On May 19th, 2011 Wendy Bigford in the Haylor, Freyer & Coon Claims Department received this email from a pleased College Student parent !!
Dear Ms Bigford,
I am sending this to you because I don’t see any other contact person (via email) on the Harleysville website. I just wanted to say thank you for processing my son’s claim for his broken laptop so quickly!!! I’m not sure I’ve ever encountered such an easy, uncomplicated claim process! We are all stunned that the check arrived so soon after mailing the paperwork...Kevin can now find a replacement laptop and be ready for the Fall Semester without delay. I have been singing your company’s praises to anyone who will listen.
Thank you from a grateful Mom!!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Cuomo investigates student health insurance plans
Aetna, the health insurance included in Syracuse University’s student plan, was part of a health care investigation lead by New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo that found many college student health insurance plans provide inadequate and expensive coverage.
Read Complete Article in the Syracuse University "Daily Orange" , published April 14, 2010 by clicking the link below:
http://www.dailyorange.com/news/cuomo-investigates-student-health-insurance-plan-across-ny-state-1.1341138
Read Complete Article in the Syracuse University "Daily Orange" , published April 14, 2010 by clicking the link below:
http://www.dailyorange.com/news/cuomo-investigates-student-health-insurance-plan-across-ny-state-1.1341138
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
University Risk Management and Insurance Association
Tom Palmer, Vice President at Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc. and leader of the Collegiate Division is serving on the 2010 Annual Conference Committee for the University Risk Management and Insurance Association.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Broome Community College International Students
On January 12, 2010 Tom Palmer, Vice President of the College Student Insurance Department at Haylor, Freyer & Coon, will be giving a presentation titled "Health Care Issues" to the incoming International Students at Broome Community College. Peggy Smith of the BCC Student Health Services will be helping Tom with the presentation.
Monday, November 9, 2009
HF&C supports University at Buffalo International Celebration
The New York University at Buffalo is celebrating International Education Week (IEW) November 16 - 20, 2009. IEW is a joint initiative of the US Departments of State & Education to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to experience the U.S..
Events this year will focus on Afghanistan and Pakistan. The agenda will include a keynote presentation by Paula Newberg, director of Georgetown University's Institute for the Study of Diplomacy, various films depicting the Afghan & Pakistan culture, student story telling of their experiences in these countries and a number of other events.
The University at Buffalo is No. 12 among 2,700 accredited U.S. universities in international enrollment, according to an annual report released by the Institute of International Education. The university has exchange agreements with more than 70 institutions in over 30 countries.
IEW events at UB are made possible through support from organizations such as Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc.
Events this year will focus on Afghanistan and Pakistan. The agenda will include a keynote presentation by Paula Newberg, director of Georgetown University's Institute for the Study of Diplomacy, various films depicting the Afghan & Pakistan culture, student story telling of their experiences in these countries and a number of other events.
The University at Buffalo is No. 12 among 2,700 accredited U.S. universities in international enrollment, according to an annual report released by the Institute of International Education. The university has exchange agreements with more than 70 institutions in over 30 countries.
IEW events at UB are made possible through support from organizations such as Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You !!!
How does novel H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of novel H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
How severe is illness associated with novel H1N1 flu virus?
Illness with the new H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred.
In seasonal flu, certain people are at “high risk” of serious complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this novel H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at “high risk” of serious seasonal flu-related complications. This includes pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.
One thing that appears to be different from seasonal influenza is that adults older than 64 years do not yet appear to be at increased risk of novel H1N1-related complications thus far. CDC laboratory studies have shown that no children and very few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to novel H1N1 flu virus; however, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against novel H1N1 flu by any existing antibody.
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
People infected with seasonal and novel H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against novel H1N1 virus. However, a novel H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public in the fall. As always, a vaccine will be available to protect against seasonal influenza There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.
Spread of novel H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
How severe is illness associated with novel H1N1 flu virus?
Illness with the new H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred.
In seasonal flu, certain people are at “high risk” of serious complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this novel H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at “high risk” of serious seasonal flu-related complications. This includes pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.
One thing that appears to be different from seasonal influenza is that adults older than 64 years do not yet appear to be at increased risk of novel H1N1-related complications thus far. CDC laboratory studies have shown that no children and very few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to novel H1N1 flu virus; however, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against novel H1N1 flu by any existing antibody.
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
People infected with seasonal and novel H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against novel H1N1 virus. However, a novel H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public in the fall. As always, a vaccine will be available to protect against seasonal influenza There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.
Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners* are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
Other important actions that you can take are:
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
- Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs,* tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Health Insurance 101
What is the purpose of health insurance?
Health insurance protects you from the high cost of medical care by providing coverage for specific health care services. Although you generally pay a monthly premium and either co-payments or co-insurance, the cost for insurance is far less than medical care would be if paid fully out-of-pocket.
What are the major types of health insurance policies?
There are three umbrella types of health insurance - consumer-directed, fee for service (often known as "traditional" or "indemnity" plans) and managed care. These types of plans cover medical, surgical and hospital expenses and depending on the plan, may cover prescription drugs, dental and behavioral/mental health coverage.
Fee for service plans mean the doctor or other health care professional will be paid a fee for each health care service provided to the patient. Patients can see the doctor of their choice and the claim is filed by either the health care professional or the patient.
Managed care plans provide coverage for comprehensive health services to their members and offer financial incentives in the form of lower out-of-pocket costs to patients who use doctors participating in a network. More than half of all Americans have some kind of managed care plan - the three types include health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and point-of-service (POS) plans.
What is an HMO?
An HMO is a type of managed care health insurance plan that allows you to receive care through a network of participating doctors and hospitals. Generally, you select a primary care physician who coordinates your care and refers you to specialists when needed. Out-of-network care is generally not covered under an HMO plan, unless the member requires care that is not available in the existing network.
What is a PPO?
A PPO is a type of managed care health insurance plan that combines features of a fee-for-service plan and an HMO. In a PPO, members who seek care within the network of participating doctors and hospitals pay lower out-of-pocket costs. Members can also seek care from nonparticipating doctors and hospitals, but pay a higher portion of the cost of care.
What is a consumer-directed health insurance plan?
Also referred to as "consumer-driven," or "consumer choice," this type of health plan gives members more choice and flexibility in making health benefits decisions and more control over their health benefits dollars. These plans often include a health fund or account for covered medical expenses. Depending on the type of fund or account, unused dollars may be rolled over annually to cover medical expenses in subsequent years for the duration of the members' enrollment in the plan. There are several types of consumer-directed plans, including Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
What is a health insurance premium?
A premium is the fee you and/or your employer/school pay to your insurance company to purchase a health insurance plan. This can be paid on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis.
How does a health insurance deductible work?
A deductible is the amount that you must pay for covered services in a specified time period in accordance with your plan before the plan will pay benefits. A member of a high-deductible health plan, for example, might be required to pay for the first $1,000 of medical care prior to receiving coverage under the terms of his/her benefits plan.
What is a co-payment?A co-payment is the specified dollar amount or percentage required to be paid by you or on your behalf in connection with benefits. For example, most HMO plans have co-payments in place for certain services such as doctor's visits, prescription drugs, hospital stays, etc.
What are out-of-pocket costs?
Out-of-pocket costs include premiums, co-payments, deductibles, co-insurance or other fees that you are required to pay outside of your health benefits plan.
How do I pick a health insurance plan?
If you have a choice of plans through your employer/school or you are purchasing your own coverage, it's important to understand your choices and pick the plan that is right for you and your family. There are several questions to ask yourself when reviewing health insurance plan options:
How affordable is the cost of care?
How much are monthly premiums?
How much are the deductibles?
Are the co-payments or co-insurance flat fees or percentages of service fees?
What out-of-pocket expenses have to be paid before the plan begins reimbursement?
How does the reimbursement process work?
What is the cost of out-of-network care?
Does the plan cover the services that I may use? For example:
Doctors, hospitals, laboratories and other health care professionals in the network
Out-of-network care
Treatments for pre-existing medical conditions or chronic conditions
Prescription drugs
What is the quality of the health insurance plan? Research factors of the plan such as:
Ratings of the plan by independent government and non-government organizations
Accreditation from groups like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
Patient complaints
Member drop-out rates for the plan
Other patient experiences with the plan
Doctor experiences with the plan
What if my employer/school doesn't offer health insurance?
Employer or College subsidized group coverage is generally less expensive than anything you can get on your own. But, if your employer/school doesn't offer health insurance, or if you are unemployed, you should consider purchasing an individual health insurance policy.
Health insurance protects you from the high cost of medical care by providing coverage for specific health care services. Although you generally pay a monthly premium and either co-payments or co-insurance, the cost for insurance is far less than medical care would be if paid fully out-of-pocket.
What are the major types of health insurance policies?
There are three umbrella types of health insurance - consumer-directed, fee for service (often known as "traditional" or "indemnity" plans) and managed care. These types of plans cover medical, surgical and hospital expenses and depending on the plan, may cover prescription drugs, dental and behavioral/mental health coverage.
Fee for service plans mean the doctor or other health care professional will be paid a fee for each health care service provided to the patient. Patients can see the doctor of their choice and the claim is filed by either the health care professional or the patient.
Managed care plans provide coverage for comprehensive health services to their members and offer financial incentives in the form of lower out-of-pocket costs to patients who use doctors participating in a network. More than half of all Americans have some kind of managed care plan - the three types include health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and point-of-service (POS) plans.
What is an HMO?
An HMO is a type of managed care health insurance plan that allows you to receive care through a network of participating doctors and hospitals. Generally, you select a primary care physician who coordinates your care and refers you to specialists when needed. Out-of-network care is generally not covered under an HMO plan, unless the member requires care that is not available in the existing network.
What is a PPO?
A PPO is a type of managed care health insurance plan that combines features of a fee-for-service plan and an HMO. In a PPO, members who seek care within the network of participating doctors and hospitals pay lower out-of-pocket costs. Members can also seek care from nonparticipating doctors and hospitals, but pay a higher portion of the cost of care.
What is a consumer-directed health insurance plan?
Also referred to as "consumer-driven," or "consumer choice," this type of health plan gives members more choice and flexibility in making health benefits decisions and more control over their health benefits dollars. These plans often include a health fund or account for covered medical expenses. Depending on the type of fund or account, unused dollars may be rolled over annually to cover medical expenses in subsequent years for the duration of the members' enrollment in the plan. There are several types of consumer-directed plans, including Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
What is a health insurance premium?
A premium is the fee you and/or your employer/school pay to your insurance company to purchase a health insurance plan. This can be paid on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis.
How does a health insurance deductible work?
A deductible is the amount that you must pay for covered services in a specified time period in accordance with your plan before the plan will pay benefits. A member of a high-deductible health plan, for example, might be required to pay for the first $1,000 of medical care prior to receiving coverage under the terms of his/her benefits plan.
What is a co-payment?A co-payment is the specified dollar amount or percentage required to be paid by you or on your behalf in connection with benefits. For example, most HMO plans have co-payments in place for certain services such as doctor's visits, prescription drugs, hospital stays, etc.
What are out-of-pocket costs?
Out-of-pocket costs include premiums, co-payments, deductibles, co-insurance or other fees that you are required to pay outside of your health benefits plan.
How do I pick a health insurance plan?
If you have a choice of plans through your employer/school or you are purchasing your own coverage, it's important to understand your choices and pick the plan that is right for you and your family. There are several questions to ask yourself when reviewing health insurance plan options:
How affordable is the cost of care?
How much are monthly premiums?
How much are the deductibles?
Are the co-payments or co-insurance flat fees or percentages of service fees?
What out-of-pocket expenses have to be paid before the plan begins reimbursement?
How does the reimbursement process work?
What is the cost of out-of-network care?
Does the plan cover the services that I may use? For example:
Doctors, hospitals, laboratories and other health care professionals in the network
Out-of-network care
Treatments for pre-existing medical conditions or chronic conditions
Prescription drugs
What is the quality of the health insurance plan? Research factors of the plan such as:
Ratings of the plan by independent government and non-government organizations
Accreditation from groups like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
Patient complaints
Member drop-out rates for the plan
Other patient experiences with the plan
Doctor experiences with the plan
What if my employer/school doesn't offer health insurance?
Employer or College subsidized group coverage is generally less expensive than anything you can get on your own. But, if your employer/school doesn't offer health insurance, or if you are unemployed, you should consider purchasing an individual health insurance policy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
