The Insurance Mom, brought to you by Alison Gordon Insurance Services, Inc, CA Lic. 0780178

As I told you at the beginning of this actuarial dance, the State’s findings will be different from those of Anthem BC’s.  Et voila!  As a result of the State’s actuarial analysis, the following is hot off the presses:

Commissioner Poizner released the following statement today regarding Anthem’s decision to withdraw its rate filing:

“This is a great victory for…

For subscribers in California, Anthem Blue Cross has announced that it will NOT be increasing individual premiums on 5/1/10 and for the foreseeable future, or at least until the State’s actuaries have completed their analysis of the proposed increase that had been scheduled for 3/1/10.    The company must give subscribers a 30-day written notice prior to increasing premiums.   …

Questions abound!   Here’s an answer:

HOW TO CLAIM THE TAX CREDIT

How does an employer claim the tax credit? The credit is taken on the annual tax return. The IRS will provide information on how tax-exempt employers can claim the new credit.

Does taking the tax credit affect an employer’s deduction for health insurance premiums? Yes. The…

I love this quote:

“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”

Hmmm… somehow I just know I can find a way to apply this to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (aka HR 3950, aka health care reform, aka stealth care reform).

It could be a matter of life and death.   If you are hospitalized here are 3 ways to make sure mistakes don’t happen:

1.   BE THERE! Stay with the patient at all times.  NEVER leave a hospitalized friend or family member alone.  Even if you have to hire a private duty nurse for night times.

2.  ASK QUESTIONS! Don’t worry…

If you are:

1.  A parent whose young adult child is about to be taken off of your health insurance plan because they’re all grown up (well done!), or

2.  A young adult who is about to be taken off of your parents’ health insurance plan because you’re all grown up (good job!),

… then this is good news is…

Watch out!  The IRS is cracking down on cheating companies!   This recent article is from Parade Magazine:

Some labor-force experts predict that 50% of jobs created in the economic recovery will go to contractors, consultants, or other temporary employees.  That’s good news for employers, since these “contingent workers” cost 30% less than full-time staff (no payroll taxes, health insurance, workers…

If you own a small business, this is for you.    Did you know that, as a result of the recent health care reform legislation, starting in 2010 you may be eligible for a 35% tax credit?

Eligibility Rules

• Providing health care coverage. A qualifying employer must cover at least 50 percent of the cost of health care

…

I have it on good authority that you’ll be able to contact one of the following newly created federal boards and commissions to get help with your government-sponsored health insurance.  Which one will you choose?

1. Grant program for consumer assistance offices (Section 1002, p. 37)
2. Grant program for states to monitor premium increases (Section  1003, p. 42) Read More…

“Blaming the insurance industry for the cost of health care is like blaming the waiter for the price of the meal.”

Remember, health insurance is how you pay for health care (aka medical care).   Health insurance and medical care are two entirely different things!  But the politicians have done an amaaazing job of blurring the definitional lines between the two.…