“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."

- Helen Keller

The staff at Byham’s Insurance wishes you a healthy prosperous 2009! As always, we are ready to help with all your insurance needs.

Medicare Open Enrollment Period

The Annual Enrollment period was only 6 weeks, which ended on December 31, 2008.  Many Medicare beneficiaries felt rushed into making changes.  Some simply felt it was less frustrating to stay with their current plan. Although it seemed easier at the time, it may be costing them a lot of money. The good news is we are now in an Open Election Period which allows us more time to re-evaluate options. 
 
We have two Senior Benefit Advisors on staff to make it easier for you. Both are certified with several carriers which allows them to know the market and the plan best suited for you.  Some plans are as low as $0 premium per month. Why not allow us to evaluate your insurance needs?

Product Spotlight
Retain and Reward Key Employees with Life Insurance

We all like to be recognized for the special efforts put forth at work. Life insurance can do that by providing financial security for the employees' family. The employer benefits as well by structuring premium expense recovery. At Byhams, we help navigate ERISA requirements to provide this valuable benefit.

Quote of the Month
“Let our advance worrying become advance thinking and planning."

- Winston Churchill

Legislative Update

Much is happening in the legislative arena regarding health care reform.

There are currently over 100 different national health care proposals.  Congressman Stark has reintroduced the AmeriCare Health Care Act and the MediKids Health Insurance Act.  These Acts would allow adults to be covered under a revised Medicare program or continue obtaining health coverage through their employers.  Children would automatically be enrolled in a universal health insurance program based on Medicare and could be eligible through age 23.  However, parents can elect to enroll their children in a private plan.  While this may sound attractive, the proposal is very complex, especially regarding how contributions are determined.

Another proposal is the SHOP Act, which creates state and national purchasing pools.  The question is how do these pools avoid creating adverse selection which could ultimately destroy a health plan?

On the state level, Gov. Rendell is expected to reintroduce his ABC plan to cover Pennsylvanians. 

How will we properly fund any of these plans continues to be the major concern.

Should you have Legislative Update questions, please contact Steve Fisher at our office.