Join hosts Caroline and Zack this week for an essential episode on preparing for open enrollment season. They dive deep into what employees should be considering, from understanding different coverage options to assessing personal health needs and financial goals. The hosts discuss the importance of having open conversations with family and HR, emphasizing how to ask the right questions and gather the information necessary for informed decision-making.

They also provide practical tips on how to enroll in the coverage you choose, including deadlines to watch for and resources that can simplify the process. Whether you're a first-time enroller or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate open enrollment with confidence and clarity. Don’t miss it!

In this week's episode Caroline and Zack sit down with James Slotnick Vice President Government Relations and Sustainability at Sun Life U.S. and discuss how this year's upcoming election will impact employee benefits.

They dive into topics that have impacted the industry in 2024 and, long term disability and mental health parity, and the inflation reduction act. Slotnick will provide his expertise on these topics and dive us into the political side of the topics.

Tune in this week for an episode you don't want to miss!

In this week's episode, your hosts Caroline and Zach will review the basics of a Flexible Spending Account. They will explain the nuances of an FSA and the differences between an FSA and HSA. You will the learn how an FSA will help you save money on eligible medical, dental, vision expenses and the use-it-or-lose-it rule with an FSA. Tune in this week to learn more!

Join our hosts this week to understand health savings accounts. Caroline and Zack will share valuable information about how an HSA helps pay medical expenses like dental and vision costs, how it is a tax advantage to max out your HSA and how you don't have to use all the funds in the year - your savings can grow year over year. Tune in to this week's episode to learn more!

In this week’s episode, hosts Zack and Caroline delve into the intricacies of navigating long-term disability. They provide a comprehensive exploration of this important topic, including understanding long-term disability, the impact on paychecks, workers comp vs. long-term disability, and navigating disability claims. Don’t miss this discussion which offers valuable information for anyone facing or managing long-term disability. Check it out for essential advice!

In this episode, Zack and Caroline talk about short-term disability. They dive into why short-term disability is taken and how it will affect long-term disability. Short disability is paycheck protection. They go over elimination periods in short term disability, benefit policies for your company, and short-term disability claims. You don’t want to miss this short and sweet episode this week!

In this episode Zack and Caroline speak with TLC's Botched Bariatrics Surgeons Dr. Yasir Khan and Dr. Neil Kundu exploring the transformative journey of bariatric and plastic surgeries, and health insurance coverage involved.

We dive into the core aspects of bariatric surgery, examining its pivotal role in weight loss and the subsequent impact on health and well-being. We discuss how these surgeries can effectively reduce chronic health issues such as diabetes and hypertension, leading to long-term improvements in quality of life. Additionally, we explore the various insurance incentives and support programs available to individuals considering these life-changing procedures.

Dr. Khan and Dr. Neil discuss their experience on the TLC show Botched Bariatrics highlighting what they learned, and the newness of their work being highlighted on mainstream media.

We differentiate between reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries, discussing the variation of insurance coverage for each and sharing inspiring real-life stories of individuals who have undergone these transformations. Looking forward, we investigate the latest advancements in bariatric and plastic surgery techniques. We also examine future trends in insurance coverage, offering detailed guidance on understanding policies.

Tune in for an episode you won't want to miss!

Zack and Caroline are joined by Heather Bellau from the HUB Medicare Team for the last part to our 3-part Medicare series. Together, they dive into essential topics for Medicare beneficiaries to enhance their understanding of coverage and navigate the system effectively:

• Understanding Coverage
  • Key aspects beneficiaries should grasp about their Medicare coverage and benefits.

• Staying Informed
  • Insights on how often Medicare plans and options change, and tips for staying updated.

• Prescription Drug Coverage
  • An overview of how Medicare handles prescription drugs, including the details of Part D plans.

• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
  • Clarifying the use of HSAs for those enrolled in Medicare.

• Common Pitfalls
  • Highlighting frequent mistakes new Medicare beneficiaries should avoid to ensure smooth navigation.

• Addressing Issues
  • Guidance on how beneficiaries can resolve disputes or issues with their Medicare coverage.

• Helpful Resources:
  • A rundown of valuable resources available for individuals to make informed decisions about their Medicare options.

• Future Changes:
  • A look ahead at anticipated changes to Medicare that beneficiaries should be aware of.

Listen to the episode to learn more and understand how to navigate Medicare better.

As you approach your 65th birthday, enrolling in Medicare can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the enrollment process and your options based on your current health coverage.

• What steps need to be taken to enroll in Medicare as you approach your 65th birthday?
  • If you have health coverage through an employer with 20 or more employees, what your options are and how they affect your Medicare choices.
  • If you do not have coverage, or have individual coverage or coverage through a small employer.

• Is Enrollment Automatic?
  • Clarifying when enrollment in Medicare is automatic and the conditions under which it occurs, specifically when you are drawing Social Security benefits.
• Enrollment Periods:
  • Understanding the critical enrollment periods for Medicare and why they matter:
    • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
    • Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
    • General Enrollment Period (GEP)

• What If You Miss Your Initial Enrollment Period?
  • Consequences of missing the IEP and what to do next based on your coverage situation.
• Employer Plan Considerations:
  • If covered by an employer plan, why you may want to delay enrollment during the IEP and utilize the SEP instead.
  • If not covered by an employer plan, the need to wait for the GEP.

• How Medicare Works with Other Insurance:
  • Insight into how Medicare coordinates with employer-provided health insurance and what you need to know.
• Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans:
  • What Medicare Advantage Plans are, how they differ from traditional Medicare, and their coverage options.
  • Nate reviews the advantages and disadvantages of these plans, including considerations such as premiums, coverage, networks, and additional benefits.

Join us as we break down the complexities of Medicare enrollment, ensuring you're well-informed and ready to make the best decisions for your health coverage as you transition into this new phase of life.

In this episode, Miranda from the HUB Medicare Team provides a comprehensive overview of Medicare, helping employees understand its complexities and benefits. She covers:

• What is Medicare?
  • An introduction to Medicare, the federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger people with disabilities.
• Who is Eligible?
  • Eligibility criteria for Medicare, including age, disability status, and specific health conditions.
  • Details on how to qualify and enroll in Medicare.
• Medicare Parts Explained:
  • Part A (Hospital Insurance):
    • Coverage details for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services.
  • Part B (Medical Insurance):
    • Information on coverage for outpatient care, doctor services, preventive services, and some home health care.
  • Part C (Medicare Advantage):
    • Explanation of Medicare Advantage Plans, an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private companies that contract with Medicare to provide Part A and Part B benefits, often including additional benefits like vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage.
  • Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage):
    • Overview of Part D, which helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Explanation of how it works, the different plan options, and what to consider when choosing a Part D plan.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips to navigate Medicare confidently, whether for yourself or to assist others in understanding this essential health insurance program.

In this episode, we explore the critical importance of heart health with Dale Davidson, HUB Employee Benefits Project Manager, who recently underwent life-saving open heart surgery. Despite years of good annual physicals, Dale's proactive decision to get a heart scan revealed severe blockages in his LAD artery, leading to an urgent surgery. Dale shares his journey from an unexpected diagnosis to recovery, emphasizing the value of early detection and comprehensive heart health awareness. Tune in to learn why regular check-ups, advanced screenings, and being your own health advocate are essential for saving lives.