Eligible consumers now have from March 15 through April 30 to enroll in Individual Health coverage!

CMS Announces Special Enrollment Period for Tax Season

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced Friday that a special enrollment period (SEP) for individuals and families who did not have health coverage in 2014 and are subject to the fee or “shared responsibility payment” when they file their 2014 TAXES in states which use the Federally-facilitated Marketplaces (FFM). Residents of OR/WA - this is you!  

This special enrollment period will allow those individuals and families who were unaware or didn’t understand the implications of this new requirement to enroll in 2015 health insurance coverage through the FFM.

If consumers do not purchase coverage for 2015 during this special enrollment period, they may have to pay a fee when they file their 2015 income taxes.

The special enrollment period will begin on March 15, 2015 and end at 11:59 pm E.S.T. on April 30, 2015. If a consumer enrolls in coverage on or before the 15th of the month, coverage will be effective on the first day of the following month.  

Contact Modern Insurance (MIM) to get a free quote here...
http://www.moderninsurance.com/root/system/quote-request-forms/default/?product=health-insurance

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Is it a Cold or the Flu?

The common cold and the flu are sometimes mistaken for each other, but it's important to understand the difference.  Get the facts to recognize the flu and protect yourself and your family this season. 

What is the common cold?
The common cold and the flu are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. The common cold generally does not result in serious health problems, and most people feel better within a few days.

What is the flu?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs.  It can cause mild to severe illness and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and bronchitis, which may require hospitalization.

Flu Symptoms Checklist
The flu may include some or all of these symptoms:

• Symptoms may have come on suddenly
• Muscle and body aches
• Fatigue
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache
• Fever
• Chills
• Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

Colds and flu share many symptoms, so it can be difficult to tell the difference based on symptoms alone.  Your doctor can test for flu and prescribe antiviral medication if appropriate.  And remember - the best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine every year!