Long-Term Care Professional - LTCP

News Release - Long-Term Care Insurance

 Monday, April 20, 2009 by AHIP

Scottsdale, Arizona Insurance Agent Earns "Long-Term Care Professional" Certification

Scottsdale, Arizona - Ernie Bobel, Jr., an insurance agent in Scottsdale has earned his certification as a Long-Term Care Professional (LTCP) co-sponsored by America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).

Bobel earned the LTCP designation upon his recent completion of four rigorous courses which comprise the Long-Term Care Professional program. He studied course materials, then passed proctored examinations on his knowledge about:

• The meaning of long-term care and how it differs from acute care;
• The methods of financing long-term care needs including private savings, government relief, and insurance products.
• The design, pricing, and regulation of long-term care insurance policies; and
• The administration of long-term care insurance, including the impact of government regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPAA).

The LTCP designation represents the culmination of efforts by a leading non-profit insurance industry organization to create a comprehensive course of study focused on long-term care - an increasing need of an aging population. AHIP is the voice of America's health insurers, representing its' members in both the nation's capital and in the states. The AHIP Insurance Education Program has offered educational opportunities for over forty years to those working within the health insurance industry and related fields.

The LTCP program aims to prepare students to evaluate long-term needs and offer appropriate solutions to meet those needs. The program educates students about both insurance and non-insurance solutions. Students examine a broad range of product designs and options to better prepare them to understand insurance solutions. Furthermore, LTCP graduates gain insight into both the underwriting and claims processes adding to their ability to serve as client resources. LTCP graduates must commit to a high level of professionalism.

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Ernie Bobel, Jr., LTCP, MSAA 2012 Long-Term Care Sales Achievement

Top Professional - Individual LTCi Premium

 by American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance

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Ernie Bobel, Jr., LTCP, MSAA Receives National Award

Honored As One of State's Leading Long-Term Care Insurance Professionals - May, 2010 by AALTCI

Ernie Bobel, Jr., Principal Advisor and Educator of EHB Insurance Group, is a recipient of the 2009 Long-Term Care Sales Achievement Award.  The Scottsdale professional was recognized by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, the national trade organization.

"There are 40,000 insurance and financial professionals who market long-term care protection to individuals and employer groups," says Jesse Slome, the Association's executive director. "Being one of the state's leading professionals is a most meaningful distinction." "This annual award recognizes those leading professionals working to meet the long-term planning needs of consumers nationwide." The award was presented to Bobel in recognition of sales of life insurance and/or annuity policies that pay long-term care benefits to individual consumers.

For additional information on long-term care insurance, contact Ernie at 602.617.4770/877.441.4714 toll-free or via E-mail: ebobel@ehbinsurancegroup.com.

The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (www.aaltci.org) is the national industry trade organization providing education for consumers and professionals on long-term care.

Sedona Red Rock News 

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 Page 13A

Bobel helps others navigate Medicare 

Advisor brings the ins and outs to Northern Arizona

By Lu Stitt of Larson Newspapers

Trying to put a Medicare Part together is similar to assembling a child's toy and figuring out which bolt goes into which hole with which nut or where tab A fits into slot B.

"Most people don't know which direction to go for their own personal needs or how to protect themselves when it comes to signing up for Medicare," certified Medicare advisor and educator Ernie Bobel Jr. said at a free Sedona Public Library presentation and workshop on "The ABC's of Medicare" on Thursday, Dec 3.

Bobel is an independent agent based in Scottsdale. He does not work for Medicare but has worked with soon-to-be-retired people for many years. He has traveled to give the presentations for about four years and recently brought them to Northern Arizona. He will qualify for Medicare in April, he said.

When a person is about to celebrate their 65th birthday, they need to think about Medicare. They can begin the process three months before their birthday.  With Medicare there is Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D. Within C and D there are several choices like a Medicare Advantage Plan under Part C or a Medigap policy, Part D.

The Medicare program began in 1965. It is referred to as original, or Part A. Part B became available in 1972. Then in 2003 Medicare expanded to include Medicare Advantage plans, Part C. The prescription drug plan was instituted in 2006. Over the years, it expanded to cover more than retirement, such as chronic illnesses or disability.

Part A is primarily hospitalization coverage and is paid for by the U.S. federal government.

"Part A is a gift you earned by paying taxes, but it comes with strings. There is a deductible and how much depends on how long a person stays under hospital care," Bobel said.

Part A covers hospitals, skilled nursing, hospice and limited home care. Yet, if a person is under care for a long time, more than 150 days, the insured pays the entire cost from that point, Bobel said.

Part B is voluntary with a monthly premium, currently $96.40 a month that comes out of a person's Social Security check. However, the premium is going up in January for new people signing up for Part B.  Part B requires a $155 annual deductible and co-payments after the deductible.  It covers doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive services, lab tests and some diagnostic screening.

To help understand what is and isn't covered, Bobel said there is a book, "Medicare and You 2010," that lists what screenings are covered.

"Some people walk in the door and think they're done. Not necessarily," Bobel said.

Medicare generally pays 80 percent and the insured pays 20 percent of what Medicare agrees to pay, Bobel said.

"Not all doctors agree to take what Medicare pays.  Some will, others won't and the insured may have to pay the difference," he said.

According to Bobel's explanation, Part C, the advantage plans, basically incorporates Parts A and B.

"If you do not want to stay on A and B and want to go to a Part C, it is through a private insurance company.  No supplemental insurance is needed and most plans include prescription drugs," he said.

Medicare pays the insurance company approximately $700 a month to cover the insured.  It is a contract with the U.S. government good for one year.

In Yavapai County there are four or five companies with 20 to 25 different plans under Part C. Some have no premium to pay, but some do charge.  They set their own terms, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, so it is important to find out exactly how they work.  It is not based on the 80/20 rule, Bobel said.

Another consideration with Part C is the insurance companies work through Health Maintenance Organizations or Preferred Provider Organizations on a person's choice of doctor.  Many also offer a Medical Savings Account Plan, which means if a person only goes to the doctor once or twice a year and is healthy he or she can opt to have the &700 put in the account for future medical costs.

Part D is a stand-alone prescription drug plan and the cost depends on tier levels or it could be incorporated in other plans, and they always have  deductible, according to Bobel.

Finally there are gap plans, or supplemental plans.  They are private insurance that comes in to fill the gap for what Medicare does not cover. Yet there is a catch. A person could get caught in the "doughnut hole" a place between initial coverage and a 95/5 coverage.  In the hole, a person pays all of the expenses.

Twelve standard plans are available and all are identical among the companies. The only difference is the premium, Bobel said.

Another consideration, if a person travels abroad: Under Parts A and B if a person is in France or Mexico they are not covered --even for an emergency. With a supplemental plan all emergencies are covered regardless of the location, he said.

A person's choices of coverage are set in stone for only one year. Each year in November and December a person can make changes. Then those changes, if any are made, are in effect beginning Jan. 1.

Even with Bobel's explanation, he said the whole process can be confusing especially with all of the choices and the conditions within those choices.

"It's best to sit down with someone who understands the parts and is certified in the Medicare area to go over the parts and decide which is best for your individual needs. Everyone has different needs and needs a part suited to their specific case," he said.

For more information, contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21244-1850. To have a copy of "Medicare and You 2010" mailed to your address, call (800) 633-4227.

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Lu Stitt can be reached at 928-282-7795, ext 122, or email lu@larsonnewspapers.com

Confirmation of MSAA Designation

Monday, April 13, 2009  By Ron Iverson of NAMSA

Mr. Ernie Bobel, Jr. LTCP, MSAA of Scottsdale, AZ completed the requirements of the national Medicare Supplement Accredited Advisor designation. As such, he was awarded the professional designationof "MSAA" and accorded 2009 membership in the National Association of Medicare Supplement Advisors.

The MSAA designation is achieved by completing, and passing, two concentrated courses on Medicare and Medicare Supplemental educational information. High ethical standards regarding consumer information in these two important areas, is the objective of the designation and national association.

As a professional Medicare Supplement Accredited Advisor, Ernie has demonstrated a willingness to achieve educational goals beyond normal insurance industry standards.

This proficiency is necessary at a time when the Medicare Program is, itself, undergoing great change. Consumers, more than ever, are going to require proper explanation and updates regarding existing and continuing changes in Medicare and Medicare Supplemental insurance. The MSAA designation illustrates the ability to achieve these goals for today's retirees.

Included in the designation curriculum are a proficiency and understandng of Medicare "DRG's" and how they affect the consumer. Medicare appeals processes, an understanding of Medicare's $1,000 reward process, an explanation of consumer confusion regarding "Skilled Care" and its relationship to Long Term Care, and an understanding of the Home Health Care benefits of Medicare.

Changes in Medicare and Medicare Supplement offerings which started in 2006, and the addition of Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug) benefits, require a great deal of understanding for Medicare recipients. Meeting this need is the goal of the MSAA professional and the national NAMSA association.