We at Yoder Insurance Solutions have been closely following and staying updated on COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Through this difficult Pandemic, we want to make sure that we can serve not only our clients but all people to the best of our ability. At this time, we wanted to bring attention to several areas that are critical for people to remember in these trying times.
What will Yoder Insurance be doing during this period? Our first priority is you, our customer. As a company, we are practicing social distancing to keep our agents safe and healthy, while keeping our clients safe and healthy as well. Even though Insurance is a necessity, all of our agent meetings have been canceled as we are doing as much as we can to stay healthy. We are committed to doing everything possible on the phone and through the internet with our clients. There may be times when a signature is needed, and we are happy to come to you under your approval.
We treat you like family because we are family.
Precautions to Take
It is easy to forget some little details that could keep us healthy and safe.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid large crowds when possible.
Clean your hands often.
Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds (especially after being in public, blowing your nose, coughing, and sneezing).
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your face, nose, and eyes.
When in public, avoid contact with high-touch surface areas when possible. Handrails, door handles, and elevator buttons are all places were many other hands and germs have been. Try using a tissue or sleeve to cover your hand or finger when needed.
Get into a routine of wiping down and removing germs on high-touch surface areas in your own home like remotes, door handles, light switches, toilets, faucets, even keys, and cell phones.
None of these tips are mind-blowing, but they should hopefully serve as reminders to take certain precautions during this unknown period. If you have to touch something in public or shake someone’s hand, it isn’t the end of the world. Just make sure to not touch your face before you wash your hands.
Medicare Coverage
We wanted to briefly touch on what is covered on Medicare during this Pandemic as we have a lot of clients on Medicare and ultimately, the elderly are the more vulnerable people with this coronavirus. You may have seen letters from your specific carrier whether that be Anthem, United Healthcare, Care Source, etc. stating that they will waive the cost of a COVID-19 diagnostic cost. This was mandated to all Medicare carriers.
ANYONE ON MEDICARE gets free lab tests for COVID-19 with no out-of-pocket costs.
If the tests come back positive, Medicare also covers all medically necessary hospitalizations.
Although there isn’t currently a vaccine, if one becomes available, it will be covered by all Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D).
Medicare Advantage Plans have access to a lot of these same benefits.
The government wanted to make sure to make these as easy and inexpensive as possible for the people who could be affected by this the most. To make sure you are covered, we would love to talk over the phone and further assist you.
Telehealth and Phone Services
For some people, hearing that you get a free lab-test/ diagnosis is great news. What could be better? One of the precautions listed previously was to avoid crowds and even avoid going into the public when necessary. One way to do this is to take advantage of connecting with doctors by phone, video, or even an online patient portal and they can tell you if it is necessary for you to come in for an appointment after assessing you.
Most Medicare plans cover “virtual check-ins” through various different companies depending upon your carrier. If you aren’t sure who your specific Telehealth company is, give us a call and we can help you contact the right company.
A lot of regular health policies as well have Telehealth services that are free or for a small copay. Check with your specific plan provider to see your coverage and costs.
If you don’t believe you have a Telehealth provider and want to have a free screening, Parkview has given a number for people to call with symptoms or general concerns regarding COVID-19. That number is 1-877-PPG-TODAY or 1-877-774-8632.
For additional information about COVID-19, visit the centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Screenings and talking to a doctor through “virtual check-ins” offers an easy way to remain at home and avoid exposures to others during this “stay at home” period.
Yoder Services
Most people don’t love talking about insurance but there is no better time than now being stuck inside your homes. Whether you want to review your current coverage or you want to extend or get additional coverage, we can help!
If you or someone you know is turning 65, this would be a great time to get set up on a plan that works best for them. They have a total of seven months around their birthday (three months before, the month of, and three months after) to get signed up for Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage. Plus, with many companies, there are ways to sign your application over the phone or over email in order to minimize any face-to-face contact during this social distancing period. If you would still like to meet in person, we are able to do that as well.
During this period of confusion, some may question their current coverage or lack of coverage regarding Long Term Care (LTC). Although this is a big step and we would love to sit down with you to go over this, we can start the planning process now and really find out what type of plan would work best for you. Without having to meet we are still able to get some quotes so you can get a general idea of certain plans.
Maybe you are a little younger and would like to get Life Insurance or you want to review how much coverage you have and possible extension to get more coverage because of a certain life event. We would love to talk to see exactly what you want and how we can be of service through that.
We can help you sign up for all of your life and health needs and would love to walk you through that process with as much ease as possible.
Bottom Line
In closing, we want to emphasize that Yoder Insurance is here today because of you and for you. It is truly our privilege that we get to serve you and the people in our community. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us and let us know how we can better serve you. We are in this together, and we can get through this crazy and unpredictable time together! There is peace in knowing that a loving, all-knowing, omnipotent God is in control.
“Fear not for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you:
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
-Isaiah 41:10
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