Broward County Recognizes Rick Stark
"The Broward Association of Health Underwriters announced that Rick Stark received the Stanley Greenspun Award, given to an insurance agent who has demonstrated outstanding qualities and leadership in the health insurance profession."   Sun-Sentinel.com January 08, 2007

Rick Stark Receives Stanley Greenspun Memorial Award
2006-2007

For those unfamiliar with the award, the individual chosen for this award must meet the following parameters, established in 1986 in memory of Stanley Greenspun:

The Stanley Greenspun Memorial Award will be granted annually by the Broward Association of Health Underwriters at the December meeting.

The Stanley Greenspun Memorial Award will be granted to that individual who has shown, through selfless effort over a significant time span, extraordinary dedication to the improvement and perpetuation of some aspect of the health insurance industry by means of actions which further the public awareness and understanding of our business and/or expand the professionalism of those working within the industry.

The candidates for the Stanley Greenspun Memorial Award need not be members of the Broward Association of Health Underwriters or the National Association of Health Underwriters.

How are Health Savings Accounts and Medicare Part D Related?

The Medicare Modernization Act became effective on January 1 st of 2004.   The purpose was to expand the Medicare program to include prescription drugs to all seniors and to be the most cost effective for the neediest citizens.   Medicare Part A covers hospitalization, and Part B medical care.   Part C created newer Medicare Health Plans called Medicare Advantage, and now the addition of Rx to Medicare is Part D.

The addition of Health Savings Accounts takes up 8 pages in the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA).   The idea behind this as part of the Medicare Program is to allow people who have funds in their H.S.A's the ability to purchase prescriptions and Long Term Care with Tax Advantaged dollars.

For Information about The New Medicare click here.

What is a Health Savings Account (HSA)?

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a new way for consumers to pay for medical expenses. As of January 1, 2004, almost anyone with a qualified high-deductible health plan can also have a Health Savings Account. HSAs can save you money on your medical care now as well as provide a good way to save for future medical expenses. HSA funds can pay for expenses before you meet your deductible as well as helps pay for services not covered by your health plan, COBRA coverage during periods of unemployment, medical expenses after retirement and long-term care expenses, to name just a few.

Your high-deductible health plan can be one you get through your employer or a policy you buy on your own. Even if you get your high-deductible health plan or even your HSA account through your employer, you own your account. You decide how much to contribute, how much of the account to use for medical expenses, and which medical expenses to pay from your account. You also choose whether to pay for medical expenses from the account or save it for future use. Even if you change jobs, your Health Savings Account is still yours.

You can keep the account even if you move to another state, and you can continue to keep it as you grow older. Regardless of where you get your health insurance plan, whether on your own or through your employer, your Health Savings Account funds are yours.

Unlike some other types of accounts, you don't lose HSA funds at the end of the year. Unspent balances remain in your account earning interest until you spend them on medical care. This will be a strong incentive for you to spend wisely on your medical care, just like you do on other items you purchase. You'll want to shop around for the best value for your health care dollars.