August is Adult Immunizations Month

Adults require immunizations too! Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has put together this chart for which shots may be needed.

It is important to follow this chart because the CDC says:

• Some adults were never vaccinated as children
• Newer vaccines were not available when some adults were children
• Immunity can begin to fade over time
• As we age, we become more susceptible to serious disease caused by common infections (e.g., flu, pneumococcus)

As proof that adult immunizations are important, the CDC released a report on June 22, 2011 regarding the high number of measles cases in the United States. From January 1, 2011 through June 17, 2011 there were 139 confirmed cases of United States residents reported to the CDC. Of these 139 cases, 86 (62%) of them were unvaccinated, 30 (22%) had undocumented vaccination status, 11 (8%) had received 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, 11 (8%) had received 2 doses, and 1 (1% had received 3 (documented) doses.

The CDC also adds: Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 due to our high 2-dose measles vaccine coverage, but it is still endemic or large outbreaks are occurring in countries in Europe (including France, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Switzerland), Africa, and Asia (including India). The increase in measles cases and outbreaks in the United States this year underscores the ongoing risk of importations, the need for high measles vaccine coverage, and the importance of prompt and appropriate public health response to measles cases and outbreaks.

Measles is a highly contagious, acute viral illness that is transmitted by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing. After an infected person leaves a location, the virus remains contagious for up to 2 hours on surfaces and in the air. Measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. Clearly, Adult Immunizations are critical to nationwide health. If you have any questions or concerns regarding Adult Immunizations, please contact Blue Star Benefits at 913-647-1000.

New Updates from Blue KC

BlueChoice® Adds New Option for Small Employers

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) is pleased to announce a new $3,500 deductible Preferred-Care Blue PPO plan to the BlueChoice® package lineup.

Created for employers looking for higher deductible options with benefits to meet their employees’ needs, the new plan features the following in-network benefits:

• Deductible: $3,500/$10,500 (individual/family)

• Coinsurance: 100%

• Office Visit: $40

• Prescription Drug: $12/50/70

BlueChoice updates have been loaded to the BlueQ quoting system and are now available for new 2-99 group business effective August 1, 2011, and renewing business effective October 1, 2011.

Contact Alisa Heller for more information about Blue KC.

Insurance Jobs with New EGA Premier Health Carrier

Are you looking for Insurance Jobs in Kansas City? Blue Star Benefits’ amazing compensation package is getting even better.

The Enterprise General Agency (EGA) is pleased to announce a new addition to our Premier Partners. Effective, June 1 2011, new medical cases written with Blue Star Benefits (BSB) will be paid at a street level compensation and will be treated as first year business every year for recognition purposes.

Blue Star Benefits is a full service general agency and has provided insurance protection to the Midwest for years. BSB will work with our producers to help increase their book of business while offering clients affordable health care options with well known insurers in the health insurance marketplace. The dedicated sales team at BSB will provide product support, quotes, appointment contracting and training.

In support of our strategy to supply producers with the tools and products needed to effectively service clients, effective June 1, 2011 producers can begin working with the carrier below:

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City for Group Health, Individual Health, Medicare Supplement, Short Term Medical

In order to participate in this program and earn higher compensation, there are important steps that must be taken.

New Business (Effective June 1, 2011):

• New appointment contracting may be required. Producers are strongly encouraged to check with the licensing representatives at BSB to determine whether or not new forms are needed.

• Compensation for new business will be paid directly to the producer with production reporting to the EGA for recognition purposes on new business effective June 1, 2011 or later.

• Cases that do not meet the carrier or GA group size requirements and are placed with nonparticipating carriers or agencies will not be eligible for this program.

Existing Business:

• For producers currently appointed through another general agent who want to sell through BSB, new contracting is required.

• Producers are asked to contact BSB’s sales team for information on the eligibility of carrier requirements to release existing business from another general agent.

• Producers are encouraged to check with BSB sales contact to determine how bonus earnings will be impacted by submitting business under the EGA Hierarchy.

Appointments:

• Appointment forms may be obtained by contacting Blue Star Benefits.

• Appointment forms must be returned to BSB. The fax number is 913-647-1007.

• When appointments are completed, producers will receive a log-in and password through remote access authorization.

• Case status information will be provided daily to the producers, as applicable.

Applications and Quotes:

• BSB will provide client applications and quotes.

• Quotes for non-medical plans (group life, dental or disability) should be obtained from your MetLife Employee Benefits Specialist

Contacts:

Producers interested in insurance jobs with BSB will need to contact:

Appointment & Training: Joanne Brown at 913-647-1000, ext. 204 or email at jbrown@bluestarbenefits.com
Product support & quotes for individual, short term medical (STM) and medicare supplement products: Joanne Brown at 913-647-1000, ext. 204 or email at jbrown@bluestarbenefits.com

Product support & quotes for group medical products: Group Specialist, Alisa Heller at 913-647-1000, ext. 201 or email aheller@bluestarbenefits.com