http://www.stratfordlink.com/ en-US Copyright 2010 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:46:19 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Dan, I just wanted to send you a quick email to let you know how great Jeffrey Ingalls handled our 2010 benefits renewal. I know that you were present during the initial presentation which included plenty of background and information in a detailed yet very organized presentation. His efforts and work did not stop here…. He renegotiated with Aetna and provided us with a viable cost saving alternative medical benefit option for 2010 based on our past individual medical experience. He was also outstanding during the 2010 benefit presentations providing just the right amount of information in a timely manner and being available for additional one-on-one consultations with our employees. He kept the employees engaged and entertained during the presentations (I attended 2 out of the 3 meetings). Jeffrey is always very responsive and just a pleasure to work with throughout the year. Ericca Nussbaum who manages HR at the Credit Union has had/heard nothing but positive feedback about him. Needless to say we are very impressed with Jeff Ingalls and the Stratford Group. Thank you and Happy New Year! Beth V. Elbaum SVP Administration Financial Resources Federal Credit Union http://www.stratfordlink.com/2010/01/needless_to_say_we_are_very_im_1.php http://www.stratfordlink.com/2010/01/needless_to_say_we_are_very_im_1.php Testimonials Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:46:19 +0000 http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CreditableCoverage/08_CCafterJanuary1.asp#TopOfPage This is one of two annual notice requirements imposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which also mandates that you notify them (CMS) about your plan’s creditable coverage status no later than the 60th day after the start of each plan year. To notify CMS, please use the following link: https://www.cms.hhs.gov/CreditableCoverage/45_CCDisclosureForm.asp.]]> http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/10/m.php http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/10/m.php News Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:40:06 +0000 The Stratford Financial Group is one of New Jersey and New York's leading insurance consulting and brokerage firms. We specialize in employee benefits such as group medical insurance, dental, life, accident, short term disability, long term disability, long-term care, vision and other group insurance programs. We have been early adopters of the strategy of consumer directed healthcare. By linking up two specific healthcare components we have been able to reduce company healthcare costs without reducing benefits or increasing employee contributions for our clients. http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/10/the_stratford_financial_group.php http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/10/the_stratford_financial_group.php Front Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:08:19 +0000 Swine flu vaccine covered-no co-pays or deductibles Aetna and United HealthCare are the first two insurance companies offering swine flu vaccines to its members—for no co-pay, co-insurance or deductible. Given the critical importance of curtailing the spread of this flu, other insurers are expected to soon follow suit. Both Aetna and United Healthcare will cover the administration of the H1N1 flu vaccine for all fully-insured medical plan members, including those whose plans either don’t offer or limit coverage for preventive care. The federal government has purchased 200 million doses of the vaccine, which will be available as a nasal spray and as a traditional needle vaccination later in October. ]]> http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/10/aetna_unitedhealthcare_to_cove.php http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/10/aetna_unitedhealthcare_to_cove.php Front Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:54:31 +0000 required by law in the State of New Jersey. Most companies are currently paying premiums directly to the state for these temporary disability benefits. However, many employers are choosing a better way to provide their employees with the same benefit while enjoying a premium savings with faster and more accurate service. That better way is a private temporary disability plan through any one of a number of insurance carriers such as The Hartford. One sample company of roughly 100 employees saved $2,500 in premium and an additional $1,000 in annual tax assessments. Click here for more information or to get a quote and join the many New Jersey employers already making the switch! ]]> http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/10/government_allows_new_plans_of.php http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/10/government_allows_new_plans_of.php Bulletin Front Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:54:31 +0000 Dear Mr. Ritter, When my former husband announced he was changing medical insurance providers for the children, I panicked due to the various doctor's appointments that were already scheduled only a few weeks away. Although you were not obligated to answer my numerous calls and e-mails while he was out of the country, you were unbelievably calming and resourceful and assured me that the insurance was in place and explained all the benefits provided and how it worked. Insurance can be confusing but with your help, I'm thankfully able to move forward as scheduled and see to the medical needs of my daughters in a timely fashion. Thank you so much for your great service! Roberta http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/09/although_you_were_not_obligate.php http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/09/although_you_were_not_obligate.php Testimonials Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:48:22 +0000 Lawrence B. Altman, Executive Director The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey Saturday, November 7, 2009 Aboard the Cornucopia Princess 401 Riverview Drive Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 For further information please contact Jennifer Crutchfield at 732-376-6611 or jcrutchfield@jrmc.us or click: JRMC Annual Dinner Cruise Please fax response along with ad journal request to 732-293-0139.]]> http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/08/the_jewish_renaissance_medical.php http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/08/the_jewish_renaissance_medical.php Front What Really Matters Sat, 08 Aug 2009 20:48:36 +0000 Dear Dan, I hope your summer is going well. I thought I should let you know that my staff really appreciate the HRA plan that you got for us. It makes their life so much easier when they don't have to pay for prescriptions or co-pays at the doctor's office. And, when their life is easier, so is mine. The savings that we have realized is also incredible. My Board of Directors is thrilled with the savings we have experienced over the last two years. Thank you so much for bringing this plan to our attention. I know I have told you this before, but you are the best! You can be sure that you have our business for as long as you want us (and beyond I am afraid). Your honesty and ethics make you a stand-out. Thanks for everything. Lorraine Cooke, Ed.D. Executive Director http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/08/your_honesty_and_ethics_make_y.php http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/08/your_honesty_and_ethics_make_y.php Testimonials Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:12:38 +0000 Important Health Net News Health Net, Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Northeast subsidiaries and membership renewal rights to UnitedHealthcare. They expect the transaction to close in up to 12 months, subject to regulatory and other approvals. Generally, Health Net customers will transition to UnitedHealthcare as they renew their benefit contracts. The transition of membership to UnitedHealthcare will continue for approximately 12 to 24 months after closing. The transaction includes their commercial membership in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, Medicare membership (Connecticut only) and Medicaid membership (New Jersey only). Health Net’s Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) membership is not included with the exception of PDP membership in the state of New York. Upon closing the transaction, UnitedHealthcare and Health Net of the Northeast will enter into an administrative services arrangement where Health Net of the Northeast will continue to manage the business in the Health Net subsidiaries on behalf of UnitedHealthcare while members transition to UnitedHealthcare plans. The employees and management team that have been providing services will continue to do so during this period. Health Net is working to ensure that all members, customers and business partners experience a seamless transition of services. We will continue to communicate with you as more details become available. You can read more on Health Net's website www.healthnet.com or click this press release. Should you have any questions please contact your Stratford Representative or call 866-217-9053. Sincerely, Daniel Ritter, CEO ]]> http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/08/health_net_sells_northeast_sub_3.php http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/08/health_net_sells_northeast_sub_3.php Health Net News Tue, 04 Aug 2009 03:04:42 +0000 Grace’s Law) that requires limited insurance coverage for children’s hearing aids. Pursuant to P.L. 2008, c. 126, effective upon issuance, renewal or new business on or after March 30, 2009, this law mandates coverage for hearing aids needed by covered persons age 15 or younger. Click here for the New Brochure from the New Jersey Department of Human Services Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Please contact your Stratford sales representative at 866-217-9053 if you have questions.]]> http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/08/the_stratford_financial_group_1.php http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/08/the_stratford_financial_group_1.php General Information Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:52:31 +0000 Click Here To See What You Can Do Online at Social Security.gov? or Watch a brief helpful video on the Social Security Website or Estimate your Social Security retirement benefits online. ]]> http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/08/social_security_retirement_ben_2.php http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/08/social_security_retirement_ben_2.php Newsletter Tax Related Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:18:31 +0000 Stop paying outrageous prices for prescriptions! The Stratford Financial Group has partnered with TrustScripts to offer this free Discount Card to help you pay far less for your prescriptions. The card can be a powerful tool for high-deductible health plans helping you pay for drugs during the deductible accumulation period. There are no limits on the number of prescriptions and no age or income requirements. The POWER TO SAVE is yours. Share with employees, family and friends Feel free to make as many copies as you’d like for your workers, friends and family or forward this e-mail on to them. And if you belong to a non-profit group, we can provide co-branded cards and make you a hero! Happy Savings!!! Click here to get your free card: The Stratford Discount Drug Card ]]> http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/08/get_big_savings_on_your_prescr.php http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/08/get_big_savings_on_your_prescr.php Front Sat, 01 Aug 2009 17:55:21 +0000 East Orange General Hospital has terminated its hospital contract with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Under state law, the terms of Horizon BCBSNJ’s hospital contract with East Orange General Hospital are extended for four months through October 29, 2009 and Horizon HMO members may continue to use East Orange General Hospital as a network hospital through October 29, 2009 (prior authorization must be obtained when required). http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/07/east_orange_general_hospital_e.php http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/07/east_orange_general_hospital_e.php Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:55:03 +0000 Now you can compare prescription drug costs from pharmacy to pharmacy in your neighborhood—not just co-pays—to save money and become a better-educated health care consumer. The state has established the New Jersey Prescription Drug Retail Price Registry, which compares retail prices charged by many pharmacies for the 150 most frequently prescribed drugs. The registry enables you to find the pharmacy in your area with the lowest retail prices for a specific prescription drug.]]> http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/07/_now_you_can_compare.php http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/07/_now_you_can_compare.php General Information Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:22:34 +0000 Oxford has just released the following information in a statement to members: As part of our commitment to providing our members with access to the best care possible we are pleased to announce that, effective July 1, 2009, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) will be added to the Oxford and United Healthcare provider networks. By participating in the Oxford and United Healthcare networks, members will be able to receive care at MSKCC on an in-network basis. This applies to Oxford and United Healthcare members with Freedom and Liberty plans. Care may be received at MSKCC's facilities in New York City and its five outpatient facilities on Long Island, in Westchester County and New Jersey. ]]> http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/06/important_announcement_oxford.php http://www.stratfordlink.com/2009/06/important_announcement_oxford.php Oxford Health Plans Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:03:56 +0000