Health Insurance

Health insurance and tax forms… sounds exciting, huh?

Posted on by McGriff Williams in Blog, Florida Blue, Gainesville, Health, Health Insurance, Medicare |


Another year’s gone by and it’s time to file your taxes again. But what do these 1095 forms mean? What we said in our tax form blog last year still stands true. To refresh your memory, visit our site here for some good information on the various 1095 forms: https://mcgriffwilliams.com/blog/1095-tax-forms/ or even another one we did prior to that: https://mcgriffwilliams.com/blog/health-insurance-tax-forms/.

Good stuff, right? That was all pertaining to individual under 65 health plans. When it comes to Medicare, there are so many glorious things that happen when you’re finally eligible to switch over. Yes, you’re another year older but these days, many people look forward to that birthday in particular. Your health insurance rates typically go down when you transition from an individual plan and the coverage may even get better. It’s a great system that seems to run very smoothly.

There is one thing that you may not know though… you’ll still get those aforementioned tax forms in the mail. If you’re on Medicare, whether it be an Advantage plan or a supplement, you may still receive a 1095 form. The only difference now is that you aren’t required to submit it when you file your taxes. Hold on to this form for future reference if needed, it’s really just for your records.

Things are ever-changing in the health insurance and income tax world so if you ever have questions or concerns, we are happy to help. Give us a ring at (352)371-7977 or email [email protected].

The IRS Holiday Gift to Large Employer Health Plans

Posted on by McGriff Williams in Employee Benefits, Health, Health Insurance, Human Resources |


The IRS has an early holiday gift for employers, on November 29, 2018, the IRS released an extension for large employers to file the 2018 Form 1095-C or 1095-B under the Affordable Care Act requirements. The agency has pushed back a critical Affordable Care Act (ACA) deadline for the fourth year in a row.  The forms, which outline employer-provided medical benefits, must be submitted annually by businesses with 50 or more full-time workers. The IRS uses these reports to track employer compliance.
-The deadline for furnishing 2018 Form 1095-C, or Form 1095-B, if applicable, to employees and individuals is March 4, 2019 (extended from January 31, 2019).

-The deadline for filing copies of the 2018 Forms 1095-C, along with transmittal Form 1094-C (or copies of Forms 1095-B with transmittal Form 1094-B), if applicable, remains unchanged:

-If filing by paper, February 28, 2019.

-If filing electronically, April 1, 2019.

The extended due date applies automatically so employers do not need to make individual requests for the extension.

Health Insurance Open Enrollment – 2019 coverage

Posted on by McGriff Williams in Florida Blue, Health Insurance |


The time for 2019 coverage selection is now! It’s open enrollment, the short time frame that is infamous for all decisions to be made regarding upcoming health insurance coverage. McGriff-Williams can assist in plan changes or confirmation of renewal if you stay on the same plan that you currently have. Our agents are knowledgeable and ready to help guide you through this process. And if you don’t have a plan already in place, now’s also the time to purchase new coverage! Here are some important dates to keep in mind:

October 1 – Open enrollment begins for off-marketplace (ACA but non-subsidized) plans

November 1 – Open enrollment begins for marketplace (subsidized) plans

December 15 – Deadline for all new coverage and plan changes, which will be effective January 1, 2019

Medicare Monday: Open Enrollment starts today!

Posted on by McGriff Williams in Florida Blue, Health Insurance |


Medicare Open Enrollment begins today, October 15th. This is the time of year when you can review and change your Medicare coverage for 2019. Being educated on your options and comfortable in your decision ensures you are getting the right coverage to fit your needs.

Changes can be made NOW through December 7th, however, you are not required to take any action during this time if you do not wish. If you currently have original  Medicare and either an advantage plan or a supplement and you are happy…. Your coverage will renew as is for next year. If you’d like to switch things up and try a different route, now’s the time!

Whether you’re brand new to Medicare or not quite there but starting to get inundated with information, we can help! At McGriff-Williams, we hold quarterly seminars to explain and simplify the whole Medicare process, while also comparing advantage plans to supplements and how prescription drug coverage comes into play. We understand this can be very overwhelming and stressful but it doesn’t have to be! Let us help you navigate the joys of being 65 and/or retired so you can reap the benefits of all the hard work you put in.

Please contact us anytime with Medicare-related questions or call to register for one of our 2019 seminars, which are all Wednesdays @ 10:00am:

April 17th, 2019

July 17th, 2019

October 16th, 2019

Florida Blue Member Website

Posted on by McGriff Williams in Blog, Florida Blue, Health, Health Insurance, Insurance, McGriff-Williams News |


Did you know Florida Blue has a member website? Did you know that creating a login for the site makes updating contact information easier, provides details about your claims and deductibles, and can earn you discounts?

Member Website

Setting up your account is quick and easy! Follow this link and the instructions. All you need is your Member Number that is on your member ID card. Once you are registered you can access your health insurance account on a completely secure and accessible site. You can view recent claims and the status of you and your family members deductibles. There is also information about your spending toward your out-of-pocket maximum. You have access to a provider directory and information about what is included in your specific plan as well. Another benefit of the account is the ability to compare costs. You can choose a service, provider, and location to estimate costs of x-rays, MRIs, surgical procedures, and specialty visits.

Need more reasons to create an account? By becoming a user on the site you have access to tons of deals. Go to https://www.blue365deals.com/browse-all-deals to get deals ranging from discounts on hearing aids to access to some of the top fitness centers at a reduced cost.

Mobile Application

Florida Blue also offers a free mobile application on Google Play and in the App Store. The mobile app provides the same great information as the member website on the go! When you need to find a provider in a hurry, the app ensures that you choose someone who is included in-network for your specific plan and based on your current location. If you need your member ID card the app also provides a digital copy.

Creating a Florida Blue member account helps to ease stress, provide convenient and quick information, and keeps you up-to-date on your plan and Florida Blue. Take the time to create your account today!