Posts Tagged ‘california’
5th and Latest Health Care Reforms
Posted by Todd Fries | Filed under Health Insurance
The fifth, and latest, health care reform proposal was approved by the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, October 13th.
The bill gives tax credits to low- and middle-class individuals and families to help offset the expense of purchasing health insurance. It also expands Medicaid. Its greatest strength, however, lies in its design to restructure the privatized insurance system, which currently allows for insurance companies to deny coverage for, or based on, pre-existing conditions, raise rates arbitrarily, and cancel policies altogether when injury or disease prove to be costly to treat. (more…)
To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate. H1N1 in California
Posted by Todd Fries | Filed under FAQ, Medicine
More Americans died from the Influenza Pandemic of 1918 than were killed in WWI, the Vietnam War, or in any hurricane in American history. There’s no cure for H1N1 Virus-Swine Flu-and the normal, seasonal flu vaccine doesn’t offer protection against infection from the new virus. One human sneeze can eject billions of viruses. (more…)
Are You About To Turn 65?
Posted by Todd Fries | Filed under FAQ, Health Insurance
If so, you will soon be eligible to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B and therefore want to start looking into a Supplemental Medicare or “Medigap” insurance policy ASAP! A Medigap policy is private Health Insurance that’s designed to supplement Medicare. It’s typically sold through the same carriers that sell standard health insurance like Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, and Health Net just to name a few. It helps pay some or all of the health care costs (”gaps”) that Medicare doesn’t cover such as co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Every Medicare policy must follow Federal and State Laws designed to protect you regardless of which carrier you purchase the policy through. Medigap Insurance can only be sold as a “standardized” policy identified by letters A through K. (more…)
Why Does My Health Insurance Premiums Keep Increasing and What Can I Do?
Posted by Todd Fries | Filed under Health Insurance
Health insurance premiums rise primarily due to four reasons:
1. Advances in medical technology means higher claims costs.
2. Price inflation for medical services is greater and exceeds inflation in other sectors of the economy.
3. Health Insurance Costs shift from the uninsured and those receiving Medicare and Medicaid over to the private sector
4. Consumer lifestyles, such as smoking, physical inactivity, obesity and heart disease.
So What Can I Do?
As consumers, we really have no control over the first three, but we can take control of our own lives by eating healthier, exercising, and not smoking. If we all make a conscious effort to live a healthier lifestyle, it will not only benefit us individually, but collectively, as a society. We will need less medical care and eventually we can start to stabilize the cost of Health Insurance because people will have fewer claims.
If you live in California, don’t hesitate to contact me to review your current plan. We can make sure you’re in the most cost effective health plan that meets your needs. If you’re currently uninsured, it can be a lot less expensive than you think! I’ve worked with students and freelancers who end up paying less than $150/month! Especially if you’re willing to consider a higher deductible.
You may even be eligible for an HSA (Health Savings Account) which offers some great tax benefits if you’re self-employed and want to open an additional IRA.
Call me anytime to discuss.
(323) 464-TODD (8633)
toddshealthinsurance@gmail.com
When Do I Need Maternity Health Coverage
Posted by Todd Fries | Filed under FAQ, Health Insurance
I know I want to have kids, but I’m not actively trying right now. When do I need maternity coverage?
This is the number one question I’m consistently asked. The fact is, once your pregnant, insurance companies consider that a “pre-existing condition”.
Therefore if you:
- Don’t currently carry maternity coverage on your health insurance plan before you become pregnant or
- Purchase a health insurance plan that covers maternity after you become pregnant
You will not be able to change over to a plan that covers maternity once you become pregnant. There are some health insurance carriers that will let you switch to a maternity based plan once you become pregnant if your plan doesn’t cover it, but you will pay a very high deductible-usually at least $5,000.00.
IMPORTANT: if there’s any chance you think you will be pregnant within the next year or two, carry a plan or purchase a plan that covers maternity! If you’re in the California area, contact us for more information.
