Take Control of Your Health Care

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) will be fully implemented January 1st, 2014. One of the main objectives of the Affordable Care Act is to make shopping and comparing health care plans easier and more transparent. The problem is that this is not exactly the case. With all of the health care changes occurring now, and in the coming year, it is more important than ever to understand which health care is the best for you.

Obama claims “if you are happy with your health care, you can keep it”. The problem with this is that the health care you have now may be much more expensive once the ACA is in place in January. In order to find the health care plan that is the best for you and your loved ones, or your small business, you should seek out an advisor. 94% of small businesses say that they need an advisor to help with the coming changes of the Affordable Care Act.

The need for an advisor not only applies to small business owners but also to individuals. An advisor can help you find the health care plan that suits your needs and is at the lowest cost to you. Dave Toeben of Insight Insurance is now providing this advisory service for no charge. Below is a testimonial from one of his clients showing how much benefit this service can truly offer.

Testimonial:

"When my husband and I received our health insurance rate increase of $160 per month we were frustrated! Since we already have a very high deductible, our insurance carrier has not paid out a penny for the years we have been with them. We knew it was time to search other insurance providers for a better rate. Neither of us was looking forward to the internet search and all the time it takes to provide our personal info, wait for quotes and then try and decipher what really is the best way for us to go.

The mailing that Dave Toeben at Insight Insurance sent to us, to offer his services, was very timely. When we called him to see what he would provide, we realized he had the access, staff and knowledge to accomplish this for us. By providing some basic info to him, within a few days he had some quotes and we set up a time to discuss them. Our decision on a new carrier was made very easy. Dave saved us a lot of time by researching his network of providers and narrowing it down for us. He completed the application process and all the administrative pieces.

I have recommended Dave to others because we find using the people who are experienced in a particular field saves us time and money."

-Dan & Karen (Sauk Rapids, MN)

Health Care Questions?

1. Do I need to purchase health insurance from the Minnesota exchange?
2. Do I qualify for a government health insurance subsidy?
3. Should I purchase health insurance from: Blue Cross Blue Shield, U Care, Medica, Preferred One, Health Partners, Assurant, OR the Government?
4. I own a small business. Am I required to provide health insurance for my employees?
5. How do preexisting medical conditions affect me?
6. How will my age affect the cost of my health insurance?
7. I can’t afford a $5,000 deductible. What are my other options?
8. Which health insurance option is best for keeping the cost of my prescription medication low?
9. How does the new law affect people who are insured by the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association (MCHA), and am I covered under the high risk pool?
10. What is the penalty if I do not purchase health insurance?

Confusion reigns supreme... but it does not have to.

Dave Toeben, owner of Insight Insurance Services, can be your local resource for health insurance information.

Dave has operated Insight Insurance Services in St. Cloud for 15 years. He is professional, knowledgeable, highly ethical, and well respected within the insurance industry. Dave will act as your advisor, your guide through the health care maze of confusion. There is no cost for his valuable services! The insurance companies pay him. Dave will act as your advocate. He has no vested interest in which program you choose. His only job is to provide you professional advice as to what health insurance option is best for you. 

Even if you believe you already have a satisfactory insurance plan, you may want to think again. Premiums for people who currently have individual health insurance plans are increasing 20-40%. The new plans beginning in 2014 for Minnesota residents have premiums that are far more reasonable and inexpensive. The possibility of being able to have better coverage and benefits at a lower price is worth scheduling a FREE consultation with Dave.

Once again, there is no cost to you for his consultation services. Consults will take around ten minutes- that's all Dave needs to determine which option is best for you. This is a far better alternative to calling the exchange and being put on hold for an hour, and not knowing the professional on the other line. Information needed to get started are: the name and DOB for each person insured, along with the zip code and country for the household.

Schedule a meeting with Dave. His professional insights will successfully guide you through the maze of health care confusion.

Dave Toeben

dave@look2insight.com​

320.258.3122

You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile

“You’re never fully dressed without a smile.” The musical Annie sends a reminder that a toothy grin is a curve that sets the world straight. Your smile is an important part of you, all the more reason to protect it with a unique dental insurance plan. Read on for a few of the top reasons to make dental insurance a priority.

The Dreaded Root Canal

As much as we would hate to have a root canal, the thought of paying for it is just as bad. A standard root canal costs anywhere from $300 to $1,000 and a crown could cost up to $1,500! Talk about sticker shock for an unavoidable procedure. Having dental coverage could mean a less painful experience (maybe not for your mouth, but for your wallet especially!) Root canals, bridges, crowns and fillings are all treatments covered by Insight’s dental insurance plan.

Orthodontics

Take a look at any junior high sports photo, and you’ll notice braces on a great majority of the team members. It seems as if it is now more uncommon to see teenagers who haven’t had some sort of care. Tin grins are also becoming more common among middle aged adults. What was once an infrequent treatment for kids & adults is now popular for millions in the United States. Orthodontic care can alleviate many problems, including headaches, jaw issues and deliver a beautiful smile, but it comes with a price. Orthodontic care can cost upwards from $4,000, depending on the price of treatment without coverage. According to the National Association of Orthodontists, it has become more common to see orthodontic care covered by insurance companies. Insight can create a unique policy for you, tailored to your own needs.

Whiter Whites

Perhaps the most important reason of all is improved dental health! With an insurance plan that covers treatment, teeth and gums will stay as healthy as possible, due to routine checkups and ensured care. With confidence that the required procedures will be covered, the peace of mind that comes with a healthy mouth is unbeatable. With two cleanings, exams and bite wings per year, keeping up on your dental health can also help detect diabetes, heart and kidney disease, certain types of cancer and osteoporosis. Oral health reflects overall health, and 90% of systemic diseases have symptoms that can manifest in the mouth.

Dental insurance is requested by individuals all of the time. Individuals of any age can receive dental insurance benefits through Insight. Unique dental plans, developed to fit your individual needs, are available and affordable. Stop by our website or give Dave a call to learn how a dental insurance plan can boost your health and have you smiling from ear to ear!

How Green is Your Grass?

Approximately 50% of all American workers are dissatisfied with their job. A recent survey revealed that only 29% of employees gave their employer benefits program a positive rating. Modern technology and Social Media (especially LinkedIn) make it easier for employees to shop around for greener pastures.

Companies which experience a high degree of employee turnover typically suffer from low employee morale and reduced productivity. Remaining employees will ask themselves (and co-workers) : Why are people leaving the company? Is the grass greener on the other side?

Employee turnover is expensive. When an employee resigns, it typically costs 150%-250% of that employee’s annual pay and benefits to recruit and train the new employee. An average new hire is 75% effective during the first 20 weeks of employment but is paid 100% salary during this time.

In order to keep the grass green and the bottom line black, employers must be PROACTIVE. The employer must strive to create and maintain a positive workplace environment. Greener grass will help retain valuable employees, attract the best and the brightest new employees and lower overall expenses.

Insight Insurance Services presents: The "Grass is Greener" Benefit Program.

​This program includes two separate benefit plans:

1. Dental Plan (Second most requested employee benefit)

Dental plans as low as $10/mo. per employee

Insight Insurance Services will conduct a FREE dental insurance audit for all employers. The businesses we work with have realized an average annual savings of $197/mo. per employee. All it takes is a brief 18 minute meeting for us to conduct your FREE dental audit.

-Choose any dentist.
-2 year rate guarantee.
-No employer contribution necessary.
-We only require 2 employees to participate.
-Orthodontics coverage for adults & children
-High Annual Maximums $5,000 a year per person.
-Stellar Claims paying service.
-No waiting periods on benefits.
-Lifetime Deductibles

2​. Vision Plan (Third most requested employee benefit)

-Group Vision Insurance down to 2 employees.
-Extremely affordable premiums and can be offered at no cost to employer.
-Premiums as low as $5 per employee per month.
-Employees receive up to $130 for frames, single, bifocal, trifocal lenses covered in full if in network.
-Lots of vision providers.
-Contacts reimbursed up to $130.
-20-30% in network savings.
-High perceived low cost benefit for employees

If you would be interested in exploring these benefit packages for your company, please contact Dave Toeben at dave@look2insight.com or submit your information here.

The Future of Telehealth

How often have your trips to the doctor’s office consisted of spending more time in the waiting room than the actual appointment? How much easier would it be if you could call your doctor, explain your symptoms, and be treated right then and there? Over 70% of medical issues can now be taken care of over the phone, thanks to telehealth technology.

Telehealth gives patients more responsibility over their health and leads to the achievement of better and faster health outcomes, such as a more thorough understanding of medication and the technology monitoring their health. By managing conditions at home, patients reduce the need for primary care and hospital visits. Some healthcare providers even use text message to remind patients about the appointments they do need to come into the hospital for. Technology makes health care services more accessible, convenient, and efficient.

Telehealth allows the care to be uniquely focused on the patient because the physician conducting the virtual appointment must exercise keen listening skills. Careful communication is amplified, and listening is critical. Words are not lost in the hustle and bustle of a doctor’s many visits between patients. Additionally, with the Telehealth services provided as a component of the freshbenies program, all physicians are based in the United States. The ability to call 24 hours per day, seven days per week provides convenient treatment and saves money by avoiding expensive urgent care visits outside of the clinic’s operating hours. Doctors can even provide a prescription by phone. The flexibility of telehealth allows for treatment at any time of day, without missing a beat. While telehealth does not completely replace the care of a physician, it provides fast care for non-emergency issues such as cold and flu, bronchitis, pink eye, pediatric health, and sinus infections, just to name a few.

The convenience of telehealth technology makes it a viable option for anyone. In fact, the telehealth industry is experiencing explosive growth. In 2012, Frost and Sullivan reported that “Over the next five years, telehealth markets will transition from the best kept secret in healthcare, to being consistently demanded by professionals and patients alike.”

How can telehealth technology work for you? Visit http://bit.ly/12MzAkG to learn about the Freshbenies Program offered by Insight Insurance. With the ability to call the doctor for minor medical issues, the days of waiting for the doctor and reading old magazines in the waiting room are over!



Disclosures
This plan is NOT insurance.
This plan provides discounts at certain healthcare providers for medical services.
This plan does not make payments directly to the providers of medical services. Pharmacy discounts range from 10% to 85% on most medications. The plan member is obligated to pay for all healthcare services but will receive a discount from those healthcare providers who have contracted with the discount plan organization. The plan is not insurance coverage and does not meet the minimum creditable coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act or Massachusetts M.G.L. c. 111M and 956 CMR 5.00. This discount card program contains a 30 day cancellation period. The range of discounts for medical or ancillary services provided under the plan will vary depending on the type of provider and medical or ancillary service received. The discount medical card program makes available, before purchase and upon request, a list of program providers, including the name, city, state, and specialty of each program provider located in the cardholder’s service area. Member shall receive a full refund of membership fees, excluding registration fee, if membership is cancelled within the first 30 days after the effective date. AR and TN residents: A refund of all fees will be issued if membership is cancelled within the first 30 days. MD Residents: The membership fee and one-time registration fee (minus $5.00) will be refunded if cancelled within the first 30 days and upon return of the discount card. Discount Medical Plan Organization: New Benefits, Ltd., Attn: Compliance Department, PO Box 671309 Dallas, TX 75367-1309, 800-800-7616. Website to obtain participating providers: www.mymemberportal.com.  

Jump into a Life of Saving

We each have a wallet stuffed with cards. A credit card for the department store, one for discounts at the supermarket, the membership card to the pharmacy; they quickly fill the allotted spots. But did you know that there’s a card that packs a stronger punch? Your Freshbenies card can save you time, frustration and thousands of dollars on healthcare costs. But, because Freshbenies is not insurance, you can use the benefits as much as you need! Freshbenies allows you to call a doctor at any time, and offers dental, vision, and prescription discounts all in a single easy-to-use card. Freshbenies can be a huge help, regardless of your current insurance coverage. No matter the time, you can call a doctor to answer questions about your current medical status, and if needed, write a prescription for you, providing care and a much sought-after peace of mind.

According to the American Medical Association, 70% of medical conditions can be diagnosed and treated over the phone. With the Freshbenies program, you have access to a US based physician, 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and 365 days per year. By solving these minor medical conditions over the phone, you can save hundreds of dollars in doctor visits. As mentioned earlier, you can even receive a prescription if necessary. Health is not limited to illnesses, as we very well know! The Freshbenies program also gives dental and vision discounts on procedures such as LASIK, braces, teeth whitening, and exams.

For more information about Freshbenies, and to learn how much the program can benefit you individually, meet with Dave Toeben at Insight Insurance. After setting up a plan that will work best for you and your family, you will be able to jump right in to a life of savings! A family of four can save time, frustration, and thousands of dollars per year. A little extra cash to fuel into that summer road trip? Don’t mind if we do!

Disclosures
This plan is NOT insurance.
This plan provides discounts at certain healthcare providers for medical services.
This plan does not make payments directly to the providers of medical services. Pharmacy discounts range from 10% to 85% on most medications. The plan member is obligated to pay for all healthcare services but will receive a discount from those healthcare providers who have contracted with the discount plan organization. The plan is not insurance coverage and does not meet the minimum creditable coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act or Massachusetts M.G.L. c. 111M and 956 CMR 5.00. This discount card program contains a 30 day cancellation period. The range of discounts for medical or ancillary services provided under the plan will vary depending on the type of provider and medical or ancillary service received. The discount medical card program makes available, before purchase and upon request, a list of program providers, including the name, city, state, and specialty of each program provider located in the cardholder’s service area. Member shall receive a full refund of membership fees, excluding registration fee, if membership is cancelled within the first 30 days after the effective date. AR and TN residents: A refund of all fees will be issued if membership is cancelled within the first 30 days. MD Residents: The membership fee and one-time registration fee (minus $5.00) will be refunded if cancelled within the first 30 days and upon return of the discount card. Discount Medical Plan Organization: New Benefits, Ltd., Attn: Compliance Department, PO Box 671309 Dallas, TX 75367-1309, 800-800-7616. Website to obtain participating providers: www.mymemberportal.com. 

Get to Know the President of Insight Insurance Services, Dave Toeben!

Dave grew up on a farm in Freeport, Minnesota where he learned the importance of hard work. At the age of 15 Dave began his career as an entrepreneur by starting a sports card and collectible business. Dave never dreamed that he would grow up to be in the insurance business, but several years later that is exactly

where he found himself. It all started when he was approached by a few other insurance agents who asked him if he ever thought about selling insurance. To sell him on the idea, they said it was easy and had the potential to make a lot of money. Dave decided to try to break into the insurance business and learned it was not as simple as he was told. After working extremely hard, setting his own

appointments, and not making much money for a long time, Dave was able to go on his own in 2000. Being able to set his own hours, be his own boss, and grow a business that fit his own vision made all the struggles in the early years worth it. Presently, Dave has over 15 years of experience in the health insurance industry, specializing in employee benefits.

Dave works hard to provide the best services to his clients. To do so, he is always researching the latest trends in the benefits business. He has continuing education every year where he learns more about insurance and benefits. He also stays up to date on the industry by reading blogs, studying

the health care reform, attending company meetings, watching webinars, and working closely with vender partners. Lastly, Dave is a member of MN Association of Health underwriters.

Being up to date on the current trends in the industry allows Dave to offer services his clients need and want. For example, due to the current high expenses of healthcare, Dave helps clients keep their costs down by offering an alternative to typical health care plans. This alternative is for employers to use bundled services that employees can use from day one, and they provide great benefits but don’t break the bank. These bundled services are discount cards such as Freshbenies. Learn more about this program here.

Clients using this program never have to pay retail again!

Today, Dave’s company values their clients and offers exceptional personalized service, convenience, and peace of mind by providing access to customized benefit solutions. He offers quality service and support, educational resources, and cutting-edge technology to be a Human Resources partner for his clients.