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 …
Protecting You and Your Family from Extreme Heat
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 …