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

ObamaCare — aka Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act — aka PPACA — aka PeePeeCaCa — is about to launch the first round of big changes in health insurance plans in every state, every insurance company, every plan, every one.

No later than 9/23/10, there can be no lifetime limits on health plan coverage.  This will apply to new policies…

Want more take-home money in your paycheck?  Of course you do!   If you’re an employee (not an independent contractor) and are looking for ways to have more $$$$ in your checking account, then this article is for you.

Eva Rosenberg, aka TaxMama, has some great advice… it’s even easy to follow!   The Insurance Mom wants you to fight for your…

The Insurance Mom says that everything is negotiable… including the cost of your medical care.   You wouldn’t think twice about negotiating with an car dealer or a CraigsList vendor, right?  Well, you can — and should — do the same with your doctors, labs and hospitals.  Saving money is a good thing!  The Insurance Mom wants you to fight for…

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…

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…

First, always consult with a qualified broker, such as The Insurance Mom!

Second, buy only what is affordable.  Do not stretch to buy a policy that covers 100% of anticipated future costs.  It is much smarter to buy the amount of coverage for which you are sure you can keep making the premium payments.  It makes no sense to buy…

According to the Department of HHS, at least 60% to 70% of people over 65 will eventually need long term care, either at home or in a nursing home, and that can be very expensive.  The average stay in a nursing home is almost 4 years, at a cost of about $270,000.  Your health insurance does NOT cover this kind…

Remember to set your clocks one hour ahead this weekend!   Ah, Spring… more daylight, more sunshine, everything in the garden is beautifully in bloom.   Oh… I guess that means it’s allergy season.   Be sure you understand your health insurance plan’s prescription benefit, just in case you need to refill your allergy prescription.    Remember that Generic drugs are cheaper, for you…

Hospital labs vs. Stand-alone Labs

Prices vary between a hospital laboratory and a stand-alone laboratory.   Hospitals tend to charge more for their services, while a stand-alone laboratory has less overhead costs and often charges less.   If your doctor refers you to a hospital, ask to be referred to a stand-alone laboratory.    You have the power… go ahead, ask!

Make…