A Chronic Special needs plan or C-SNP is a plan that restricts enrollment to individuals with specific severe or disabling chronic conditions. Currently, CMS (center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) has approved fifteen C-SNP-specific chronic conditions that are eligible for enrollment. If I qualify, what would be the advantage of …
America’s Most Expensive Health Conditions: How to Protect Yourself from High Medical Costs
As the cost of healthcare continues to climb, it makes sense to take steps now to prevent the most common and expensive health conditions. Although each disease is different, two common themes related to prevention are exercising regularly and eating healthy meals. Cardiovascular disease is a broad term that includes …
7 Tips for Staying Healthy and Fit in a World Full of Temptations
Our world today is busier than ever and filled with temptations. Many of us feel like we can hardly find time to sleep, much less prepare healthy meals and exercise regularly. Yet, our bodies are meant to move, and they aren’t designed for the high-calorie processed foods that tempt us …
Telehealth: A Convenient and Affordable Healthcare Option
Imagine that it’s the middle of the night and you wake up with an itchy rash on your side. Your local urgent care centers are closed, but your situation is not an emergency that warrants a trip to the ER. You want relief from the itching and discomfort until you …
Open Enrollment in Covered California Begins November 15
Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace, is getting ready for its second open enrollment, which begins November 15. By the end of the first open enrollment in early 2014, millions of Californians had enrolled in plans through the marketplace or through Medi-Cal, and millions more are expected to renew …
Earthquake Preparedness Tips for California Residents
Although all 50 states are at some risk for earthquakes, the West Coast is especially vulnerable to major quakes. Los Angeles sits on top of the San Andreas Fault and experienced its wrath in 1994 when a huge earthquake struck the city of Northridge. Being prepared and knowing what to …
You May Be Able to Enroll in Covered CA outside of Open Enrollment
The open enrollment period for Covered California begins this November, but you may be able to enroll outside of this period if you have a qualifying life event. Medi-Cal has no restrictions on enrollment, and those who meet the financial qualifications can enroll at any time. What Are Qualifying Life …
Identifying Dangerous Spiders and Treating Bites
As much as we try to avoid creepy-crawly critters, it’s inevitable that people will have run-ins with spiders, whether in the city, the suburbs, or the countryside. Aside from dousing every crack and crevice of your home with bug spray, there are things you can do to prevent spider bites …
Uninsured Rate Drops Dramatically among Latinos under New Healthcare Law
The findings of a report released by the Commonwealth Fund this week indicates that the uninsured rate of young Latinos aged 19-34 fell from 43% last year to 23% after the open enrollment period ended in June 2014. The drop in uninsured rates is due in large part to the …
Covered California Postpones Announcement of Insurers for SHOP in 2015
Covered California has delayed announcing which insurers will participate in the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) until further notice. SHOP helps small business owners with fewer than 50 employees offer coverage to their employees. In an August 2014 board meeting, Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee said an …