Renee Darata » affordable health insurance

Health Insurance

Renee Darata — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:30:57 +0000

Medicare and Medicaid business is 42 % of large health insurance carriers revenues. This is an increase of 6 % since 3 years ago. This may be a trend, to increase the share of government programs, after health care reform … Continue reading →

Buying Affordable Health Insurance Online without an Agent

Renee Darata — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:16:33 +0000

In the search for health insurance, consumers are directed to many websites where they can receive a quote and apply online. My website allows consumers to apply online as well.

Is this in the best interests of consumers? After all, you must be licensed to sell health insurance because it is complicated. Most consumers will focus on price, an important issue, and then may find they didn’t get what they thought they were getting.

In 2010, with changes mandated by healthcare reform, the major carriers here in Utah changed their plans at least once. The plans have moved away from the traditional plans many consumers were familiar with. Some cover chiropractic care, some don’t cover prescriptions. This saves money which is passed onto the consumer in lower premiums.

I strongly suggest that you consult with a licensed health insurance professional before applying for affordable health insurance online.

Our office serves residents of Salt Lake county and surrounding areas.

Alphabet soup of Medicare Insurance

Renee Darata — Sat, 14 May 2011 10:06:09 +0000

Most consumers sail through life on a group plan. Then they turn 65 and are eligible for Medicare. Medicare coverage comes with Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (Dr visits, outpatient surgeries, labs), Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans which are A,B, and possibly D), and Part D (prescription drugs).

There are multiple options to choose from, certain enrollment periods to watch for, and penalties if you do not enroll on time.

Consumers are encouraged to read the 136 page publication, Medicare and You 2011.

Consumers can call CMS for answers.

Consumers can meet with a licensed health insurance agent to discuss Medicare options.

The cost of healthcare in retirement can not be ignored.

For questions give our office a call @ 801.748.0500

Buy Health Insurance Now

Renee Darata — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:32:22 +0000

Now that I have your attention:

Many consumers make a big mistake when they decide to purchase health insurance

They search online for information, (like you may be doing right now), and they go to a website and fill out an application online.

What’s the big deal you ask? Well, if you didn’t meet with an insurance professional you don’t know the rating methods used by the large health insurance carriers. You don’t know that a decline from this online application could mean declines from the other carriers too. You see, one of the questions on the application is, “have you been declined previously for health or life insurance?”. When you answer yes, that is a red flag.

Then there is the MIB, a database that insurance companies access, for information on applicants.

Affordable Health Insurance and the MLR

Renee Darata — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 19:49:01 +0000

I get many phone calls asking for information on individual health insurance but few apply. I can spend 20 minutes on the phone or an hour in my office with a client, or even go through the application process involving quite a bit of my time, only to have the applicant change their mind. They decide they do not want to pay for affordable health insurance. As an insurance agent, I do not get paid until the policy is in force or active.
The government has adopted a minimum medical loss ratio requirement which requires insurance companies to spend at least 80% of premium dollars on health care. The other 20% covers agent commisions, overhead: claims handling, processing of the application, etc. The insurance companies have cut agent commisions in half.
I now work just as hard and earn half as much for helping clients find the “right” coverage for their needs. The goal is affordable health insurance. My goal is still to provide superior service, but in the long run, consumers may find less help when shopping for health insurance.

Shopping for Insurance-What about Annual Membership Fees?

Renee Darata — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 19:11:41 +0000

When shopping for your home and auto insurance there are some companies that charge “annual membership fees.” While their home and auto insurance rates may seem affordable, when you factor in an annual membership fee of $165.00, maybe the rates aren’t as competitive as you thought. This annual membership fee is due each year and is sent as a separate bill.

Our agency helps consumers each year find the right coverage for their situation at a fair price. We offer affordable health, auto, life and home insurance.

5 Things You Must Know Before Buying Health Insurance

Renee Darata — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 05:16:29 +0000



Affordable Health Insurance?
Renee Darata — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 19:58:12 +0000
Have you had open enrollment yet for 2011?  Be ready for some sticker shock as Health Insurance Reform’s early changes are causing premium increases of 10% ,25%, and 80%!!
That was no typo.  My own group plan increased 25% for next year and raised RX co-pays to $40 minimum for generics up to $90 for non-preferred!!
What is your rate increase?  
My goal is finding affordable health insurance for my clients.  But healthcare reform has made the job increasingly difficult.
Serving  greater Salt Lake County-84095,84094,84093,84092,84070,84065,84096,84088,84081,84084,84020,84105,84106,84124,84118,84120,84047,84123, and many more



What’s Up with Healthcare Reform?
Renee Darata — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 23:11:10 +0000
On September 23rd 2010,  healthcare reform began.  The government has new rules on how children can not be declined for health issues.  There is also preventative care without any out of pocket expense to the consumer. Lifetime maximum is now unlimited. Plans written between March and September will also  have changes.  All new plans issued after Sept 23rd will have these new coverages.  Other plans are grandfathered and you will need to check with your insurance carrier to see how this change affects you.
In preparation for the roll out; health insurance carriers in the

state of  Utah have modified their individual health insurance

plans.  The new offerings have higher deductibles and other changes that could add to the consumers out of pocket expenses.  They will no longer issue a child only plan.  If the parents are uninsurable, we can not offer coverage to the children.  This is an unfortunate consequence to healthcare reform and I know of no political activity to rectify the situation.
Stay Tuned.
As always, I welcome your questions.  



Affordable Health Insurance
Renee Darata — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:08:18 +0000
As healthcare reform began last week, health insurance carriers implemented the required changes.
Children have to be accepted with pre-existing conditions.  Carriers have dropped child only insurance plans and children will need to be on a family plan.
Insurance cariers have also dropped their low deductible plans.  It will be hard to find a plan offering a deductible below $500.
The major carrier here in Salt Lake has dropped one of their individual plans allowing you to waive a RX deductible.
Healthcare costs will increase for many families with the implementation of healthcare reform.
Families and individuals interested in obtaining affordable  health insurance need the expertise of a professional more than ever.  There are a number of pitfalls waiting for those who buy insurance without an agent.
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