Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are relatively common during the hot summer months. Sadly, heat exposure is all too often fatal. A total of 7,415 deaths in the United States between 1999 and 2010 were associated with exposure to naturally-occurring extreme heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).1 …
The Controversy over Prop 45 in California
Prop 45 is a California ballot measure that, if passed, would require that the state’s insurance commissioner (Dave Jones) approve any changes (including increases) to individual or small group health insurance rates. The measure would not apply to large group employer health plans, only to individual and small group plans, …
Covered California Launches 2015 Community Outreach Campaign
Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange, recently announced the launch of its 2015 outreach campaign aimed at those who are eligible for coverage in the marketplace. Individuals who do not have access to affordable employer-sponsored coverage are eligible for plans through Covered California. Depending on income, many will qualify …
Diabetes Still on the Rise in the U.S.
Nearly 30 million Americans (9.3% of the population) had diabetes as of 2012. This was up from 25.8 million just two years earlier in 2010.1 These are alarming numbers, especially when one considers the healthcare and economic costs of diabetes, in addition to a reduced quality of life. Understanding Type …
Covered CA Attempting to Confirm Eligibility for Nearly 100,000 Enrollees
Covered California, the state-run health insurance exchange, is in the process of trying to acquire documents confirming the lawful presence in the U.S. of 98,000 consumers who enrolled in Covered California plans in 2014. Covered California has sent letters to tens of thousands of consumers with eligibility inconsistencies advising them …
Limiting Sugar Consumption Important for a Healthy Diet
Evidence continues to emerge about the negative health consequences of consuming too much sugar. The sweet stuff has now been linked to a host of diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and even dementia. Part of the reason sugar has become so ubiquitous in the American diet has to do with …
Covered California Gearing Up for Open Enrollment
Despite glitches with the website and problems getting accurate provider lists, Covered California, the state-run health insurance exchange, exceeded its enrollment expectations by the end of the last open enrollment period. All in all, more than three million California consumers had enrolled in Covered California plans or Medi-Cal as of …
Covered California Announces New Plan Rates for 2015
Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange, recently announced how rates will change in 2015 for those who purchase coverage through the exchange. The statewide weighted average is a 4.2% increase for consumers; however, some consumers will see no increase or will even a decrease in premium. “This is good …
Covered California Expands Dental Services to Consumers
Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange, recently announced that consumers who enroll in plans in 2015 will have a choice of new family dental plans. Additionally, all plans sold through the exchange will include pediatric dental benefits for children under age 19. Pediatric dental care is especially important, as …
How to Compare Individual Health Insurance Coverage Plans
To compare the costs for individual health insurance coverage required starting January 1, 2014, you need to gather your related medical expenses. If you do not have existing coverage, it is easy to put this information together. If you have coverage through a provider and your plan is one that …