LSM INSURANCE ASSOCIATES

The January 2010 BCBSNC rates have started arriving in mail boxes and so far, I have seen 12% renewals on average but I have also heard about some larger increases. With medical trend around 8% these are a little higher then expected.  I believe that the increase is being set based on what your current deductible is. The lower your current deductible is the higher your renewal increase will be.

When you look at your renewal options, you may want to consider a Health Savings Account. The key to using an HSA is that you need to understand how they work. When you add up your deductible, your maximum out of pocket expenses with the annual premium a HSA generally costs less then a PPO plan. However, the hard part of an HSA is that you have to be willing to give up your copay benefits which for some people will be really difficult. If you go to my Health Savings Account page you can find out the HSA limits for 2010 as well as look at other resources resources.