The Affordable Care Act, enacted in 2010, has a number of provisions that will be implemented in phases, through 2014. During the coming year, there are several additions to the scope of the healthcare reform act. Here is a summary of what you can expect to see in 2013: Improving …
Changes Coming in 2013 under the Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) continues to transform America’s healthcare system, and new changes are on the horizon for 2013. They include improvements to preventive health coverage, increases in Medicaid payments for primary care doctors (PCPs), improved coordination of patient care in the form of “bundling,” and additional funding for …
What the Healthcare Mandate Will Mean for Employers
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA, also referred to as “Obamacare”), most individuals will be required to carry health insurance as of January 1, 2014 or else face penalties. This will affect employers as well, as businesses with more than 50 employees will be required to offer health insurance to …
Don’t Give Up Your Fitness Routine in the Winter Months
Many people experience a reduced sense of motivation to exercise in the winter months, especially in areas where winters are very cold and snowy. While it can be difficult to leave the comfort and warmth of your home, keeping fit is important year round not only for your physical health …
Anthem Blue Cross Carries a Variety of Individual Insurance Options
Benefit Packages is an independent insurance agency, providing medical insurance to Californians since 1987. In addition to the other companies they represent, they also are one of the top 20 insurance agencies in the country working with Anthem Blue Cross to provide consumers with individual health care insurance. Anthem Blue …
What You’ll Pay on Average for an Individual Insurance Plan
When you’ve been had health insurance through your employer or a group plan, you may not even have an idea how much California health insurance costs. After all, your share of your insurance premiums comes automatically out of your paycheck. You might not have noticed how much you pay. Plus, …
What Is the California Health Insurance Exchange?
The California Health Insurance Exchange has been set up to ensure affordable access to health insurance by all California residents. The goal of the exchange is to lower the cost of healthcare, increase the quality, reduce health disparities, and increase the number of insured Californians. This program came about as …
The Differences Between Medicare and Medicaid
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? These two terms sound very similar, but they have completely different functions. However, both of them are designed to help people stay healthy by providing healthcare benefits. Medicare is a program run by the federal government for people over the age of …
The California Health Insurance High Risk Pool
There are many different options for health insurance in California if you are not covered by an employer, not a member of the military, and don’t qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. But if you’ve been turned down for health insurance, you may still have options. California is one of 34 …
The Advantages of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield PPO
There are many different types of personal health insurance plans available for those that are not covered by a group plan through their employer. One of the more popular types is a Preferred Provider Organization plan, also known as a PPO. PPOs can save you a lot of money. PPOs …