Past Issues
-October 2006Contact us:
Ed Bates
952.944.5044
Mary Bates
952.942.8355
Jereme Bates
952.944.2919
Did you know?
As of April 18 th, our new address will be:
Edward D. Bates & Associates
One Corporate Plaza
7400 Metro Blvd. #325
Edina, MN 55439
*Phone and fax numbers will remain the same
Quarterly Quote
The Constitution Only Gives People the Right to Pursue Happiness. You have to Catch it Yourself.
-Ben Franklin
Written by Mary Bates
I had a reality check recently with my own medical spending. Here I am, the professional, offering advice to employers about plan designs to promote better consumer decision making through higher deductible plans (HSA’s & HRA’s), and I was irresponsible in a recent trip to the doctor. I did exactly what the insurance companies are addressing these days. I frivolously paid no attention to what the medical services actually cost.
I had been periodically experiencing a pain or cramping in my left foot for the last couple years, and so I decided that as long as I had to drive my mother to her podiatrist for an appointment, this would be a good time for me to check this out. The doctor examined my foot, asked me to describe the pain and where and when it occurred, then concluded it could be neuralgia. On the other hand, it could also be from the lack of proper food support or even as a consequence of a back issue. We talked about arch supports and she also asked whether I had back pain. She then offered that a cortisone shot in the nerve between the 3 rd & 4 th toes could be helpful if it was indeed neuralgia. I focused more on that shot in my foot than cost. After all, I had paid my $25 co-pay to see her, and how expensive can a shot be? When I got my EOB (explanation of benefits) in the mail, I was shocked to see that visit cost $375! She did spray some Novocain on the spot before giving me the cortisone, which I guess is the anesthesia, which was included on the bill. My HMO was able to discount roughly $90, but oh my gosh! If I had a HAS or HRA plan, I bet I would have asked what the costs would be for this questionable procedure (that never helped anyway). I’m sure I would have done some calculating and thinking about whether I wanted to gamble with a procedure to rule out one of several probable causes. The arch supports are only $12.95. Why no start with the simplest and cheapest first and determine results from there? If it were coming out of my medical savings account (HAS), of course I would have exercised more discretion. This experience is something for all employers to think about...
Written by Ed Bates
As I shared briefly with you in our January edition, our firm is growing and we are experiencing a few changes. First, we are excited to announce that we have been able to add several new commercial insurance companies to our existing roster of companies. We feel confident that if you are in need of commercial insurance we can be competitive. In addition we have added two new personal lines (homeowners, personal auto, etc) markets. If you have a good driving record, one of these two new personal lines markets will likely save you money regardless of where you are at this time. These additions should allow us to be extremely competitive for you our customers. If you are in need of a commercial insurance quote, you can either call Jereme or me at your convenience and we can tell you what we need to provide you a quote, or select “Commercial Insurance” under Products & Services at our Web site. Then complete the preliminary application and forward it to us. With reference to the personal lines, we will be developing an entire application process sometime this summer on our Web site, but until that time, just give us a call and we will make the process easy for you.
The other bit of news is that we are expanding our offices. Beginning Monday, April 18 th, our new address will be:
Edward D. Bates & Associates
One Corporate Plaza
7400 Metro Blvd. #325
Edina, Minnesota 55439
It looks like at the printing of this edition, that our phone and fax numbers will remain the same. If that changes, we will contact you all through a separate announcement.
“An Apple a Day and a Half Hour a Day”
Written by Jereme Bates
In an effort to assist our clients in living a healthier lifestyle, ultimately decreasing health insurance premiums, I will sometimes share information promoted by the various insurance companies we represent…
“An apple a day is a good start. But more is better. The latest recommendation suggests that eating five to nine servings of fruit and vegetables a day can help prevent heart disease, stroke and some cancers. And fruits and vegetables can help manage your weight, too.”
“Five to nine servings may sound like a lot, but you may be surprised at the size of one serving. For many fruits, it’s one-half cup. A large salad is often two to four servings. Twelve ounces of juice counts for two.”
Making the right decisions can sometimes be overwhelming, but awareness is the first step on the long road to success.
When it comes to exercise, “The recommendations for exercise – 30 minutes a day most days of the week.” But keep in mind, that “any exercise is helpful. In fact, sedentary people who begin limited, regular exercise experience significant health benefits.”
Just some food for thought…no pun intended.