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Greetings!


Are Your Medical Records Being Sold?: As reported by The Washing Post, your medical records are a big market and may be sold. How is this happening? Often when "signing in" at a doctor's visit, a person signs forms agreeing to certain things. Within the "small writing" of those forms, you may be agreeing to share you information with 3rd parties. Another way is "patient portal ap" maybe sharing your information with facebook or other parties that sell consumer date. Read articles Here and Here

Federal Trade Commission To Investigate 6 Largest Pharmacy Benefit Managers: The Federal Trade Commission announced today that it will launch an inquiry into the prescription drug middleman industry, requiring the six largest pharmacy benefit managers to provide information and records regarding their business practices. The agency’s inquiry will scrutinize the impact of vertically integrated pharmacy benefit managers on the access and affordability of prescription drugs. As part of this inquiry, the FTC will send compulsory orders to CVS Caremark; Express Scripts, Inc.; OptumRx, Inc.; Humana Inc.; Prime Therapeutics LLC; and MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc. Read Here

Travel COVID-19 Tests Eliminated: Say goodbye to those pre-flight Covid tests before boarding an airplane into the US. As of Sunday, June 12, the government has suspended that requirement. Since January 2021, travelers flying into the country have had to show proof of a negative Covid test taken within 24 hours of their fights. Proof of vaccination against Covid-19 will still be required of non-US nationals. Click Here for travel insurance that covers COVID-19.


Medica COVID-19 Vaccine Website and Information

In the light of the Supreme Court decision on Roe vrs. Wade, Medica has updated it's stance on abortion coverage on individual Affordable Care Act plans. Please note these decisions will be made on a state basis. Read Medica's Statement.
National General has typically been offering the lowest priced 3 year plans for those age 55 and younger. Contact us if you are interested in quotes.

COVID-19 Updates from National General.
Pivot Health is now offering 3 year plans in Iowa.
Wellmark will be sending formulary changes notices effective July 1st, 2022. Formularies dictate how and what prescriptions are covered. This change will mostly affect the specialty drugs that have extremely high prices. Please keep an eye out for this.

Wellmark Blue Cross has requested the following rate increases for the 2023 plan year from the Iowa Insurance Division:

  • Wellmark BCBS of Iowa PPO Pre-Affordable Care Act Plans: 4.5%
  • Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa HMO Premier Affordable Care Act Plans: 7.8%

TRENDS IMPACTING PREMIUM INCREASES
Similar to prior years, this population continues to require more health care services to treat high-cost and complex conditions. While several factors add to the rate increase, the following are key drivers:
  • A 7.2 percent increase in cost and use of medical services and prescriptions.
  • A 9 percent increase in high-cost claimants — the number of members who have greater than $100,000 in claims increased.
  • A 15 percent increase in retail pharmacy costs.
UHC has is currently offering both 2 and 3 year plans. While they are similar in price, the 2 year plan has substantially easier underwriting. If you would like to see these options, please let us know.

Don't forget the valuable discounts with your FACT Membership through the United Health Care plans.
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Have you set up your Oscar account?

If you are new to Oscar, set up your online account.

Don't forgot, with Oscar you have $0 Fee Virtual Urgent Care Visits. Click Here to Learn More.
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3600 1st ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.(800) 383-6590

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