720 --> 00:00:57,390 with the ACA plans as we get close to open enrollment. 22 00:00:57,557 --> 00:00:59,926 So I'm going to share a little something with everybody. 23 00:00:59,926 --> 00:01:02,896 These are some predicted increase numbers 24 00:01:02,896 --> 00:01:05,965 in states in and around the Midwest. 25 00:01:06,066 --> 00:01:08,168 I've got the whole list of all 50 states. 26 00:01:08,168 --> 00:01:10,003 But let me give an example here. 27 00:01:10,003 --> 00:01:13,006 Kentucky's looking at a 29% increase. 28 00:01:13,540 --> 00:01:17,210 Indiana's looking at a 26% increase. 29 00:01:17,210 --> 00:01:19,012 Illinois 29%. 30 00:01:19,012 --> 00:01:22,182 Kansas on average is 30%. 31 00:01:22,215 --> 00:01:25,118 Joining me in studio now, Misty Snodgrass. 32 00:01:25,118 --> 00:01:29,122 It's going to be a big disruptive year for ACA. 33 00:01:29,456 --> 00:01:32,459 And by the way, Misty Is the director of ACA 34 00:01:32,926 --> 00:01:36,196 and, Medicaid for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, 35 00:01:36,396 --> 00:01:38,731 and she's here today to talk to us about that 36 00:01:38,731 --> 00:01:41,701 and what they are doing to try to help people. 37 00:01:41,901 --> 00:01:46,973 In terms of containing costs and get them across the board so it's shocking. 38 00:01:47,173 --> 00:01:49,409 I haven't seen numbers like this. 39 00:01:49,409 --> 00:01:51,444 I can't remember the last time I saw numbers like this. 40 00:01:51,444 --> 00:01:53,313 No, this is unprecedented. 41 00:01:53,313 --> 00:01:54,481 Thanks so much for having me. 42 00:01:54,481 --> 00:01:56,316 And to your listeners, I'm really appreciative 43 00:01:56,316 --> 00:01:58,485 to be here to help educate on what's going on. 44 00:01:58,485 --> 00:02:00,487 But, yeah, these numbers are unprecedented. 45 00:02:00,487 --> 00:02:04,224 We're doing our best to hold that the rates down we are going to be taking, 46 00:02:04,424 --> 00:02:05,558 you know, a hit financially. 47 00:02:05,558 --> 00:02:08,027 But we want to make sure that people have access to coverage. 48 00:02:08,027 --> 00:02:11,831 And so we are working really hard to help improve health outcomes here 49 00:02:11,831 --> 00:02:13,133 at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas. 50 00:02:13,133 --> 00:02:15,301 But yeah these rates are unprecedented. 51 00:02:15,301 --> 00:02:16,870 And we've not seen anything like it. 52 00:02:16,870 --> 00:02:19,205 Yeah. Now I will say this. 53 00:02:19,205 --> 00:02:23,042 That level of increase does not apply to the Blue Cross Blue Shield plan, 54 00:02:23,276 --> 00:02:26,546 but it certainly applies to a whole host of other carriers I've seen out there. 55 00:02:26,746 --> 00:02:29,682 And on top of that, top cause more confusion 56 00:02:29,682 --> 00:02:32,685 and disruption in the marketplace: Aetna is leaving 57 00:02:32,785 --> 00:02:36,956 and 1 million people across the country are losing their coverage. 58 00:02:37,357 --> 00:02:40,260 So it's going to be a very disruptive year. 59 00:02:40,260 --> 00:02:43,997 And I think what I'm trying to do with these kinds of shows. 60 00:02:43,997 --> 00:02:47,000 And thank you for being here because you're truly an expert at this, 61 00:02:47,333 --> 00:02:49,335 is tell people what they need to do to get ready. 62 00:02:49,335 --> 00:02:52,572 Yeah. Don't wait until No. 63 00:02:52,839 --> 00:02:54,641 Because you know, 64 00:02:55,708 --> 00:02:56,543 as I told you, I’m a 65 00:02:56,543 --> 00:03:00,413 27 year recovering broker from when I had Benefits by Design. 66 00:03:00,413 --> 00:03:03,416 We even talked, 67 00:03:04,150 --> 00:03:05,552 starting now, 68 00:03:05,552 --> 00:03:09,856 throughout up until we get to the Open Enrollment Period and it never failed. 69 00:03:10,890 --> 00:03:13,826 People procrastinated and waited, and then they're all trying to get in 70 00:03:13,826 --> 00:03:15,061 at the same time. 71 00:03:15,061 --> 00:03:18,464 And it's very, very difficult and can cause a lot of frustration 72 00:03:18,464 --> 00:03:19,465 and all the rest of it. 73 00:03:19,465 --> 00:03:22,435 So it's far better to be proactive right now. 74 00:03:22,435 --> 00:03:26,005 So what what are you telling people if they want to call you and consult? 75 00:03:26,239 --> 00:03:27,540 What are you telling people. 76 00:03:27,540 --> 00:03:29,809 Yeah, no, I think I think that's a great question. 77 00:03:29,809 --> 00:03:31,277 I think this year is different 78 00:03:31,277 --> 00:03:35,181 than even the last few years, which have been a lot of a lot of changes. 79 00:03:35,181 --> 00:03:38,384 And so, you know, first of all, open enrollment for 80 00:03:38,384 --> 00:03:41,588 this year is going to go until January 15th of next year. 81 00:03:41,588 --> 00:03:43,890 That's changing. So just be prepared. 82 00:03:43,890 --> 00:03:46,893 But you know, get in early, start looking at the plans. 83 00:03:46,893 --> 00:03:49,562 Start looking at the prices. Go to healthcare.gov. 84 00:03:49,562 --> 00:03:54,634 Go to our website bcbsks.com and start to look and see what the prices 85 00:03:54,634 --> 00:03:57,270 are going to be in the impact to you because you're able to plug in 86 00:03:58,605 --> 00:04:00,940 what prescription drugs you're using, what providers 87 00:04:00,940 --> 00:04:04,577 you're using, and start to see what the price of impact is going to be to you. 88 00:04:04,577 --> 00:04:07,580 Because it is going to be felt by the majority of Americans. 89 00:04:08,348 --> 00:04:11,551 But if they call you guys and they just want to talk to somebody, this. 90 00:04:11,851 --> 00:04:13,152 That's where yeah. 91 00:04:13,152 --> 00:04:17,223 This is where you're different than what I call the conglomo carriers, okay? 92 00:04:17,223 --> 00:04:20,426 Because your customer service is right there in Topeka. Yep. 93 00:04:20,526 --> 00:04:22,262 It's Kansans Helping in Kansans. 94 00:04:22,262 --> 00:04:24,564 You've won multiple awards for customer service 95 00:04:24,564 --> 00:04:27,467 because people can actually call and talk to somebody. 96 00:04:27,467 --> 00:04:28,501 Yes. Okay. 97 00:04:28,501 --> 00:04:30,403 And you can also do that with your local broker. 98 00:04:30,403 --> 00:04:32,405 Obviously if you've got a broker you've used 99 00:04:32,405 --> 00:04:35,408 and he's helped you or she's helped you, that's what you should do. 100 00:04:35,475 --> 00:04:37,277 As long as you can get in touch with them, do it. 101 00:04:37,277 --> 00:04:40,146 But otherwise they can call you, just talk to you 102 00:04:40,146 --> 00:04:43,983 and get get an understanding of, okay, what do I need to be concerned about? 103 00:04:44,250 --> 00:04:45,618 What's my plan going to look like? 104 00:04:45,618 --> 00:04:48,354 Like, I'm one of those people that had the Aetna plan. 105 00:04:48,354 --> 00:04:51,891 I'm losing my coverage, you know, or I'm one of those people who just found out 106 00:04:51,891 --> 00:04:55,728 I got my renewal letter and I have a 27% increase. Yes. 107 00:04:55,762 --> 00:04:57,830 All right, So talk a little bit about that. Happy to do it. 108 00:04:57,830 --> 00:04:59,999 We love our customer service team. 109 00:04:59,999 --> 00:05:02,035 They're actually part of the team I'm on. 110 00:05:02,035 --> 00:05:05,071 So we're able to work with them and they're they're fantastic. 111 00:05:05,071 --> 00:05:08,074 They want to talk to our members. 112 00:05:08,074 --> 00:05:10,343 They're not trying to get you off the phone. 113 00:05:10,343 --> 00:05:12,912 They are locally based in Kansas. 114 00:05:12,912 --> 00:05:15,481 You're able to answer, they're able to answer any questions, 115 00:05:15,481 --> 00:05:18,851 even about your claims, or your billing or what you may have 116 00:05:18,851 --> 00:05:20,787 and what the different kind of products that are being offered. 117 00:05:20,787 --> 00:05:22,522 So they're able to help you, 118 00:05:22,522 --> 00:05:24,891 call the one 800 number and they're able to, 119 00:05:24,891 --> 00:05:26,626 you know, answer any questions that you maybe have. 120 00:05:26,626 --> 00:05:30,663 We also have a great sales team, that is able to actually help answer questions. 121 00:05:30,963 --> 00:05:32,165 And they're not trying to sell you a product. 122 00:05:32,165 --> 00:05:35,101 They're just trying to find the product that works best for you. 123 00:05:35,101 --> 00:05:37,770 And so you're able to call either our customer service or our sales 124 00:05:37,770 --> 00:05:40,773 team in-house and have those questions, Or also go to brokers 125 00:05:40,973 --> 00:05:43,176 and be able to answer the questions you may have. 126 00:05:43,176 --> 00:05:45,978 Yeah. Our customer service team is second to none. 127 00:05:45,978 --> 00:05:49,882 They have a very quick metric related to answering. 128 00:05:49,916 --> 00:05:51,451 You know, a lot of people don't want to sit on a call 129 00:05:51,451 --> 00:05:53,186 and wait and hold, be on hold. 130 00:05:53,186 --> 00:05:54,721 They answer very quickly. 131 00:05:54,721 --> 00:05:58,057 They answer your questions concisely, and their goal is to answer your questions 132 00:05:58,057 --> 00:05:58,825 on your first call. 133 00:05:58,825 --> 00:06:00,727 So you're not having to call back repeatedly. 134 00:06:00,727 --> 00:06:03,663 So they're they're wonderful. You've won multiple awards for this. 135 00:06:03,663 --> 00:06:05,998 You continue to win multiple awards for it. 136 00:06:05,998 --> 00:06:09,769 And you know, I always this is the example I use when you 137 00:06:10,269 --> 00:06:14,307 a lot of times people will call one of these national carriers or one of these 138 00:06:14,941 --> 00:06:18,711 call centers that’s advertising in which we see all the time on television. 139 00:06:18,711 --> 00:06:21,514 You get: “licensed brokers, call and they'll help you”. 140 00:06:21,514 --> 00:06:23,282 You call and you ask a question like, 141 00:06:24,584 --> 00:06:27,854 what hospitals are in Kansas City north of the river? 142 00:06:27,854 --> 00:06:30,056 And they're going, what river? 143 00:06:30,056 --> 00:06:33,426 Yes, yes, I'm talking to somebody that really understands the market here. 144 00:06:33,760 --> 00:06:34,160 Okay. 145 00:06:34,160 --> 00:06:37,997 So, you know, the same thing applies here if you're out in Salina. 146 00:06:38,030 --> 00:06:38,297 Yeah. 147 00:06:38,297 --> 00:06:41,167 Or you're in Topeka or you're in Wichita. 148 00:06:41,167 --> 00:06:43,403 Western Kansas, very, very rural area. 149 00:06:43,403 --> 00:06:44,470 Yeah. Yeah. 150 00:06:44,470 --> 00:06:45,638 That that's critical. 151 00:06:45,638 --> 00:06:50,176 So it's important to know the state and know what's available there. 152 00:06:50,176 --> 00:06:55,648 And also how you marry up the providers to the program and all the rest of it. 153 00:06:55,648 --> 00:06:56,749 So that that's critical. 154 00:06:56,749 --> 00:06:59,385 I think. So before we go to break. 155 00:06:59,385 --> 00:07:00,753 We’ve got about two minutes left. 156 00:07:00,753 --> 00:07:04,657 You are in all counties in Kansas, all 103. 157 00:07:05,124 --> 00:07:06,559 A lot of the carriers arn’t. 158 00:07:06,559 --> 00:07:08,828 So address that right before we go to break here. Yeah. 159 00:07:08,828 --> 00:07:11,764 Just to clarify, we don't have Wyandotte and Johnson because BlueKC has it. 160 00:07:11,764 --> 00:07:17,670 Yes, but 103 of 105 most of our competitors or the other carriers are not. 161 00:07:17,670 --> 00:07:19,172 They’re only in certain areas. 162 00:07:19,172 --> 00:07:20,840 They tend to cherry pick areas. 163 00:07:20,840 --> 00:07:23,209 We’re in the far you know, we touch the Colorado border. 164 00:07:23,209 --> 00:07:24,444 We go all the way to the frontier 165 00:07:25,678 --> 00:07:28,481 side of the Kansas, frontier part of our state. 166 00:07:28,481 --> 00:07:32,151 And so, yeah, it is a priority for us to serve all counties, regardless 167 00:07:32,151 --> 00:07:36,088 of whether or not it's a profit or not for profit, mutually owned company. 168 00:07:36,255 --> 00:07:38,724 And so our focus is on serving Kansas, making sure 169 00:07:38,724 --> 00:07:41,761 we're improving health outcomes, reinvesting in our communities. 170 00:07:41,761 --> 00:07:44,063 And so it is a priority to be in all counties 171 00:07:44,063 --> 00:07:47,500 regardless of what the, you know, margin is in that in that area. 172 00:07:47,700 --> 00:07:49,402 That's one of the reasons why they're different. 173 00:07:49,402 --> 00:07:52,238 You know what I like to say about these local BlueCross plans? 174 00:07:52,238 --> 00:07:54,474 They’re main street, they're not Wall Street. 175 00:07:54,474 --> 00:07:55,842 We'll be right back after the break. 176 00:07:55,842 --> 00:07:58,244 You're listening to America's Healthcare Advocate 177 00:07:58,244 --> 00:08:01,280 broadcasting here on the HIA Radio Network. 178 00:08:01,481 --> 00:08:02,315 Coast to coast. 179 00:08:02,315 --> 00:08:04,650 If you want information, you can go to the website. 180 00:08:04,650 --> 00:08:07,687 BCBSKS.com. 181 00:08:07,887 --> 00:08:10,623 That's BCBSKS.com. 182 00:08:10,623 --> 00:08:11,257 The phone number. 183 00:08:11,257 --> 00:08:11,691 Once again, 184 00:08:11,691 --> 00:08:13,326 if you want to call one of those lovely people 185 00:08:13,326 --> 00:08:15,895 at their customer service center and they're happy to help you. 186 00:08:15,895 --> 00:08:18,064 866-906-5253. 187 00:08:18,064 --> 00:08:20,266 866-906-5253. 188 00:08:20,266 --> 00:08:23,002 Stay tuned. 189 00:08:23,002 --> 00:08:24,370 We'll be right back after the break. 190 00:08:24,370 --> 00:08:29,108 You're listening to America's Healthcare Advocate here on the HIA Radio Network. 191 00:08:29,442 --> 00:08:31,477 Coast to coast across USA. 192 00:08:41,888 --> 00:08:42,522 Welcome back. 193 00:08:42,522 --> 00:08:45,625 You're listening to America's Healthcare Advocate show broadcasting 194 00:08:45,625 --> 00:08:49,595 coast to coast across USA here on the HIA Radio Network. 195 00:08:49,595 --> 00:08:53,065 I want to do a shout out to KSAL 1150. 196 00:08:53,232 --> 00:08:56,836 Our great affiliate up in Salina, Kansas is very happy to be on the air there, 197 00:08:57,036 --> 00:09:00,006 and they're part of our family for America's Healthcare Advocate 198 00:09:00,006 --> 00:09:04,410 broadcast me shows out throughout Kansas in the area around Salina. 199 00:09:04,443 --> 00:09:05,945 I want to welcome them again. 200 00:09:05,945 --> 00:09:09,515 Little shout out to all the folks up there in studio with me, Misty Snodgrass. 201 00:09:09,515 --> 00:09:12,852 She is the director of ACA and Medicaid at Blue Cross 202 00:09:12,852 --> 00:09:16,188 and Blue Shield of Kansas, and we're talking all things ACA. 203 00:09:16,188 --> 00:09:19,158 We're going to do a little discussion about group here as well. 204 00:09:19,158 --> 00:09:20,593 But you heard in that last segment. 205 00:09:20,593 --> 00:09:22,628 Now you're going to hear me repeat this. 206 00:09:22,628 --> 00:09:25,731 Don't wait until the last minute. 207 00:09:25,898 --> 00:09:27,333 Open enrollment is going to start here. 208 00:09:27,333 --> 00:09:28,768 We're going to talk about that in a minute. 209 00:09:28,768 --> 00:09:32,438 But what you need to know is this is going to be a different year. 210 00:09:32,438 --> 00:09:33,573 It's going to be tsunami. 211 00:09:33,573 --> 00:09:37,944 There's going to be massive displacement and other issues going on. 212 00:09:37,944 --> 00:09:40,980 Now's the time to get ahead of this if you're on an ACA. 213 00:09:40,980 --> 00:09:42,782 So let's just go through the dates. Yeah. 214 00:09:42,782 --> 00:09:45,351 Because it gets a little confusing for folks. 215 00:09:45,351 --> 00:09:47,620 So it opens up on November 1st. 216 00:09:47,620 --> 00:09:48,387 Then what happens. 217 00:09:48,387 --> 00:09:48,721 Yeah. 218 00:09:48,721 --> 00:09:52,291 So you're able to start selecting your plans or even comparison shop. 219 00:09:52,291 --> 00:09:54,193 But as you said start early. 220 00:09:54,193 --> 00:09:57,196 Don't wait until the end of December thinking that, oh, I'm 221 00:09:57,196 --> 00:09:59,165 going to be able to be covered January 1st. 222 00:09:59,165 --> 00:10:02,868 You need to be enrolled by December 15th, to be covered by January 1st, 223 00:10:02,868 --> 00:10:06,372 or enroll by January 15th to be covered by February 1st. 224 00:10:06,372 --> 00:10:08,307 There are some special enrollment periods, 225 00:10:08,307 --> 00:10:10,943 but they're not the big special enrollment period that used to be there. 226 00:10:10,943 --> 00:10:16,082 So there are fewer events such as life events, moving, pregnancy, having a child. 227 00:10:16,382 --> 00:10:19,685 And so you really got to act now and things are changing by the minute. 228 00:10:19,685 --> 00:10:22,054 And so stay up to date as to what's happening. 229 00:10:22,054 --> 00:10:24,190 We're doing our best to educate our members 230 00:10:24,190 --> 00:10:26,359 about what's coming down and what the changes are occurring. 231 00:10:26,359 --> 00:10:28,160 We're putting that in our renewal letters. 232 00:10:28,160 --> 00:10:31,163 We're also putting information out via social media, 233 00:10:31,530 --> 00:10:34,100 and our website to make sure people understand what's happening. 234 00:10:34,100 --> 00:10:37,136 Because, you know, there's been a lot of confusion, a lot of changes. 235 00:10:37,136 --> 00:10:39,872 And so make sure you stay on top of it because you can't 236 00:10:39,872 --> 00:10:42,608 wait because you're going to be, you know, delayed in your coverage. 237 00:10:42,608 --> 00:10:45,277 And it is a major disruption in the ACA market. 238 00:10:45,277 --> 00:10:48,347 Yeah, I cannot recall and I can't how many years ago 239 00:10:48,748 --> 00:10:51,951 when I was doing this, writing it from the day they started, 240 00:10:52,251 --> 00:10:56,188 you know, ACA, Obamacare, I've never seen anything quite like this. 241 00:10:56,389 --> 00:10:59,158 And Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas has been in market. 242 00:10:59,158 --> 00:11:00,159 You were one of the pioneers. Yeah. 243 00:11:00,159 --> 00:11:01,360 It was you guys. 244 00:11:01,360 --> 00:11:04,830 Blue cross of Kansas City I think were the first carriers. 245 00:11:04,830 --> 00:11:07,233 We were Actually in the market. Approved and up and running. 246 00:11:07,233 --> 00:11:08,000 That's right. Yeah. 247 00:11:08,000 --> 00:11:11,804 And a lot of people left in 2017 and 2018, but not to the degree that is happening 248 00:11:11,804 --> 00:11:14,407 now or the rate increases that are happening. And we've stayed. 249 00:11:14,407 --> 00:11:17,343 We’ve stayed the journey. Our focus is on serving Kansans. 250 00:11:17,343 --> 00:11:18,911 And so we're going to be here to stay 251 00:11:18,911 --> 00:11:21,714 even through all the turmoil we’ll do our best to educate our members. 252 00:11:21,714 --> 00:11:21,947 Yeah. 253 00:11:21,947 --> 00:11:23,783 You know, when you're 80 years plus, 254 00:11:23,783 --> 00:11:27,653 I think people can realize the Blue Cross of Kansas isn't going anywhere. 255 00:11:27,853 --> 00:11:29,221 Just so you understand. 256 00:11:29,221 --> 00:11:29,488 All right. 257 00:11:29,488 --> 00:11:32,491 So let's talk about four and five Kansans 258 00:11:32,625 --> 00:11:35,628 in the past found plans for $10 a month or less. 259 00:11:36,062 --> 00:11:38,064 Yeah. It and then that's going to change. 260 00:11:38,064 --> 00:11:40,533 That is going to change okay. So let's just start with that one. 261 00:11:40,533 --> 00:11:43,536 And what's going to happen to the subsidy levels and all the rest of it. 262 00:11:43,736 --> 00:11:44,103 Yeah. 263 00:11:44,103 --> 00:11:48,140 So you may or may not be aware there were increased subsidies 264 00:11:48,140 --> 00:11:50,009 that passed with the American Rescue Act. 265 00:11:50,009 --> 00:11:52,945 Up to 400%. Exactly. That exactly. 266 00:11:52,945 --> 00:11:55,414 And so there wasn't really a big cliff. 267 00:11:55,414 --> 00:11:57,817 You know, the last few years post-Covid, 268 00:11:57,817 --> 00:12:00,619 however, those are set to expire at the end of this year. 269 00:12:00,619 --> 00:12:03,489 And if they are not renewed by Congress, then that's when more and more 270 00:12:03,489 --> 00:12:05,524 Kansas are going to be paying more and more. 271 00:12:05,524 --> 00:12:09,562 Like you said, you know, $10 per month, it could jump to hundreds of dollars 272 00:12:09,562 --> 00:12:09,962 per month. 273 00:12:09,962 --> 00:12:14,667 Some estimates are it's going to increase by like approximately 70% nationwide. 274 00:12:14,667 --> 00:12:18,571 So it's just going to be depending on what your income is and also what 275 00:12:19,105 --> 00:12:20,339 subsidies you're eligible for. 276 00:12:20,339 --> 00:12:24,043 And so it's going to go back, if Congress doesn't act, to the original subsidies 277 00:12:24,043 --> 00:12:27,513 which are between is, you know, 100 and 250% of federal poverty level. 278 00:12:27,813 --> 00:12:31,383 And so make sure you're checking to see if you're still eligible for subsidies, 279 00:12:31,383 --> 00:12:35,121 because you may get a surprise bill if you if you're not aware of it. 280 00:12:35,488 --> 00:12:38,491 So the other thing is self-affirmation. 281 00:12:38,524 --> 00:12:40,359 People being able to self affirm. 282 00:12:40,359 --> 00:12:43,262 And that was allowed. Yep. It’s not allowed now. 283 00:12:43,262 --> 00:12:44,730 There's a lot of changes coming. 284 00:12:44,730 --> 00:12:46,298 You're going to. Talk about some of that. 285 00:12:46,298 --> 00:12:48,267 And there's court cases actually on a lot of this stuff. 286 00:12:48,267 --> 00:12:50,269 So it's changing by the day you know. 287 00:12:50,269 --> 00:12:53,038 We talked about that off camera before the show. Absolutely. 288 00:12:53,038 --> 00:12:56,342 And so some of the things that you have to affirm 289 00:12:56,342 --> 00:12:59,345 that you are making a certain amount, you're new going to have to provide 290 00:12:59,345 --> 00:13:01,514 additional documentation. And so Tax returns. 291 00:13:01,514 --> 00:13:02,014 Exactly. 292 00:13:02,014 --> 00:13:05,151 You're going to provide concrete documents as to what your income is versus 293 00:13:05,151 --> 00:13:06,519 saying I do make this amount. 294 00:13:06,519 --> 00:13:08,420 And so there's a lot of changes coming. 295 00:13:08,420 --> 00:13:09,889 Make sure you're up to date with them. 296 00:13:09,889 --> 00:13:11,590 We're going to keep our members informed 297 00:13:11,590 --> 00:13:13,592 because there's court cases now pending out there. 298 00:13:13,592 --> 00:13:14,994 There's decisions being made. 299 00:13:14,994 --> 00:13:16,862 So stay abreast of all the changes that are coming. 300 00:13:16,862 --> 00:13:19,698 And once again, if 301 00:13:20,866 --> 00:13:23,869 this concerns you, you can give them a call. 302 00:13:24,103 --> 00:13:26,438 You can have a conversation just to understand 303 00:13:26,438 --> 00:13:28,374 what's happening or where you're going to go. 304 00:13:28,374 --> 00:13:28,741 All right. 305 00:13:28,741 --> 00:13:31,710 And then you'll understand what your choices are. 306 00:13:31,777 --> 00:13:34,780 If you're educated about what's going on, you can make a better decision. 307 00:13:35,014 --> 00:13:40,386 You know, you can always call them at 866-906-5253. 308 00:13:40,553 --> 00:13:42,822 Like Misty said, they're more than happy to talk to you 309 00:13:42,822 --> 00:13:44,323 and just explain what's happening 310 00:13:44,323 --> 00:13:48,360 because there are a massive number of changes coming in the marketplace. 311 00:13:48,527 --> 00:13:52,531 So what do you think's going to happen now when we see that 312 00:13:52,798 --> 00:13:56,302 coming in terms of the reduced subsidies, 313 00:13:56,802 --> 00:14:00,339 the increased costs, all the rest of it, it looks to me like a lot of people 314 00:14:00,339 --> 00:14:02,975 are going to start losing coverage. I think that's a good possibility. 315 00:14:02,975 --> 00:14:06,412 We've estimated about 30% of Kansans, based upon the data, 316 00:14:06,812 --> 00:14:09,114 are going to lose their health insurance coverage 317 00:14:09,114 --> 00:14:13,586 because of the increased cost as well as potentially subsidies going away. 318 00:14:13,586 --> 00:14:16,722 And so we are doing our best to keep our rates low, 319 00:14:16,922 --> 00:14:18,457 and we're working on affordability. 320 00:14:18,457 --> 00:14:20,226 That is a top pillar of our company 321 00:14:20,226 --> 00:14:22,461 to make sure that we can have, you know, whether or not 322 00:14:22,461 --> 00:14:25,231 you're eligible for subsidies or the cost sharing reductions. 323 00:14:25,231 --> 00:14:27,833 We're actually prioritizing affordability. 324 00:14:27,833 --> 00:14:30,836 We're working on various programs to make sure that we are, 325 00:14:31,203 --> 00:14:33,505 trying to keep our costs and our rates low so that we can serve 326 00:14:33,505 --> 00:14:34,373 more and more Kansans. 327 00:14:34,373 --> 00:14:36,508 That's our ultimate goal, is to serve more and more Kansans. 328 00:14:36,508 --> 00:14:40,246 And that's what you guys do really well because you're focused on Kansas. 329 00:14:40,246 --> 00:14:41,447 You're not in and 330 00:14:42,548 --> 00:14:45,451 serving all 103 counties that you serve. 331 00:14:45,451 --> 00:14:48,621 And that's a significantly different, task 332 00:14:48,854 --> 00:14:51,991 or goal rather than what we see from some of the national carriers. 333 00:14:52,191 --> 00:14:53,525 You know, in the marketplace. 334 00:14:53,525 --> 00:14:59,064 So talk a little bit about as far as, SEPs are concerned and qualifying events. 335 00:14:59,064 --> 00:15:01,967 So we're going to go to break here in a few in about two minutes. 336 00:15:01,967 --> 00:15:04,436 But let's do that first. 337 00:15:04,436 --> 00:15:07,373 So you know it used to be you could be able to sign up for, 338 00:15:07,373 --> 00:15:09,408 you know, a special enrollment period year round. 339 00:15:09,408 --> 00:15:10,976 And that has changed. 340 00:15:10,976 --> 00:15:13,412 And so we're now only going to be available 341 00:15:13,412 --> 00:15:16,649 to have special enrollment periods for “qualifying life events”. 342 00:15:16,649 --> 00:15:20,019 So an example of a qualifying life event would be a job loss. 343 00:15:20,019 --> 00:15:23,155 We know a lot of people, especially in certain communities 344 00:15:23,722 --> 00:15:24,757 there's layoffs occurring 345 00:15:24,757 --> 00:15:27,826 and they're going to the marketplace, ACA going to healthcare.gov 346 00:15:27,826 --> 00:15:31,563 or going to their local carrier's website and selecting a plan. 347 00:15:31,830 --> 00:15:36,435 And they are now only going to be able to do that for a job loss or for, 348 00:15:37,102 --> 00:15:39,738 the birth of a child or if they're moving into a different state. 349 00:15:39,738 --> 00:15:42,374 And so that's going to be, a different thing. 350 00:15:42,374 --> 00:15:44,610 You know, when ever you are able to do it much more broadly. 351 00:15:44,610 --> 00:15:47,346 It's only going to be during those certain types of events. 352 00:15:47,346 --> 00:15:48,514 And they're narrowing it. 353 00:15:49,581 --> 00:15:51,717 And I'm going to guess, based on the fact that, you know, 354 00:15:51,717 --> 00:15:55,821 the whole self-affirmation income thing and all the rest of its changed, 355 00:15:55,821 --> 00:15:59,358 that you're going to have to be able to present documentation 356 00:15:59,358 --> 00:16:02,361 or show 100%. 357 00:16:02,428 --> 00:16:02,628 Yeah. 358 00:16:02,628 --> 00:16:05,698 And so it's more important than ever to explore what your options are and 359 00:16:05,698 --> 00:16:08,901 to get ahead of this before, you know, there's a lot of confusion 360 00:16:08,901 --> 00:16:11,904 or you're trying to figure this out the week of Christmas to get covered 361 00:16:12,071 --> 00:16:13,806 It's probably not a good time to be doing this. 362 00:16:13,806 --> 00:16:15,507 No, no. 363 00:16:15,507 --> 00:16:15,841 Yeah. 364 00:16:15,841 --> 00:16:16,842 It's probably no, 365 00:16:16,842 --> 00:16:18,811 not when you're trying to figure out how am I going to pay 366 00:16:18,811 --> 00:16:21,213 for all the Christmas presents I bought. Okay. 367 00:16:21,213 --> 00:16:24,350 And everything else is going on now I got to figure this out 368 00:16:24,550 --> 00:16:26,752 probably a good idea to get in front of this a little bit. Yes. 369 00:16:26,752 --> 00:16:30,556 You need to start looking ahead now, having conversations with, you know, 370 00:16:31,090 --> 00:16:34,860 salesmen and your brokers, your customer service teams 371 00:16:34,860 --> 00:16:37,363 to figure out what's happening because it is really important 372 00:16:37,363 --> 00:16:39,598 for getting a handle on what this is going to cost. Yeah. 373 00:16:39,598 --> 00:16:41,900 And this is going to this is going to hit a lot of Kansans. 374 00:16:41,900 --> 00:16:43,736 And you just heard 375 00:16:43,736 --> 00:16:48,007 Misty say they're anticipating 30% of the people being displaced in Kansas. 376 00:16:48,007 --> 00:16:49,141 I've heard that over. 377 00:16:49,141 --> 00:16:53,178 I've heard that from CEO of Blue Cross of Nebraska, Blue Cross of Kansas City. 378 00:16:53,345 --> 00:16:56,348 And now you're sitting here listening to Misty, 379 00:16:56,582 --> 00:17:00,119 who's the director for ACA and Medicaid, say exactly the same thing 380 00:17:00,552 --> 00:17:02,454 regarding Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas. 381 00:17:02,454 --> 00:17:04,890 So there's a lot coming and a lot of changes coming. 382 00:17:04,890 --> 00:17:06,392 We'll be right back after the break. 383 00:17:06,392 --> 00:17:09,695 We're going to talk a little bit more about how some of this is going to work, 384 00:17:09,928 --> 00:17:13,766 and we'll get in the weeds a little bit on some of the things that you need 385 00:17:13,766 --> 00:17:17,169 to understand moving forward about cost benefits and all the rest of it. 386 00:17:17,369 --> 00:17:20,105 And what are they offering at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas? 387 00:17:20,105 --> 00:17:21,673 We'll be right back after the break. 388 00:17:21,673 --> 00:17:24,843 You're listening to America's Healthcare Advocate Broadcasting 389 00:17:24,843 --> 00:17:29,181 here on the HIA Radio Network coast to coast across USA. 390 00:17:39,892 --> 00:17:40,592 Welcome back. 391 00:17:40,592 --> 00:17:41,760 You're listening to America's 392 00:17:41,760 --> 00:17:45,597 Healthcare Advocate show broadcasting coast to coast across USA. 393 00:17:45,764 --> 00:17:46,965 My producers today, Mr. 394 00:17:46,965 --> 00:17:50,402 Dave Thiessen, Gardner Cowdrey in studio with me, Misty Snodgrass. 395 00:17:50,402 --> 00:17:53,372 She is the director of ACA and Medicaid. 396 00:17:53,372 --> 00:17:56,208 You can obviously tell this lady knows what she's talking about. 397 00:17:56,208 --> 00:17:56,775 All right. 398 00:17:56,775 --> 00:18:00,279 And this is kind of like drinking from a firehose for a lot of you out there today. 399 00:18:00,512 --> 00:18:03,749 But the idea here is to bring information to you 400 00:18:03,749 --> 00:18:06,885 so you are prepared for what is about to happen. 401 00:18:06,885 --> 00:18:10,222 Because I've said this, you know, on a couple of shows I've done up to now, 402 00:18:10,222 --> 00:18:13,459 and I'm saying it again today, these changes are going to be massive, 403 00:18:13,459 --> 00:18:17,763 and there's going to be a lot of panic in people about what do. 404 00:18:18,197 --> 00:18:20,966 So the last thing you want to do as we've talked about is wait. 405 00:18:20,966 --> 00:18:25,170 Which is why if you call that customer service number at 866-906- 406 00:18:25,471 --> 00:18:28,140 5253, that's not a sales number. 407 00:18:28,140 --> 00:18:31,910 Those people are there to help you try to understand what's in the marketplace. 408 00:18:31,910 --> 00:18:35,013 They're not there to try to sell you something like some of these high pressure 409 00:18:35,013 --> 00:18:42,855 sales outfits you see on television once again 866-906-5253 or BCBSKS.com. 410 00:18:43,055 --> 00:18:43,288 All right. 411 00:18:43,288 --> 00:18:47,192 So let's talk a little bit about some of the plan differences plan designs. 412 00:18:47,192 --> 00:18:50,496 And then specifically zero in on these silver plans. 413 00:18:51,096 --> 00:18:53,799 And what we're going to see with these CSRs. 414 00:18:53,799 --> 00:18:54,233 Yeah. 415 00:18:54,233 --> 00:18:57,169 So I think that's a great question because everybody's going to be shopping 416 00:18:57,169 --> 00:18:58,871 and it can be really overwhelming. 417 00:18:58,871 --> 00:19:00,005 I know whenever I've helped 418 00:19:00,005 --> 00:19:03,008 a lot of friends that have what is what is the metal tier, what is 419 00:19:03,075 --> 00:19:05,043 what is this MOOP, what is this deductible? 420 00:19:05,043 --> 00:19:06,111 What are all these things meaning. 421 00:19:06,111 --> 00:19:10,315 And so I think it's really important to educate everyone on the benefits 422 00:19:10,315 --> 00:19:10,883 they're choosing. 423 00:19:10,883 --> 00:19:14,186 Because you may go to the lowest price, but is it giving you the most value? 424 00:19:14,186 --> 00:19:15,621 Is it going to be there when you need it? 425 00:19:15,621 --> 00:19:17,222 Is it going to be there when you're sick? 426 00:19:17,222 --> 00:19:19,191 Is it going to be there if you get a diagnosis? 427 00:19:19,191 --> 00:19:21,193 And so I think it's really important. 428 00:19:21,193 --> 00:19:23,428 One of the plans that we have is a high deductible plan. 429 00:19:23,428 --> 00:19:27,199 We are the only one that we know of in market that has a high deductible plan. 430 00:19:27,199 --> 00:19:30,869 So that gives members options for what to choose for them. 431 00:19:30,903 --> 00:19:36,241 And these costs, CSRs, those cost savings reduction plans are able to help, offset 432 00:19:36,241 --> 00:19:40,045 some of the costs associated with copays, co-insurance that might be able to, 433 00:19:40,312 --> 00:19:42,514 be there, there in the market, in the silver plans. 434 00:19:42,514 --> 00:19:47,286 And so they're able to help, individuals that have higher 435 00:19:47,319 --> 00:19:50,289 specialist visits, be able to help offset those costs. 436 00:19:50,289 --> 00:19:52,858 What do they have to do to get enrolled in a CSR type program? 437 00:19:52,858 --> 00:19:54,159 So they're able to see if they're eligible. 438 00:19:54,159 --> 00:19:56,228 So there is some income eligibility for a CSR. 439 00:19:56,228 --> 00:19:58,030 So it's not available to everybody. 440 00:19:58,030 --> 00:19:59,765 But they are able to see if they're at a certain 441 00:19:59,765 --> 00:20:02,534 income level whether or not they're eligible for those CSRs. 442 00:20:02,534 --> 00:20:04,803 That between the 100 and 250% income. Yep. 443 00:20:04,803 --> 00:20:08,440 So basically if you're in that category this can make a big difference. 444 00:20:08,440 --> 00:20:11,443 But if you're not in that category then you can't enroll in it. 445 00:20:11,443 --> 00:20:11,944 That's right. 446 00:20:11,944 --> 00:20:12,344 That's right. 447 00:20:12,344 --> 00:20:18,717 And about 93% of Kansans are in a 100 or 250% in the ACA market. 448 00:20:18,717 --> 00:20:19,885 That's what it was last year. 449 00:20:19,885 --> 00:20:22,788 So we're hoping that a lot of individuals be able to take advantage of them. 450 00:20:22,788 --> 00:20:25,057 They just not may not be aware that they're available for them. 451 00:20:25,057 --> 00:20:29,394 Those are not necessarily available form a lot of these other carriers, 452 00:20:29,394 --> 00:20:31,997 including that high deductable plan that we're going to talk about here 453 00:20:31,997 --> 00:20:32,598 in a second. 454 00:20:32,598 --> 00:20:36,001 So again, that's another reason to reach out and get some information. 455 00:20:36,235 --> 00:20:38,237 So let's talk about those high deductible plans. 456 00:20:38,237 --> 00:20:41,974 Because as I said while we're on the break there, you know, if you've got a house 457 00:20:41,974 --> 00:20:45,444 with four tricycle motors running around and, you know, like my daughter, 458 00:20:45,978 --> 00:20:48,480 up in Washington State, and she's at the E.R. 459 00:20:48,480 --> 00:20:51,950 or she's at the urgent care or at the primary care every week. 460 00:20:52,084 --> 00:20:53,385 Yeah, it's a weekly class. 461 00:20:53,385 --> 00:20:55,354 They're all under the age of eight. Yes. 462 00:20:55,354 --> 00:20:57,089 Okay. They’re on a scooter probably. 463 00:20:57,089 --> 00:20:58,824 Thank you. And so? 464 00:20:58,824 --> 00:21:04,162 So what she needs is very different to when somebody who's 55 or 6o needs. 465 00:21:04,162 --> 00:21:07,165 So talk about, where do those plans. 466 00:21:07,466 --> 00:21:08,967 You said that earlier the plan 467 00:21:08,967 --> 00:21:11,403 that's going to basically fit your need and fit your budgets. 468 00:21:11,403 --> 00:21:14,373 Talk about where do you see those plans. 469 00:21:14,473 --> 00:21:17,976 And how do they work and how does that help people in the marketplace? 470 00:21:17,976 --> 00:21:19,978 Yeah, no, that's a great question, everybody. 471 00:21:19,978 --> 00:21:20,312 That's the 472 00:21:20,312 --> 00:21:23,949 important part about shopping is what does it mean to you and your family? 473 00:21:24,116 --> 00:21:27,085 You know, we can talk about what every one of these metal tiers are. 474 00:21:27,085 --> 00:21:28,086 So gold is great 475 00:21:28,086 --> 00:21:32,491 for individuals with chronic conditions or families with ongoing needs, 476 00:21:32,491 --> 00:21:36,662 or those that just want that comfort of I want to have a consistent premium. 477 00:21:36,662 --> 00:21:40,532 I'm not going to have a lot of co-pays and co-insurance when I go to the doctor. 478 00:21:40,532 --> 00:21:42,734 So it's just kind of a peace of mind. 479 00:21:42,734 --> 00:21:43,201 Decision. 480 00:21:43,201 --> 00:21:46,772 The silver plans are really available for those individuals that are doing cost 481 00:21:46,838 --> 00:21:50,809 saving and, reductions or those individuals that are on those subsidies. 482 00:21:50,809 --> 00:21:53,945 And so they're able to be kind of a more balanced between the gold and the bronze. 483 00:21:54,279 --> 00:21:56,248 They're able to give you a little bit of more peace of mind, 484 00:21:56,248 --> 00:21:57,783 but they're going to have a higher deductible 485 00:21:57,783 --> 00:21:59,918 or they're going to have a higher maximum out-of-pocket. 486 00:21:59,918 --> 00:22:01,219 And I think it's really important. 487 00:22:01,219 --> 00:22:03,555 A lot of folks are like, what's the difference between a deductible 488 00:22:03,555 --> 00:22:06,058 and what's the difference between a maximum out-of-pocket. 489 00:22:06,058 --> 00:22:09,528 Deductible is whenever what you pay until the insurance kicks in, 490 00:22:09,695 --> 00:22:11,697 and then the maximum out-of-pocket is what you would pay. 491 00:22:11,697 --> 00:22:16,501 So if you have a $2,000 deductible, you're going to pay until that, $2,000 amount. 492 00:22:16,501 --> 00:22:19,171 If you have a $10,000 maximum out-of-pocket, 493 00:22:19,171 --> 00:22:23,141 you're only going to pay $10,000 for the entire year for your coverage. 494 00:22:23,141 --> 00:22:26,912 And so it's really important to see how frequent of a user you are. 495 00:22:27,012 --> 00:22:28,380 So if you're going to be a higher 496 00:22:28,380 --> 00:22:31,183 utilizar of health care, you're going to have a chronic condition. 497 00:22:31,183 --> 00:22:33,752 You might have cancer, you may have HIV. 498 00:22:33,752 --> 00:22:37,089 Whatever your condition may be, you might be selecting a gold plan. 499 00:22:37,789 --> 00:22:40,225 It’s going to provide you peace of mind and some consistency 500 00:22:40,225 --> 00:22:43,228 that lower maximum out-of-pocket, that lower deductible. 501 00:22:43,228 --> 00:22:44,963 Those silver plans are kind of those balance. 502 00:22:44,963 --> 00:22:48,667 People that are healthy but may have some income restrictions. 503 00:22:48,667 --> 00:22:50,902 And so those are really great to be a balanced option. 504 00:22:50,902 --> 00:22:54,373 And then the bronze plans are available to be able to serve, 505 00:22:55,107 --> 00:22:58,110 those that are kind of the healthy, those that are really, 506 00:22:58,143 --> 00:22:59,611 I don't need a lot of anything. Exactly. 507 00:22:59,611 --> 00:23:01,313 But I need to know if I wind up in the hospital. 508 00:23:01,313 --> 00:23:03,115 I'm not going to have $150,000 bill. 509 00:23:03,115 --> 00:23:04,516 Exactly. 510 00:23:04,516 --> 00:23:07,052 You're kind of buying a piece of mind, essentially with a bronze plan. 511 00:23:07,052 --> 00:23:08,854 So it's really great for healthy individuals. 512 00:23:08,854 --> 00:23:11,857 And so our high deductibles, we have them in multiple metal tiers. 513 00:23:12,457 --> 00:23:13,992 It's called our simple silver plan. 514 00:23:13,992 --> 00:23:17,262 And individuals are able to see if they want to, select that high 515 00:23:17,262 --> 00:23:20,365 deductible plan, you know, so that they're able to have 516 00:23:21,833 --> 00:23:23,769 those services covered at a certain level, 517 00:23:23,769 --> 00:23:27,239 but they want to have a lower, price point in their premiums. 518 00:23:27,506 --> 00:23:28,974 So let's switch gears a little bit. 519 00:23:28,974 --> 00:23:32,677 Let's talk about formulary because this gets missed. 520 00:23:33,044 --> 00:23:36,181 I remember who we had Benefits by Design. 521 00:23:36,882 --> 00:23:38,717 When people come in for those appointments. 522 00:23:38,717 --> 00:23:40,452 “Please bring a list of your prescription drugs”. 523 00:23:40,452 --> 00:23:41,820 And they'd be like, why? 524 00:23:41,820 --> 00:23:43,622 Because we want to make sure they're covered. 525 00:23:43,622 --> 00:23:45,223 Yes, well, I have. 526 00:23:45,223 --> 00:23:46,658 I have prescription coverage. 527 00:23:46,658 --> 00:23:48,593 You think you have prescription coverage. 528 00:23:48,593 --> 00:23:50,462 You may if you're on Jardiance 529 00:23:50,462 --> 00:23:54,266 and your formulary doesn't cover Jardiance you're paying for it. 530 00:23:54,266 --> 00:23:55,834 Well, you know what that copay is? 531 00:23:55,834 --> 00:23:58,203 I do because my wife's on it. 532 00:23:58,203 --> 00:24:02,808 And before Medicare kicks in with the big deductible that's out there. 533 00:24:02,808 --> 00:24:05,444 Now, I was paying $400 a pop. 534 00:24:05,444 --> 00:24:08,079 Okay, that's what it costs. So talk. 535 00:24:08,079 --> 00:24:10,215 Why is that important for people? 536 00:24:10,215 --> 00:24:12,751 And they need to ask those questions. 537 00:24:12,751 --> 00:24:13,919 Your formulary 538 00:24:13,919 --> 00:24:17,055 is like one of those devil in the details, but no one goes to look at it. 539 00:24:17,055 --> 00:24:18,723 So you can actually go on healthcare.gov, 540 00:24:18,723 --> 00:24:20,892 or you can go on our website and find out, 541 00:24:20,892 --> 00:24:22,828 what our formularies are and what's covered. 542 00:24:22,828 --> 00:24:24,663 And so we're very transparent with that. 543 00:24:24,663 --> 00:24:27,699 But there are different co-pays for different types of metal tiers 544 00:24:27,699 --> 00:24:29,234 and different types of plans. 545 00:24:29,234 --> 00:24:32,103 So if you're a chronic condition, you may have a 0 to 546 00:24:32,103 --> 00:24:35,407 $10 copay, depending on or even $20 depending on it. 547 00:24:35,674 --> 00:24:37,776 But the different tier levels are going to do that. 548 00:24:37,776 --> 00:24:40,645 But just because it says the amount and the tier level 549 00:24:40,645 --> 00:24:42,581 doesn't mean that it's going to be covered, 550 00:24:42,581 --> 00:24:44,449 or there's not going to be a ton of steps to get there. 551 00:24:44,449 --> 00:24:47,452 And so we really focus on trying to be, 552 00:24:47,686 --> 00:24:49,955 more, probably more liberal with our formularies. 553 00:24:49,955 --> 00:24:52,224 That's a typical, Blues way. 554 00:24:52,224 --> 00:24:55,227 We usually cover more things in our competitors, just because 555 00:24:55,260 --> 00:24:57,028 we also want to keep people healthy. 556 00:24:57,028 --> 00:24:57,629 We know that, 557 00:24:57,629 --> 00:25:01,433 you know, prescription drugs are by far the highest cost of our benefit. 558 00:25:02,100 --> 00:25:04,769 But they are what also keep some people healthy. 559 00:25:04,769 --> 00:25:07,739 And so we want people to take their medications 560 00:25:07,739 --> 00:25:09,574 whether they have diabetes or hypertension, 561 00:25:09,574 --> 00:25:12,143 because that ultimately keeps people out of the emergency room and the hospital. 562 00:25:12,143 --> 00:25:14,446 So, our goal is to help improve outcomes, 563 00:25:14,446 --> 00:25:16,081 but also help reduce the total cost of care. 564 00:25:16,081 --> 00:25:18,683 But you need to check and see if your medications are covered. 565 00:25:18,683 --> 00:25:22,220 You need to see if your PCP has covered your primary care because there are. 566 00:25:22,220 --> 00:25:24,823 You know, you may think, oh, I'm going to go select this plan 567 00:25:24,823 --> 00:25:26,725 because it's the most affordable, but your primary care 568 00:25:26,725 --> 00:25:28,927 or the hospital of your choice may or may not be covered. 569 00:25:28,927 --> 00:25:31,563 And so it's really important to look into that. 570 00:25:31,563 --> 00:25:33,798 Well, and here's the thing okay. 571 00:25:33,798 --> 00:25:35,300 We talked about some of the other carriers. 572 00:25:35,300 --> 00:25:38,303 You're the only one that's offering 103 counties. 573 00:25:38,537 --> 00:25:41,706 One of the biggest complaints that I hear, especially in Nebraska 574 00:25:41,706 --> 00:25:44,709 and Kansas, some other places, is people go on these other plans 575 00:25:44,943 --> 00:25:50,382 and they don't realize there's okay, I live out in Hays. Yep. 576 00:25:50,415 --> 00:25:54,152 I've got to drive 45 minutes to get to the primary care doc 577 00:25:54,185 --> 00:25:55,687 because it's not in Hays. 578 00:25:55,687 --> 00:25:58,323 He’s someplace else or she's someplace else. 579 00:25:58,323 --> 00:26:00,525 So you know that. 580 00:26:00,525 --> 00:26:03,228 And because Kansas has so many rural markets. 581 00:26:03,228 --> 00:26:04,429 Yes, this is. 582 00:26:04,429 --> 00:26:04,896 Critical. 583 00:26:04,896 --> 00:26:07,532 It's absolutely vital, especially in the far parts 584 00:26:07,532 --> 00:26:09,634 of the southwest and northwest part of our state. 585 00:26:09,634 --> 00:26:12,103 But, you know, there is limited access to care. 586 00:26:12,103 --> 00:26:14,673 You want to make sure you have the provider of your choice 587 00:26:14,673 --> 00:26:17,876 that you want to go to make sure that your plan is covering that provider. 588 00:26:17,876 --> 00:26:20,645 And so it's really important to see who your primary care doctor is. 589 00:26:20,645 --> 00:26:24,282 And another thing that we're different is we want you to go to your primary care. 590 00:26:24,482 --> 00:26:26,318 We're not wanting you not to use your care. 591 00:26:26,318 --> 00:26:30,322 We know how important primary care is in managing health conditions and, 592 00:26:30,355 --> 00:26:35,060 you know, doing preventative screenings, referring you to mammograms, colonoscopy. 593 00:26:35,193 --> 00:26:38,797 And so it's really important we encourage people to go get 594 00:26:38,797 --> 00:26:40,865 their annual wellness visits, which not everybody does. 595 00:26:40,865 --> 00:26:42,667 You know, they don't. Want you to not use their care. 596 00:26:42,667 --> 00:26:45,737 We're looking I'm actually looking daily to see who's not using our care, 597 00:26:45,904 --> 00:26:48,907 because we are trying to find ways to go get them engaged, because we know 598 00:26:49,074 --> 00:26:51,409 ultimately our folks stay with us for a while. 599 00:26:51,409 --> 00:26:52,177 Like you said, 600 00:26:52,177 --> 00:26:55,146 they'll go try out a new plan, maybe a little more cheaper, 601 00:26:55,146 --> 00:26:56,181 but they're going to realize there's 602 00:26:56,181 --> 00:26:58,383 going to be a lot more headaches and a lot more pain with it. 603 00:26:58,383 --> 00:27:00,785 And so they decided to come back to us and they're like, 604 00:27:00,785 --> 00:27:03,555 you're kind of worry free for us, but you're a little bit more. 605 00:27:03,555 --> 00:27:04,923 You might be a little bit more expensive, 606 00:27:04,923 --> 00:27:06,825 but we're working to do that affordability. 607 00:27:06,825 --> 00:27:09,828 We're hoping in the next couple years that we're going to not only be the 608 00:27:09,961 --> 00:27:12,897 health care plan of choice, but we're the most affordable choice as well. 609 00:27:12,897 --> 00:27:14,899 That's more of what you're mission is about. 610 00:27:14,899 --> 00:27:16,801 It's not about the quarterly earnings report. No. 611 00:27:17,769 --> 00:27:19,037 We have no shareholders. 612 00:27:19,037 --> 00:27:19,638 Yeah. Yeah. 613 00:27:19,638 --> 00:27:21,940 It's a little different approach. 614 00:27:21,940 --> 00:27:23,608 It's a little different way of doing things. 615 00:27:23,608 --> 00:27:24,542 If you want help. 616 00:27:24,542 --> 00:27:27,545 And you know we keep urging you to keep this in mind. 617 00:27:27,779 --> 00:27:30,782 You know, write the phone number down or, you know, look up 618 00:27:31,216 --> 00:27:34,219 at their website BCBSKS.com 619 00:27:34,285 --> 00:27:37,022 or give them a call at 866-906-5253. 620 00:27:37,022 --> 00:27:38,957 866-906-5253. 621 00:27:38,957 --> 00:27:42,961 When I come back from the break, we're going to switch gears now 622 00:27:43,194 --> 00:27:45,930 and talk to all you small employers out there 623 00:27:45,930 --> 00:27:48,566 about what you're going to expect to see on ACA 624 00:27:48,566 --> 00:27:49,968 and what those plans are going to look like. 625 00:27:49,968 --> 00:27:52,103 Stay right there. We'll be right back after the break. 626 00:27:52,103 --> 00:27:54,606 You're listening to America's Healthcare Advocate 627 00:27:54,606 --> 00:27:57,609 Broadcasting here on the HIA Radio Network. 628 00:27:57,742 --> 00:27:59,711 Coast to coast across the USA. 629 00:27:59,711 --> 00:28:00,912 Stay there. We'll be right back. 630 00:28:08,086 --> 00:28:08,820 Welcome back. 631 00:28:08,820 --> 00:28:12,657 You're listening to America's Healthcare Advocate show broadcasting coast to coast 632 00:28:12,691 --> 00:28:15,860 across the USA here on the HIA radio network. 633 00:28:15,860 --> 00:28:21,199 All our shows are posted on 16 podcast platforms and on our YouTube channel. 634 00:28:21,499 --> 00:28:24,502 Got about half a million visits up there on that YouTube channel. 635 00:28:24,502 --> 00:28:26,204 We're getting a lot of play. 636 00:28:26,204 --> 00:28:28,306 And an awful lot of you are going to those podcasts. 637 00:28:28,306 --> 00:28:32,310 So thank you so much for all of you that listen on all 240 stations 638 00:28:32,310 --> 00:28:34,345 around the country, we appreciate all that too. 639 00:28:34,345 --> 00:28:36,681 So let's change topics a little bit. 640 00:28:36,681 --> 00:28:41,119 So the people that have been hit the hardest, are the small employers. 641 00:28:41,653 --> 00:28:44,522 Let's talk about what's in store for them this year. 642 00:28:44,522 --> 00:28:44,856 Yeah. 643 00:28:44,856 --> 00:28:48,593 So we were actually able to hold our rates lower than our individuals. 644 00:28:48,593 --> 00:28:51,229 So that's exciting for us. That's amazing, frankly. 645 00:28:51,229 --> 00:28:56,067 So that's a big, so it's, you know, around a 7 to 9% depending on kind of the plan 646 00:28:56,067 --> 00:28:59,738 that's a significant improvement with our small group. 647 00:29:00,004 --> 00:29:01,506 That's been a priority for us. 648 00:29:01,506 --> 00:29:04,008 We're working hard to make it even more affordable. 649 00:29:04,008 --> 00:29:07,612 And I'll tell you a little story, Cary, my dad, has been a Blue 650 00:29:07,612 --> 00:29:10,615 cross Blue Shield of Kansas policyholder. 651 00:29:10,615 --> 00:29:13,318 He's had a small business his entire life. 652 00:29:13,318 --> 00:29:17,088 And has been with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas for over 40 years. 653 00:29:17,288 --> 00:29:18,690 And so it's a priority. 654 00:29:18,690 --> 00:29:21,760 I know how hard it is for small business owners to me 655 00:29:22,060 --> 00:29:24,129 to make that real expensive decision every month. 656 00:29:24,129 --> 00:29:27,332 So everything that we're doing and every decision we're making is 657 00:29:27,332 --> 00:29:28,767 how can we make it more affordable? 658 00:29:28,767 --> 00:29:31,970 Because we want to be serving more and more small, small groups in our area. 659 00:29:32,604 --> 00:29:33,505 And here's the thing. 660 00:29:34,672 --> 00:29:37,642 In addition to the fact that 661 00:29:37,642 --> 00:29:40,745 it's difficult for small employers, they have to deal with this. 662 00:29:40,745 --> 00:29:42,614 And by the way, 7 to 9%, 663 00:29:42,614 --> 00:29:45,550 that's the lowest increase I've heard in the country right now. 664 00:29:45,550 --> 00:29:48,353 And I've my ears pretty close to the ground that a lot of the stuff, 665 00:29:48,353 --> 00:29:50,088 the other carriers are nowhere around there. 666 00:29:50,088 --> 00:29:51,256 So that's a big deal. 667 00:29:51,256 --> 00:29:54,025 But the other thing is, in addition to the cost, 668 00:29:54,025 --> 00:29:57,762 there's the issue of being able to hire good employees and the issue 669 00:29:57,762 --> 00:29:59,998 being able to keep good employees. 670 00:29:59,998 --> 00:30:01,633 If you can't give people the, 671 00:30:01,633 --> 00:30:04,636 you know, the second question they ask is after what's my salary? 672 00:30:05,436 --> 00:30:06,571 What are the benefits? Yep. 673 00:30:06,571 --> 00:30:07,438 Okay. 674 00:30:07,438 --> 00:30:11,142 Well, if you if you're going to hit people with 20 and 30% increases 675 00:30:11,142 --> 00:30:14,946 or cost shifting, let's raise deductible. 676 00:30:15,146 --> 00:30:16,781 Raise the co-pays. 677 00:30:16,781 --> 00:30:19,784 Oh, and you're going to have to pay more than what you were paying 678 00:30:19,818 --> 00:30:22,987 as an employee, because my contribution can't be as big. 679 00:30:23,321 --> 00:30:25,924 That disrupts the whole workforce. Absolutely. 680 00:30:25,924 --> 00:30:27,358 It's just an important benefit. 681 00:30:27,358 --> 00:30:31,796 We all, are passionate about, having health insurance, being able 682 00:30:31,796 --> 00:30:35,934 to cover it for our individuals, our employees and our families. 683 00:30:35,934 --> 00:30:38,469 And so we're really, really focused on that. 684 00:30:38,469 --> 00:30:42,307 It is a big, big bite out of every, employer's budget. 685 00:30:42,307 --> 00:30:44,342 The number two cost. Yep. Absolutely. 686 00:30:44,342 --> 00:30:46,878 Sometimes even number one, you know. 687 00:30:46,878 --> 00:30:48,446 A hundred percent. Yes. 688 00:30:48,446 --> 00:30:51,416 And so I every time we're making decisions, I think of my dad 689 00:30:51,416 --> 00:30:54,419 and you know, every decision he had to make. 690 00:30:54,419 --> 00:30:56,821 On whether or not, you know, can give your employees raises 691 00:30:56,821 --> 00:30:58,489 because of whether or not costs are going up. 692 00:30:58,489 --> 00:31:01,459 So we're doing our best to make sure that we are, 693 00:31:01,459 --> 00:31:03,995 preventing those, you know, significant rate increases. 694 00:31:03,995 --> 00:31:06,431 We also have other options for our members. 695 00:31:06,431 --> 00:31:08,733 A lot of the products are very similar to our individual market. 696 00:31:08,733 --> 00:31:10,201 So we have metal tiers. 697 00:31:10,201 --> 00:31:13,137 We have a lot of our employers are in gold, as you can imagine. 698 00:31:13,137 --> 00:31:16,474 They want to provide the most robust benefits, but that may not be what your 699 00:31:16,507 --> 00:31:17,642 your employees may need. 700 00:31:17,642 --> 00:31:19,177 Depending on the age of your workforce, 701 00:31:19,177 --> 00:31:22,046 there's a lot of things that can factor in, so feel free to give us a call. 702 00:31:22,046 --> 00:31:23,214 We're happy to help 703 00:31:23,214 --> 00:31:26,017 walk you through that and find the plans that work best for you and 704 00:31:27,051 --> 00:31:27,619 your employees. 705 00:31:27,619 --> 00:31:29,254 Or use a broker if you're using a broker. 706 00:31:29,254 --> 00:31:32,023 And a lot of small groups don't use brokers all the time. 707 00:31:32,023 --> 00:31:33,024 But sometimes they do. 708 00:31:33,024 --> 00:31:36,027 And if they're able to just call, you know, my dad has known, 709 00:31:36,261 --> 00:31:40,632 his individual person that he's called to go get his quotes for 20, 30 years. 710 00:31:40,632 --> 00:31:41,466 I mean, our individual 711 00:31:41,466 --> 00:31:44,469 that our employees stay forever, you know, so they're very knowledgeable. 712 00:31:44,469 --> 00:31:46,738 They have relationships, which is a big thing. 713 00:31:46,738 --> 00:31:49,908 And they're working to fight hard to get hard to keep the lowest rates possible. 714 00:31:49,908 --> 00:31:50,041 Yeah. 715 00:31:50,041 --> 00:31:53,678 And something you guys do is that if you are a small group employer, 716 00:31:53,678 --> 00:31:58,182 you can call and get direct help and directly enroll if you need to do that. 717 00:31:58,249 --> 00:31:58,950 So that's great. 718 00:31:58,950 --> 00:32:01,219 Talk a little bit about the level premium plans. 719 00:32:01,219 --> 00:32:06,524 And then you know, how important is that moving forward for next year? 720 00:32:06,858 --> 00:32:10,895 Yeah, we view our levels on it as an opportunity for employers 721 00:32:10,895 --> 00:32:14,799 that want to manage their cost based upon their population 722 00:32:14,799 --> 00:32:16,100 that they, their employees 723 00:32:16,100 --> 00:32:19,971 that they have, you know, and so we, we have a lot of level funded plans. 724 00:32:19,971 --> 00:32:22,440 They are very specific to the employer. 725 00:32:22,440 --> 00:32:26,577 So it's hard to give a lot of details just because of the complexity. 726 00:32:26,577 --> 00:32:31,849 We'll walk through what kind of history you guys have with your employees. 727 00:32:31,849 --> 00:32:35,887 So it's different than choosing an ACA small group plan 728 00:32:36,120 --> 00:32:37,422 where you're kind of a group rated. 729 00:32:37,422 --> 00:32:40,224 That's kind of what a small group's your group if you have, 730 00:32:40,224 --> 00:32:43,227 you know, kind of a younger workforce, it might work better for you. 731 00:32:43,361 --> 00:32:44,796 But it may not depending on 732 00:32:45,930 --> 00:32:47,198 the health care costs associated. 733 00:32:47,198 --> 00:32:51,269 So it's really important to reach out and find out if that's the best for you 734 00:32:51,269 --> 00:32:53,004 as an employer or your employees, 735 00:32:53,004 --> 00:32:55,473 and we'll be able to help you, walk you through it, guide you. 736 00:32:55,473 --> 00:32:56,074 And it's not 737 00:32:56,074 --> 00:32:59,711 you know, our folks don't get paid more because they put you in one sort of plan. 738 00:32:59,911 --> 00:33:00,478 It's really 739 00:33:00,478 --> 00:33:03,748 the entire goal is to help you get covered and your members to be covered. 740 00:33:03,948 --> 00:33:07,318 And if they need somebody to come out and literally help them explain to you, 741 00:33:07,819 --> 00:33:09,420 I know you guys do it. Yeah. 742 00:33:09,420 --> 00:33:12,690 You're not going to get a lot of they're not in a lot of the carriers to do that. 743 00:33:12,690 --> 00:33:13,858 No, no ones going to your office. 744 00:33:13,858 --> 00:33:16,160 I don't think there are any to be really honest with you. No. 745 00:33:16,160 --> 00:33:19,163 So let's talk a little bit about that because here's the employer 746 00:33:19,330 --> 00:33:23,167 trying to deal with what's going to happen next year with increases and changes. 747 00:33:23,167 --> 00:33:26,170 And then typically in a small business, what 748 00:33:26,170 --> 00:33:29,207 I always found when we were doing this was the husband didn't do that. 749 00:33:29,207 --> 00:33:32,143 If the wife worked in the business, she was the one that handled it. 750 00:33:32,143 --> 00:33:34,245 So yeah. My mom is that my mom is. 751 00:33:34,245 --> 00:33:35,346 But she was there. 752 00:33:35,346 --> 00:33:38,449 She helped with the accounting and stuff, so she was always looking at that. 753 00:33:38,449 --> 00:33:41,686 And she's helping to look at what's best for the employees. 754 00:33:41,686 --> 00:33:45,390 And so absolutely you can we will come to your office gladly. 755 00:33:45,790 --> 00:33:46,924 And we will walk you through it. 756 00:33:46,924 --> 00:33:48,459 We will also after 757 00:33:48,459 --> 00:33:49,327 we don't just sit there 758 00:33:49,327 --> 00:33:52,330 and sell the product to you or try to get you on a certain product, 759 00:33:52,497 --> 00:33:54,332 we actually come back and have conversations. 760 00:33:54,332 --> 00:33:54,999 What's working? 761 00:33:54,999 --> 00:33:56,200 Here's what's going on. 762 00:33:56,200 --> 00:33:58,569 Here's some things we want your folks to be going to make sure 763 00:33:58,569 --> 00:33:59,971 they're getting their annual wellness visits. 764 00:33:59,971 --> 00:34:03,374 Go, go encourage them to go get their annual wellness visits, 765 00:34:03,374 --> 00:34:05,977 because that helps you as an employer keep costs down 766 00:34:05,977 --> 00:34:08,846 well and also keeps your workforce healthy. 767 00:34:08,846 --> 00:34:11,449 We want to help with productivity, keeping your workforce healthy. 768 00:34:11,449 --> 00:34:14,419 And so it's really important, to ask those questions. 769 00:34:14,419 --> 00:34:15,753 We will send people to your office, 770 00:34:15,753 --> 00:34:18,823 no matter if you have five employees or 500 employees. 771 00:34:18,823 --> 00:34:21,826 We really want to make sure that we're able to provide personalized, 772 00:34:22,260 --> 00:34:24,962 service as well as details to help you answer your question. 773 00:34:24,962 --> 00:34:26,197 They're very different approach. 774 00:34:26,197 --> 00:34:30,468 Yes, extremely different approach typically, than what people see out there. 775 00:34:30,468 --> 00:34:33,704 And a great way of doing business with what you guys do. 776 00:34:33,871 --> 00:34:35,673 Thank you very much for joining us today. 777 00:34:35,673 --> 00:34:38,676 I think we like I said, I'm sure everybody listening was like trying 778 00:34:38,676 --> 00:34:42,914 to drink from a firehose on this thing, but it's critical that people understand. 779 00:34:43,281 --> 00:34:44,449 So you're going to come back? 780 00:34:44,449 --> 00:34:47,518 I will when we're going to go through the actual plans on the next show, 781 00:34:47,552 --> 00:34:50,855 we're going to tell people, and here's why we're not doing it today. 782 00:34:51,089 --> 00:34:53,858 This is changing week by week. 783 00:34:53,858 --> 00:34:57,428 Not because of them, but because of what's going on on the regulatory side. 784 00:34:57,428 --> 00:34:59,230 The legislative side, and all the rest of it. 785 00:34:59,230 --> 00:35:02,967 So the great news here is, we'll have all that information. 786 00:35:03,000 --> 00:35:05,436 You'll be back to do another show with me. I'd be happy to. 787 00:35:05,436 --> 00:35:07,338 Yeah. Thank you so much for coming up today. 788 00:35:07,338 --> 00:35:11,242 She is Misty Snodgrass, over at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. 789 00:35:11,576 --> 00:35:13,511 You know, they have a very different way of doing business. 790 00:35:13,511 --> 00:35:16,747 If you’re with one of those national carriers out there. 791 00:35:16,747 --> 00:35:18,783 You might want to ask them when the last time was 792 00:35:18,783 --> 00:35:21,752 they sent a rep out to your shop to talk to your folks. Okay. 793 00:35:21,752 --> 00:35:23,621 Probably didn't happen. If I had to guess. 794 00:35:23,621 --> 00:35:27,525 Their focus is on the people in this state, you heard them say that 795 00:35:27,592 --> 00:35:27,825 you know 796 00:35:27,825 --> 00:35:31,696 they're doing everything they can to hold cost down 7 to 9% on small group. 797 00:35:32,130 --> 00:35:36,767 I, I haven't seen that number anywhere else period across the country. 798 00:35:36,767 --> 00:35:39,103 So it's a very different way of doing business. 799 00:35:39,103 --> 00:35:42,473 that is they like to say it's Kansans helping Kansans. 800 00:35:42,473 --> 00:35:45,409 As I like to say they’re main street, they're not Wall Street. 801 00:35:45,409 --> 00:35:47,311 So they're very different at what they do. 802 00:35:47,311 --> 00:35:50,982 And now, ladies and gentlemen, I leave you with this thought from Albert Einstein, 803 00:35:51,349 --> 00:35:53,251 the one who follows the crowd, they usually get 804 00:35:53,251 --> 00:35:55,686 no further than the crowd, the one who walks alone 805 00:35:55,686 --> 00:35:58,689 is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been. 806 00:35:58,923 --> 00:36:00,725 Remember, friends, is a funny thing about life. 807 00:36:00,725 --> 00:36:05,163 If you refuse to accept anything but the very best, you most often get it. 808 00:36:05,429 --> 00:36:08,766 Thank you for listening to America's Healthcare Advocate show, broadcasting 809 00:36:08,766 --> 00:36:13,271 coast to coast across the USA, here on the HIA Radio Network. 810 00:36:13,571 --> 00:36:14,939 Goodbye America.